The historic Vega Motel on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, is going to be the subject of a sealed-bid auction because of delinquent taxes.
Here’s the notice about the auction:
Oldham County Appraisal District is taking sealed bids on the Vega Motel, Lots Numbered Six (6), Seven (7), Eight (8), Nine (9) and Ten (10), in Block Numbered Fifty-two (52), in the City of Vega, Oldham County, Texas. Bids should be mailed to Oldham County Appraisal District, P.O. Box 310, Vega, TX 79092 or delivered to 703 Vega Blvd., Vega, TX on or before December 30, 2009. No bids will be accepted from anyone with delinquent taxes. For more information call 806-267-2442 or e-mail oldhamcad@amaonline.com.
The previous owners, Harry and Tresa Whaley, ran the motel lovingly for years. But it eventually closed because of Harry’s health problems and tragedies on Tresa’s side of the family.
Here’s a description from Legends of America of the motel during its latter-day Route 66 peak:
The Vega Motel, though updated today, still retains its vintage flavor with antique furnishings, individual covered carports, a broad courtyard, original pink and red brick-look exterior, and sheets dried in the West Texas sun. Originally built in 1947 by Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Pancoast, it was first called Vega Court when it catered to the many Route 66 travelers during the Mother Road’s heydays.
Here’s a vintage postcard of the motel. The main motel units have changed little. There is even new neon tubing for the Vega Motel’s sign that is in storage at the property.
A room at the Vega Motel was featured prominently in the video of Vince Gill’s 1990 hit single, “Never Knew Lonely.” Alas, the video was on YouTube, but apparently has been taken down.
Since it’s essentially a tax auction for the Vega Motel, someone has a great opportunity to buy a vintage Route 66 business on the cheap. Perhaps a resourceful entrepreneur can acquire it, and the Vega Motel can rise again as a beacon of the Mother Road.