Uncle Lonnie's great love was working with wood. He opened his wood shop in 1946 and continued until his death in 1955.
_________
Title: Pocket-Knife Magic
By: D. Hazel Hardy
Source: New Mexico Magazine
Date: Aug 1951 Page: 27
Photos: Includes photos of Lonnie's woodworking.

"Uncle" Lonnie pushed back his wide-brimmed hat, pulled out his pocket-knife and said, "Here's the most important tool in this shop. Of course," he continued, "I don't mean that I don't use these power tools, but when it comes to fine work, I use this pocket-knife." He pointed to a piece of inlaid work hanging on the wall. It was about 14 by 15 inches, the background dark with various colored woods inlaid to form a bull.

"Some things," he explained, "I get sorta attached to while I'm making them. For instance, that bull. I sent all over the country trying to find a picture of a bull. Everybody had pictures but they didn't show the hoofs. Usually the bull's picture is taken standing in straw. I finally sent to Kansas City and they sent me one. Took me a long time to finish that bull." He looked admiringly at the bull. "Refused $125 for it," he remarked.

This wizard of the pocket-knife is A. J. Atkinson, known affectionately to all of the town of Corona as "Uncle Lonnie" or "Mister Lonnie." He looks the part, too, with his grey handlebar mustache and thick glasses.

Foreign woods--satinwood, tigerwood, and ebony--were stacked next to native cedar and algerita. Old stumps for lamp bases were piled alongside a collection of different-sized cactus used for making picture frames.

Next to the small display room sat a large cedar chest. "I get $75 for a plain cedar chest," he said, as he opened the lid. "This tray slides back and forth. I always tell people that they can take it out and throw it away if they want to. But you know," his eyes twinkled behind the thick glasses, "they hardly ever do." He placed his hand on the lid. "You can't slam that lid," he said as he tried. "That chest is airtight."

The chest was made of native cedar. Seven pieces in the top showed no sign of joining. For most of his chests he uses Tennessee cedar because it has a more penetrating odor than that of native wood.

Shelves lined one wall of the display room. On them was a profusion of small bowls, powder boxes, upright picture frames and ashtrays made of various woods: pinon, walnut, juniper, and cedar. On a large table sat several table lamps.

"I make lamp bases out of anything," he said. "Coffee grinders, hat stretchers (size on the front: 6 7/8), cow horns, sheep horns, old stumps, wagon hubs, antelope horns." Out of a dusty case he drew a pair of small table lamps. "Now this pair of antelope horn lamps is pretty rare. You see," he said, pointing. "there's an ivory tip on each horn. I had another pair, prettier than this one. A woman came in here wanting to know how much I wanted for them. I really wanted to keep them so I told her $30. When she waved the money in my face, I couldn't back out. Next day I offered her $50 to get them back but she wouldn't sell."

One of the table lamps was a miniature windmill complete in every detail, even to the tiny ladder running up the side. Tin was cut to form the wheel and vane. It was mounted on a wood base, painted to resemble grass and equipped with a small metal tank and china cows.

Touching an inlaid table top, Uncle Lonnie said, "I took this pattern form one of Amelia's quilt patterns. She says it's the Star of Bethlehem."

He moved over to his prized possession, a table with an inlaid map of the United States. A typed description read: "This table top contains 1,142 pieces of wood and each state is made from its own native wood. The colored diamond in the left hand corner is a piece of wood from the White House, Washington, D.C. The wood was collected form the various states and the table was made by A. J. Atkinson of Corona, New Mexico."

Then follows a list of the states with the wood used from each state: oak from Colorado, mesquite from Texas, ironwood from Arizona, and algerita from New Mexico, to name a few.

"It took me two years to collect the wood from all the states," he said. "Then it took me two months to make the table. Like to never got any wood from Nevada." He pushed back his hat and said with a grin, "Guess they don't grow any trees up there. But I finally wrote to a schoolteacher and she had one of her boys go out and get me some mountain mahogany. I wrote the letters to all the states at once," he said. "Maine was the first one to answer and send the wood. I value that table at $2,500." Then with a proud smile, "But I've heard some folks value it from ten thousand on up."

