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NEWS

University of New Mexico’s new Route 66 research center

3/6/2025

 
SOURCE: ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Award-winning Albuquerque architect and entrepreneur Mark Baker has unveiled plans for the Route 66 National Research Center—a new, federally funded initiative of the University of New Mexico, which will serve as a global mecca for Route 66 scholars under the umbrella of UNM’s library system and its Center for Southwest Research.
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Gracing the corner of University and Central—the old Route 66—the Research Center will house an archive of documents and materials related to the storied highway, including oral histories, and will host academic conferences. As Baker’s floor plan and renderings show, it will also feature an exhibition space and a bookshop.

Full Article: The Cadillac of cultural preservation: Architect Mark Baker unveils plans to convert a historic dealership into UNM’s new Route 66 research center
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Architectural renderings of UNM's proposed Route 66 National Research Center, designed by Mark Baker, on the corner of Central and University in Albuquerque, New Mexico (courtesy of Baker A+D).

Legends of Route 66 receives Official Route 66 Centennial Project designation

3/5/2025

 
Season seven of Fast TV Network’s popular TV show Legends of Route 66 has been recommended as an “Official Route 66 Centennial Project.” 

The letter received from commission member Bill Thomas stated: “Congratulations, Fast TV Network’s Legends of Route 66 Centennial Season Seven project has been recommended by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project.”


Fast TV Network President and CEO Mike Lee states, “We couldn’t be more honored than to receive Official Status from the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Planning for this special season of Legends of Route 66 began over three years ago. We are excited to get back on the Mother Road. Over the next several months we will be working hard to bring the excitement of the Centennial Celebration to our viewers. We would like to thank the commission and the New Mexico Route 66 Association for making this possible.”

​Fast TV Network Vice President of Production and Programming, Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee states; “This is a great honor for Fast TV Network. Creatively, this will be one of our most diverse seasons yet. Covering all eight states in one season is challenging, yet exciting as we showcase the Mother Road to the world. As president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association we are working with Fast TV Network to not only promote New Mexico, but our seven other sister Route 66 states as well.”

Fast TV Network C.O.O. Rob Wagner states; “We have a lot of surprises in store for season seven of Legends of Route 66. As we celebrate 100 years of Route 66 it is an honor to bring this to our viewers who have been so loyal to us over the past seven years. Creatively, this will be our coolest season yet!”

Pre-production has already been in progress for several months. Production begins May 1, 2025, and will continue throughout the summer. 

Legends of Route 66 Centennial Season Seven will begin streaming in November of this year. Fast TV Network is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and online at FastTVNetwork.com.
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Gallup, New Mexico: Route 66 Think Tank

2/4/2025

 
Thank you, Visit Gallup, for inviting the New Mexico Route 66 Association to speak last week at January’s Route 66 Think Tank to engage in creative, thoughtful dialogue about Gallup’s Route 66 future.

​We were excited to hear ideas Gallup has for the upcoming centennial and share information on our association’s Route 66 neon sign restorations, roadside attraction sign project, the upcoming Motor Tour, and other projects coming up in preparation for the 2026 centennial. We’re also pleased to welcome our new members who signed up to reap the benefits the association has to offer and be listed in our business directory.


The association is currently scheduling and planning to join other meetings or gatherings along the route. If you would like the association to come to your town, please contact us: email [email protected] or drop us a message. 
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Car Council honors Joyce Clements

1/10/2025

 
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!
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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.
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Left: Joyce and Jim at the October 2024 Swap Meet. Author’s photo. Right: Joyce honored at the NMCCC meeting. John Doran photo.

Imperial Motel is latest with new glitz and glamour

1/10/2025

 
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). 
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“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.”
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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.
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Left: The renovated Imperial Motel. Right: Miguel Duran, of Somos Destinations and the motel’s hospitality area manager

Exit 311 to the Richardson Store restoration in Montoya, New Mexico

1/10/2025

 

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.
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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]

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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).

National-level Route 66 Centennial activities and events

1/10/2025

 
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:
  • Per its enabling legislation, the Commission is responsible for studying and recommending activities to Congress that are fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on its 100th anniversary. It is also charged with identifying one or more entities within the Federal Government it considers most appropriate to carry out recommended activities.
  • Parties interested in submitting ideas for national, multi, or single-state Route 66 Centennial activities to the Commission for its consideration are encouraged to do so via the Commission’s website at www.route66-centennial.com/activity-project-ideas-submission.
  • The Commission has adopted a Route 66 Centennial Strategy Statement which notes: “The strategy of the Route 66 Centennial is to celebrate and commemorate the historic milestone of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66—and leverage it to honor the road by helping the millions who live, work, and travel along it.”
  • Based on this strategy, the Commission has, to date, recommended 26 official events, projects, activities, and/or programs to Congress.
  • The Commission has recommended the National Park Service as the Federal Agency to carry out 21 of these activities/programs.
  • The Commission has no implementation authority and no funding to support recommended activities/programs.
  • In addition to the Centennial activities recommended by the Commission, the NPS is planning NPS-specific projects, potentially including a Find Your Park on Route 66 initiative, Jr. Ranger Program, NPS-Route 66 Map Update, and more.

