Ernie Hammer was a long time Kiowa County Press contributor. This week, we continue a series looking back at Ernie and his wife, Judy's, adventures. Last week's installment can be found here. To see Ernie's previous series, click here.

Editor's note: Ernie Hammer passed away in the early morning hours of September 15, 2025. The Kiowa County Press was fortunate to have him as a frequent visitor, including his most recent just a few days before he died. This series was written in the months before his death, and will continue over the coming months as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Bonnie Cordova was a great guy.  I remember one time when I was little, I was sitting in a small café in Fountain with Dad and Bonnie. There were a few guys sitting on the other side.  Bonnie says see those guys they are Spanish, but I am just a damn Mexican.

It was kind of strange when I was in grade school at recess when we would play games many times it would be Spanish against the whites. There were no hostilities. That was just the way it was. However, that all changed when we got into high school. We all played as a team regardless of our race. I remembered when our first black student showed up. He was treated like a celebrity.

Editor's note: Next week, we will begin to present updates Ernie made to the book he published, "The Life and Times of Ernest W. 'Ernie' Hammer."

The Kiowa County Press invites those who live in or have ties to Colorado - especially the southeast, however all contributions are welcome - to share their story with our readers. Family history, current life, unique sites and adventures, and other aspects of living in Colorado are welcome. Contact us at editor@KiowaCountyPress.net.