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BY NICK GERLICH
Dream Maker Station Route 66 Souvenir and Gift Shop opened last April in Adrian, adjacent to the celebrated midpoint of the Mother Road. Jason and Kelly Snyder moved from Ohio to open the shop, the culmination of a dream hatched after their 2018 trip down 66. It wasn’t until 2021, though, that they discovered the former Sunflower Station was for sale. Frank Hauser, who had previously owned the Midpoint Cafe next door, had run a small gift shop there before deciding to retire. While the Snyders went west hoping to find a suitable commercial property in Arizona, opportunity knocked several hundred miles east, something that Kelly attributes to divine intervention. “I am an avid prayer,” Kelly said. “I believe in God. If this is something we’re supposed to be doing, I know He will show us where it’s at. “We pulled up to the Midpoint Cafe, saw the ‘For Sale’ sign next door, and I kept hearing, ‘Call that number’.” She did, and they wound up buying the station. When asked how two Midwesterners ended up in Adrian, her answer is simple: “Our story was in Arizona. God’s story was right here.” They had planned on a 2023 opening, but health issues caused them to delay that for a year. The shop carries a wide line of Harley Davidson merchandise, as well as Route 66 souvenirs ranging from wearables to knick-knacks, signs, blankets, mugs, Christmas ornaments and more. The couple plans to grill burgers and hot dogs during summer evenings in 2025 on a donation basis, as well as build cabins behind the shop. “We started out with $2,500 of merchandise on April 4 when we opened, and we have plowed every penny back into it,” she explained. “Getting a business on Route 66, you have to really love the road to do what you do there. You have to love the people. For me, it’s the excitement on everybody’s face that comes in there,” she said. “It’s not about the money; it’s about the people, keeping the road alive.” The station was built in 1934 at a time when the road through Adrian was little more than 20 years old, having begun as part of the Ozark Trail network of roads, and then added as part of Route 66 in 1926. West from here the road drops off the Caprock Escarpment, and towns become few and far between. Jason and Kelly Snyder are excited to be in business on 66, and love meeting people from across the country and the world. They plan for Dream Maker Station to be their semi-retirement jobs. BY ALAN CARLSON The New Mexico Council of Car Clubs honored one of their founders, Joyce Clements, at a meeting in October of 2024. The spry 85-year-old was given a thank you card and gifts, and those attending were served pizza, salad, and some sweets. Several people told stories about Joyce and conveyed their heart-felt gratitude for all she has done for the car-collecting community. From its beginning in her kitchen, with six car clubs, the Council now has over sixty clubs statewide. Joyce was born in Georgia, one of eight children. Her father joined the U S Army Air Force in 1942; the family lived in other states and Japan. She remembers being fascinated by Route 66, rolling tumbleweeds ,and long distances between towns, when they moved to Gallup, NM. After moving to Albuquerque, she attended Highland High School and UNM, then got a job at the Bank of New Mexico at Central and Richmond. Joyce met Jim Clements in 1957; he operated a hobby shop at 1704 Central Ave. S.E. in the early 1960s. They married in 1966, and enjoyed traveling the back roads of New Mexico in their Land Rover. Both eventually returned to school; Joyce became a teacher, while Jim was in the car and real estate business. It was during their car hobby activities in 1977 when Joyce got the idea for the Council. In an article she wrote several years ago, Joyce said: “The original intent of the Council was to form a group who could cooperatively sponsor a Swap Meet and a Car Show, set up a calendar of automotive events for all clubs involved, become self-supporting, serve as a (source) of information and legislation for the automotive hobby, and promote that hobby to the general public.” Through their efforts, the NMCCC held many successful automotive Swap Meets and continues to sponsor the yearly Albuquerque Museum Car Show. While her retirement from the organization will have an impact, Joyce has inspired and encouraged others to volunteer. Their son, Will, born in 1980, is a chip off the old engine block. He shares his parents’ love for the car hobby. Will grew up at meetings of the Old Car Club of Albuquerque and the Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club; he helps Jim and Joyce keep track of their large collection of cars, parts and literature. The three of them drove their original 1940 Ford coupe to New York, in September of 2024, to attend a V8 Ford event. Joyce has written fashion articles and can dress in clothing which corresponds to the year of vehicle she is in. Our best wishes to the Car Council; we hope one day they can re-Joyce!  Left: Joyce with 1940 Ford at New Mexico State Fair Car Show, circa 1970. Clements’ Collection. Right: Jim and Joyce with their 1940 Ford Coupe in 1995. Clements’ Collection.  Left: Joyce and Jim at the October 2024 Swap Meet. Author’s photo. Right: Joyce honored at the NMCCC meeting. John Doran photo.
