Redman's Lesson:
Keep History Alive
by Lynn Moncus
We saw an important chapter in the history book close and another
one open with the recent selling of the Blue Swallow Motel. Mrs. Lillian
Redman has helped to keep Tucumcari on the map with the publicity she has
received on behalf of the Blue Swallow. We have read about it in the
National Geographic, German and Japanese publications and almost all books
and stories that have come out about Historic Route 66. We have seen
it on television and have heard about it on radio. We have seen it placed
on the National Historic Register and have watched tour groups stop to visit,
interview Mrs. Redman and take pictures. As we listened to the interview
with her on KTNM, we heard her positive attitude about Tucumcari and the
knowledge that our economy will improve. She has seen many changes in our
town, weathered many storms and knows we have to retain hope. She is
going to have many changes to make in her lifestyle, but she knew what traveling
in a covered wagon was all about and has plenty of pioneering spirit left
to face those changes. Her window on Route 66 may be in other hands, but
she wont lose interest in what is happening around her. As a new chapter
begins for the Sheltons, the new owners of the Blue Swallow, they have much
to look forward to and have many plans to keep the motel an important stop
for travelers on Route 66. They have the traditions of the past to follow
and new ones to create. They have plans for changes as well as plans for
maintaining the historic appearance. They will not be receiving the visitors
from all over the world. We need to take time to thank Mrs. Redman for
all she has done in her quiet way to advertise our area and for meeting
and greeting travelers so graciously. She has always welcomed them warmly
and wished them a safe journey as they have left. We also need to consider
her positive attitude toward our town and adopt it with the same affirmation
she has when she tells us we will see better times. We also need to wish
the new owners well and to stop by to welcome them to Tucumcari.
Lynn Moncus, a member of our association, was born in
the Tucumcari area and taught at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces
for many years. She specialized in Southwestern Literature and Folklore.
She is now Professor Emeritus and enjoys writing about local history. |
New Owners Plan to Refurbish Historic Blue Swallow
Staff report from the Tucumcari SUN
After nearly 40 years, the owner of the historic Blue Swallow Motel
has turned over the keys to new owners. Lillian Redman recently sold the
Route 66 landmark to Gene and Shirley Shelton who came here from Virginia
Gene Shelton said he and his wife purchased the property because he
was looking for something historic. The Blue Swallow was listed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1993, according to local historian
Debra Whittington. I like this old nostalgic stuff," Shelton said.
He plans to paint the building inside and out and install carpet in the
rooms, but he doesnt plan any major changes. Actually, its not in bad
shape," he said. "I basically want to keep it the way it is."
Shelton also said he hopes to discover more details about the motels history.
Whittington said construction of 13 tourist cabins on the site began
in 1939 and was completed in 1942. The garages were added in 1948. Redman,
now 88 years old, received the Blue Swallow as an engagement gift from her
fiance in 1958. The motel was sold because of Redmans declining health.
(If you have any information about the history of the Blue Swallow, please
call Gene or Shirley Shelton at (505) 461-5859, FAX (505) 461-1098, or write
them at 815 Tucumcari Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401.)
Spanning The High Desert:
The Historic Highway Bridges of New Mexico
A new map of the historic highway bridges of
New Mexico, designed by Jan Underwood, has been published
by the New Mexico Highway Department. It displays 17 bridges that played
a large role in the states arid deserts, as well as the lush valleys in
areas like Farmington. The bridges range from masonry culverts and metal
truss designs dating from the territorial period, to relatively recent structures
with great steel arches. We are happy to report that the historic
Rio Puerco Bridge, just off Route 66 about 10 miles west of Albuquerque,
continues to furnish picture taking possibilities for photographers. This
map helps you to locate the bridges. You can discover the historic highway
bridges map of New Mexico by writing the: New Mexico State Highway and Transportation
Department, P.O. Box 1149, Santa Fe, NM, 87504-1149 or call (505) 817-5235.
The maps are free, but it helps if you send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. |
