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The Shuler Theater

131 N. 2nd Street

Raton, NM 87740

The Shuler Theater

505-445-4746

A History of the Shuler Theater Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety. Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a "hot topic" in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major "theater circuit". As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have "held social sway on Second Street." The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time. The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day. The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail. Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000. When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution: Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">The Shuler Theater</h1></header>

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">The Shuler Theater</h1></header>

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">The Shuler Theater</h1></header>

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">The Shuler Theater</h1></header>

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
											</div>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
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							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
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										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">The Shuler Theater</h1></header>

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					<div>
											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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											<div>131 N. 2nd Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Raton</span>,
							<span>NM</span>
												<span>87740</span>
											</div>
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								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.shulertheater.com/" target="_blank">The Shuler Theater</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 505-445-4746</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						 A History of the Shuler Theater

Officially opening April 27, 1915, the Shuler Theater was cause enough to send city commissioners fleeing over the state line to Trinidad, Colorado, for safety.

Such a cause for dispute? Yes -- theater was a &quot;hot topic&quot; in the old days. A railroad and 40 billion tons of coal made Raton one of the fastest growing settlements in New Mexico and would later put it on a major &quot;theater circuit&quot;. As early as the 1880s, Raton boasted a theater that attracted regular road shows. By 1882, an opera house known as the Old Rink had been erected. Serving as both opera house and a community meeting place, the Old Rink was said to have &quot;held social sway on Second Street.&quot; The Old Rink was soon overshadowed by Hugo Seaburg's Garden Coliseum. The largest theater in New Mexico at the time, this enormous wooden theater could seat 5,000 patrons, roughly the equivalent of the entire population of Raton at one time.

The coliseum burned down shortly after the turn of the century, but by that time Raton already had at least four other theaters and opera houses including the Lyric, the Grand, and the Princess. The Lyric featured a three piece orchestra to accompany its early silent movies, and the Grand continued to bring in concerts, stock companies, boxing, wrestling, and lectures, while the Princess catered to the film industry. Of these only the municipal auditorium, which eventually came to be known as The Shuler survives unto this day.

The Shuler Auditorium was the product of remarkable personal and community energy, and the person principally responsible was Dr. James Jackson Shuler, early Raton resident who twice served as mayor from 1899-1902 and 1910-1919. Dr. Shuler undertook a number of impressive projects, including the construction of a municipal auditorium. The initial plan was to build a modest city hall with $25,000 that had been voted on by the taxpayers fror that purpose, but the destruction of Seaburg's coliseum left Raton without a large theater. The plan was enlarged to include an auditorium. The city fathers decided to include a fire station, extra office space, a heating plant, and a jail.

Architect William Rapp, of Trinidad, Colorado, was commissioned to design the new buildings. The interior was to conform to the classic opera house formula, including opera boxes. The interior decorations by desiner F. Mayer were a rough approximation of the 18th century ornate rococo style so much in vogue in Europe during the 1800s. Early support for the construction wavered and at one point the entire city council had to flee to Trinidad to escape arrest. Despite political hardships, the cornerstone was finally laid on August 20, 1914, and was completed by 1915 at a final cost of $55,000.

When Dr. Shuler died in 1919, the city council passed the resolution:
Whereas the erection and completion of the municipal auditorium, which has been a source of such delight to the inhabitants of this city, is a monument to the forethought, idealsim, zeal, and energy of the late mayor, J.J. Shuler, under whose leadership the purpose of the people was accomplished; Now, therefore, in recognition of such services, be it resolved that the said municipal auditorium be hereafter known and designated on the records of the city as the Shuler Auditorium.		</div>
		

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	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Raton</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Raton</h2>
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										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-class-santa-fe-nm-162025-h9ng8xp9srw.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. MT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-dance-fitness-albuquerque-nm-010825-v5np79lctz4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-NM-DANCE-FITNESS">AARP NM Dance Fitness</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. MT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-balance-mobility-class-santa-fe-nm-1132025-nsnqys7gcw6.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-BALANCE-MOBILITY-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-STABILITY">Balance & Mobility Class: Strengthen Your Stability</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. MT</p>
					<p class="venue">Virtual</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/raton-nm/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
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		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RATON-NM">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-RATON-NM">Renew</a> or 
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<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Mexico Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Mexico Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNM" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
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<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />New Mexico</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NMAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">NMAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Mexico</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-new-mexico-contacts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-RATON-NM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNM" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNM" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118