How Four Hills Village Got It's Name
What is the origin of the Four Hills name?
The obvious answer would be the four prominent peaks in front of the Manzano Mountains directly south of the neighborhood. Others may know these peaks by what they are: Manzano Base or Manzano Waste Storage Site. And that answer is correct. But there is more to the story than that.
Anyone familiar with the history of Four Hills Village knows construction on our development began in 1957. Prior to that, the land that makes up most of this neighborhood (as well as Kirtland AFB, Sandia National Labs, and the Sunport) belonged to several homesteaders. Hardy V. Logan was the first major homesteader in this area, buying up large amounts of land between Tijeras and the four peaks throughout the 1920s. Logan is credited with being the first to call the area four hills. He built his house at the base of one of the peaks that make up the area’s namesake.
Wiley S. Johnson was next, spending the better part of the 1930s buying land on the East Mesa for cattle grazing. He called this land the Four Hills Ranch. This is the first recorded instance of using the Four Hills name in an official capacity rather than just a general name for the area. Hardy and Wiley did know each other quite well, so it is not surprising he would adopt the name for his own endeavors. Wiley eventually used his land to open the Four Hills Riding Academy, which was located in the arroyo just before you enter FHV. Wiley had a great deal of success with his riding academy throughout the 1940s and 50s.
By 1941, the Army Air Corp forcibly bought all but a couple of hundred acres of Wiley Johnson and Hardy Logan’s land for the purpose of constructing what is today Kirtland and Sandia. As plans for Four Hills Village and Country Club were finalized, both Logan and Johnson sold most of their remaining land to the development firm building the neighborhood. In 1957, Wiley sold the riding academy and moved to Moriarty. The academy became known as the Four Hills Stables and stayed in business just below the neighborhood for several decades. I am sure more than a few of our residents have ridden there.
Several newspaper articles highlighting the development of the golf course state the country club took its name from Wiley’s Four Hills Ranch. Later, a separate article about the club from around the same time gives a nod to Logan for being the creator of the Four Hills name for the area in general. It is these two homesteaders that we can credit for the Four Hills name. A century later, the name is still going strong.
*Frank Speakman was another major homesteader on the East Mesa. He used much of his land to build Albuquerque’s first airport, where Kirtland AFB and the Sunport now sit. Most of the land used to create Four Hills was his before selling it to Harry Driver’s company for the development of the neighborhood. But that is a whole different story.
Sources:
Albuquerque Tribune 17 Sep 1979 Pg. A1 and A6
Albuquerque Tribune 24 Sep 1979 Pg. A1 and A6
Albuquerque Tribune 25 May 1988 Pg.. 36
Albuquerque Tribune 15 April 1985 Pg.. 3
Albuquerque Journal 17 May 1946 Pg. 15
Albuquerque Journal 31 May 1946 Pg. 16
Albuquerque Tribune 29 May 1957 Pg. 1 and 12
Albuquerque Tribune 12 June 1957 Pg. 21
Albuquerque Tribune 12 February 1973 Pg. 14
Albuquerque Tribune 23 April 1979 Pg. 34
Images from Our MAGIC Field Trip
The Four Hills Village Project recently had the opportunity to explore the world of historical aerial photography from the mid to late 1900s. Our trip to the Map and Geographic Information Center, also known as MAGIC, at the University of New Mexico allowed us to delve into the area's development history and better understand the surrounding region.
Kimberli using a magnifying glass to get a better look at a high resolution historic map.
Aerial photography in the 1960s was a significant milestone in cartography. The development of advanced cameras and planes capable of capturing high-quality photographs from above allowed for creating detailed maps on a scale never seen before. The pictures could be used to monitor the growth and changes of cities and towns, as well as for scientific research and military purposes.
Schannan Westman Huston. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. April 16th 1974
During our visit to MAGIC, we had the opportunity to view several large aerial maps of the Four Hills Village development and the surrounding region. With the help of Cheyenne Stradinger, MLIS, the Library Services Coordinator, we explored the basement-level archive at the Centennial Science & Engineering Library. Cheyenne was instrumental in assisting the group, retrieving maps, and providing magnifying glasses to aid in viewing the intricate details of the maps. She also suggested additional resources, such as road maps, fire insurance records, and archives hosted on the campus by the Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC). We took her up on this, and the EDAC Resource & Information Manager, Sandeep Talasila, GISP, sent us a report on everything he has pertaining to Four Hills between 1957 and 1975. 👌
Limbaugh Engineers Inc. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. April 3rd, 1966
One of the most exciting aspects of our visit was viewing the changes that occurred over time, from the original houses to the sprawl that followed. The team was amazed at how much the area had changed since the maps were created. The original homes were more rural than expected, and even ten years after the first homes were built, vast land areas remained undeveloped. It was also surprising to see how much of the Earth's natural water flow had been developed over, with entire streams disappearing from the maps.
