For nearly eight decades, members of the Luna, Otero and Berege families owned and lived in the building at 135 Grant Avenue, which was commonly referred to as "La Casa Grande". Some members of these families are notable figures in the history of the state of New Mexico. This list is not comprehensive. For more information, see Santa Fe Historic Foundation and Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Resources.
Solomon Luna was the first family member permitted to occupy the house in 1899. It is assumed he acquired the property for his mother, Isabella Baca Luna, and never lived in the home himself. After she no longer lived in the house, Solomon encouraged his sister, Eloisa Luna Otero Bergere, to move into the home. Solomon served in the 1910 New Mexico Constitutional Convention and held various offices in Valencia County including probate clerk, sheriff, and treasurer. He was also a successful sheep raiser and served as President of the Bank of Commerce in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Eloisa Luna Otero Bergere married Manuel Basilio [B.] Otero (1860-1883) in 1879. The Lunas and Oteros were both Spanish colonial families and influential in the development of New Mexico as a state. Together, Eloisa and Manuel had three children. After Manuel's death, Eloisa married A.M. Bergere in 1886 and together they had nine children. Eloisa and her family moved into 135 Grant Avenue in 1901 and she purchased the home in 1905. She spent the years 1901-1914 building the home’s reputation as a center for political and social gatherings.
Alfred Maurice (A.M.) Bergere was born in Liverpool, England and married Eloisa in 1886 after the death of her first husband. Together, they had nine children and remained married until her death in 1914. A.M. lived at 135 Grant Avenue until his death in 1939. A.M.'s father was the owner and builder of steamships that sailed from Liverpool to the Mediterranean Sea. A.M. served as clerk for district county, county assessor, and county treasurer.
Eduardo Otero was twenty-one years old when the family moved into La Casa Grande; it is unclear if he ever lived in the house. The house was conveyed in trust to Eduardo in 1912, and remained until his death in 1932. Eduardo was a businessman, politician, and successful sheep operator. He inherited his Uncle Solomon Luna’s Luna Mansion and flocks in 1912. He also ran the family's N-Bar Ranch, which was the primary source of income for the family residing at 135 Grant.
Manuel Otero was eighteen years old when the family moved into the Big House, and it is unclear if he lived in the home. Following the death of Eduardo in 1932, the house was conveyed in trust to Manuel. He was a politician, sheep herder, and ran the N-Bar Ranch following Eduardo's death. Manuel also ran for governor in 1924 and lost by a narrow 199 votes, prompting a call for election reform laws.
Nina Otero Warren was the unofficial head of 135 Grant Avenue until A.M. Bergere’s death in 1939, wherein the role became official. She was a primary decision-maker and financial-backer at the house. Nina's many governmental, political, and social roles have solidified Nina as an integral part of New Mexico's history. Her accomplishments and contributions have been captured in a published biography, and many articles that delve into her life.
Accomplishments and contributions:
Anita Bergere returned to 135 Grant when Eloisa became ill in 1914. She was responsible for tasks like cleaning and watching the younger children. Anita lived in the house until her death in 1976. In 1965 after Nina’s death, the property was conveyed in trust to Anita. Anita was involved with the suffrage movement and served as Superintendent of Santa Fe County public schools.
Rosina Bergere and her first husband, Leonard Smith, divorced in 1924. Following the divorce, she and their two children moved back into the house for approximately a year. When Rosina returned, Nina concluded renovations were necessary to accommodate the additional residents. This 1924 renovation constituted major changes to outer and interior elements of the building. Rosina was dedicated to charitable causes like the St. Francis Altar Society and Confradia de la Conquistadora, and served as Women’s Board president for the Museum of New Mexico.
Estella Bergere Leopold lived in the house from 1901 to 1912. In 1912, she married the conservationist Aldo Leopold and moved out of 135 Grant. Estella was involved with the suffrage movement and worked as a school teacher. She and Aldo lived in the house he built in Tres Piedras, New Mexico called 'Mi Casita'. ‘Mi Casita’ now serves as space for the Aldo and Estella Leopold Residency program.
