Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1

The south wing of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, likely will open to overnight travelers for the first time in decades on April 1. The hotel's Facebook page posted this brief announcement on Monday: Friday we passed our elevator and fire inspections 😇. We should be able to open the south wing … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1

Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21

Workers plan to finish a multiyear restoration of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, by spring and fully reopen it by June 21, according to a video posted Tuesday on the hotel's blog. The hotel hopes to have the south wing ready for overnight occupancy by March and will take reservations for … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel plans to fully reopen by June 21

Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Hotel Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sunday unveiled a new replica of a sign that graced the historic hotel's main tower for decades. The 1898 hotel hasn't reopened yet, but the big moment Sunday serves as a major sign of the imminent revival of the former Harvey House. Hotel Castaneda probably will reopen … Continue reading Replica of Hotel Castaneda sign unveiled

Earl’s Motor Court in Winslow changes hands

Earl's Motor Court, a longtime fixture along Route 66 in Winslow, Arizona, changed owners this summer, but little else will change at the motel itself. Angela Archibeque said during a phone interview Sunday she and her boyfriend Blas Sanchez, both Winslow natives, bought the motel for $190,000 in July after its longtime matriarch, Floranel Earl, … Continue reading Earl’s Motor Court in Winslow changes hands

Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

Allan Affeldt, the savior of La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, who is restoring the Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently acquired another historic property south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Affeldt now owns the Legal Tender restaurant and saloon in the village of Lamy, New … Continue reading Affeldt acquires historic saloon near Santa Fe

Did Mary Colter fabricate her role as a Fred Harvey Company architect?

For decades, historians cited Mary Colter as the key architect and designer for early 20th-century buildings in the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad, including iconic structures at Grand Canyon National Park and La Posada in Winslow, Arizona. A book published last month on Amazon Kindle by Fred Shaw with the title "False … Continue reading Did Mary Colter fabricate her role as a Fred Harvey Company architect?

Needles chamber may move to El Garces

  The chamber of commerce of Needles, California, is proposing a move into the historic El Garces railroad complex, built in 1908 as a Harvey House in that city. Jerry Telles, a member of the chamber, made the pitch during a recent Needles City Council meeting, according to the Needles Desert Star. The chamber of … Continue reading Needles chamber may move to El Garces

La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening

Allan Affeldt, known for restoring La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, is hoping for a summer 2019 reopening of his latest project, La Castaneda in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper published a long article about the former Harvey House restaurant and hotel built in 1898. Affeldt so far has spent about … Continue reading La Castaneda shoots for a summer 2019 reopening

Author traveling Route 66 in 1930 Ford Model A for book project

Noted author and retired professor T. Lindsay Baker is traveling Route 66 in a 1930 Ford Model A as part of research into a book he'll be writing about restaurants and dining along the Mother Road. Tulsa World columnist Ginnie Graham caught up with Baker last week in Tulsa. The article is far-ranging and ought … Continue reading Author traveling Route 66 in 1930 Ford Model A for book project

La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month

La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will begin a $2 million first phase of restoration of its east grounds and railroad depot in July. According to a Facebook post a few days ago from hotel owner Allan Affeldt, the project eventually will become the Winslow Arts Museum. More details: The Winslow Art Museum will explore … Continue reading La Posada to begin restoration of east grounds, depot next month