Gone to Texas: Vol. 1 of New Mexico Gal

By Enid E. Haag

Enid E. Haag
Author of
From Europe to Texas and Peggys Wartime Memories

In April 1906, ten-year-old Emma finds herself thrust into the reality of a terrible natural disaster, the great San Francisco earthquake. Alone and frightened, a Good Samaritan, opera singer Enrico Caruso, takes her under his wing. After a disheartening search for her mom, dad, and older brother, shes reunited with her uncle in New Mexico.

Traumatized and plagued by panic attacks following the earthquake, Emma slowly recovers with the love of her Spanish Converso aunt and German uncle. Misadventures abound as fear grips her during sandstorms or shaking of buildings. Her persistent conviction that Papa will return keeps her spirits positive.

A court order catapults a more grown up Emma into living in Texas with a resentful aunt, disinterested uncle, and a bullying cousin. Family secrets, plus cultural and religious prejudices, hinder any harmony that might develop. Only her grandmother welcomes her into the traditional German family in New Braunfels, Texas.

When an invitation arrives from Caruso to attend one of his concerts in Corsicana, Texas, Emma learns some of the familys secrets, giving her deeper insight into the various family disputes. She never loses hope she will be reunited with her Papa.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Feb 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781480825475

Enid E. Haag

Enid is very familiar with the Army Nurse Corps having first come in contact with army nurses when the family followed their army dentist father around camps during WW2. During the Viet Nam era war, Enid, an officer in the Women’s Army Corps, served at William Beaumont General Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas, residing in the nurses’ quarters and commanded a company of army practical nurses, and other enlisted women medical specialists. Not a nurse, Enid is a retired research librarian and teacher. She’s published a research guide with Greenwood Press as well as written and self-published six other books. Gone to War is her sixth book based on historical events.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 Enid E. Haag.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-2545-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-2546-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-2547-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016900238

Archway Publishing rev. date: 02/16/2016

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Epilogue

Historical Background

About the Author

For Vikki, Lillie and Brenna

You are my inspiration.

Preface

Gone to Texas is a fictional account of a young girl who experiences the great San Francisco earthquake of April 18, 1906. It is set in the social background of two families residing in northern New Mexico and the Texas community of New Braunfels. A close friend of mine, her mother as a child lost a parent during the earthquake, shared her story with me. I was so intrigued by the tale that I had to write about her struggles to adapt to the traditions, history and prejudices of two different families she lived with while struggling with the disappearance of her immediate family. I did not interweave into the narrative the historical background of New Mexico and Texas where the families lived thinking it might detract from the story and bore the reader with lengthy passages of bygone days. The historical background may be found at the end of the book.

Acknowledgements

It is a privilege to recognize all who have assisted me in bringing this project to a conclusion. First, I must thank everyone at the Sophienburg Museum and Archives in New Braunfels, Texas, especially Marijane Stafford and Jane Philips, for assisting me in completing the book, From Europe to Texas, that gave me the historical background on which the Texas portion of the book is based. The seed that sprouted the New Mexico section is thanks to my good friend and P.E.O. sister Lee Hanson who also proof-read the manuscript numerous times making excellent editorial suggestions. Another conscientious proofreader was Emily Stipek who waded through the worst of the first draft noting spelling errors plus typos and giving encouragement. Last of all I must recognize my supportive family. They patiently listened to me when I was totally reliving the historical period of 1906. They supported me when I had writer’s block and celebrated with me when the writing flowed forth. Many thanks to all.

Chapter 1

Emma tossed and turned in the unfamiliar Palace Hotel bed with its lavender-scented sheets. The high ceiling, so unlike her cozy bedroom at home with its timbered style, danced with shadows from the hall light she’d insisted Mama leave on because of her fear of the dark. She cuddled her rag doll, Juanita, close to her chest as she shoved at her pillows, shaping them to her liking.

Memories of her evening’s adventure at the Grand Opera House—only a block or two away from the hotel—gave no opportunity for the sandman to cast his sleepy-time spell, Papa’s explanation for children’s inability to fall asleep. So many thoughts whirled around in her head. Turning on her side with her right hand cupping her chin and the other hand holding Juanita tightly, she squeezed her eyelids shut.

They’d traveled from Santa Fe to San Francisco to celebrate her parents’ fifteenth wedding anniversary on April 18. As a special treat for the entire family, Papa purchased tickets to the opera Carmen, featuring Enrico Caruso singing Don José. For Emma and her brother Edmund, it was their first opera at a real opera house, something that didn’t exist in all of the New Mexico territory. It was a rare treat for Mama, a music teacher, to hear the famous Italian tenor, Caruso, who was already famous in South America—especially in Brazil.

