Artesia in Eddy County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Atkeson-Conner House
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 9, 2023
1. The Atkeson-Conner House Marker
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1904
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 32° 50.326′ N, 104° 23.96′ W. Marker is in Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County. Marker is at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling west on West Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 W Grand Ave, Artesia NM 88210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Mauldin-Hall House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gesler House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Lady of Artesia (approx. ¼ mile away); The Baskin Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Independent Spirit (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Partnership (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mack C. Chase (approx. 0.3 miles away); John R. Gray (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Artesia.
Regarding The Atkeson-Conner House. Excerpt from the National Register nomination:
The Willie D. Atkeson Houseis significant as a fine example of the vernacular residential types built of artificial stone in Artesia soon after the founding of the town. It exhibits exceptional application of the folk design and decoration found in the artificial stone houses of Artesia, echoing the Queen Anne style.
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The builder of the house, Willie D. Atkeson, acquired the property in 1904 from J. Mack Smith, who was one of three men who laid out the original Artesia townsite, and John R. Blair who laid out the Blair Addition to the townsite (in which this property is located). Willie D. Atkeson (1868-1956) was an attorney and a prominent member of the community. He owned the house until 1952.
Atkeson had the house built in 1904. Harold Naylor, son of the building contractor James Henry Naylor, believes that his father constructed this house. James Henry Naylor is listed in the 1905 City Directory as a partner in the firm of Bethel and Naylor, Contractors and Builders. Naylor was a carpenter who came to New Mexico in the late 1800s from Missouri by way of Texas. From Roswell he brought a concrete block machine and established himself in the "block business" in Artesia at the time of the founding of the town.
Also see . . . Willie D. Atkeson House (PDF). National Register nomination for the house, which was listed as part
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 9, 2023
2. The Atkeson-Conner House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 41 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
