History & Preservation

Rooted in resilience

On Arbor Day, we pause to honor the quiet strength and generosity of trees. At Los Poblanos, trees are far more than a scenic backdrop — they are central to our regenerative farming practices, ecological philosophy and deep sense of place in the Rio Grande Valley.

Across the property, trees create microclimates that shield tender crops, shelter wildlife and shape the rhythm of the seasons. From flowering orchard to shaded bosque, their presence supports our regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management practices in the high desert landscape of Albuquerque’s North Valley.

90 Years of Los Poblanos: Experimental Farm and Dairy

Los Poblanos was a pioneering experimental farm in the 1930s and 1940s. Originally the home of Creamland Dairies, it played a crucial role in supplying Albuquerque with much of its milk and was renowned for its exceptional herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows. The ranch was instrumental in developing New Mexico’s dairy industry, setting a high standard for quality and innovation in the Southwest.

90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Rose Greely Garden

Amid the bright blooms of late spring, we reflect on the 90 years of history preserved in the prolific gardens of Los Poblanos.

90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Historic Hacienda

Nestled in an original, historic home designed by the father of Santa Fe style,  the Hacienda Spa is an intimate space that encourages a sensory spa experience. With over 90 years of history, this important structure has been home to three families and opened its doors to countless guests.  

90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Lord & Burnham Greenhouse

Ninety years ago, Los Poblanos was a model experimental farm and the original headquarters of the 800-acre ranch owned by congress members Albert Simms and Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms. Home to the original Creamland Dairies, it boasted one of the finest purebred herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows in the Southwest. Sugar beets, alfalfa, oats, corn and barley were all grown on the property and purebred rams were raised with the intention of helping sheep herders of the state improve their flocks. In 1934, a Lord & Burnham greenhouse was constructed and utilized by Ruth, an active garden club member who experimented with growing new varieties of roses and chrysanthemums to sell commercially. 

Celebrating the Legacy of John Gaw Meem

Each November we pause and reflect on the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in the storied history of Los Poblanos: John Gaw Meem, the renowned architect behind Los Poblanos Ranch and the La Quinta Cultural Center. Meem, born on November 17, 1894, is widely considered New Mexico's greatest architect of the 20th century. Throughout his long, successful career, Meem worked on countless projects and collaborated with many leading figures in the Southwest including Ruth and Albert Simms, the owners of Los Poblanos in the 1930s.

Heritage grains for fall baking

The transition to fall has us gearing up for full-on baking season – warming the kitchen with fresh bread and making plans to share festive holiday treats. Our culinary and bakery teams turn to hearty, nutritious heritage grains to bring the flavor of the Rio Grande Valley to our seasonal menus.

An evening of chamber music, rooted in history

On Wednesday, June 14th Los Poblanos will host a performance in the La Quinta Ballroom in collaboration with Chamber Music Albuquerque as part of the 2023 Dr. Armin Rembe Lecture Series. Chamber Music Albuquerque was founded in 1942 as the June Music Festival by Ruth and Albert Simms, and re-named in 1997 by the Board of Directors to better describe the scope of the organization’s programs. The series was the first of its kind in New Mexico and attracted guests from around the state as well as visitors from far as New York and Detroit and was broadcasted live on radio station KOB. We are excited to revive this connection between CMA and the La Quinta Cultural Center.

 Program excerpts (top and above) from the first June music festival held at La Quinta Cultural Center in 1942

Recognizing Creative Women of Los Poblanos

Over the past 100 years, a series of remarkable women have left a lasting mark on our historic property. From the bakery to the finance office to the fields, women continue to play an integral part of the story of Los Poblanos. We're pleased to introduce three women who's creativity drives our distillation and cocktail program. 

Introducing the 1922 Blend with La Fonda on the Plaza

We are delighted to present the 1922 Blend product collection, developed in collaboration with La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe. The collection celebrates La Fonda’s 100-year anniversary with a custom-blended signature scent that can be enjoyed as a handmade soap, room mist and candle. Both properties were designed by architect, John Gaw Meem and share a rich history of hospitality. Los Poblanos evolved into an inn as part of a preservation project, and La Fonda has been a model of the great New Mexican hospitality experience.