1956-2004

1956-2004

Laramie’s  Latin American Club

I always find immense joy in holding objects. Objects, by nature, tell stories. They invite us use their material existence to peek into the past and learn about the people who used it. They allow us to answer questions,  while asking even more. This branded BINGO card found in the Latin American Center archives at the American Heritage Center was such a joy to find and hold. A palimpsest of use viewed through stamped dates and numbers frozen in time, not quite revealing a BINGO win. 

The Latin American Club in the Archives

For the past year, I have been utilizing a variety of qualitative methods to research the lived experiences of immigrant railroaders in the state. Through this work, I have been deeply interested in the migration lines from Mexico, and the rail workers known as “Traqueros” who built the city we know as Laramie. 

In the course of my interviews and oral histories with Mexican-American descendants in Laramie, the Latin American Club has come up time and time again. An ethnic club at first glance, from 1956-2004 it was a vibrant space for Mexican and Mexican American folks in Laramie to be in and to build community. Railroaders went there for a drink at the end of a shift. Teenagers had their first dances there. Local leaders gathered to discuss issues.

The Latin American Archives at the American Heritage Center are a curated assemblage of items that share the breadth of what the club was, what it did, and its importance to the Latin American community of Laramie.

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The Latin American Club in Print

In the archives, there were a handful of newspaper articles that shared newsworthy moments, events, and people associated with the club. These articles shine light on the ways the club invested in its members and invested in leadership and civic engagement in the community. The articles also pointed to the racially hostile climate of other institutions in Laramie, asserting the need for a third “safe” space for Mexican-American community members in Albany County.

Latin American Club in the Media

There are no scholarly articles on the club, nor does the club seem to appear in popular media. Given its closure in 2004, the club know exists in these archives and in memory. To the right, is a link to a short 2023 radio segment—and an accompanying transcript—Wyoming Public Media aired about the history of the club. It is worth noting, this piece is pulled directly from AHC archivist Leslie Waggoner’s writing about the archival collection.

The Latin American Club of Laramie was founded in 1956. It was a nonprofit established to promote Hispanic customs and traditions. It also sought to assist members facing injustice and discrimination.

The clubhouse, located south of Laramie, was the hub of club social activities. It featured a bar, jukebox and pool tables. Regular Friday night bingo games were popular as were potlucks and holiday parties and dances. The clubhouse was frequently rented out for receptions and events.

Then, in 1968, a fire caused by faulty wiring destroyed the clubhouse. The community of Laramie rallied in support and raised more than $4000 towards rebuilding. At the time of the fire, there more than 150 registered club members.

As it had done before the fire, the club continued to award scholarships to Laramie youth.

You can see the Latin American Club of Laramie records at UW’s American Heritage Center.

For more information, visit the American Heritage Center site.

The Latin American Club in Memory

This section is under construction as I connect with the community members below to gather oral histories.

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The Latin American Club Today

This section is under construction.

It will include video and photographs of what and where the former Latin American Club is today.

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Reference 1

Box Numbers 4-6, Latin American Club of Laramie (Wyo.) records, 1961-1997, Collection Number 11427, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Reference 2

“Celebrating Hispanic Pride #333: Latin American Club of Laramie Records.” Archives on the Air, 16 Nov. 2023, https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/show/archives-on-the-air/2023-11-16/celebrating-hispanic-pride-333-latin-american-club-of-laramie-records.

Reference 3

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Reference 4

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