Several historic maps and large copies stacking up on Cheyenne’s work station.
Aerial photographs can be an essential tool in preserving the history of our communities. They provide an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of land usage, infrastructure, and natural resources. In particular, the maps we discovered could help us get Four Hills Village recognized for its historical significance. Tracing the changes in the landscape and architecture over time gives us a more comprehensive understanding of our community's past.
Limbaugh Engineers Inc. Albuquerque, NM over Four Hills Village. March 17th, 1969
Our visit to MAGIC was an eye-opening experience, and we were fortunate to have the chance to work with such knowledgeable and helpful staff. The MAGIC archive provides a wealth of knowledge and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the area's history. We were able to print and digitize our findings, which we are excited to share with others interested in the history of Four Hills Village. The importance of preserving historical records and making them accessible cannot be overstated. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this effort and are excited to utilize these new resources for our research.
You’ll be hearing more about these maps soon!!
Scanning in the maps one by one so that we can publish them here on our blog!!
800 Wagon Train: Growing Bananas
On September 24th, 1972, residents of Albuquerque became aware of a rare treat happening in Four Hills Village. Mrs. Arms, the prolific gardener at 800 Wagon Train Drive SE, was enjoying her first banana harvest. Mrs. Arms was an influential gardener with strong ties to Albuquerque's Horticultural Society.
On September 24th, 1972, residents of Albuquerque became aware of a rare treat happening in Four Hills Village. Mrs. Arms, the prolific gardener at 800 Wagon Train Drive SE, was enjoying her first banana harvest.
Mrs. Arms was an influential gardener with strong ties to Albuquerque's Horticultural Society. She was encouraged to get into bananas by her husband's father, who had lived in South America for some time. Mrs. Arms was a knowledgeable gardener and said that banana trees like hers were a type of grass; they grow in clumps and fruit only once.
Published September 24th, 1972 Mr. & Mrs. Arms of 800 Wagon Train Drive harvest bananas from their indoor atrium.
Original image courtesy of the Arms Family
Though we have not been able to confirm the designer of the residence, we do know the Arms home was custom built in 1965 with gardening in mind. Features include built-in planters, a natural stone fireplace, and the crowning jewel, a glass-roofed atrium that lets in the sun and regulates humidity and temperature for her collection of exotic tropical plants, including her banana trees.
Original image courtesy of the Arms family.
August 5th, 1965.
Imported to Albuquerque in March 1971, it took Mrs. Arms 18 months to mature the 6-8 inches long stock to over 16 feet tall. Because it was pushing against the glass roof of the atrium, Mrs. Arms cut the tree back several times. Had the tree grown outside, it could have reached a height of over 24 feet.
Family photo of banana tree courtesy of the Arms family.
Family photo under the glass atrium courtesy of the Arms Family
When Mrs. Arms was celebrating Albuquerque’s first banana harvest, she had three more trees growing to maturity alongside several orchids.
Family photo of banana harvest courtesy of the Arms family.
Over time the atrium became a structural issue. In modern-day, that area of the house has undergone renovations and is no longer glass roofed.
Original image courtesy of the Arms family.
If you have a Four Hills Village story to share please get in touch with us at rothheadquarters@gmail.com or @fourhillsvillageabq on Instagram.
1024 Matador - Vintage Realty Ad Gallery
We are excited to have found multiple ads for this address that confirm the builder and other significant stats about the architecture.
Realty ad from February 1967
We are excited to have found multiple ads for this address that confirm the builder and other significant stats about the architecture.
Get a closer look at other vintage realty listings we found for 1024 Matador by clicking on the images below.
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
Four Hills Apartments Gets Approval
A recently discovered rezoning announcement confirms the first inkling of Villa Serena
Behold! The first inkling of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Villa Serena. In this 1968 announcement, we discover that the City Planning Commission has granted approval for 122 dwelling units in Four Hills. The 15.1-acre plan for Wagon Train SE was submitted by Four Hills Development Corp. agent, Roger Cox and Associates.
