A Galaxy of Neon

By Johnnie America
“Looking west on Central Avenue from the Santa Fe Railroad overpass, Albuquerque is reputed to have the most brightly lighted main street in America. This galaxy of neon makes it an easily believed fact.”

That is the caption on the reverse side of a postcard showing a nighttime view of downtown Albuquerque. A galaxy of neon! Yes, Albuquerque was a neon oasis with hundreds of neon signs beckoning tourists and locals. Motels, cafes, curio shops, gas stations, movie theaters, retail stores, bars, and even banks announced their presence with neon. David Kammer, in his report, “The Historical and Architectural Resources of Route 66 Through New Mexico,” cites the fact that in 1955, 98 motels lined Route 66 in Albuquerque. Well, then, it is very likely each motel had a neon sign.
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