He exhibited the table at the State Fair several years ago. he said he had a booth to himself; no one would compete with him.

"The burl of the wood makes the prettiest bowls," he said, picking up a dish about ten inches in diameter. "This one is made from a juniper burl." Another bowl was made form a walnut burl, its rich dark brown contrasting with the light reddish color of the juniper bowl. Both of the bowls contained the tiny "eyes" that are characteristic of the burl.

Uncle Lonnie smiled as he recalled a story "I remember one day a boy from town here came draggin an old stump up here from his woodpile. He asked me if I wanted it--said it was so hard he couldn't chop it. No wonder it was a Juniper burl, a good big one. I turned a compote dish out of it. Woman from Rosewell bought it just the other day."

Uncle Lonnie worked with wood for several years as a hobby, then started his shop in 1946. When he first came to Corona in 1903, he did a little ranching. Since then he's done a little of everything, including carpenter work, blacksmithing, and barbering.

"I had the first barber chair in Corona," he said. "Had it in the front of my blacksmith shop. I'd shoe a horse and then I'd go up front and shave somebody."

Once when the boys at the High School Shop had a raffle, Uncle Lonnie's ticket won the wardrobe the boys had made. He took it apart and made it over. "But the durndest thing," he said, smoothing his mustache, "the next time they had a raffle, I won the cedar chest."

The radio program, Hobby Lobby, recently wanted him to appear on its program. It offered to pay his fare to New York and back. he refused. His comment was, "Why, if I went up there, I'm such a country feller, I'd have to hire somebody to lead me around."

Biography: Written by Patricia Bagley regarding her grandfather:
Published in the Corona, NM School paper May 1953

" An Unselfish, Satisfied Man: My Grandfather
My grandfather is a wonderful, unpretentious gentleman; most people are lucky to have met someone like him once in a lifetime. I have had the privilege of knowing him all my life; he has not changed, but seems to be the same always.

My grandfather's appearance is always a little startling to those who come to his "hobby shop" to see his rustic lamps, cedar chests, wooden bowls, and collection of Indian relics. Living in a small town gives him all the freedom to do what he wishes. His somewhat unruly, white hair reminds one of that of a little boy who is interested in more important things than personal appearance. Perhaps the most striking feature of his tall, spare frame is his "handle-bar" mustache, which is faintly reminiscent of the days when he was sheriff in the cattle country of the old West. His hands are scarred from a lifetime of hard work, building windmills and houses and doing all types of manual labor; many people have backed away with a mild shock after receiving one of his spine-tingling handshakes. Grandfather very rarely "dresses up"; he is perfectly satisfied with a plaid, wool shirt, tweed trousers, an engineer's red handkerchief, and a vest of any sort from a "long-gone" suit. Although he may not be the most distinguished looking gentleman, he certainly is the most distinctive person in any group.

"Uncle Lonnie," as everyone calls my grandfather, is known and loved by all for his interest in and generosity for everyone, and he is respected for his unbounded wisdom and understanding. Grandfather frequently surprises a complete stranger by presenting him with a particular article that the person has admired in the "shop"; he is always giving something away because that is his greatest pastime. People from the town and countryside always come to "Uncle Lonnie" before making a decision; they seem to know that their venture is best if he thinks it is. It is thought that a new baby has not been properly "introduced to society" until he has paid a visit to my grandfather, who either teases or frightens the baby with his mustache. "Uncle Lonnie" is recognized by all as an asset to any community.

My grandfather is truly well known as a very kind man who would do anything to help a person, friend or stranger. His unselfish, completely relaxed personality has endeared him to those who know him. He greatly enjoys just being himself and does not seem aware of the fact that he thrills anyone who has a chance to see him."
_________
Anelle Rury has a coffee table with inlaid diamond shapes, a lamp, a cedar chest and several other pieces. If you ever get a chance to visit Anelle or most likely many of Alonzo's other relatives ask to see Alonzo's handy work it will be well worth the effort. If you have a piece of Alonzo's handy work, please send a description, age, history to Ken Rury and maybe we can maintain a record of his work.