BY GARY HERRON It’s not the first old motel on Central Avenue, aka Route 66, in Albuquerque to be refurbished, nor will it be the last. It’s just nice to have the Imperial 400 Motel, built in 1964, gussied up but a total renovation inside and out, look new again in November 2024. The “400” from the original name is a goner, but back in 1974, you could have owned a directory of the Imperial 400 motels nationwide—there were 91 of them in 32 states, coast-to-coast, but only one in New Mexico: this one. “Stay with us at night. Start the day right,” it proclaimed on the directory’s cover. According to socalarchhistory.blog.spot.com, these Imperial 400s “took note of the award-winning and extremely popular tract housing designed by Southern California architects Palmer & Krisel, and in 1959 commissioned them to design a prototype motel and the rights to build using their design on four other sites. P&K designed the first motel, then obtained the building permit and oversaw construction of the $240,000 complex on Sunset Blvd. across the street from Hollywood High School. … The design proved so wildly successful that Imperial immediately launched its franchise campaign and began building motels with virtually the same design all across the United States.” “The firm adopted a logo of a thrifty Scotsman in a kilt and the slogan, ‘Aye, royal accommodations at thrifty rates.” In 1987, Interpart S.A., a Luxembourg-based firm, bought the chain and it was dissolved. Numerous Imperial 400s still exist, but under different names – until recently. The Duke City facility was known as the Imperial Inn Motel. Veteran Route 66 travelers will recognize the “butterfly-sun flap” on this building, typical of Imperial 400s through the years. Of course, today you can’t get the front desk or call a thrifty Scotsman by dialing the old number. New on the site is the Imperial Dive Bar, the “Mojo Rising” coffee shop, featuring Red Rock Roasters—with the beans roasted onsite—and where guests check in. Also new on the property are retail spaces and an events center for gatherings, including weddings, board meetings, etc., plus a laundry room. The neon sign has been restored and put back into operation. Located at 701 Central NE, you could still use the copy on the back of the vintage 1960s postcard that guests could have sent to their friend and relatives, like people used to do: “Located in downtown Albuquerque, near the junction of routes 25 and 66. A pleasant place to stay for rest, relaxation, or to make a headquarters for your business trip into the heart of the city. Large swimming pool. Restaurants nearby.” Well-known Duke City photographer Dick Kent took the photo for the postcard (pictured below).  “I think it that it’s is something that is new and fresh,” said Miguel Duran, of Somos Destinations and the motel’s hospitality area manager. He’s a 22-year veteran of the hospitality industry, with the last 20 years spent in New Mexico. “The food hall and all the revitalization of this area, specifically, I think it has a lot to offer.” “I also think we’re keeping the original concept, and the theme of the property speaks to Route 66 as well,” Duran added. “I think it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for adventure.” And it’s become a place for employment, with 20 employees at the Imperial. The Imperial Motel is .7 mile west of University Blvd. There are 55 units, and 18 of those are suites. The standard rate starts out at $159, said Duran. It has eight unfurnished apartments and extended-stay units, primarily for travel nurses. “It’s extremely well-lit; the parking lot is very well-lit,” Duran said, when asked about security. “We also provide security services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.” A special event on Nov. 20 attracted Duke City media and those curious to see what’s new at the Imperial; a ribbon-cutting took place in January 2024, although “a lot of elements were missing” that day.  Left: The renovated Imperial Motel. Right: Miguel Duran, of Somos Destinations and the motel’s hospitality area manager
BY TIM HAGAMAN The oldest business established in 1908 remaining on the Ozark Trail (1918) and Route 66 (1926) in New Mexico. GW Richardson first established his first 1908 Mercantile Store from Missouri at the Chicago, Rock Island Southern Pacific Cattle Shipping stop north of the existing store on Route 66. It was near the original townsite occupied by hard-working cowboys at the T 4 Ranch Headquarters. The existing 1928 Richardson Store Ruin gateway to the Llano Estacado, blankets the warm 4321elevation sandwiched between the Mesa Rica to the north of the Jose Pablo Montoya Mexican Land Grant, and Mesa de las Palomas to the south like a Serape. Just two hours west of Amarillo, Texas, is found a beautiful three-foot-thick sandstone 3500 square foot store with an open skylight residence, and five lodging rooms with blue skies lacking a roof. I was born in the same year that Interstate 40 began replacing Route 66 in Quay County during 1959. Construction was not finished until Gallup in 1980 at the Arizona state line. I spent eight years in Gallup along Route 66 thanks to