We stayed at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., just a few months after owners Bill Kinder and Terri Johnson put a new, old coat of paint on the historic Route 66 motel.
Kinder said he wanted to bring back the Blue Swallow to its original shades, circa 1939. Much of the complex was more of a coral color in recent years. Kinder conducted a lot of research with photos and old-timers to ensure he got the correct colors on the walls and trim.
Although it’s hard to see in the low resolution of the photo above, Kinder said the blue paint helps the clamshell shapes on the walls stand out better. We agree.
Here’s the motel’s famed sign, with more of a blue shade, also:
Here’s a “before” image of the sign.
The lettering around the neon also has newly painted drop shadows. Look at this “Office” sign:
Kinder and Anderson, who bought the motel last year, are getting ready to take the winter off. Next on their to-do list before reopening in the spring is restoring the fountain next to the office, which dates to at least the early 1950s.
The Blue Swallow’s revenues have markedly increased with Kinder and Johnson ad the helm. Sure, they increased room rates and sell more souvenirs. But they’re also aggressive in attracting tour groups and having a presence on the Web, including a MySpace site.
And they spread goodwill. If the motel is full, they refer travelers to the Safari Motel down the street. They make good recommendations for meals, including the Midpoint Cafe an hour east in Adrian, Texas. As a result, the Blue Swallow receives plenty of reciprocal business, and many a traveler’s experience is enhanced.
Fledging entrepreneurs ought stay a night or two at the Blue Swallow so they can pick Kinder’s brain for good business sense.