Anelle also says that Alonzo at one time owned a Dance Hall.

• Married: 24 JUN 1908 in Del Rio, Val Verde, TX ¹⁰

1. Alice Day Atkinson b: 30 JUL 1909 in El Paso, El Paso, TX
2. Hally Beatrice Atkinson b: 10 AUG 1911 in Corona, Lincoln, NM
3. Edith Laurane Atkinson b: 27 JUL 1913 in Corona, Lincoln, NM
4. Living

1. Title: Anelle Rury has an original b/w photo in his late 20's? and copy of the story written by Patricia Bagley, and some other photos and wood pieces made by Alonzo.
2. Title: Biography: Alonzo J. Atkinson by Patricia Bagley.
   Compiler: Anelle Rury (Corona, N.M. School paper, May 1953)
3. Title: Memorial: Alonzo J. Atkinson, Ballut Abyad Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Albuquerque, NM, Masonic Lodge (12 Dec 1955)
   Repository:
4. Title: Terry Day Atkinson, deceased, Family Group Sheets: Atkinson's
5. Title: International Genealogical Index - 4.01 Edition, Latter-day Saints
   4.01 Edition found online @ http://www.familysearch.org
   Page: Film: 451141 Ordinance: 48234 Submitter: Terry Day Atkinson
6. Title: Internet: Ancestry.com WWI Civilian Draft Registration
   http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nma/wwi_draftregistrations.htm
   Entry here does not mean that they participated in WWI, only registered.
   
   In 1917 and 1918, approximately 24 million men, (98% of men present in America), born between 1873 and 1900 completed draft registration cards. During these two years, three registration days were held in each district where the registrant completed the registration card. Information found on these cards generally included, among other information, birth date, birth location, father's birthplace, and the address of next of kin. This civilian registration is often confused with induction into the military; however, only a small percentage of these men were actually called up for military service.
   
   Originally posted to Ancestry.com in January of 1998 and taken from the original draft cards, this database provides information on a fraction of the men registered.
   
   It should be noted that aliens were required to register but were not subject to induction into the American military. Persons already in the military did not register.
7. Title: [Author], "[Article]," [ItemType], <i>Index to the Corona Maverick</i>, [IssueDate], [SpecificContent]; Jan. 13, 1922-Aug. 17, 1923 (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nma/lincoln/corona_maverickb.htm : [AccessType] [AccessDate]); [CreditLine]. [Annotation].
   Text: Index to the Corona Maverick Jan. 13, 1922-Aug. 17, 1923
   http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nma/lincoln/corona_mavericka.htm
   http://newmexicoalhn.net/coronamavericka.htm
   http://www.brettcarnell.com/maverickindex.html
   This index was compiled by Brett Carnell from microfilm of the Corona Maverick held at the University of New Mexico. The microfilm was made from paper copies of the newspaper held at the Lincoln County courthouse in Carrizozo.
   Atkinson, Alice - (12/1/22) performed piano duet with Mrs. Frank Standhardt in Thanksgiving program
   
   Atkinson, Alonzo J.
   - (1/13/22) homestead originally filed 1/25/19, notice, witnessed by Frank Sultemeier, William H. Sultemeier,
   Jesus Flores, and Charley Wade
   - (5/5/22) returned from Phoenix because his wife is sick
   - (5/19/22) selling 160 acres of improved land
   - (9/1/22) delegate to Democratic County Convention
   - (10/6/22) proponent of new road to Cedarvale
   - (11/24/22) in Carrizozo attending court
   
   Atkinson, Claude H. - (5/4/23) went to Vaughn with Mr. and Mrs. George Simpson and Mrs. J.M. Atkinson
   