Providence intervened, however, and they’d been given a golden opportunity—an invitation to dine with Mr. Caruso the first night after their arrival. Chuckling, Emma recalled bumping into him as they crossed the hotel lobby. She’d been so entranced by the splendor of the lofty crystal skylight seven stories above that she hadn’t watched where she was walking. To her embarrassment, she’d collided with the famous tenor. That encounter resulted in the invitation for the entire family to join him at dinner. What an anniversary gift for Mama!

Snuggling down into her bedcovers, Emma recalled her reflection in the mirror as she prepared to accompany her parents and brother to the opera. Her tightly curled, auburn hair hung down to her shoulders, slightly touching the broad, ivory silk collar of her pastel mauve blouse. She felt like a princess! Her face usually looked like a peeled onion with her straight hair tightly braided and held back with a modest ribbon.

What a surprise it was when a hairdresser knocked at their door to do both her hair and Mama’s that afternoon before attending the opera. It was a first for Emma. Never had anyone other than Mama touched her hair. She’d been brave as she watched her hair being wound around a hot curling iron but cringed when she smelled something burning. She wondered how she would look bald but then blinked back tears as she saw her straight hair twirl up after each application like a pig’s tail. In the end, it was all worth it. Papa loved her curls.

Her opera dress, as she referred to her new outfit, appeared to give her added height—almost three inches more than her actual four feet five inches. She felt older than her ten years. Perhaps it was because she wore long, silk, ivory stockings rather than the usual serviceable black cotton everyday ones. The silk scalloped and layered full skirt in pale mauve fell just beneath her knees. When she twirled around, which she did several times, her skirt billowed out like the flamenco dancers’ skirts she so admired.

Scenes of the opera house’s balcony—trimmed with orchids, narcissus, roses, and fruit blossoms—brought back the colorful and festive images and fragrances of the night. Emma could visualize the fashionably dressed women in layers of silk and satin ornately adorned with lace or feathers as they walked to their seats on the arms of strikingly handsome men like Papa. They wore black evening apparel with shiny lapels and beautifully-tied white bows at their necks.

She softly hummed a few bars from the opera’s score. She recalled the enchantment she felt as Caruso stood in the center of the stage singing. He looked magnificent in his colorful uniform. She’d felt her stomach do a flip-flop. She was bewitched. During the entire opera, she sat on the edge of her seat not wanting to miss anything. By the end, tears streamed down her face. Papa handed her his clean, white hankie from his breast suit pocket, saying with a smile, Here, wipe your tears with my snotty hankie.

She recalled Mama being so affected by Caruso’s performance that she had been reluctant to leave her seat at the conclusion of the opera. As they followed Papa and Edmund along the row of seats toward the aisle, Mama put her arm around her, giving her a reassuring hug. I’m glad this was your first opera. You’ll remember it all your life.

Emma pulled her blanket close, nuzzling Juanita’s jet-black woolly hair with her nose. Tomorrow would be exciting too, she thought, because Papa, who traded with the ship’s captain on a regular basis for Oriental spices for his Santa Fe store, agreed to take her and Edmund to the harbor to visit a real ocean-bound merchant ship that had recently arrived from China. He promised they’d get to tour the ship from top to bottom, especially the engine room and the captain’s cabin.

Their reason for the trip to the ship was a secret that only she, Edmund, and Papa knew—the delivery of Mama’s anniversary present: an Oriental silk carpet from China for Mama’s music room back home. Emma was proud of herself for not disclosing Papa’s special gift. Usually she’d give away any secret prior to its revelation by hinting so much that everyone, including the person to receive the gift, knew what it was. But not this time!

Suddenly, Emma felt rocking and heard creaking sounds like those on a ship. Back and forth, up and down, and she couldn’t even remember getting up nor dressing to go down to the harbor. Her eyes flew open. She was still in bed. What was that terrible noise? She heard groaning and crackling from above. Looking up, she saw pieces of plaster falling toward her. Quickly, she ducked under her cover—none too soon, because she felt debris hitting the blanket. The bed continued to sway, back and forth, up and down, making scary splintering sounds. Somewhere, glass was breaking.

Strong arms abruptly lifted her up from the bed, along with Juanita still clutched in her arms.

Don’t worry, Sweetheart. Papa’s got you. As they entered the suite hall, Papa shouted, Edmund, get your mama! Follow me!

Emma stuck her head out the end of the blanket wrapped around her. She felt Papa running. Other residents joined them as they fled down the stairs. People pushed and shoved. Pajama-clad men shouted instructions. Trying not to trip, barefooted women in nightgowns struggled to hurry along, holding their voluminous skirts high. Emma noticed the walls swaying from side to side and heard glass shattering. People kept bumping into them. Papa dodged swaying urns, statues, and plants.

He tightened his grip on her as she felt him bounding down more stairs. She saw large ornate chandeliers overhead sway and fall. Papa quickly covered her head with the blanket as he continued downward. Stay covered, he said.

