Dietz, Robert, Farmhouse
4117 Rio Grande Blvd., NW, Albuquerque, NMLong a landmark on Rio Grande Bouldevard, the large Dietz Farmhouse is a unique two-story structure in the north Valley. It is significant in Albuquerque as the home for many years of the Robert Dietz family, one of the early Anglo farming families in the area, and significant architecturally as a fine example of a rare vernacular interpretation of the Prairie style.
Robert Dietz came to Albuquerque in 1910 seeking a cure for tuberculosis. He was originally from Syracuse, New York where his family owned the Dietz Lantern Company which manufactured railroad warning lanterns. In 1913 he bought over 60 acres of land just north of the old plaza of Los Griegos on either side of Rio Grande Boulevard--then a dirt track. Over 40 acres came from John and Lola Armijo Borradaile and was known as the Borradaile Ranch. Lola Armijo was one of the many children of Ambrosio Armijo, who owned the Los Poblanos Ranch just to the north and probably included the Borradaile property.
The Dietz family grew "everything" as well as starting a herd of dairy cows, according to the youngest son Robert Dietz III who still lives in Albuquerque. The children went to a non-denominational school held in the downtown Jewish synagogue, making the long trip by pony, cart, buggy, and eventually wagon.
The second story was added in 1928 repeating the banks of windows and hipped roof of the original one-story house. The Dietzs continued to live in the house until the 1940's when they sold it to Dale Bellamah, a housing developer. Bellamah later sold the house to Dr. Albert Simms, whose father and uncle lived at Los Poblanos just to the north. Bellamah kept the vacant land and later built the successful Dietz Farms subdivision there. The farmhouse was sold in1969; she added the open porch on the south and extended the one-story north wing; both additions are well-designed and in keeping with the proportions and detailing of the 1928 structure. The house and the stable are included in the nomination.
Local significance of the building:
Robert Dietz came to Albuquerque in 1910 seeking a cure for tuberculosis. He was originally from Syracuse, New York where his family owned the Dietz Lantern Company which manufactured railroad warning lanterns. In 1913 he bought over 60 acres of land just north of the old plaza of Los Griegos on either side of Rio Grande Boulevard--then a dirt track. Over 40 acres came from John and Lola Armijo Borradaile and was known as the Borradaile Ranch. Lola Armijo was one of the many children of Ambrosio Armijo, who owned the Los Poblanos Ranch just to the north and probably included the Borradaile property.
The Dietz family grew "everything" as well as starting a herd of dairy cows, according to the youngest son Robert Dietz III who still lives in Albuquerque. The children went to a non-denominational school held in the downtown Jewish synagogue, making the long trip by pony, cart, buggy, and eventually wagon.
The second story was added in 1928 repeating the banks of windows and hipped roof of the original one-story house. The Dietzs continued to live in the house until the 1940's when they sold it to Dale Bellamah, a housing developer. Bellamah later sold the house to Dr. Albert Simms, whose father and uncle lived at Los Poblanos just to the north. Bellamah kept the vacant land and later built the successful Dietz Farms subdivision there. The farmhouse was sold in1969; she added the open porch on the south and extended the one-story north wing; both additions are well-designed and in keeping with the proportions and detailing of the 1928 structure. The house and the stable are included in the nomination.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Loading...
New Mexico is home to many important Native American sites and cultures, including the Taos Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and Navajo Nation. These tribes have lived in the region for thousands of years and have preserved their traditions and customs despite centuries of colonization and oppression.
About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Timeline
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.
In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.
During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.
Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.
In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.
During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.
Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.
Bernalillo County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
- 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
- 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
- 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
- 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
- 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
- 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
- 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
- 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.