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When Highway 66 came into being in 1926, we were a young state,
county
and town. Tucumcari and Quay County became the gateway to the Southwest
as
motor vehicle travel became more popular.
Main Street was the heart of Tucumcari in 1926, and some Quay
Countians
still traveled by wagon, but the Main Street of America brought many
changes
to our area. Farsighted businessmen began to build along the highway and
to
cater to the travelers. Wagon yards, blacksmith shops and stables became
history as filling stations, tourist cottages, and cafes came into
being.
Some of the early tourist facilities had kitchenettes for those
travelers
who preferred to cook their own meals. As the demand for prepared meals
increased, cafes sprang into being along the highway. Lin’s Cafe, Jack’s
Cafe
and Frank’s Busy Bee were among the early cafes to provide sustenance
for
travelers and residents alike.
The Dust Bowl Days caused a major "Westering" movement toward the
end of
the Great Depression, and travel on the Mother Road increased. People
began
leaving the land and heading for California in search of their Garden of
Eden. Many, carrying everything they owned, could not afford tourist
accommodations. They could buy a few gallons of gasoline and some
groceries
at the filling stations and small grocery stores that were built along
Highway 66 through Quay County. Towns they visited included Endee, Bard,
San
Jon, Tucumcari, and Montoya.
A number of those travelers became Quay County residents, because
they
arrived here already out of funds on their journey to the "promised
land."
They sought any kind of work they could find and decided to remain and
become
productive in helping our area to grow and prosper.
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World War II created further changes and Highway 66 became an even
more
established part of our town and county. "Motel Row" spread in Tucumcari
as
tourist courts yielded to motels, and cafes were replaced by
restaurants.
Service stations peppered the area, and business boomed for a number of
years.
A drive along our portion of America’s Main Street was most colorful
at
night as the blinking neon signs beckoned weary travelers to stop for
the
night. Those lights made the highway appear to be in constant motion,
and
they provided as much pleasure for the natives as the travelers.
Route 66 changed from a wagon-rut road in our area to a graded,
graveled
thoroughfare, to a paved highway, and with each change more people
traveled
it. The numbers caused a change in the highway system, and more lanes
had to
be added; thus, the interstate system was born. This bypassed old
Highway 66
downtown and the bustle of the road became history.
Historic Route 66 remains a major part of our town and county as
people
seek to recapture the more gracious days of travel. They now drive along
it
as they visit our area and can still spend nights in family-owned motels
and
eat in our numerous local restaurants.
The history of Route 66 can be glimpsed throughout our county and
along
Tucumcari Boulevard. Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce and all
the
businesses welcome you to stay for a while and enjoy the nostalgia of
one
more trip along Historic Route 66. Please take some time to visit the
Scenic
Byways Historic Route 66 Exhibit at Tucumcari Historical Museum, and
view the
monument dedicated to Route 66 on east Tucumcari Boulevard. We welcome
you
and look forward to your return.
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