April 1968, Albuquerque Tribune
The announcement was published in an April 1968 Albuquerque Tribune, a now-defunct newspaper, and the piece itself listed similar announcements for City Planning Commission decisions all over the valley.
The original highlight reads:
“The City Planning Commission has approved SU-1 zoning (special use for a planned residential development) for 15.q acres of land in Four Hills Village.
The land on Wagon Train Drive SE will be the future site of apartments, condominiums, and townhouses.
The plan, submitted to Planning Commissioners by Roger Cox and Associates, calls for 122 dwelling units. Roger Cox and Associates is the agent for Four Hills Development Corp.”
This future site of apartments, condominiums, and townhouses the article mentions is known today as Villa Serena, one of the most instagrammable Spanish-influenced complexes in Albuquerque. There have been many project ideas that came about for Four Hills Village during the mid and late sixties but not all of them came to fruition. Villa Serena is a dream come to reality and still provides gorgeous luxury residences in the 2020s.
Photo in Villa Serena Albuquerque, 2021
1300 Stagecoach - Pool Party at the Logan Residence!
1969 article mentioning an exclusive pool party for 24 Donitas De La Sinafora in Four Hills at the Frank A. Logan home.
Photo from Four Hills Village Country Club Luau 1969
24 Donitas De La Sinafora and their escorts have a packed social calendar between selection and their formal presentation at Civic Plaza. From country picnics and barn dances to Luaus at Four Hills Country Club. This lucky bunch gets exclusive invites to homes and private clubs across the valley.
Among the familiar names on the Donitas networking circuit is Mr & Mrs. Fred Mossman who hosted a lovely Father Daughter brunch at their home, with Edward D. Gladden and their daughter Kathleen as host and hostess.
June 15, 1969 Albuquerque Journal
Meanwhile in Four Hills Village Misses Nancy Logan, Kathy Brown, and Kathryn Dennedy were busy hostessing an informal afternoon swimming party for the Donitas at the Frank A. Ivogan home at 1300 Stagecoach Road SE.
"An informal swimming party is planned this afternoon at the Frank A Logan home with Mrs. Nancy Logan, Cathy Brown, and Katheryn Dennedy as hostesses."
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
813 Wagon Train Drive - Four Hills Manor Model Home
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous mid century chocolate brick showcase home. A vintage ad from 1968 confirms 813 Wagon Train is the model home for a new Willis Smith Construction Company development, Four Hills Manor.
Photo of 813 Wagon Train Drive in Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Feast your eyes on this gorgeous mid century chocolate brick showcase home. A vintage ad from 1968 confirms 813 Wagon Train is the model home for a new Willis Smith Construction Company development, Four Hills Manor.
We know through historic plat maps that Wills A. Smith Construction Co. purchased a row of lots in 1968. This empty land came to be 16 gorgeous houses that are still standing proud today. The model home is always the first built, often is staged with furnishings, and stands as an exciting example of what dreams are possible in a new development. Builders don’t cut corners or spare expense on their showcase models and 813 Wagon Train was one such home!
July 21st 1968
The ad reads:
Welcome to today’s exciting
“Open House”
Four Hills Manor
Model Home -813 Wagon Train Rd.
1:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Luxury Living, in 1968! Just completing picturebook 4 bedroom Contemporary, in Chocolate Brick accented by Pre-Fabricated Paneling! Master bedroom tastefully appointed, with fireplace. Cozy sunken livingroom with fireplace, too, plus still another in the downstairs den! Wall-to-wall carpeting, Inter-com, air conditioning throughout!
KITCHEN all-electric, built-in washer and dryer. Huge 3-car garage with electric door, ideal for boat, trailer or workshop.
OUTSIDE 2 cool patios plus magnificent overlooking view of Albuquerque. Truly, the home of your dreams!
COME OUT TODAY! Just South of Sheraton Western Skies. Follow Stagecoach Road to Wagon Train, you can’t miss it … and DON’T!
Willis A. Construction Company
Clean lines ad glazed windows at 813 Wagon Train Drive
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
1966 - 1968 New Ads To Be Archived
Currently Roth Modern has confirmed the year that 92 individual Four Hills residences were built. When this new batch of artifacts hits the cloud we are definitely going to surpass the 100 mark!
