The Streets of Carlsbad - Bonbright Street

     Included in the second group of investors brought in by J. J. Hagerman was William P. Bonbright. This connection, like the connection with Joseph Stevens, was made through the Broadmoor Country Club in Colorado Springs. Although originally from Philadelphia, where he was the co-owner of a dry goods store (which eventually became Wanamaker’s and then Macy’s), during the 1890s, William Bonbright was a stockbroker, and a civic and financial leader in Colorado Springs. There he was involved in mining, securities, electric companies, and various other investment ventures. Mr. Bonbright and Mr. Hagerman had been successful partners in at least one mining venture.

Mr. Bonbright filed on a section of land through the Desert Land Act in 1890. In 1891, the Eddy school teacher, Edith Ohls also received a land grant which she then deeded to William Bonbright.  Also in 1891, Bonbright was listed as the vice-president of the First National Bank of Eddy. He owned 70 shares of the Pecos Valley Irrigation and Investment Company. William P. Bonbright never resided in Eddy/Carlsbad.  When the disagreement between Mr. Eddy and Mr. Hagerman resulted in Charles B. Eddy leaving the Pecos Valley, Mr. Bonbright also cut his losses and his connection with the town. In 1910, the only shareholders present at the ninth annual Pecos Irrigation Meeting were Francis G. Tracy, I. S. Osborne and C. H. McLenathen. Mr. Stevens, Mr. Bonbright, Mr. Tansill, and Mr. Shaw had given the proxy of their shares to Mr. Tracy.

In 1887, Mr. Bonbright moved to London opening a brokerage office where he was the chief correspondent. After five years, he returned to New York City and the main office of Bonbright and Company was located there. From then until the outbreak of WWI, the Bonbright Company was a recognized leader in the financing of electrical and allied public utility fields that were actively expanding during that era. Mr. Bonbright passed away between 1912 and 1914. Mrs. Alice Bonbright is listed in the 1915 New York City Directory as a widow and head of household.