The Route 66 Association of New Mexico has organized a fundraiser to help with repair costs of the historic signs in Tucumcari that suffered damage from the recent catastrophic hailstorm. If you're interested in the latest updates of the restoration progress, they can be found below.
Summer 2024
Neon Restoration Update
Winter can be brutal in Tucumcari. But the neon restoration team managed to get in a few workdays during February. LaCita Restaurant is now complete as the broken “A” has been installed. Inspection of the Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop sign revealed several pieces of neon and bulbs need replacement. Patterns have been made and glass has been ordered. An inspection of the Pow Wow Restaurant & Lounges Thunderbird sign revealed it too needs several pieces replaced. Thank you to Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee, Mike Lee, and Nick Gerlich for all of their help making Tucumcari SHINE again!
Winter can be brutal in Tucumcari. But the neon restoration team managed to get in a few workdays during February. LaCita Restaurant is now complete as the broken “A” has been installed. Inspection of the Route 66 Townhouse Welcome Center & Gift Shop sign revealed several pieces of neon and bulbs need replacement. Patterns have been made and glass has been ordered. An inspection of the Pow Wow Restaurant & Lounges Thunderbird sign revealed it too needs several pieces replaced. Thank you to Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee, Mike Lee, and Nick Gerlich for all of their help making Tucumcari SHINE again!
Spring 2024
Neon Sign Repairs Continue in Tucumcari
High Lights - High Signs - High Times
The New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Team completed several roadside neon sign restorations during the last quarter of 2023.
These restorations were filmed by FAST TV NETWORK as part of an instructional video series funded by the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The subject of the video series, to be released in late 2024, is DIY historic roadside neon repair.
One of the signs that was repaired was at the Americana Motel.
Six sections of neon damaged by hail were repaired. The Americana Motel, built in 1935, is the oldest operating motel on Tucumcari’s Route 66 preceding the Blue Swallow Motel built in 1942. The Americana’s owner, Jivani Ashwin (Ash), eagerly jumped to help fix six sections of neon that was damaged by hail. Some of the work included removing broken neon, neon tube pattern making, and installing new glass.
“Ash was really enthused about repairing his own sign,” preservation officer Johnnie Meier said. “Although a complete rookie, he absorbed the on-site techniques the preservation team demonstrated. Ash’s work was just another validation that these sorts of repairs are do-it-yourself tasks. When Ash switched the sign on, he was beaming with pride seeing his sign beaming with vibrant colors. Ash, inspired, stated he wanted to join us as a volunteer working on other signs in Tucumcari.”
Diagonally across the street, Loretta’s Burrito Hut sign needed work.
The preservation team had previously replaced hail-damaged glass on the east side of the sign and was glowing as it should. The west facing side of the sign, however, was flickering. This is often the result of a weak transformer. Association board member Mike Lee removed the access panel and prepared to replace the transformer. To his surprise, he saw a high voltage wire was in contact with the AC input to the transformer and that the high voltage had been intermittently arcing through and melting the insulation on the AC wiring causing the flickering. Lee cut out the bad wiring, spliced in new wiring, rerouted the high voltage wire, and bingo! The flickering was gone.
Across from Loretta’s, the team headed east across the street to install replacement neon on the Wash Lady. Once new neon was in place, the sign was switched on to find a couple of the pieces not lighting up. Upon closer investigation, it was determined the sign has a few wiring issues in different spots. A full evaluation and repair of the sign is scheduled to be completed when weather permits in early 2024.
The spinning La Cita neon sign was a challenge. The sign had not been fully lit for more than five years and had suffered additional hail damage. Preservation team members Meier, Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee, and Mike Lee got after it. Several pieces of broken glass were replaced. But it did not light up right away. Each individual intact neon segment was then tested with a handheld device and one segment was found to be dead, unbroken but not functioning. The glass was replaced, but the sign would still not light up. It was later discovered that the neon sign was powered by three high voltage transformers that did not work.
Meier replaced two transformers, each one powering one side of “Mexican Food.” However, both sides of “La Cita” remained dark. Melissa Beasley-Lee, braving 40-50 mph winds while elevated in the hydraulic lift, located the “La Cita” transformer at the very top of the towering sign. It was attached vertically, which meant working on it from two different access panels, one at a time. She inspected the transformer that powered both sides of “La Cita” and saw that the high voltage electrodes had crumbled. Melissa removed the transformer by lifting it straight up out of the top of the sign. Although quite heavy, that was the easy part. Installing the new one required lowering it from the top vertically and sliding it onto the mount blindly, otherwise it would fall straight down to the bottom of the crown, destroying other components of the sign. Melissa handled it beautifully, but “La Cita” still did not light. She then used the handheld testing device to find that an “A” in “Cita” was dead. Not having an immediate replacement, Melissa removed the dead “A” and a jumper wire was used to temporarily replace the “A” Switch on, the spinning sign lit up. Hooyah! The preservation team immediately started strutting around the parking lot like a bunch of bombastic Foghorn Leghorn roosters.
