Don Jose, The Last Patron

by Jose Ortiz Y Pino III

Four hundred years ago, the pioneer men and women who first came to New Mexico were forced to make their life compatible with the earth and with their isolation. The beauty that surrounded them did not sustain them, but out of reverence for the land, there appeared the chosen ones--the "curanderos" who understood the medicinal uses of herbs; the "veijitos," the old men who made folklore, history and tradition and recounted it to the younger generations. And from this same tradition came the Patrón, a man who had the ability to channel ambition and determination, and to make the land and its people yield to the law of common interest. He was a protector, a watcher of signs; he was a code maker, a fashioner of a way of life that is sadly missing in today's world. He was called the Patrón by those whom he loved and who returned that love with work, faith and personal devotion. They called him the Patrón, but they might just as well have called him the Godfather. José Ortiz y Pino has portrayed New Mexico, its characters and traditions with a sagacious wit and poignant keenness that could only have emanated from one who grew up in its midst. And he has narrated for us the story of a man whose visions had no limits, a man whose dedication to his goal was matched only by his sense of justice and compassion for all men--Don José Ortiz, The Last Patrón.

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1981

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons I read these last two books, was because I met the man who wrote them last time I was in New Mexico, back in 2010. We were driving down a road in Galisteo and came across this intriguing, obviously very old, little cabin. In front was an old gnarled tree that had animal skulls, etc. hanging from the branches. We had started to take pictures, when a man, who looked to be in his 70's, came out and invited us in! Well, the inside was much more intriguing than the outside! Filled with curiosities, bottles filled with herbs, dried herbs hanging everywhere, amulets, pictures - some religious, some not - shelves in every room, filled to the brim! We talked a bit, and found out that he was a 'Curandero', or one who uses folk remedies to heal. It's a day I won't soon forget.

[Eddie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating depiction of early New Mexico Spanish culture.