Longtime historian to be honored by library

A prominent figure in the arts and history of Curry County will be honored this afternoon in a reception, art showcase and fundraiser at the Clovis-Carver Public Library.

Don McAlavy left behind about a dozen books and hundreds of newspaper columns on regional history when he died in 2016 at age 84. A founding president of the Clovis and Portales Arts Council, he was also known for his public theatrical productions and numerous paintings, some of which will be on display today.

“We thought this would help educate and promote Mr. McAlavy in our area,” said Patsy Delk, president of the High Plains Historical Foundation that McAlavy founded in 1972. “Our vision is to keep the history alive and keep his legacy alive.”

The library recently renamed its Southwest history room in honor of McAlavy, and its genealogy room was renamed in honor of Harold Kilmer, a longtime friend of McAlavy who helped establish an online New Mexico genealogy project.

Today’s reception is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the library’s Ingram Room and open to the public. McAlavy’s wife, Kathy, will be there to contribute a special painting her late husband requested be donated to the library, Delk said.

Several other McAlavy paintings on loan from private collections among Clovis residents will also be on display, in addition to print reproductions available during a silent auction. Funds raised from that auction will go toward the historical foundation’s project to establish a local history museum.

Delk said she would also like to see a unit in local schools specifically dedicated to local history, which could draw upon the numerous texts on the topic by McAlavy and others.

“A lot of (McAlavy’s) paintings tell a story about Curry County,” she said. “People like Don McAlavy inspire people and that’s what our kids need today.”