The Secretary of State’s office announced its approval of the Town of Creede’s abandonment application. A town, not only abandoned, not only absorbed into the neighboring City of Creede, but the recognition that there had ever been two distinct towns was “lost to history.” Nobody knew. Not the county clerk, running elections for two decades. Not the county administrator, living in the area for four. Not the assessor, who owned land in the old Town. A former silver boomtown, abandoned through administrative erosion. Over 100 years ago. They think. No one bothered to close the file. The closing order declares: “all books, documents, records, papers, and corporate seals […] must be deposited […] for safekeeping and reference in the future.” What became of the old Town of Tim? Leila has known me for over two decades and doesn’t know the old Town. Rose has only known the City of me. Is it time to acknowledge the abandonment? What needs safekeeping for future reference? Where do I file the paperwork to make it official? In reviewing the records, I discover I still own the land of the old Town. I’ve been building on top of it this whole time.
In July, I received a work email from the Secretary of State: “RELEASE: Department of State Issues Determination in Town Abandonment Application for Town of Creede.” I’ve never been so curious about a Department of State press release. The map is Exhibit 1 from the filing.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. A comment, a share, or even just a like goes a long way. Writing into the silence is its own practice, but knowing the work lands makes it easier to keep showing up.