This week our Mod squad scanned all the local newspapers from Jan 1966 to Dec 1968 for new data on Four Hills Village architecture. The new information will expand our understanding of Four Hills Village realty development in those years. New builders came on to the scene, replatting of lots happened (a few times) and multiple subdivisions were added to the community in those years including a significant section of Cuatro Cerros Trail.
At this point in our research, most homes are being sold by Village Realty. It was also in these years that Village Realty became the exclusive realtors for Cullers & Pepper Construction Co. During these years both a Four Hills Village school and apartment complex was in the works but as you can see from what exists today, neither of the two ever came to fruition. We can’t wait to learn more about what happened there!
We searched every day of the year from 1966 - 1968 for Four Hills Village mentions and advertisements for newly built homes. The information harvested from the last big newspaper scan will be uploaded to the database over the next few weeks and we will be sure to keep you posted on the interesting details and fun highlights we learn along the way.
Currently Roth Modern has confirmed the year that 92 individual Four Hills residences were built. When this new batch of artifacts hits the cloud we are definitely going to surpass the 100 mark! Impressively, at this point in our research, only 4 houses have been disqualified for being built after 1975. We look forward to celebrating the architectural history of our first 100 Four Hills Village Proper homes. This is a big win!!
There are still hundreds more residences to confirm before we know the complete architectural significance in this area.
In case you are interested in doing your own investigations, the next step after sourcing an original ad are to confirm the information by cross-checking with modern-day realty ads found online. This is also where additional details about the living space and architecture can be found. Step three is confirming the subdivision, block, and lot through public tax records.
Learn more about our Four Hills Village Project
Do you have information on the construction or original ownership of a Four Hills Village address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
Historic New Mexico Made Slump Block
Then and now a luxury half-century-old Crego Block Company showcase home in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque. Residence of original owners Dr. & Mrs. Steven F. Feagler.
Photo of 900 Maverick Trail in Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Four Hills Village is certainly known for its great 1960s design. What is lesser known is the impressive number of these historic homes that are built with local Albuquerque-made materials.
We have archived instances of this Crego ad published as early as 1961.
Concrete was everywhere in 60s Albuquerque partly because it was manufactured right in the backyard. Due to the mining of naturally occurring minerals in the Manzano mountains, Albuquerque became a major manufacturer of concrete materials. Another popular concrete-like product on the market at the time was a local innovation called “SlumpRok”, which later became known as Slump Block, made by Crego Block Company. The blocks were pulled out of their molds before fully curing causing the sides to “slump” slightly as they dried. When used in construction this would give a wall a textured appearance with more depth than traditional brick. It is intended to look like a more traditional southwestern adobe brick.
Over half a century ago in 1966, Crego Block Company showcased what is now a historic home in Four Hills Village. The advertisement ran in the July-August 1969 edition of Albuquerque Architect Magazine and highlighted the original owner of the residence, Dr. & Mrs. Steven H. Feagler.
This home still looks just like the ad proving Crego wasn’t just fluff and promises. The house truly does deliver!
This house is located at 900 Maverick Trail SE in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque.
Once you learn what Slump Block is you will notice it all over the neighborhood and throughout Albuquerque. It was highly prolific in 1960s and 70s design. As far as we can tell, Crego was the major, if not sole, supplier of Slump Block in Albuquerque during this time.
Photo of 900 Maverick Four Hills Village Albuquerque, February 2021
Resources: Albuquerque Architect Magazine; A complete collection of Albuquerque Architect Magazine can be found in the University of New Mexico’s digital repository. Click here to download the July-August 1969 edition.
Willis Smith Construction Co. Homes in Four Hills Village
Check out this list of homes in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque organized by the year they were first advertised for sale. All built by Willis Smith Const. Co 1968 - 1973
809 Wagon Train in Albuquerque built by Willis Smith Construction Co.
Here is a list of historic mid-century modern homes in Four Hills Village, Albuquerque built by Willis Smith Construction Company, and the year they were advertised for sale in the newspaper.
Four Hills homes knowingly built by Willis Smith Const. Co. through vintage realty ads published in the newspaper. The following is also how they were spelled in the ads.