“What a team! Mike Lee taught himself to operate our hydraulic lift and was able to masterfully place us within inches of where we needed to be to work on these towering signs,” Meier said. “Melissa Lee showed us guys some real girl power up 50 feet (on) a lift on a gusty day using tools and techniques confidently to get the job done. Bravo Melissa!”
In early 2024, the team expects to finish repairing the Wash Lady, Flora May’s Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shop, and possibly the Pow Wow Motel and Restaurant signs.
The team gratefully acknowledges Jerry Mares, owner of the La Cita and other businesses in Tucumcari, loaning the team the towable hydraulic lift that is indispensable in repairing these monumental roadside neon signs. Thanks Jerry!
High Lights - High Signs - High Times
The New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Team completed several roadside neon sign restorations during the last quarter of 2023.
These restorations were filmed by FAST TV NETWORK as part of an instructional video series funded by the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The subject of the video series, to be released in late 2024, is DIY historic roadside neon repair.
One of the signs that was repaired was at the Americana Motel.
Six sections of neon damaged by hail were repaired. The Americana Motel, built in 1935, is the oldest operating motel on Tucumcari’s Route 66 preceding the Blue Swallow Motel built in 1942. The Americana’s owner, Jivani Ashwin (Ash), eagerly jumped to help fix six sections of neon that was damaged by hail. Some of the work included removing broken neon, neon tube pattern making, and installing new glass.
“Ash was really enthused about repairing his own sign,” preservation officer Johnnie Meier said. “Although a complete rookie, he absorbed the on-site techniques the preservation team demonstrated. Ash’s work was just another validation that these sorts of repairs are do-it-yourself tasks. When Ash switched the sign on, he was beaming with pride seeing his sign beaming with vibrant colors. Ash, inspired, stated he wanted to join us as a volunteer working on other signs in Tucumcari.”
Diagonally across the street, Loretta’s Burrito Hut sign needed work.
The preservation team had previously replaced hail-damaged glass on the east side of the sign and was glowing as it should. The west facing side of the sign, however, was flickering. This is often the result of a weak transformer. Association board member Mike Lee removed the access panel and prepared to replace the transformer. To his surprise, he saw a high voltage wire was in contact with the AC input to the transformer and that the high voltage had been intermittently arcing through and melting the insulation on the AC wiring causing the flickering. Lee cut out the bad wiring, spliced in new wiring, rerouted the high voltage wire, and bingo! The flickering was gone.
Across from Loretta’s, the team headed east across the street to install replacement neon on the Wash Lady. Once new neon was in place, the sign was switched on to find a couple of the pieces not lighting up. Upon closer investigation, it was determined the sign has a few wiring issues in different spots. A full evaluation and repair of the sign is scheduled to be completed when weather permits in early 2024.
The spinning La Cita neon sign was a challenge. The sign had not been fully lit for more than five years and had suffered additional hail damage. Preservation team members Meier, Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee, and Mike Lee got after it. Several pieces of broken glass were replaced. But it did not light up right away. Each individual intact neon segment was then tested with a handheld device and one segment was found to be dead, unbroken but not functioning. The glass was replaced, but the sign would still not light up. It was later discovered that the neon sign was powered by three high voltage transformers that did not work.
Meier replaced two transformers, each one powering one side of “Mexican Food.” However, both sides of “La Cita” remained dark. Melissa Beasley-Lee, braving 40-50 mph winds while elevated in the hydraulic lift, located the “La Cita” transformer at the very top of the towering sign. It was attached vertically, which meant working on it from two different access panels, one at a time. She inspected the transformer that powered both sides of “La Cita” and saw that the high voltage electrodes had crumbled. Melissa removed the transformer by lifting it straight up out of the top of the sign. Although quite heavy, that was the easy part. Installing the new one required lowering it from the top vertically and sliding it onto the mount blindly, otherwise it would fall straight down to the bottom of the crown, destroying other components of the sign. Melissa handled it beautifully, but “La Cita” still did not light. She then used the handheld testing device to find that an “A” in “Cita” was dead. Not having an immediate replacement, Melissa removed the dead “A” and a jumper wire was used to temporarily replace the “A” Switch on, the spinning sign lit up. Hooyah! The preservation team immediately started strutting around the parking lot like a bunch of bombastic Foghorn Leghorn roosters.
