Coronado High School - Legend Yearbook (El Paso, TX)

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Total western—the location, the attitude and even the attire—so begins the story of the Wild West. It was boots and buckles, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. As a whole, the West was the “in” thing and certainly the “in” place to be. From Charcoaler to Leo’s and the infamous Curly’s and Fred’s, everyone had their own place and own style of doing their own thing. From participating in 50’s day to frisbee games in the park, each person added the final touches to make this western legend complete. The beauties, the politicians, the intellects and the ever-famous “party-ers” made their mark of existence known. 10 Whether it was at Surfers, the dusty levee or in the gym before every pep rally, the spirit was continuously flowing. This spirit proved the legend true, the legend of the Wild West.

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ii A dusty Stetson perches above the grizzled face of a tired trailrider who is huddled over a blazing fire after a long day’s journey. His faithful horse grazes quietly on the desolate prairie and the only sounds are the ominous howls of predators in surrounding hills. This is the western scene most would conceive, but the open range has taken on a new sound, a new look and a new cowboy. Country singer Waylon Jennings suggests, Mama don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys. They never stay home and they’re always alone.’’ Th They never stay home and they’re always alone.’’ This is partly true for today’s cowboys still “never stay home ; out due to Henry Ford and man's inventiveness, living in the West is no longer synonymous with solitude. In 1980, Coronado cowboys were found in a much more convivial atmosphere at Surfer’s, Pipeline,” or the infamous River. The fire was still present but on a much larger scale with literally hundreds of Westsiders gathered Such beerbusts were not the only way wild ones got their Yee-haw’s.” Old-fashioned activities like rodeos were not obsolete although they were no longer “what’s the man” but rather what’s under the hood. Four-whe drive vehicles of every model and make matched speeds along the Rio Grande levees and up Surfer’s” dunes. F those who didn’t mind getting their boots wet, there waf the newly-built Water Slide in Anthony or the Westside Pool. These strenuous pastimes and hearty appetites led the progressive cowpuncher to find improvements upon the grub of chuckwagons. Leo’s never suffered from empty tables and this taste for Mexican food routed others to Taco Bell. Many a ten-gallon hat could be seen blazing ; trail to Weinerschnitzel, while Pizza Hut lured other Coronado cowboys. After getting all slicked up, it was time to head for Bella Napoli or the new-to-the-West Applegate’s Landing. Still it seemed Charcoaler herded i around its flames, drinking their pleasure after a too long school week. Ponies were left in their stalls as proved by the most hungry hides for “a double lemon Dr. Pepper ; number one and fries” and then a visit with fellow the haphazardly parked array of Trans-Ams, Volkswagens and Blazers. Any attempted coyote call was lost somewhere between the foot-stompin’ Willie Nelson and the jamming of The Cars. regulars. On the search for better grub, thirsty range-roamers also discovered improved watering holes. Age limits did not discourage many from saloons like Winner’s Circle and The Horsearound. Live music encouraged Westerner to venture to The Gap, while dart tournaments, popcorn and a giant T.V. screen led others to Gasoline Alley. Those underage and adventuresome rough riders found ti open frontiers of Juarez more inviting with Curly’s, Fred and The Sub just a few of the places explored. The lonesome heroes of American folklore were an extinct breed, but the adventuresome heart and spirit of the cowboy was alive in all who lived in the West. ( hammier clowns David Kcyson and (Iren Mulligan have a cola with friends