Keeping up with the Jones
by Sherri Brueggemann
I am delighted to be writing this follow up to the article in last
quarter's newsletter about the historic old Jones Motor Company building.
As I mentioned then, the Bernalillo County Commission voted to include on
the November election General Obligation Bonds ballot an appropriation to
purchase the building and save it from possible destruction. We, the voters
of Bernalillo County, simply had to vote in favor of the Parks and Recreational
Facilities Bond package. I am please to say that the Parks bond passed with
68% in favor. Congratulations Bernalillo County, and everyone else who appreciates
historic Route 66 architecture! The building is now on it's way to becoming
the Route 66 Community Cultural Center.
Over the past year, a group called the Nob Hill Highland Renaissance
Corporation has been leading this project. In the near future, the Renaissance
Corporation will be hosting public input sessions to determine exactly what
the Route 66 Community Cultural Center will consist of. While the building's
location in the heart of Nob Hill limits its full potential as a 10,000
square foot Route 66 Museum, it can most certainly exhibit Americana and
Route 66 memorabilia in a variety of ways. Most museums need vast amounts
of parking, especially for the large semi-trucks whose drivers often visit.
Unfortunately, the Jones building does not have that kind of flexibility.
Other uses may include a historic design resource center for property
owners of other great pieces of Route 66 architecture, community rooms for
meetings and workshops, an exhibit area that could feature everything from
a Historic Route 66 photo display to actual cars, and an intimate performance
venue where great tunes from all eras may be heard.
If you have any ideas about uses for the building, its garages and courtyard
space, please let us know. Your comments, ideas, stories or old photos can
be shared with Sherri Brueggemann, Route 66 Cultural Center Committee, Nob
Hill Highland Renaissance Corporation, c/o 308 Wellesley Dr SE, Albuquerque,
NM 87106, or by calling (505) 255-3519. |
Sparkling Jewels on Display in Rio Rancho
By Nate Skousen, Jr.
Over fifty "Sparkling Jewels" reside in a 15,000 square
foot museum located between Rio Rancho and Bernalillo on NM Highway 52.
(at least these magnificently restored vintage cars and trucks sparkle like
jewels). The J&R VINTAGE AUTO MUSEUM is owned by the Joiner family:
Gab and Evonna Joiner, and their daughter and son-in-law, Melvonna and Bobby
Roy. Archie Lewis, chief engineer, meticulously performs the restoration
work in a building adjacent to the large and immaculate showroom.
Shine and sparkle is just one part of a large job. First comes the fine
tuning and getting everything in working order. Both Evonna and Gab have
won numerous awards in cross-country Vintage Automobile races, such as the
M.B.N.A. Great American Race. The cars are for sale, but your favorite may
cost as much as $100,000.
Gab also owns the Joiner Construction Company, and his firm has built
many of the streets in Rio Rancho. Prior to this, Gab worked on many road
projects across New Mexico, including Route 66.
Stop by soon to see these sparkling jewels at 3650-A NM Highway 528 in
Rio Rancho.
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