“What a team! Mike Lee taught himself to operate our hydraulic lift and was able to masterfully place us within inches of where we needed to be to work on these towering signs,” Meier said. “Melissa Lee showed us guys some real girl power up 50 feet (on) a lift on a gusty day using tools and techniques confidently to get the job done. Bravo Melissa!”
In early 2024, the team expects to finish repairing the Wash Lady, Flora May’s Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shop, and possibly the Pow Wow Motel and Restaurant signs.
The team gratefully acknowledges Jerry Mares, owner of the La Cita and other businesses in Tucumcari, loaning the team the towable hydraulic lift that is indispensable in repairing these monumental roadside neon signs. Thanks Jerry!
Left to right: Association President Melissa Beasly-Lee removes the lower of the two access panels to begin swapping out old transformer for a new one. Americana Hotel’s owner, Jivani Ashwin (Ash), and association preservation officer Johnnie Meier eagerly jumped in to help fix the neon that was damaged by hail. Jivani Ashwin (Ash), smiling for the camera, gives a thumbs-up on the restoration.
Left to right: Americana Motel, built in 1935, is the oldest operating motel on Tucumcari’s Route 66. After replacing transformers, among other work, the team was able to get the spinning “La Cita” sign to light up. Association preservation officer Johnnie Meier working on The Wash Lady sign. The team expects to finish repairing this sign—and others—in 2024.
Clockwise from top left: Looking down inside the “La Cita” sign at new transformer, hanging vertically, installed by Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee. Destroyed jumper cable on the old transformer. Loretta’s Burrito Hut neon shining bright again, flickering gone.
November 2023
Phase One of the Tucumcari Neon Restoration is nearly completed!
This phase covered La Cita Mexican Restaurant, Motel Safari, Americana Motel, Del’s Restaurant, Loretta’s Burrito Hut, the Wash Lady at Blvd. Laundromat, and Tee Pee Curios. We plan to have all seven signs completed by years end.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association would like to thank Tucumcari Mainstreet for assisting us with this project and for their generous donation. Thank you also to the generous individuals from all over the world who have contributed to the project either through our GoFundMe campaign or checks we have received directly to the association office in Albuquerque. Take pride in knowing your donation assisted in covering half the total cost of every participating business’s replacement glass, transformers, wiring, and other items needed to have their signs shining once again. The New Mexico Route 66 Association could not have done this without your financial assistance.
We would like to thank Jerry Mares from La Cita Mexican Restaurant and Tucumcari Lumber for the use of his construction lift and Gar Engman of TeePee Curios for the use of his bucket truck. Thank you to Paul Greenstein for flying in from Los Angeles, California, to assist with neon duties and teaching both the neon team and businesses owners about various things needed to fix signs. Thank you to Johnnie Meier, Melissa Beasley-Lee, Mike Lee, Larry Plath, and Connie Loveland who have volunteered numerous hours over the past six months removing broken neon, creating templates, installing new neon tubing, and troubleshooting additional sign issues all to help Tucumcari get its glow back.
Some of the details and photos of the first phase of work can be found in our most recent Winter 2023-24 Issue of Route 66 New Mexico magazine. Now that the issue has had time to reach our members and donators on the GoFundMe site first, we are posting it to the public on our website for others to enjoy and stay abreast on the progress of the project.
Phase Two of Tucumcari Neon Restoration will be (Flora May’s) Rt66 Welcome Center & Gift Shop/Townhouse, Odeon Theatre, Pow Wow Restaurant (Thunderbird), and Buckaroo Motel. This phase will begin in January, 2024. We will be sure to pack our long underwear for this!
This phase covered La Cita Mexican Restaurant, Motel Safari, Americana Motel, Del’s Restaurant, Loretta’s Burrito Hut, the Wash Lady at Blvd. Laundromat, and Tee Pee Curios. We plan to have all seven signs completed by years end.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association would like to thank Tucumcari Mainstreet for assisting us with this project and for their generous donation. Thank you also to the generous individuals from all over the world who have contributed to the project either through our GoFundMe campaign or checks we have received directly to the association office in Albuquerque. Take pride in knowing your donation assisted in covering half the total cost of every participating business’s replacement glass, transformers, wiring, and other items needed to have their signs shining once again. The New Mexico Route 66 Association could not have done this without your financial assistance.
