13 Facts About Erna Fergusson

Erna Fergusson was a writer, historian, and storyteller, who documented the culture and history of New Mexico for more than forty years.

Erna Fergusson's mother was Clara Mary Huning, the daughter of a very successful merchant by the name of Franz Huning.

Erna Fergusson was an investor of real estate and owned and operated a downtown mercantile store and flourmill.

Erna Fergusson's father was Harvey Butler Fergusson, a prominent lawyer in White Oaks, New Mexico.

Between 1897 and 1899 Erna Fergusson lived in Washington, DC while her father served as a delegate to the 55th United States Congress.

In 1906 Erna Fergusson graduated from Central High School in Albuquerque.

Erna Fergusson began teaching in the Albuquerque public schools while at the same time furthering her education.

In 1931 Erna Fergusson published her first book Dancing Gods.

In 1943 Erna Fergusson was awarded as an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of New Mexico.

Erna Fergusson died in Albuquerque on June 30,1964.

Erna Fergusson can be best depicted as a New Mexico travel writer of the 1930s, honing the two techniques of oral interview and conversational prose style; she was a part of the Southwestern Renaissance, and greatly contributed to the historiography of New Mexico.

Erna Fergusson's writings were well received during her lifetime, and she was an advocate for the preservation of Southwestern and Native American cultures.

Erna Fergusson was a supporter of libraries, having spoken at a conference in support of libraries in the southwest, and participated on the Ernie Pyle Memorial Committee that opened a library in his previous house.