former Gallup mayor AT Hannett (1918-1922) and later New Mexico governor from 1925-1927. An event plaque walking tour I authored in Historic Gallup states that AT Hannett designated the Old Trails Highway to Route 66, which led a straight alignment to Gallup. The Ozark Trail connected Saint Louis with East Las Vegas through Montoya in 1918 when wagon trails ruled. An Automobile Map Compiled for the Commercial Club of Las Vegas, New Mexico, for the benefit of Tourists, the Ozark Trail from Saint Louis to East Las Vegas, is a rare map found in the TT Hagaman Southwest Collection loaned to Museums and Libraries for public exhibiting. Mrs. Richardson managed the former Montoya Post Office located in the sandstone structure. Modern metal cluster mail boxes connect Montoya residents whom once shopped for ranching supplies. Local ranchers have asked me what my plans are for this less than 10 acre property. Masons built this as a store, residence, and lodging; I will preserve and restore it as it was built, with the exception of its original hipped roof, with a slightly pitched tin roof supported by vigas that were burned during wildfires in Mora and San Miguel Counties. The front façade does not exist so I will manufacture a thirty- foot wall in Las Vegas, New Mexico, at B Public Prefab, with a glass front door and pair of framed store windows with new tin roof overhanging, all shading the former gas station pump pedestals that still exist. A Gulf sign walked off after the store closed in 1978. My all-original 1978 Ford Mustang 11 with sales invoice sold in Springer, New Mexico, will be parked out front as if Billy the Kid left it while riding his mustang. He is buried in nearby Fort Sumner and rode what became the famous landmark Bell Ranch to Tascosa, Texas, before being captured by Jim East, Frank Stuart, and Pat Garrett in Stinking Springs, barricaded in a small stone house with their horses keeping them warm, a day’s mule ride south of Montoya. Everything that was made of frame will be removed, with the exception of existing doors and windows. Doors will be updated with electronic key entry for those seeking corporate housing at anytime of the day or night. Livestock pen housing will be provided as an option. An annual Montoya 4th of July Picnic will be scheduling annually to honor our cultural musicians of the past. The Montoya Cemetery is a living history example in our community. Not everyone can focus a vision through a ruin, but we must take ownership to save our historic properties that speak the past through their unique southwest architecture. Santa Fe’s own Kaisa Barthuli, Project Manager with the National Park Service Route 66 Office, reminded me of the Santa Domingo Trading Post that survived a fire because of adobe construction, and was preserved through an Economic Development Administration Matching Grant. Built by the Seligman Family in 1922 and visited by President John F. Kennedy, it retained its National Register of Historic Places status. We must have urgency to conduct planning for local incentives in historic preservation, economic development, creative industries, and food security to offer diversity in rural Main Street, New Mexico. Lastly, I wish to thank the many thousands of YouTubers traveling between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa who provide content on Route 66 through Montoya, Newkirk, and Cuervo. They have inspired this project on the Goodnight Loving Cattle Trail connecting Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana Territories from 1866-1875. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Hagaman is an actor, writer, and speaker, and has appeared on the History Channel. He has published articles and programs on Cartography, Economic Development, Historic Preservation, and Wild West History. He shares his TT Hagaman Southwest Collection with Museums and Libraries. [email protected]  The oldest business established in 1908 remaining on the Ozark Trail (1918) and Route 66 (1926) in
New Mexico. The Richardson Store: new sign (left), southwest elevation (center), and north store interior (right). The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, in collaboration with the National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program (NPS), is providing an update and preview of national-level Route 66 Centennial activities and events that have been approved by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. legislated intent of the Commission, and its work to date:
THE ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL WEBSITE Launching in early 2025, the Route 66 Centennial website is designed to:
