This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Taylor, Daniels Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4658/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces sun new 23 August 2010 Celebration marks 90 years for J. Paul TaylorBy S. MESILLA - J. Paul Taylor is celebrating his 90th birthday, but we get the gifts: a community fiesta and a legacy that will include a state museum in the historic Mesila Plaza adobe home he shared with his wife, Mary Helen Daniels Taylor, and their seven children. Taylor's distinguished career as an educator, administrator and state legislator will be commemorated at a free public celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 on the Mesilla Plaza. "Festivities will include music, refreshments and a brief ceremony," said Cynthia Garrett, chairwoman of Friends of the Taylor Family Monument. "People are being asked to leave copies of photographs or written recollections of activities they shared with J. Paul, as he is known to friends and colleagues, or Mr. Taylor, as he is still called by former students. There also will be opportunities to talk with J. Paul and to share their good wishes with him." In 2003, J. Paul, his wife Mary, who died in 2007, and their family donated the Taylors' historic Mesilla Plaza home and two commercial buildings to the Museum of New Mexico as a state monument. "We decided his birthday was just the perfect opportunity to honor him, and a chance to highlight the monument," said Sally Cutter, who helped plan the event. She said Taylor is a role model for aging gracefully and productively. "He just keeps going. His mind is so sharp and he's so interested in what's going on," Cutter said. "This is a great opportunity to honor J. Paul and to help support the Taylor family legacy. Once fully operational, the Taylor Monument will provide an exceptional setting for people to understand and appreciate the architecture, culture, and history of the Mesilla Valley as a living tradition. That's the essence of J. Paul's contribution to this community and lies at the heart of this celebration," Garret said. Officially known as the Taylor-Barela-Reynolds-Mesilla State Monument (Taylor Monument), the building "exemplifies mid-19th century New Mexico architecture. The Taylor family donation also includes a large collection of paintings, furniture, photographs, books, tools, textiles, and religious objects," Garrett said. "This (party) is a little bit embarrassing for me, but I hope everybody will enjoy it," said Taylor, adding that he has heard that family members, friends and colleagues from throughout the United States are planning to attend the celebration. "If my life has been any kind of success, and sometimes I doubt that it was, it was because of the people at my side who were helping. I've spent all my life here and I love this valley. I have great kids and my wife Mary gets the credit for that. My mother was Hispanic and my father was Irish and I think I gained a lot from both worlds," Taylor said. In lieu of birthday gifts, Garrett suggested donations to the nonprofit Friends of the Taylor Family Monument. For information about the group or the birthday celebration, call (575) 915-5756 or e-mail FriendsofTaylorMonument@gmail.com. S. Derrickson Moore can be reached at (575) 541-5450. If you go . What: J. Paul Taylor 90th Birthday Celebration . When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 . Hosts: Friends of the Taylor Family Monument . Where: Mesilla Plaza . Cost: Free . Bring: Memories and photos to share . Information: FriendsofTaylorMonument@gmail.com (575) 915-5756 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.