Making a miniature version of Sun ‘n Sand Motel sign in Santa Rosa

Chris Raley of Fresno, California, is an apparent aficionado of old-time neon signs, so he makes miniature versions of them. Here's a speeded-up time-lapse video that shows how he built a second larger (but still miniature) version of the Sun 'n Sand Motel sign that still stands along Route 66 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, … Continue reading Making a miniature version of Sun ‘n Sand Motel sign in Santa Rosa

New marquee installed at Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa

The reopening of a Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, apparently is drawing near. Workers recently installed the marquee for the historic venue, one of the last steps in the theater's restoration. According to two photographs published in the print edition of The Communicator in Santa Rosa, workers from Ram Studios Signs of … Continue reading New marquee installed at Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa

Classical Gas Museum owner makes new pitch for Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa

Johnnie Meier, owner of the Classical Gas Museum and a longtime Route 66 advocate, presented a new set of ideas for establishing a Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. According to the May 16 print edition of The Communicator newspaper in Santa Rosa, the city recently took control of the refurbished and century-old … Continue reading Classical Gas Museum owner makes new pitch for Route 66 museum in Santa Rosa

Signs taken away from long-closed Sahara Lounge in Santa Rosa

The neon signs for the long-closed Sahara Lounge on the west side of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, were hauled away Thursday morning by an Albuquerque company. Richard Delgado, who lives in Santa Rosa, sent along this image of workers from SignArt taking down the last of the the signs. Here is a Facebook post from … Continue reading Signs taken away from long-closed Sahara Lounge in Santa Rosa

Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa expected to reopen by April

The Pecos Theatre along the original Route 66 in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is expected to reopen in April after a lengthy renovation by Guadalupe County, the owner of the historic property. The most recent print edition of The Communicator newspaper in Santa Rosa, citing county manager Kenneth Flores, had the scoop: Last week, … Continue reading Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa expected to reopen by April

Was there a ban of black customers at Route 66 motels in eastern New Mexico?

Roland Penttila, a reader of this website based in Albuquerque, emailed this 1955 newspaper clipping a few days ago: Penttila wrote: While many white families have fond memories of their auto adventures along Route 66 during its heyday, too little is remembered of how difficult it was for African Americans to travel U.S. highways including … Continue reading Was there a ban of black customers at Route 66 motels in eastern New Mexico?

Business plan approved for Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa

The historic Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, will screen both first- and second-run movies as well as stage live entertainment and events under a business plan approved by county commissioners last week. According to the print edition of The Communicator, based on Santa Rosa: Gillian Joyce of Rio Chiquito Research and Consulting of … Continue reading Business plan approved for Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa

New Mexico Tourism produces new video about Route 66

A few days ago, the New Mexico Tourism Department uploaded a 12-minute video about Route 66 in the Land of Enchantment. Typical of the department's New Mexico True videos, it's a high-quality production: I commend it to your attention. https://youtu.be/3hLVfSQlzs4 Interviewed in the film are: Johnnie Meier, owner of the Classical Gas Museum in Embudo … Continue reading New Mexico Tourism produces new video about Route 66

Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa may reopen in September

The historic but long-closed Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, may reopen by September, according to an architect overseeing its renovations. The Communicator, based in Santa Rosa, reported in its Dec. 28 print edition project architect Kevin Belciar told the Guadalupe County Commission what work remained. In a brief but pointed presentation, he … Continue reading Pecos Theatre in Santa Rosa may reopen in September

Santa Rosa newspaper soon will change hands

The Guadalupe County Communicator, a weekly newspaper based in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, that caught nationwide attention in 2009 when a well-known, laid-off veteran journalist bought it, soon will turn over the office keys to another veteran journalist. Communicator owner and publisher M.E. Sprengelmeyer made the announcement during his  "From the Publisher" column in the … Continue reading Santa Rosa newspaper soon will change hands