We would like to thank Jerry Mares from La Cita Mexican Restaurant and Tucumcari Lumber for the use of his construction lift and Gar Engman of TeePee Curios for the use of his bucket truck. Thank you to Paul Greenstein for flying in from Los Angeles, California, to assist with neon duties and teaching both the neon team and businesses owners about various things needed to fix signs. Thank you to Johnnie Meier, Melissa Beasley-Lee, Mike Lee, Larry Plath, and Connie Loveland who have volunteered numerous hours over the past six months removing broken neon, creating templates, installing new neon tubing, and troubleshooting additional sign issues all to help Tucumcari get its glow back.
Some of the details and photos of the first phase of work can be found in our most recent Winter 2023-24 Issue of Route 66 New Mexico magazine. Now that the issue has had time to reach our members and donators on the GoFundMe site first, we are posting it to the public on our website for others to enjoy and stay abreast on the progress of the project.
Phase Two of Tucumcari Neon Restoration will be (Flora May’s) Rt66 Welcome Center & Gift Shop/Townhouse, Odeon Theatre, Pow Wow Restaurant (Thunderbird), and Buckaroo Motel. This phase will begin in January, 2024. We will be sure to pack our long underwear for this!
Left to right: Motel Safari is fully back up and glowing once again!
Del’s Restaurant is fully back up and glowing once again!
Loretta’s Burrito Hut now has new neon and is glowing once again! However, one side is flickering and most likely will need a new transformer. It has been ordered and will be installed on our next restoration trip.
Del’s Restaurant is fully back up and glowing once again!
Loretta’s Burrito Hut now has new neon and is glowing once again! However, one side is flickering and most likely will need a new transformer. It has been ordered and will be installed on our next restoration trip.
Left to right: La Cita Mexican Restaurant now has new neon, lightbulbs, and hardware where needed. After installing everything, the neon is still not on. Next step is to check and most likely replace transformers. Since this sign rotates when on, it is not possible to check them while installed in the sign. Therefore, transformers will have to be taken out and hooked up at another location to be tested. We are devoting an entire day of our next restoration trip to investigate, and hopefully complete, what is needed to get it back up and glowing again. All the festive, multi-colored lightbulbs are now on!
Americana Motel “Americana” and “Vacancy” neon is glowing again as is all of “MOTEL” on the west side. The East side still needs 2 letters. Broken glass has been removed and patterns made. New glass will be dropped off in Amarillo next week and should be ready by our next restoration trip. Ash, the owner of the Americana, was eager and excited to get up in the lift to learn how to install glass and replace hardware. He was a natural!
Wash Tub Lady / Blvd Laundromat now has a few new pieces of neon we removed on our last restoration trip. Upon deeper investigation, we have discovered a few more areas of wiring that need to be addressed. This will be included as a part of our Do-It-Yourself video as examples of how things should NOT be done and how to fix them.
Tee Pee Curios was full of water when we first inspected it back in August. We drained it, removed and made patterns of the broken neon pieces, and replaced broken hardware on the outside while the inside was drying. On our return trip in September, Paul Greenstein, a neon expert, joined us from Los Angeles. The new neon pieces were installed and Paul gave the sign a thorough inspection. It was apparent the transformers were about to give out as well as wiring needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, this 3-day restoration trip was cut short by a whole day due to unexpectedly being without the bucket truck for a day. Therefore, we were unable to replace any wiring at that time. Two transformers were ordered, and plans were to replace them and the wiring on the next restoration trip. Rather than wait for our next trip to have these items taken care of, the owner of Tee Pee Curios chose to complete the project with other volunteers.
Americana Motel “Americana” and “Vacancy” neon is glowing again as is all of “MOTEL” on the west side. The East side still needs 2 letters. Broken glass has been removed and patterns made. New glass will be dropped off in Amarillo next week and should be ready by our next restoration trip. Ash, the owner of the Americana, was eager and excited to get up in the lift to learn how to install glass and replace hardware. He was a natural!
Wash Tub Lady / Blvd Laundromat now has a few new pieces of neon we removed on our last restoration trip. Upon deeper investigation, we have discovered a few more areas of wiring that need to be addressed. This will be included as a part of our Do-It-Yourself video as examples of how things should NOT be done and how to fix them.
Tee Pee Curios was full of water when we first inspected it back in August. We drained it, removed and made patterns of the broken neon pieces, and replaced broken hardware on the outside while the inside was drying. On our return trip in September, Paul Greenstein, a neon expert, joined us from Los Angeles. The new neon pieces were installed and Paul gave the sign a thorough inspection. It was apparent the transformers were about to give out as well as wiring needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, this 3-day restoration trip was cut short by a whole day due to unexpectedly being without the bucket truck for a day. Therefore, we were unable to replace any wiring at that time. Two transformers were ordered, and plans were to replace them and the wiring on the next restoration trip. Rather than wait for our next trip to have these items taken care of, the owner of Tee Pee Curios chose to complete the project with other volunteers.