SIGNS ARE AGLOW ONCE AGAIN IN TUCUMCARI The New Mexico Route 66 Association has completed neon restoration of several iconic signs in Tucumcari damaged by golf ball sized hail on May 27, 2023. A neon sign damage assessment by the association identified more than 60 pieces of broken neon tubing distributed among 12 classic neon signs in Tucumcari. Businesses affected were predominantly small mom-and-pop enterprises that could not afford the financial and human resource commitment needed to repair their signs along what is arguably one of the most-photographed and admired segments of the Mother Road. New Mexico Route 66 Association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee stated, “The economic impact of tourists coming each year to Tucumcari specifically, and New Mexico Route 66 in general, is tallied in millions of dollars, and one of the main attractions is vintage signs. To be able to photograph them in operating order is typically a highlight of a Route 66 journey.” “Small businesses face a cost-prohibitive situation when attempting to hire commercial sign crews, which is exacerbated for rural communities like Tucumcari where the closest commercial sign companies capable of servicing neon signs are located more than 100 miles away.” She explained that the efforts of the association have saved these business owners a substantial amount on repairing their signs. “We made several trips to Tucumcari to bring the magic back to this city,” Beasley-Lee explained. “We offered free services to remove broken tubing, made patterns, and delivered them to SkyRite Sign Company in Amarillo where veteran neon tube bender, Cecil Walker, created new pieces that we picked up and installed. The association also served as point-of-contact, representing the neon sign owners in Tucumcari in transactions with the team in Amarillo. The New Mexico Route 66 Association covered 50% of neon costs with a 50% match from sign owners. Additionally, transformers—which supply power within the sign to light up the tubes—were tested. Those no longer working were replaced. More complex electrical issues were assessed by neon professionals with electrical backgrounds. Neon-sign restoration specialist Paul Greenstein was flown in from Los Angeles twice to provide his expert services, free of charge for the cause. He has been making, restoring, and installing neon signs since 1977. In May of 2023, upon learning of the devastation to the neon signage in Tucumcari, Beasley-Lee initiated a Go-Fund-Me campaign for those who wanted to support the association and Tucumcari in the repair of the neon signs. The fund, combined with donations sent directly to the association, totaled over $12,000 worldwide. The Go-Fund-Me initiative allowed the association to begin the neon restoration project. Word of the project reached the National Trust for Historic Preservation who presented the association with a $50,000 Preserve Route 66 Grant to assist with the project. “This was an extremely high honor for association, and I am proud to see us recognized with this funding for our state preservation efforts,” boasted Beasley-Lee. The scale of the repair efforts in Tucumcari provided an excellent opportunity for hands-on neon repair examples. Discussions with the NTHP regarding this led to funds also being provided to produce two troubleshooting neon repair videos. Fast TV Network, home of the hit series Legends of Route 66, was hired for the filming. Fast TV Network captured extensive footage of the repair process. President and CEO Mike Lee stated, “We documented every step of the process, not only for historic value, but also so that others could learn from them.” A downloadable checklist, to assist those tackling their own neon sign repair, will also be available free of charge. “Neon signs are among the most important aspects of Historic Route 66,” Beasley-Lee asserted. “It is critical that we keep as many working as possible. The videos will be a tremendous help to sign owners, enabling them to do their own repairs whenever it is feasible.” Unfortunately, the project took longer than expected, some businesses missed out on the grant funds all together. One did not pay their final bill following a retaliation by restoration team member, Johnnie Meier, against the association after being reprimanded regarding complaints by some business owners about unprofessional conduct. Also addressed were poor performance and providing incorrect quotes for the NTPH grant paperwork. Meier, owner of Classical Gas Museum, along with Vickie Ashcraft, owner of Enchanted Trails RV Park and Trading Post, and Connie Loveland, executive director of Tucumcari Mainstreet proceeded to hijack the associations bank accounts, most of which were grant and donations for the neon project. Additionally, neon supplies purchased for the restoration project were locked away from the association inside the Tucumcari Train Depot by Loveland. While this was taking place, false allegations were being spread claiming association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee had resigned, with Ashcraft stepping in as interim president. Beasley-Lee was also falsely accused of running off with a portion of these funds. Beasley-Lee shared, “Through this terrible ordeal that started in March of 2024, my focus was, and has always been, on the best interest of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, its members, and the Route 66 communities throughout our state.” Bank accounts have been recovered by the newly elected board of directors with a minimal amount of funds missing. Meier, Ashcraft, and Loveland are no longer a part of the board or the association. See past updates on the project.   ROUTE 66 ROAD AHEAD PARTNERSHIP