   Atkinson, Dorward - (6/15/23) expected home
   
   Atkinson, Edna - (12/1/22) performed with girls chorus in Thanksgiving program
   
   Atkinson, Fred - (6/15/23) and wife were visited by his sister, Mrs. Harry Hardgraves, and her children from
   Texas
   
   Atkinson, Fred, Mrs. - (6/15/23) visited for two weeks by her sister Mrs. W. C. Treat
   
   Atkinson, J. M. - (3/16/23) renewed subscription to the Maverick
   
   Atkinson, J. M., Mrs.
   - (12/29/22) entertained
   - (9/1/22) delegate to Democratic County Convention
   - (5/4/23) went to Vaughn with Mr. and Mrs. George Simpson and Claude H. Atkinson
   
   Atkinson, Jess
   - (1/13/22) and wife picnicked with Mr. & Mrs. Dishman, Jess & Mrs. Atkinson, Barre Fox, Irwin Goodreau,
   Gumm Mellon, Harold Barre, Mrs. Kersey, Mrs. Short, Mae Hester, Josephine Clements, and Zelphia Dishman
   - (4/27/23) in band with Earl Ott, Dan Simpson, and Charlie Claunch
   
   Atkinson, Marshall D.
   - (10/20/22) broke leg when horse fell on him
   - (10/27/22) resigned from school board
   - (11/3/22) school meeting to replace Marshall Atkinson postponed
   - (12/8/22) was replaced by A.J. Imhoff on the Corona school board
   - (2/23/23, 3/2/23) lost rim and lens of Paige car
   - (3/16/23) and T. M. DuBois bought a Fordson tractor to use on their ranches
   - (4/20/23)had dance at his ranch
   
   Atkinson, Marshall D., Mrs. - (1/27/22) entertained
   
   Atkinson, Mae
   - (9/1/22) delegate to the Democratic State Convention
   - (1/26/23) back from a three week stay with her grandparents in Roswell
   
   Atkinson, Mrs. - (4/13/23) attended funeral of Mrs. M.P. Tompkinson at Cedarvale
   
   Atkinson Simpson Garage - Advertised from Jan. 1922 through August 1923. Sometimes advertised as
   Atkinson Simpson Co.
   
   Brooks, Lena Mae - (12/1/22) performed on piano in Thanksgiving program
   
   - (1/19/23) Zeb Owens born in Illinois, 3/20/44; died in Corona 1/9/23
   
   Sultemeier, Adolph
   - (11/17/22) summoned to jury
   - (5/11/23, 5/18/23, 5/25/23, 6/1/23. 6/8/23, 6/15/23) witness for Charlie Wade homestead
   
   
   Sultemeier, Frank
   - (1/13/22) witness to Alonzo J. Atkinson homestead
   
   - (5/11/23, 5/18/23, 5/25/23, 6/1/23. 6/8/23, 6/15/23) witness for Charlie Wade homestead
   
   Sultemeier, William H. - (1/13/22) witness to Alonzo J. Atkinson homestead
   
   Standhardt, Mrs.
   - (1/20/22) entertained
   - (5/19/22) member of Junior Christian Endeavor
   
   Standhardt, F. L., Mrs. - (1/27/22) played piano at PTA meeting
   
   Standhardt, Frank, Mrs. - (12/1/22) performed piano duets with Alice Atkinson and with Eula McAdams in
   Thanksgiving program
   
   Standhardt, Moscow
   - (12/1/22) performed with boys chorus and in a play in Thanksgiving program
   
   - (5/19/22) performed with Sunbeam Band
   
   Standhardt, Willie Dae
   - (5/5/22) on 1st grade school honor roll
   - (12/1/22) performed with girls chorus in Thanksgiving program
   
