VILLAGE OF DORA, NEW MEXICO

The history of Dora dates back to a time when the area was still a territory. In 1905, Dora was located one mile west and ¾ mile south of its present location. In 1906, it was moved to the present site. According to U.S. Postal records, a post office was established August 29, 1906.Forty-seven families came west and filed on land and a permanent settlement was established. It was “hold me down shacks” and “half dug-outs.” There were so many bachelors part of it was known as “Bachelor Row.” Dora was named for a girl in the community, a Mrs. Dora Mitchell, according to the oldest old timers.

In 1907, realizing a need for education, a school building was put up. It was a 20 x 30 frame building at a cost of $190.00. This was paid by private subscriptions and pie suppers. The building at its present site was started in 1921.

In 1926, bonds were voted for in the amount of $5,000 and the brick building was erected with four rooms. W. O. Greenshaw deeded six acres to the school district. In 1934, J. F. Nix sold the school four more acres. Later, three acres were acquired from J. A. Chapman. A joint powers agreement with the city let the ball park area become part of the school property and this comprises the school grounds today.

Zenes Wilmoth ran the first school buses in the Dora system. It was in the early 1920’s. They were Model T Fords with wooden beds, canvas tops and side curtains that would roll up. They also had solid rubber tires. It was a regular thing for the older pupils to get out and push when going up a hill or in a sandy road. Prior to this time, a hitching rail was on the school grounds because several of the kids rode horses or a buggy was driven. They tied their horses at the rail. Of course, if you lived within three or four miles of school, you walked.