Reaching the first-floor lobby, Emma felt the crush of bodies around them. The pushing and shoving increased, and Papa grasped her body closer. A whiff of dust caused her to sneeze twice. Pushed by the pressing crowd, Papa exited the hotel and ran into the center of the street. Placing her on her feet, he turned back toward the hotel.

Stay right here, Emma. I’m going after Mama and Edmund. Don’t move. Stay right there. In an effort to keep upright, Emma’s bare toes gripped the rough brick street. She watched as Papa fought his way through the crowd back into the hotel.

People stood all around—white-faced, arms and hands limp at their sides. Some sobbed, while others sought to cover themselves with the scanty clothes they wore. The fortunate were clad in nightclothes but were barefoot, like Emma. A few were wrapped in blankets, some only sheets. Suddenly her toes registered movement. The ground shook. Cries erupted. Emma automatically widened the space between her feet to prevent herself from falling. As bricks fell from the buildings, she saw people run further out into the street.

The safest place is in the middle! cried someone. Between the trolley tracks!

The earth shook, buildings swayed, and bricks flew from nearby buildings, sending rubble crashing downward. Eerie sounds came from everywhere, even underground. People screamed. In the distance, dogs could be heard howling.

Emma stood shivering, wrapped in the hotel blanket and cuddling Juanita close for security. She kept her eyes on the hotel entrance. Here, over here! she yelled to Mama and her brother as she spotted them emerging from the hotel. Relief spread through her body. They were safe.

She hardly noticed her mama’s uncombed hair hanging loosely around her shoulders or her new satin nightgown torn and streaked with plaster. Edmund followed, wearing only his striped pajama bottoms; his bare torso was streaked with blood and plaster.

Where’s Papa? Emma asked.

Both Mama and Edmund looked at her, confused.

Papa just ran back into the hotel to find you. Didn’t you see him as you came out? Didn’t you see Papa? she screamed.

Chapter 2

Stop pulling on me. You’re going to make me fall.

I’m only trying to get you away from the building, Mama, Emma said.

Why aren’t these people dressed? whispered Mama, looking furtively around as her hand stroked her satin-covered hip.

Mama, we’ve got to move.

Grabbing Emma’s elbow, Mama stared at her. What do you think you’re doing running around naked? Haven’t I taught you any decency?

Emma glanced back at Edmund trailing behind; he was seemingly unaware of Mama’s strange conversation. All three of them wore the nightclothes they had been wearing when they escaped the hotel. They looked no different from all the people standing around. Why didn’t Mama realize this? Didn’t she see everyone wrapped in blankets? She sounded like she didn’t realize she was outside on the street in front of the hotel.

Tugging at her mama’s arm, Emma tried to guide her away from the front of the hotel, but she stood like a stone statue, her eyes unfocused. Emma had never seen her mama like this. It was frightening. She wished Papa would come and take charge. They needed him. Her brother stood behind them looking around at the chaos in the street. Edmund, help me with Mama. She won’t move. We need to get way from the hotel entrance.

It’s a sandstorm! I’ve got to get the clothes off the line. Hurry up! Help me! wailed Mama, turning in circles and flinging her arms about.

Mama, it’s not a sandstorm. This isn’t dust. It’s ash. We’ve just been through an earthquake. Taking a firm hold of her mama’s elbow, Emma pushed her toward the center of the street. Her brother trailed behind, still paying little attention to them but glancing about at the people as they passed.

Stop! My foot, I’ve cut my foot! Mama cried abruptly as she sat down in the street. It’s bloody! I’ve no shoes. Where are my shoes?

Edmund, help me with Mama.

Suddenly mindful of his family, he replied, She’s confused. Papa will handle this when he comes. Let’s just get her settled. I’m certain she’ll calm down soon. With Mama between them, they guided her toward where Emma had left her blanket and Juanita. Settling Mama down between the trolley tracks, Emma gingerly covered her shoulders with her blanket as a shiver ran through her own body. Her cotton nightgown didn’t provide much warmth against the damp morning air. Turning to speak to Edmund, she found he’d already disappeared. Darn that brother! she thought. He never could stay put for long.

Suddenly the ground shook, and the surrounding building walls rippled up, down, and sideways. Bricks fell. People stood up looking for somewhere to escape. Men wrapped their arms around wives, and children clung to their mothers’ legs. There was no place to run as the street was blocked at both ends by debris.

57270.png

The initial earthquake hit around five in the morning with many smaller aftershocks. After one of the smaller shocks, Edmund, wearing a coat Emma recognized as one from Carmen, returned from his walkabout. Here, this should keep you warm, he said, handing her a jacket. Senor Caruso noticed we didn’t have coats and sent it over. He gave me this one, he said, tugging at the lapel of the jacket he was wearing. He’s bringing something over for Mama. Eyeing the