8. Title: Funeral: Bulletin of services, Alonzo Atkinson
   Compiler: Anelle Rury
   Text: In Memory of Alonzo James Atkinson
   1881-1955
   Services from Presbyterian Church
   Wednesday Feb. 23, 2:30 P.M. 1955
   Clergyman Officiating: Rev. Roger Sherman
   Pall Bearers: Willie Sultimeier, Frank Sultimeier, Richard Sultimeier, Jr., Frank Standhart, J.R. Callahan, Joe Atkinson
   Honorary Pall Bearers: L. Paker, Wilbur Dishman, Mark Sloan, Dr. C.E. Ewing, Alfred Irwin, Ace Messier, John Hall
   Interment Corona Cemetery
   Masonic Lodge No. 43 in charge
   Arrangement by Hanlon Mortuary
   Repository:
9. Title: , "Corona Cemetery, Corona, Lincoln, NM," database, <i>http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nma/lincoln/stteresa_cemetery.htm</i> (http://newmexicoalhn.net/lincoln/corona_cemetery2009.html : [AccessType] [AccessDate]), [ItemOfInterest].
   Text: Also listed as <b>St. Teresa Cemetery / Corona Cemetery
   </b>Last name First name Mid name location b-day b-month b-yr d-day d-month d-year age other
   Atkinson Alonzo J 362-187 1881 to 1955 74 Woodmen of the World
   Atkinson Amelia A 362-182 4-16-1879 to 12-19-76 97 (nee Sultemeier)
   Atkinson Beatrice 362-203 8-10-11 to 4-28-17 6
   Atkinson Edith 362-198 7-27-13 to 7-8-17 12
   Atkinson Saluria E 258-397 1887 to 1957 60 Mother (nee Simpson)
   
   Bagley Alice D 355-160 1909-1984 75 (nee Atkinson)
   <b>Bagley Dorothy Lee </b> 292-85 10 20 1923 1 7 1997 73 (don't know who she is)
   Bagley Kenneth G 355-163 6-16-49 to 2-19-73 23 SGT U.S. Army Vietnam
   Bagley William M 355-152 1903 to 1977 74 Masonic Emblem
   
   Brooks Clint 384-219 0 0 1885 0 0 1938 43
   Brooks Robert Lee 371-212 9 8 1907 2 16 1909 2 Son of Mr. and Mrs. Zeb Brooks
   
   <b>Dishman Harriet 308-301 0 0 1878 0 0 1978
   Dishman Herman H 308-289 0 0 1912 0 0 1989
   Dishman JF 308-306 0 0 1870 0 0 1941
   </b>Dishman May 309-312 1 18 1909 8 11 1911
   Dishman Pallie 309-150 0 0 1892 0 0 1982
   Dishman Wilbur S 309-155 0 0 1888 0 0 1974
   
   Owens Henrietta 371-224 0 0 1851 0 0 1932
   Owens Zeb 371-219 3 20 1844 1 9 1923
   
   Sultemeier Adolph G 232-400 1886 0 0 1957
   Sultemeier Alice L 232-390 1895 0 0 1974 (nee Trimble)
   Sultemeier Alonzo 232-378 1920 0 0 1995
   Sultemeier Clint L 40-336 0 0 1918 0 0 1983
   Sultemeier Dulcie 340-115 5 22 1897 5 25 1993 (nee Brooks)
   Sultemeier Frank Sr 340-117 1889 0 0 1983
   Sultemeier Ila Joe 259-413 1896 0 0 1978 (nee Simpson)
   Sultemeier Julia 232-395 1875 0 0 1926 (nee Atkinson)
   Sultemeier Richard G 259-408 1892 0 0 1976
   Sultemeier Sidra Jean 340-157 4 6 1919 9 18 1977 (nee Franks)
   Sultemeier Marie 232-382 1930 0 0 1987 57 (nee Enola Marie Gunter)
   Sultemeier William H 232-385 1883 0 0 1929 (should be 1923)
   Sultemeier WM 232-405 1845 0 0 1929
10. Title: International Genealogical Index - 4.01 Edition, Latter-day Saints
    4.01 Edition found online @ http://www.familysearch.org
    Page: Batch: 8422104 Sheet: 78 Film: 1395840Film: 451141 Ordinance: 48234 Submitter: Terry Day Atkinson