Work Description:
Today, I began the physical inventory of the El Paso Times' People Newspaper Clippings Collection, located along the back wall of the archives basement. This large collection is arranged alpha-numerically by surname, with each box containing folders organized alphabetically by individual or family. My primary task was to systematically review boxes PA 1 through PM 22. For each box, I recorded the folder range, visible themes, and recurring subjects, with a focus on criminal, civic, and biographical content. I observed a high frequency of clippings related to crimes such as homicide, extortion, fraud, prison escapes, and abuse allegations. In contrast, many folders also held uplifting coverage such as community awards, public service, and grassroots activism. I documented standouts like PC 25–PC 27’s articles on robbery and trial coverage, and PM 13–PM 22’s homicide investigations. I also began mapping the physical location of boxes in the PP, PR, PS, PV, and PW series for future folder-level review. The organized layout and alpha-numeric system made it easier to track progress while preserving original box order.
Reflection:
This first day working with the clippings collection taught me a lot about both archival structure and historical content. I was struck by the emotional contrast between the types of clippings—sensitive stories of crime and personal trauma placed beside stories of celebration and civic leadership. This juxtaposition reminds me how archives reflect entire communities, including both their struggles and successes. It emphasized the importance of balanced representation in archival processing, where we preserve the full range of human experience. I also gained hands-on experience in navigating storage best practices, like handling fragile containers and maintaining safe stacking limits (never more than five boxes high). Some folders had detached or illegible labels, making identification difficult and reinforcing why physical care and documentation are vital. I enjoyed recognizing patterns in the clippings, such as repeated names or legal themes tied to different decades. These first steps helped me understand how even a simple inventory can begin to unlock deeper narratives about the region’s people and history. I'm eager to return and begin reviewing the folders in more detail for contextual notes and preservation priorities.
Definitions:
- Alpha-numeric arrangement – A storage method using letters and numbers to organize materials in order (e.g., PA 1, PA 2, PB 1…).
- Folder-level content – Specific subjects or themes found within individual folders inside each box.
Summary of Work Completed:
Inventory of the Border Heritage Peoples Newspaper Clippings Collection located along the back wall of the basement. Boxes are arranged alpha-numerically, stacked no higher than five boxes, and contain alphabetically organized folders by surname.
Today’s inventory focused on boxes PA 1 through PM 22. Each box was reviewed for folder ranges and content themes. Across all boxes, I identified numerous clippings documenting various crimes, including but not limited to:
- Murder investigations and homicide cases
- Sexual assault, rape, and abuse allegations
- Robbery, burglary, extortion, and theft
- Fraud, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds
- Prison escapes and criminal trials
- Political and civic corruption
- Deportation and immigration-related criminal activity
These criminal topics appear alongside clippings about civic achievements, public service, community organizations, and biographical features—providing a well-rounded perspective of individuals documented in the collection.
Notable Examples from Today’s Inventory:
- PA 1–PA 5: Civil rights cases, bank robbery, and murder charges
- PA 7: Extortion charges and deportation cases
- PB 21: Local political candidates and homicide reports
- PC 21, PC 25–PC 27: Fatal accidents, criminal court cases, and a Safeway bandit identification
- PF 3–PF 6: Jail escapes, burglary rings, and prison sentencing
- PH 3–PH 8: Indictments, abuse allegations, and shootings
- PK 4–PK 8: Murders, misappropriation suits, and Kevorkian-related cases
- PM 13–PM 22: Multiple homicide investigations, robberies, and lawsuits related to criminal incidents
Additional Inventory Mapped (Folder Details Pending):
- PP Series: PP 2 through PP 13
- PR Series: PR 13 through PR 21
- PS Series: PS 23 through PS 31
- PV Series: PV 3 through PV 8
- PW Series: PW 1 through PW 5
These boxes were documented and mapped by location (aisle and stack), with folder-level content to be reviewed in upcoming sessions.
This photo captures the initial stretch of the El Paso Times' People Newspaper Clippings Collection boxes arranged along the rear basement wall. Stacked in careful alpha-numeric order and no more than five boxes high, the boxes are clearly labeled and aligned for efficient access during the early stages of inventory. The organized layout marks the beginning of a systematic effort to document decades of local history through surnamed newspaper clippings.