How Portales won the battle for Eastern New Mexico University

Louise H. Coe, the senator from Hondo, was unescorted while in Santa Fe. Her husband, a paraplegic, stayed in Hondo and managed their ranch while she was at the Legislature. She was the only senator undecided on the college location issue. Bryant was a gruff, serious-minded man. It was hard to imagine passionate thoughts ever crossing his mind. When the future of Portales was at stake, however, he started having romantic ideas. Who could persuade Coe to vote for Portales? She would be needing an escort to a Santa Fe celebration on the eve of the big vote. Who could escort her and sell Portales in the process? Bryant’s prospects for success brightened as he selected the man. Napoleon Bonaparte Fields, known as “Boney,” was a handsome, debonair, smooth-talking men’s clothing-store owner in Portales. He was an impeccable dresser and drove a new Buick Roadster convertible. More important, he was the most eligible bachelor in Portales. Bryant appeared to be a rock of power who never asked for help. On that day, however, he knew he needed help from a man with different talents than he possessed. He needed a lady’s man. Soon after Bryant explained the situation, “Boney” Fields washed his car, packed his best suit and was on his way to Santa Fe. He carried the hopes of Portales with him...ClovisNewsJournal