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is pleased to announce ten grant awards from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. The 2024 round of the Micro-Grant program was completed in September, with $2,000 awards made to:
The grant program is funded in part by a grant from the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition to direct fundraising efforts undertaken by the Road Ahead, the public may make direct donations to the Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program online at 100extraordinarywomen.com/route-66- extraordinary-women-initiative. The Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program provides critical and flexible funding to businesses and attractions located along Route 66 that are majority women-owned or operated. The Grant Program is one in a series of “birthday gifts” to be given to Route 66 in the years leading up to the historic road’s one-hundredth birthday in 2026. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership Board of Directors held its third quarter meeting on August 9, 2024. Reports were presented by the Partnership’s Working Groups and updates on the Road Ahead’s Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant and Black Experiences Grant Programs were provided. Information regarding the most recent Federal Route 66 Centennial Commission programs, activities, projects, and events approved was also shared.
The Federal Route 66 Centennial Commission approved the Route 66 Centennial Public-Facing Communications plan that was submitted in February. One of the key elements of this plan is the Centennial website, which is currently under development with a goal for launch on January 1, 2025. The Road Ahead submitted three new projects to the Route 66 Centennial Commission during the third quarter. The Commission voted to recommend the Google Arts and Culture Route 66 Hub, the Route 66 Pathways Project, and the I Am Route 66 Project as Official Route 66 Centennial Projects. It appears that progress is being made on the Route 66 Historic Trail Bill, as it moves in the direction of being included in an end-of-year Land Package legislation in the House of Representatives. The Road Ahead will work with congressional staffers to introduce a bill in the Senate that compliments the House bill. Efforts to raise funds for the proposed Route 66 National Research Center began following onsite meetings with officials from UNM, the Lobo Development Group, and the UNM Foundation in August. The Preservation Working Group’s Quick Reference Preservation Guide is available online (www.route66theroadahead.org/resources). The Road Ahead can help users make the most of this tool. For more information, email [email protected]. The Board also voted to engage Samantha Extance to facilitate a blended (i.e. online and in person) strategic planning process for the Partnership. More details are available via minutes of the August 9, 2024 Board Meeting, found in the Resource section of the Road Ahead website. Further details and more updates can be found in the online (www.route66roadahead.org/resources). Established in 2016, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments’ Fund, The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, and economic development. FALL 2024 UPDATE After an unexpected delay this spring, the restoration team was back at it again the first week of June in Tucumcari. This time it was installing neon and bulbs on the sign at the Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop. First, since we love Flora May so much, we also gave the sign a new coat of paint. Next, we removed all the broken glass bulbs along the outer perimeter and replaced them with new LED bulbs. WOW! They look great! The red and yellow bulbs really make the sign pop during the day or night. Next was installing the new neon. You must take great care when handling neon so as not to break it. These pieces needed extra care as they were long and bent in one spot. The extra care took a bit more time, but it was well worth it. While we were working, Flora May welcomed travelers from France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and England. They were excited to be the first ones to see the newly revived sign, and we were excited to be there to give them an official New Mexico Route 66 Association welcome to our state. Finally, the big event… the lighting of the sign. The sign looked fabulous! It glowed bright, but unfortunately not everything lit up. From our examination, it looks to be a transformer issue. We’ve placed it on our to-do list for the next trip. Special thanks to Robert Moore of Tucumcari Automotive for picking up the rented lift from Amarillo, Texas, and to David Brenner of Roadrunner Lodge Motel for returning it. We could not have made this happen without your assistance. It’s wonderful when people come together to make positive things happen.  The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group held its fifth centennial stakeholders meeting November 19, 2024, in Grants for both Grants and Gallup communities.
