Candy Kitchen, New Mexico - History

History

The name Candy Kitchen originated with a rancher who made moonshine liquor during the prohibition era in the United States. As a front for purchasing large amounts of sugar to produce his liquor, he manufactured pinon nut candy. People would come to his ranch to purchase candy over the counter and illegal liquor under the counter.

The isolated and rustic nature of the area has attracted a colorful array of individualists. A number of artists currently make their homes in the area. The area is home to a very diverse and intimate community that includes ranchers, sustainable homes (strawbale and earthbag structures etc.), artists, and other interesting folk. It is roughly 60 miles from the nearest grocery store. Candy Kitchen prides itself on sustainable ways of living. The diversity of Candy Kitchen attracts people who are not worried about sex, religion, origin, sexuality (about 35% LGBTQ), and any other modern day concerns (with regard to culture). Candy Kitchen focuses on the ability of a person to "add" to the community, which can be hard-work'.

Rumored history includes a hiding place for Butch Cassidy, Geronimo, Prohibition distilleries.

In modern days, Candy Kitchen is home to many homesteader families, regular folks, hippies, Radical Faeries, Ramah Navajos, Zuni Puebloans, nihilistic survivalists, reclusivists, people who like their privacy, people who enjoy living simply, and many other "outcasts" who live on the fringes of society. Community is important, and seems to be the center of local culture.

Candy Kitchen is mostly off-grid, with no sewer and very few homesteads who have electric lines. Its citizens tend to pride themselves on the ability to survive without having to shop at a grocery store.

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