A collector purchased and removed the 1950s-era neon sign at the Cactus RV Park in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the RV park and former motel there soon may be bought out by a national auto-parts chain. Workers and a truck from SignArt in Albuquerque dismantled and removed the sign Thursday from the property. Johnnie Meier, … Continue reading Cactus RV Park sign in Tucumcari removed; property may be sold
Tag: Tucumcari
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?
Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari put up for sale
Acknowledging "mixed feelings," the owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced they have put the iconic Route 66 property on the market. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller made the announcement Monday night in a Facebook post. It stated: We’ve given our hearts, souls, and financial resources over eight seasons, working to … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari put up for sale
What is the capital of Route 66?
Tulsa World newspaper columnist John Klein a few days ago wrote an essay with this provocative title: "Tulsa is already the heart of Route 66. Soon it will also be the capital of the Mother Road." Klein lays out his case with quotes from Route 66 Alliance officers Michael Wallis and Ken Busby, who hope … Continue reading What is the capital of Route 66?
Rockin’ Route 66 replaces Rockabilly on the Route festival in Tucumcari
A new organization announced a Rockin' Route 66 rockabilly-themed festival in June 2019 in Tucumcari, New Mexico -- two years after the town's Rockabilly on the Route event went on hiatus. Representatives from Garage 71 and Grease Inc. made the announcement in late June about the new festival, but news of it surfaced on Facebook this … Continue reading Rockin’ Route 66 replaces Rockabilly on the Route festival in Tucumcari
Route 66 Wedding Chapel, two related businesses close
The co-owner of Route 66 Wedding Chapel, Mother Road Old Time Photos and Christmas Shop of Tucumcari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Monday those shops closed and possibly will move to Tennessee because of health issues and family obligations. The three businesses were housed in one storefront across the street from the historic Blue Swallow … Continue reading Route 66 Wedding Chapel, two related businesses close
The man behind many of Tucumcari’s murals
The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, New Mexico, boasts so much public artwork, it's proclaimed itself the "City of Murals" in one of its \brochures. What many don't realize is one man -- Doug Quarles -- was responsible for creating about 85 percent of those murals. And he will create more murals in Tucumcari in … Continue reading The man behind many of Tucumcari’s murals
Tucumcari a contender again for racino
Tucumcari, New Mexico, again is a candidate for a state license to establish a casino and horse-racing venue - also known as a racino -- along Route 66. The Eastern New Mexico News reports Clovis, New Mexico, and Tucumcari are in the running for the state's last available license. The newspaper reported: Warren Frost represents … Continue reading Tucumcari a contender again for racino
Big weekend for Route 66 festivals wraps up
Several big Route 66 festivals this past weekend -- Illinois Red Carpet Corridor Festival in northern Illinois, the Arizona Route 66 Fun Run, and Rawhide Days in Tucumcari, New Mexico. From the Fun Run's start in Seligman and nearby Grand Canyon Caverns, longtime roadie Frank Kocevar put together this video that stars Angel "Guardian Angel … Continue reading Big weekend for Route 66 festivals wraps up
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