The meeting started off with Lancing Adams, acting secretary, New Mexico Tourism Department providing results of this years NMTD Route 66 Centennial Grant Program. $2.5 million was appropriated by the 2024 Legislative Session to be expended in FY25. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS—$400,000 Through a strategic digital marketing campaign, creative production, promo item (up to $2,000), and web enhancement (up to $5,000). Marketing and Promotion grant winners are: Albuquerque — Visit Albuquerque Barelas — Barelas Community Coalition Inc. (Albuquerque) Historic Old Town — Historic Old Town Association (Albuquerque) Santa Fe — TOURISM Santa Fe Moriarty — City of Moriarty Tucumcari — Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce Grants — City of Grants Gallup — City of Gallup Pecos — Village of Pecos Santa Rosa — City of Santa Rosa INFRASTRUCTURE AND DESTINATION ENHANCEMENTS—$1,040,000 Infrastructure and Destination Enhancements grants award winners are: $250,000 — City of Albuquerque: Art installation along Route 66 $28,514 — City of Gallup: Wayfinding system; public art $55,769 — Village of San Jon: Comprehensive wayfinding system $42,333 — TOURISM Santa Fe: Wayfinding enhancements $122,885 — Guadalupe County (Santa Rosa): Beautification and enhancements to highway overpass $121,000 — Tucumcari MainStreet: Wayfinding enhancements $172,500 — Historic Old Town Assn. (Albuquerque): Enhanced gateway signage $250,000 — New Mexico State Fair Commission: Refurbishment of State Fair Tower SPECIAL EVENTS—$70,000 Special Events grants award winners are: $10,000 — City of Albuquerque: Route 66 Summerfest $20,000 — Gathering of Nations (Albuquerque): Gathering of Nations $4,000 — Grants MainStreet: Spokes on 66 Car Show $4.000 — City of Moriarty: Pinto Bean Route 66 Centennial Fiesta $5,000 — Santa Fe Children's Museum: Noon Year's Eve $6,500 — Guadalupe Community Development Corp.: The Bridges of Celebration on Santa Rosa Route 66 $5,000 — Village of Pecos: Route 66 Rodeo $7,500 — Santa Fe Railyard Community Corp.: Railyard Route 66 Festival $4,000 — Downtown Albuquerque MainStreet Initiative: Mothership on the Mother Road $4,000 — TOURISM Santa Fe/Tumbleroot Brewing: First Sunday Route 66 Market REMAINING—$990,000 The remaining $990,000 was dispersed between National and International advertising provided by Tourism Exchange USA (Brand USA), an Interactive map provided by FocalShift Media, and New Mexico Magazine, published by the New Mexico Tourism Department. See full list of those awarded and not awarded. Adams shared the results of a recent study on domestic and international interest in the Centennial. They found about 13% of all potential visitors are aware of the Centennial. When they were made aware, 57% said that information made them more likely to travel the route. Domestic visitors are most motivated to travel Route 66 by: history/culture, iconic places, and nostalgia. International visitors are most motivated by: scenic places, iconic places, a sense of freedom, and nature. More than half of potential visitors said they would drive the entirety of Route 66. Of those that would only drive a segment, the Southwest ranks highest among likely regions. Special guest speakers included Nate Huff, president, Tourism Exchange USA (Brand USA) and Thomas Elliot Fite, director of marketing, FocalShift Media. Matt Robinson, Gallup-McKinley County Route 66 Committee, and Rose·Eason, executive director, gallupARTS, presented for Gallup. Les Gaines, executive director, Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, and Denise Hanson, executive director, Grants Mainstreet, presented for Grants. All sharing accomplishments made as they prepare for the Route 66 Centennial as well as plans for funds recently received through the Coordination Group 66 Centennial grants. The accomplishments and teamwork displayed by Grants and Gallup were amazing! In addition, and Cindi Williams, village manager, Milan were on hand to share their recent accomplishments of reviving their communities and preparing for the centennial. Daniel Gutierrez, director, Mainstreet and Centennial Coordination Group board member gave a brief overview of Route 66 Mainstreet communities. New Mexico Route 66 Association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee was present to provide input on questions pertaining to national centennial celebration collaborations with the seven sister state associations as well as projects the New Mexico Route 66 Association has in the works throughout the Land of Enchantment. Coming up in 2025 from the Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group:
