By Comment Staff
The Corrales Historical Society (CHS) held a dedication ceremony on March 8 at the Abenicio and Adelaida Perea House at 854 West La Entrada. The house, dating back to the latter half of the 19th century, was honored with a historic plaque.
The Perea family, prominent in New Mexico’s history, owned the adobe house and surrounding land. Abenicio and Adelaida Perea raised thirteen children there, managed herds and cultivated orchards and vineyards. Their produce was even shipped to California. The house has been expanded over the years but retains its original New Mexican style. La Entrada was the first road leading west from Corrales Road as early as the 1880s. Although it is unknown exactly when the house was built, it is known that four rooms are original.
During the dedication, current owner Donna Erickson read from The House Sings, reflecting on the history held within old homes. Sandy Corless, a local photographer, presented the Ericksons with a print of the house. Harrison Fletcher, grandson of Abenicio and Adelaida Perea, shared memories from his book, Presentimiento: A Life in Dreams. His mother, Renee Candelaria Fletcher, also spoke about her childhood in the house and her grandmother’s influence on her art.
A highlight of the event was the discovery of a small, private space in a bedroom closet, believed to be Adelaida Perea’s prayer space. Attendees also learned about a former “safe” room that once sheltered the family during Navajo raids.
The property originally extended to the Rio Puerco and included a ranch in the Jemez Mountains.
For more information, visit www.corraleshistory.org.