City Tucumcari approves landmarks ordinance for historic Route 66 neon signs

By a 3-2 vote, the Tucumcari City Commission last week approved a landmark ordinance for the town's several dozen historic neon signs along its Route 66 corridor. The proposed ordinance had been rejected in December when it first was introduced, but it was reworked and resubmitted last month. Johnnie Meier, a former president of the … Continue reading City Tucumcari approves landmarks ordinance for historic Route 66 neon signs

Tucumcari reconsiders, advances landmark sign ordinance proposal

After prodding by officers from the New Mexico Route 66 Association, the Tucumcari City Commission last week passed a first reading of a proposed landmark ordinance for the town's historic Route 66 neon signs. However, final passage by the commission likely faces an uphill battle because of concerns about the ordinance infringing on property rights. … Continue reading Tucumcari reconsiders, advances landmark sign ordinance proposal

Albuquerque collector gets historic sign after it can’t move to Route 66

Lord knows Glorieta Station's burgeoning neon sign collection in Albuquerque has been cussed and discussed on social media for months. But its latest acquisition probably was the best outcome for a restaurant that was moving to Route 66. Monroe's Mexican Food on Christmas Eve moved from its longtime location at 1520 Lomas Blvd. to a … Continue reading Albuquerque collector gets historic sign after it can’t move to Route 66

Tucumcari commissioners reject landmark ordinance for historic neon signs

The Tucumcari City Commission last week by a 3-2 vote rejected a landmark ordinance that would have added a layer of protection for historic neon signs -- a sign of how property rights make such proposals a tough sell. One of the commissioners who rejected the plan, Todd Duplantis, owns two Route 66 restaurants in … Continue reading Tucumcari commissioners reject landmark ordinance for historic neon signs

More screenings announced for “Almost Ghosts” Route 66 documentary

The filmmakers of the "Almost Ghosts" documentary have announced more screenings of the film at several historic theaters on or near Route 66. A screen-capture image of Angel Delgadillo in the "Almost Ghosts" film. The Flagstaff screening will feature one of the film's subjects, Angel "Angel of Route 66" Delgadillo, speaking before the movie. At … Continue reading More screenings announced for “Almost Ghosts” Route 66 documentary

Local restaurateur buys Kix on 66 in Tucumcari

A local restaurateur recently purchased Kix on 66, a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant in Tucumcari, New Mexico, that's found favor with both Route 66 travelers and locals. Todd Duplantis, owner of Cornerstone First Edition Pizza and Subs down the road from Kix, closed on the deal last week with Yvette Peacock and Yvonne Braziel, who'd owned the … Continue reading Local restaurateur buys Kix on 66 in Tucumcari

Longtime Tucumcari motel co-owner, author Debra Whittington dies

Debra Whittington, the longtime co-owner of the Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and author of historical books about Tucumcari, died Monday after a lengthy illness. She was 61. Whittington also co-owned the Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast in Tucumcari, a 1908 two-story Victorian home near downtown Tucumcari she and her husband, Mark, restored and … Continue reading Longtime Tucumcari motel co-owner, author Debra Whittington dies

Beto O’Rourke’s day on Route 66 in Tucumcari

A few days ago, former congressman and possible presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke spent a day in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to meet with local folks and research a bit of his family history there. O'Rourke, a Democrat, rose to national prominence last year after he lost an unexpectedly close 3-point U.S. Senate race in deeply Republican … Continue reading Beto O’Rourke’s day on Route 66 in Tucumcari

Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor

Some details about the Rockin' Route 66 festival in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on June 27-30 were released last week, revealing a few key differences from the festival's predecessor, Rockabilly on the Route. -- First, Rockin' Route 66 will not feature just rockabilly music, as its forerunner did. According to an email from Brian Whitcomb, president … Continue reading Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor

Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period

The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Claremore MainStreet recently finished the first of several murals that will be painted in downtown alleys. The first mural, painted by John Hammer, portrays Route 66, Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and astronaut Stuart Roosa. Both grew up in Claremore. The city stated this about the mural program several weeks … Continue reading Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period