2025 Meeting dates were not mentioned.
Source: KOB-TV, Kassi Foote
The Imperial Motel has been partially open since the beginning of this year, but developers recently completed the finishing touches, recreating a place for people to get away even if it is only for the afternoon. Its original neon sign beckons travelers with promises of fun once again. But you don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the imperial. The motel has attracted visitors along Route 66 since the early 1960s. But time took its toll on the iconic spot. "I hate to use the words run down but it was definitely different, and I think everyone can appreciate what we've taken and done with the place," aid hospitality area manager Miguel Duran. Duran said developers closed the motel around 2020 for a big renovation. The building on the property's west side is new and includes a bar and food pods with local vendors. "We have people looking for adventure, looking for places along Route 66 and looking for fun along the way," Duran said. The original lobby is now MOJO Rising coffee shop and revamped rooms carry on that nostalgic style. While it's all improved not all of it is new. "(We) did keep the original butterfly rooftop that you saw in the front," Duran said. "It has the same feel as the retro 60s vibe that it originally had." A dip in the pool will also take you back to the Imperial's roots. "The pool is the original pool here that we restored," Duran said. But this isn't the only historic Route 66 hotel that's been brought back to life. David Nidel with the Route 66 Association said the trend started to take off a few years ago. "You see that people really have it in their heart to bring back a piece of yesterday to today's standards," he said. And Nidel said as interest in our Mother Road ramps up so does our local economy. ​"What we see happening when these things turn up is that restaurants and other retail outlets start building up around them then you start attracting more people both local and those traveling in to patronize the site," he said. Staff at the Imperial are excited to show off all their hard work. The grand reopening is Wednesday November 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. And that will include tours of the motel’s retail spaces. They’re still looking for more local vendors to move in. View the full television segment below, including an appearance by David Nidel, New Mexico Route 66 Association former president and association advisor. 
With the Route 66 Centennial approaching, the state is accepting projects corresponding to at least one of the four priority themes identified by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission: commemoratives and publications, events and celebrations, international and national marketing, and infrastructure. The Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group was established in 2023 by Executive Order for the purpose of identifying projects and activities that align with the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. They have already hosted four stakeholder meetings in New Mexico communities, offering residents the opportunity to participate in open discussion to brainstorm ideas for promotions, product development, infrastructure investments and more in preparation for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. Residents and community stakeholders can submit projects through the New Mexico Tourism Department website. Additionally, the Coordination Group will be hosting its next Stakeholder Meeting on November 19 in Grants. Residents and tourism stakeholders in the Grants and Gallup area are encouraged to attend. Learn more about the meeting here.  New Mexico will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026 and will be participating in both national and statewide initiatives to celebrate the country’s “Mother Road.” Route 66 played a significant role in shaping the history and identity of numerous communities in the United States and in New Mexico. The Centennial Anniversary of Route 66 presents a unique occasion to recognize and honor the contributions of New Mexico’s diverse communities, businesses, and individuals along the historic route. In preparation for the Centennial, the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) established a Route 66 Centennial grant program to allocate funding to support this initiative statewide. The Route 66 Centennial grant program aims to provide communities along historic Route 66 support for programs related to consumer experiences, events, destination enhancements, marketing and promotions. An overarching goal is to ensure that New Mexico Route 66 projects dovetail effectively with the National Route 66 Commission to provide consistency with national goals while still tailoring efforts to local communities. Below is a list provided by the New Mexico Tourism Department showing the 2024 grant program applicants and awardees. All recipients for the Route 66 Grant Program have been announced. Congratulations to all the recipients. We are excited about all the