A critical and exciting opportunity for all is the National Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off event. The NPS and Road Ahead propose this as a virtual, live-stream broadcast from a Host City along Route 66 to unite the nation in launching the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Initial Kick-Off plans include:
  • A National Route 66 Centennial Proclamation delivered by the President or key members of the administration.
  • State Route 66 Centennial Proclamations from the eight Route 66 state Governors, Route 66 State Associations and/or State Route 66 Centennial Commissions/Coordinating Groups.
  • Announcement of the designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the President of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
  • Live Music and other entertainment from the kick-off host city and via remote hook-ups to cities across Route 66.
  • Announcement of the launch of the Route 66 Centennial Caravan.

Thursday, April 30, 2026, is being suggested as the date for the National Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off. This date holds historical significance as it was on that day in 1926, when ‘66’ was assigned as the number for this new highway from Chicago to Santa Monica.

THE ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL WEBSITE
Launching in early 2025, the Route 66 Centennial website is designed to:
  • Provide a one-stop information resource for national and state Route 66 Centennial activities, projects, events, and programs.
  • Raise the public’s awareness of and participation in the Official Route 66 Centennial projects and activities identified by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
  • Promote tourism attractions and Centennial plans in each Route 66 state through a collaboration established between the Road Ahead Partnership and Tripadvisor.
  • Announce national and state-level Centennial activities and events via a centralized Centennial Calendar, to which Route 66 State Associations, state tourism departments, Route 66 Scenic Byways, State Centennial Commissions/Coordinating Groups, and other approved stakeholders may input information.
  • Provide the public a fun way to participate in the Route 66 Centennial through the Route 66 Centennial Birthday Party Club Program.
  • Promote state and local Route 66 Centennial activities, projects, events, and programs through the Route 66 Centennial Certified Program—similar to a “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval”—recognizing local, city, state, and regional Centennial events and activities.

Tucumcari Neon Restoration Project Complete

1/5/2025

 
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.
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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.
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Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership: 3rd Quarter Report

12/27/2024

 
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.

Neon Restoration Update—Fall 2024

12/15/2024

 
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.
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Next Route 66 Centennial Stakeholder meeting coming up in Grants

10/29/2024

 
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.

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Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group held its meeting September 17, 2024

9/25/2024

 
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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Edelbrock Sick 66 Drag Racing Cruise coming to New Mexico

9/22/2024

 
The Edelbrock Sick 66 Drag Racing Cruise event comes to five Route 66 states October 10-18! Sick the Magazine is hosting a drag racing series event across Route 66 from Missouri to New Mexico.

“Six individual tracks will host eight-mile drag races, after which racers will be driving those same racecars down Historic Route 66 with checkpoints along the way.” Two of the nine days will include “pit stops” in New Mexico:
  • October 17: Albuquerque Dragway in Albuquerque, NM.
  • October 18: Alien City Dragway, Roswell, NM.

Be sure to check out Sick the Magazine for the latest updates to the route.
https://www.sickthemagazine.com/sick-66/
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Revamp Route 66 sign program makes progress in Albuquerque

9/20/2024

 
With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 coming up in 2026, the City of Albuquerque is working with 14 local businesses and property owners to restore vintage signs along the “Mother Road.”

The City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture and Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is investing $432,000 in the Revamp Route 66: Sign Improvement Grant Program. As of mid-September, a little over one year after the program was announced, new and restored signs are popping up across the city.

Some businesses like Root 66 Barber and The Imperial Inn have already had their signs finished. The 5501 Plaza and the Dog House said their signs are almost complete. 

“It’s been an honor to get it for sure. These signs aren’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination and it’s not something we would have probably invested that much money in. So to be awarded that really meant a lot to us,” said Dacia Weist, owner of 5501 Plaza and program participant. 

“It’s going to be great; because it’s going to show, it’s neon. So we are looking forward to it, and hopefully it will attract more people,” said Vicki Jaramillo, general manager of Dog House. 

KRQE NEWS 13 compiled a list and photo gallery to track the transformation of the signs at the 14 establishments participating in the Route 66 sign program. 

Read More

Source: WRKG News
Story by Fallon Fischer, Jessica Salinas
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Notice: New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Stakeholder Meeting—Santa Fe

9/9/2024

 
The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group is hosting its next stakeholder meeting in Santa Fe on Tuesday, September 17. Join us to share your ideas and perspective for how New Mexico can celebrate the Route 66 Centennial in 2026!

Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 noon
Venue: Santa Fe Community College - Jemez Rooms
Address: 6401 Richards Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87508

​
Click here to view the full agenda.

RSVP
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