Fourth-Generation Cotton Ginner to Detail Century of Las Cruces History at Museum Event
Emmy Harvey, a fourth-generation cotton ginner, is scheduled to present a free public discussion on the 100-year history of cotton ginning in Las Cruces. The event, titled "Ginning in New Mexico and the History of the Harvey Cotton Gin," will take place on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Harvey, who personally operated the former B.E. Harvey Ginning Company, will share insights into how cotton ginning influenced southern New Mexico's agricultural economy and the families involved. The Harvey family established their first cotton gin in 1926, which was rebuilt in 1928 after a fire. The business expanded with a second gin in 1949 and converted to a roller gin in 1963, operating until 2006. Harvey's presentation will cover the evolution of ginning technology, from early mechanical gins to coal, steam, and electric-powered systems, using historic photographs and an interview format. The event is part of the Friends of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Mus...