work every applicant is accomplishing, MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS GRANT TRACK Santa Fe Performing Arts Collaboration —Not Awarded Visit Albuquerque—Awarded Historic Old Town Association—Awarded City of Santa Rosa—Awarded TOURISM Santa Fe—Awarded City of Moriarty—Awarded SoireeQ LLC—Not Awarded Village of Pecos—Awarded NMLife—Not Awarded New Mexico State Fair Commission—Not Awarded Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque—Not Awarded City of Grants—Awarded City of Gallup—Awarded Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe—Not Awarded Barelas Community Coalition—Awarded Tucumcari Quay County Chamber of Commerce—Awarded INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT TRACK City of Gallup--Awarded City of Albuquerque/Nob Hill MainStreet--Not Awarded City of Albuquerque/San Felipe de Neri--Not Awarded Visit Albuquerque/Historic Old Town Association--Awarded New Mexico State Fair Commission--Awarded Santa Fe Performing Arts Collaboration--Not Awarded Visit Albuquerque/Urbanmama505--Not Awarded New Mexico Route 66 Association, Inc.--Not Awarded City of Albuquerque, Department of Arts and Culture--Awarded National Dance Institute of New Mexico, Inc.--Not Awarded Guadalupe County--Awarded Visit Albuquerque/Carlisle Center for Community and the Arts--Not Awarded TOURISM Santa Fe--Awarded Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc.--Not Awarded Village of San Jon--Awarded San Felipe de Neri Parish--Not Awarded City of Albuquerque, City Council--Not Awarded Village of Pecos--Not Awarded City of Tucumcari/Tucumcari MainStreet--Awarded Visit Albuquerque/Dawn Vatoseow--Not Awarded SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP GRANT TRACK TOURISM Santa Fe/Tumbleroot Brewing LLC--Awarded New Nuevo, LLC--Not Awarded Downtown ABQ MainStreet/Mothership Alumni, LLC--Awarded City of Moriarty--Awarded Santa Fe Children's Museum--Awarded Bi-County Fair, Inc.--Not Awarded City of Albuquerque, Events Division--Awarded Village of Pecos--Awarded Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc.--Not Awarded Santa Fe Railyard Corporation--Awarded Guadalupe Community Development Corporation--Awarded Gathering of Nations Limited--Awarded Grants MainStreet Project--Awarded New Mexico Association of the Education of Young Children--Not Awarded Albuquerque Museum Foundation—Not Awarded For more information on the grant program, visit: newmexico.org/industry/work-together/grants/route-66-centennial-grant-program/ The New Mexico Route 66 Association is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the list.  Residents and tourism stakeholders in the Grants area are invited to the next Route 66 Centennial Stakeholder Meeting on Tuesday, November 19! We welcome you to share your ideas and perspective for how New Mexico can celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in 2026! Date: Tuesday, November 19 Time: 9 a.m. - 12 noon Location: 515 W High Street, Grants, NM 87020 RSVP for the meeting here.  The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group held its forth centennial stakeholders meeting September 17, 2024 at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). Special guest speakers included Debbie Johnson of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, Lisa McGivern’s of the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, and Laisa Barthuli, Route 66 Corridor Program manager of the National Park Service. The Department of Tourism and the New Mexico Route 66 Coordination Group provided updates from board members where available. New Mexico Route 66 Association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee, vice president, Nam Tran, and association advisor, David Nidel, were on hand to provide input on questions pertaining to the kickoff of the centennial celebrations as well as a few projects still in the works nationally. The next meeting to be held in Grants is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. Before leaving campus, association president, Beasley-Lee and husband Mike Lee made a stop at the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery to experience DREAM BIG!, the art of George Rodrique. The exhibit consists of thirty original paintings from the private collection of Rodrigue’s widow, Wendy Rodrigue Magnus, and include some of the artist’s most famous Blue Dog canvases, iconic portraits of Cajun personalities, and rarely seen artworks inspired by his lifelong love of New Mexico. Wendy explains the theme of the exhibition: “Dreams are the portal to creativity. They are tied to instinct and desire, and they are the birthplace of ideas. This exhibition seeks to inspire through stories of pursuing one’s dreams, meeting one’s fears, and expressing our art, whatever it may be, with the full wonder of our imagination.” The artwork is presented through a collaboration with SFCC School of Arts and Design, SFCC Continuing Education, SFCC Foundation, and the Life & Legacy Foundation. The exhibition continues through October 2.  |
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