1968
813 Wagon Train Rd. SE “Four Hills Manor”
1969
809 Wagon Train SE
721 Wagon Train SE
717 Wagon Train DR
1970
609 Wagon Train SE
1971
1013 Santa Ana SE
1973
1105 Wagon Train Drive S.E, Albuquerque, NM built by Willis Construction Co. in 1973
1105 Wagon Train SE
(We also know this home hosted a Four Hills Village newcomers coffee in 1973)
👌
This information is what we know as of Feb 2021. We add new information to our archive every day. If you are looking for more information on your address please type it into the blog search bar to see what we have posted or feel free to reach out to us directly for the most up-to-date status of our resources.
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of a Four Hills address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!
Instagrammable Vintage Town Homes in Albuquerque - Villa Serena
Endless summer vibes year round. Introducing the most instagrammable vintage Spanish influence apartment complex in Albuquerque.
There is a beautiful mid-century Spanish influence apartment complex in Four Hills that is a must-see for vintage architecture enthusiasts. Albuquerque’s Villa Serena condominiums were a film location in 1976 for the British science fiction movie starring Bowie (RIP) called The Man Who Fell To Earth. They prove to be just as gorgeous in the modern day.
The ad reads:
A NEW Leisure Lifestyle
Villa Serena Town Homes in Prestigious Four Hills
The Villa Serena Town Homes leave little — if anything — to be desired for those who would rather spend their time enjoying life worry-free, care free. Consider these advantages of condominium living in beautiful Four Hills, next to the Four Hills Country Club:
Security - Six foot block wall completely surrounds the entire area. The only entrance is at the front.
Swimming Pool, Club Room - Pool cared for daily. Club room complete with exercise equipment, sauna bath, therapeutic whirlpool, spacious club room, pool table.
THREE FLOOR PLANS - two bedroom, two bedroom with study, two bedroom with study and den. By far the most luxurious living spaces in Albuquerque.
OPEN NOW - Models are open daily 1 to 6 pm. Designed by Rudolph Salazar. Completely to show you how the new luxury lifestyle fits you.
Completely Planned and built by Elmer Cullers — The Southwest’s Most Distinctive Builder
There will be a total of only 53 units built on ten acres. In addition to the swimming pool, clubroom, etc. Walls are solid masonry construction to block outside noise.
If the time has come for you to enjoy a completely new leisure lifestyle come to the Villa Serena
1459 Wagon Train Drive, S.E. in beautiful Four Hills
Open Today 1 to 6 P.M.
Village Realty, INC.
Photos were taken by Kimberli Roth
Directions:
To get to Villa Serena in Four Hills Village you can type any address between 1351 and 1459 Wagon Train into a GPS":
1459 Wagon Train Dr. SE
Albuquerque NM 87123
1309 Stagecoach Lane - Home of Harry Driver
Indoor-outdoor fish pond and sunken living room with cathedral ceilings. We found an article describing original owners Mr. & Mrs. Driver’s freshly built mid-century mansion room by room in explicit detail!!!
The Albuquerque Tribune December 1, 1960.
Harry Driver was one of the original residents and financial backers of Four Hills Village and Four Hills Country club in the late 50s to early 60s. His 1960 home was featured in at least two lifestyle articles with the potential of more (at the time of this article the Roth Modern archive reflects only up to 1965).
One article found highlights the interior decor of Mr. & Mrs. Driver’s residence and their French provincial and contemporary design choices. This article goes on to note other significant details about the original architecture including “weeping” bricks and shake shingle roof. The feature article describes each room individually mentioning Palo Verde rock wall, fireplace, and built-in planter, and a sunken living room with a cathedral ceiling. Petrified wood is used in the entry hall along with tropical houseplants and a walnut divider that separates it from the dining area. The real cherry on top is the indoor-outdoor fish pond that leads out to the Japanese garden!
The article about the Driver’s house was published to promote the Omega Chi Christmas Caravan tour of homes fundraiser. This is also the purpose of the second article found.
Mrs. T. M. Keenan, right. Mrs. Murray E. Hill, center. Mrs. Jack W. Reynolds left. Planning the Chi Omega Christmas Caravan, where 1309 Stagecoach Lane will be decorated for the ninth annual tour of homes. Albuquerque Journal Oct 15, 1960.
To see the full page pdf on the Christmas Caravan click here.
To see the full page pdf on Furnishings click here.
Do you have more information on the construction or original ownership of this address? Your information can help to build our Four Hills Village Database. Our goal is to share all that we learn and get people excited about the artifacts entering our 100% cloud-based preservation archive. This robust documented history of Four Hills Village from 1955-1975 is made possible by residents and volunteers like you!