Atarque is a glimpse into New Mexico's history. Settlements like Atarque dotted the landscape as New Mexico moved from territory to statehood. Unfortunately, many of these villages and settlements are now disappearing. Pauline Chávez Bent has helped to tell some of the stories of New Mexico's villages, sharing the joy and struggles of its people. She introduces us to some of the people who lived with the hardships of life in western New Mexico and celebrated the struggles and joys that make up the soul of New Mexico.

Atarque is a glimpse into New Mexico's history. Settlements like Atarque dotted the landscape as New Mexico moved from territory to statehood. Unfortunately, many of these villages and settlements are now disappearing. Pauline Chávez Bent has helped to tell some of the stories of New Mexico's villages, sharing the joy and struggles of its people. She introduces us to some of the people who lived with the hardships of life in western New Mexico and celebrated the struggles and joys that make up the soul of New Mexico.

Pauline Chávez Bent, born and raised in Atarque, New Mexico, has always known that when legends die, dreams end and history passes to oblivion. Pauline has been a busy presenter, emphasizing New Mexico his­tory and the importance of preserving family history, and has helped many find their New Mexico roots. She was a contributor to Seeds of Struggle Harvest of Faith (LPD Press, 1997) on pioneering Hispanic women in New Mexico. She contributed articles to the Voice of the Southwest (Diocese of Gallup), and the Apache County Observer as well as to several genealogi­cal journals, including the Genealogist (NMGS). Her articles appeared fre­quently in La Herencia del Norte and Tradición Revista. Other articles have been published in Vista and Route 66 Magazine. In 2006, she was selected as the recipient of the Doña Eufemia Awards from the New Mexico Hispanic Cultural Preservation League. Pauline died in 2013. Pauline hosted a study group known as Los Hidalgos de Nuevo Mexico and served as vice president of the Southern California Writers Asso­ciation as well as member of the Historic Resources Board in Huntington Beach (Surf City), California, where she lived.