Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Built on Bones with Caleb Lara

Built on Bones: Law, Violence, and the Moral Foundations of El Paso  

with Caleb Lara, founder of Elevate El Paso and Builders of the Desert 

Wednesday, March 18th 

Noon - 1 p.m. 

In 1857, Judge Gaylord J. Clarke was killed during a political dispute in the turbulent frontier settlement of San Elizario. He was buried in El Paso’s early cemetery. Years later, the city’s f irst permanent Masonic lodge building rose over that ground. The structure eventually became a bustling dry goods store. During a 1950s remodeling, human remains were discovered in the foundation, believed to be Clarke’s. This lecture examines the historical record, the civic context, and the symbolism of prosperity built upon sacrifice. Through research and narrative storytelling, Caleb Lara explores how El Paso’s foundations were shaped by law, violence, Masonry, and memory. 

Feel free to bring your lunch. Tables and chairs will be available on a "first come, first served" basis.

Call 915-533-5147 for more information.