On a crisp, clear Saturday morning, Bond family members, city of Española officials and representatives of the San Gabriel Historical Society gathered on the steps of the Bond House for a reverent plaque dedication ceremony that recognized the Bond family and the importance of the Bond House to Española’s history.
Mary Ann Bunton, granddaughter of Frank Bond and daughter of Franklin Bond, and a featured guest at Saturday’s ceremony, spoke about her childhood spent growing up at the Bond House and the cherished memories she still reveres of a young Española railroad town.
“The grounds were spectacular, with manicured lawns that began at the back of the house all the way to the little graveled playground that abutted the back door of Bond Willard,” Bunton said. “My memory was trees, hollyhocks and morning glories in profusion.”
Bunton praised the work of former grounds keeper Herman Velarde, father of Pablita Velarde and a dear friend of Bunton’s.
“He lived in a small caretaker’s house near the gate,” Bunton said of Herman Velarde. “I was a very small child and he occasionally would give me a ride in his wheel barrow.”
Bunton remembered many of the buildings, prominent in her childhood memories, but razed long ago.
“In the rear of the house was my father’s sister’s playhouse which had been converted to a tool shed, the magnificent water tower that we all played under, and at the back of the property, the stables,” she said.
Around 40 community members attended Saturday’s event to revel in the reverence and recall the relevance of the Bond family to the Valley’s history.
“The Society was pleased with the attendance, especially that of Mayor Lucero and Mrs. Bunton to share her experience,” San Gabriel Historical Society President Linda Firestone said.
Lucero also commented on hearing Bunton reminisce about Española’s early days.
“It was especially nice to have a member of the Bond family there to share fond memories growing up in the Bond House,” she said.
Lucero said the Bond family was influential in developing Española as a center for economic and cultural exchange.
“The Bond House has historical significance, in that the Bond family was instrumental in bringing commerce to Española,” she said. “They built their house overlooking the Bond Willard Store they owned and operated.”
Frank Bond constructed the house in 1887 for his family. In 1957, the city of Española acquired the building, which served as city hall until 1978. The house currently operates as the Bond Museum and functions as an art gallery and administrative office as well as museum space for the San Gabriel Historical Society.
The Bond House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
After decades of being listed on the historic register, Firestone said she felt it was time for the Bond House to receive a plaque.
“We were just glad to provide the plaque after so many years being registered,” Firestone said.
While Bunton remembers fondly the time spent at the house as a carefree youth, she realizes all good things must always come to an end.
“All things change,” she said. “I regret that the park, and the striking wrought iron fence surrounding the property are gone knowing full well that nothing stays the same.”
The San Gabriel Historical Society opened the house as a museum in 1982.