Two microbreweries open along Route 66 despite coronavirus disruptions

This past month, two microbreweries have opened along Route 66 despite the economic turmoil and disruptions created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic -- a sign of hope if there ever was one. Wally Kennedy, a writer at the Joplin Globe, noted that ray of sunshine amid the clouds during a recent column: So when something … Continue reading Two microbreweries open along Route 66 despite coronavirus disruptions

“Bless Me, Ultima” author Rudolfo Anaya dies at age 82

Rudolfo Anaya, author of the acclaimed novel "Bless Me, Ultima" and the widely acknowledged founder of Chicano literature, died Sunday at age 82. He spent much of his childhood in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and remains the Route 66 town's most famous person. Anaya was in declining health in recent years, his niece told the … Continue reading “Bless Me, Ultima” author Rudolfo Anaya dies at age 82

Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque

A long-awaited feature in the New Mexico Route 66 Association's publication reveals fascinating details about the much-discussed (and cussed) Glorieta Station and its neon-sign collection in Albuquerque. Nick Gerlich, a marketing professor at West Texas A&M University and a Route 66 enthusiast, wrote the article for the current, spring 2020 edition of the association's Route … Continue reading Article reveals more details about Glorieta Station’s sign collection in Albuquerque

New Mexico Route 66 Association hands out three Heritage Awards

The New Mexico Route 66 Association recently gave out Heritage Awards to Glenn's Bakery in Gallup, May Cafe in Albuquerque and Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa for their efforts at revitalization. The Pecos Theatre at 219 S. Fourth St. (aka Route 66) was honored for renovating the oldest theater on Route 66, built in 1917. … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association hands out three Heritage Awards

What happened to musician Jim Sullivan near Santa Rosa nearly 45 years ago?

It sounds like something from an enigmatic novel -- a praised but obscure singer-songwriter who sang about UFOs vanishes without a trace near the Route 66 town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, leading to speculation he was picked up by one of those flying saucers he mentioned. Decades after his disappearance, a record company reissues … Continue reading What happened to musician Jim Sullivan near Santa Rosa nearly 45 years ago?

Route 66 Restaurant in Santa Rosa closes

The stalwart Route 66 Restaurant along that historic highway in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, closed Sept. 14, according to the local newspaper. The Sept. 19 print edition of The Communicator showed a photograph of the restaurant on an inside page with this caption: An empty building along Historic Route 66 now stands after the old … Continue reading Route 66 Restaurant in Santa Rosa closes

Restored Pecos Theatre reopens in Santa Rosa

The years-long restoration of the Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, culminated with its gala reopening Saturday. Visit Santa Rosa New Mexico posted the relighting of the marquee and other images from Saturday night: As you can see from this performance, the revitalized Pecos is being used as a performance venue as well … Continue reading Restored Pecos Theatre reopens in Santa Rosa

Club Cafe signs removed from Santa Rosa

The two remaining neon signs for the long-closed Club Cafe in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, were removed Friday, according to several folks on social media who snapped photos of the dismantling. Daniel Chavez wrote on Facebook on Friday afternoon: So long Club Café neon signs. I’m sure you were a welcoming sight for many travelers … Continue reading Club Cafe signs removed from Santa Rosa

Pecos Theatre plans grand reopening Sept. 7-8

The century-old Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, will hold a grand reopening Sept. 7-8 after more than $1 million in renovations and improvements. The Communicator newspaper's current print edition said the Guadalupe County Commission, which owns the theater, announced the event. The gala will include a block party with live music and … Continue reading Pecos Theatre plans grand reopening Sept. 7-8

Johnnie Meier frustrated with delays over Santa Rosa Route 66 museum

Johnnie Meier last week publicly voiced his frustrations with delays over establishing a Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and later said alternate sites for the museum likely "are on the table." The Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse in Santa Rosa. Meier, who owns the Classical Gas Museum in Embudo, New Mexico, and is a former … Continue reading Johnnie Meier frustrated with delays over Santa Rosa Route 66 museum