In 1976, I graduated from College and started hunting for a Teaching Job. I did not know the Chihuahua would be joining me in my new life. My Family was in Midland, Texas and while I wanted to be close I did not want to be on top of them. I was certified to teach 1-8 regular Ed and Special Education 1-12.
In 1975, the Federal Government established The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . This is a federal law that IDEA requires public schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students ages 3-21 with disabilities. IDEA also provides legal protections for these students and their parents. This is the job I was seeking.
Lamesa is a small town located on the Edge of the Cap Rock and the beginning of the Staked Plains. Lamesa developed into a small cotton-producing Farming town in West Texas. I have always said that, if you were in Lamesa, you grew Cotton, Sold Cotton supplies and equipment to the Farmers, sold the Farmer’s groceries, taught his children, or Preached in one of the many Churches. I saw my future husband for the first time in one of the Churches. Later we were introduced by a mutual friend at a dance for singles.
There were few places to go on a date or eat in this small town. The only place to go to hear a movie in English was the Sky View Drive Inn Theater. This was also a great place to grab dinner, especially the Chihuahua and a cold Coke.
What is a Chihuahua?
In 1951, the Chihuahua Sandwich was created at the Sky-Vue Drive-In Theater. It was invented by theater owners R.A. ‘Skeet’ and Sarah Noret to spice up the concession stand. It also served a second purpose and helped use up the remaining ingredients they already had in the stand. This sandwich became such a great hit that locals were known to call in orders to go. Then, did not always stay for the movie screening. The Chihuahua has been described as a juicy, delicious, and addictive chili-and-cheese-in-a-tostada-shell creation. The picnic and playground area was a great place to meet with friends and eat before the show. If the weather was good, you could even set up folding chairs, lean back, and watch a movie on a really big screen.
Some History of the Sky View
Sadly, in 2015, the Sky-Vue Drive-In Theater closed after a kitchen fire destroyed the snack bar. Though In its prime, many things in Lamesa centered around the Drive Inn. Special events included a performance by musician Buddy Holly, before he was famous, performed on the roof of the Sky Vue’s projector building. The theater’s image was also used as the cover art and named in the title of the album “Down at the Sky-Vue Drive-In” by country music artist Don Walser. Many family gatherings, dates, and just friends meeting and visiting.
How to get a Chihuahua
Though the Sky View is gone the recipe for the Chihuahua Sandwich lives on and can be reproduced in your own kitchen. When serving or eating be sure to keep the bottom wrapped up with a paper towel or napkin while eating, if you don’t it falls apart and grease drips down your arms. Try jalapeno corn fritters or poppers on the side to complete this culinary experience. Homemade chili and pimento cheese truly enhance and personalize the flavors. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, fry up your own tostada shells. Enjoy this glimpse into Texas history and consume something utterly unique!
CHIHUAHUA SANDWICH
Yields one: Two corn tostada shells or corn tortillas that has been lightly fried until crisp 2 Tbsp. Chopped onion 1 cup shredded cabbage 1/2 cup chili without beans 1/2 cup pimiento cheese spread
Warm chili in a pan or microwave. Spread chili on one corn tortilla. Top with chopped onions and shredded cabbage. Spread pimiento cheese on the other tortilla shell. Put shells together and serve.
Chili recipe
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 t. cumin powder
1/4 cup chili powder or more
2 cups water
Salt to taste
Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and cumin powder till no longer pink. Add Chili powder, stir, and then add water and stir. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Set up your table and open a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to let it breathe and get ready to have a new food experience. Enjoy!