Winter 2023
Neon in Tucumcari damaged from May hailstorm, repair work underway
by Johnnie America. Photos by Connie Loveland and Melissa Lea
The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet are working together to repair iconic neon signs that were damaged during the May 27 storm that produced golf ball-sized hail.
“MainStreet has had a productive relationship with the New Mexico Route 66 Association in promoting Tucumcari as a tourist destination as well as partnering on MainStreet projects,” Tucumcari MainStreet Executive Director Connie Loveland said. “Tucumcari MainStreet recognizes that heritage tourism is vital to our local economy and that the classic neon signage is vital to maintaining our position as a top tourist destination on Route 66.”
More than $1 million in damages to city-owned buildings, homes, and businesses like La Cita Restaurant were reported.
A neon sign damage assessment conducted by the Association has identified more than 65 pieces of broken neon tubing distributed among 11 classic neon signs in Tucumcari.
Tucumcari has been a favored destination of Route 66 tourists seeking to experience classic neon signage and patronize the businesses along the route. In addition to the tourism value of the neon signs, these signs are recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) as significant examples of American Folk Art, and in past years awarded grants to restore historic signs in 66 communities like Tucumcari.
New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Officer Johnnie Meier said Tucumcari has an issue when it comes to repairing its signs.
“Tucumcari is isolated with regard to commercial sign companies that are capable of neon sign servicing,” he said. “The closest companies that could service Tucumcari are in Amarillo [Texas] 115 miles away.” For example, a written estimate to repair the La Cita restaurant neon sign includes a $1,250 trip charge from Amarillo to Tucumcari and back, and a $600 per diem charge per night. The repair process would require multiple trip charges and per diems. Hail damaged neon replacement is quoted as $6,500 for 4 pieces of broken neon on the La Cita. The family businesses in Tucumcari that suffered neon damage are facing a cost prohibitive repair situation while at the same time risking a decline in business income.
Working together to fix the neon Shortly after the storm, the New Mexico Route 66 Association set up a GoFundMe campaign for people who wanted to support the neon sign effort. Donations were also sent directly to the association’s office in Albuquerque. “The Association’s GoFundMe neon initiative has allowed us to begin the neon restoration project,” Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee said. “Since the hailstorm, we’ve collected over $7,000 with contributions continuing to be received. We have received contributions from a nationwide donor base and are moving forward with restoration.”
The Association is also committed to assisting small business owners by repairing their signs with a cost-effective solution: volunteer service.
Association volunteers have come to Tucumcari and used locally loaned bucket trucks and lifts to remove broken glass, created paper patterns for neon fabrication, delivered patterns and broken glass to a neon tube bender in Amarillo, retrieved new glass, and installed replacement glass. The Association estimates that using local lifts and volunteer expertise and labor, the outof-pocket-cost to repair the La Cita, for example, will be about $1,000 compared to nearly $10,000 for commercial servicing from Amarillo.
“The Association has more than 20 years’ experience in leading neon restoration projects and our Association, and our Preservation Officer have received the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award given by the State of New Mexico for our neon project successes,” Beasley-Lee said. “In addition, the National Scenic Byways organization awarded our Association Best Practices recognition for our neon preservation work on the Route 66 Scenic Byway in New Mexico.”
The Association has identified at least 65 pieces of broken neon distributed among eleven historic signs. “Fabrication of the neon tubing has been estimated at between $125 to $200 for each section depending on the complexity of the piece,” Meier said. “If we choose an average of $150 a section, we’ll need at least $7,500 for glass. It is expected that a number of burned-out high voltage transformers will need to be replaced which could push the total project cost for materials to as high as $10,000.”
The Association is serving as the point-of-contact to represent the neon sign owners in Tucumcari in transactions with neon vendors. As is the case with federal grants the Association has received in the past, the Association will require a 50% cash match from sign owners. The organization’s goal is for the sign owners to be able to have their signs restored with only the outlay of 50% of the cost of glass fabrication.
Work is expected to take several months to complete including turnaround time for neon tube fabrication.
Paul Greenstein, a veteran neon professional from Los Angeles, came to Tucumcari in September to assist Beasley-Lee, Meier and fellow Association board member and retired neon professional Larry Plath on several of the signs. During his three days in Tucumcari, Greenstein helped work on the TeePee Curios, Del’s Restaurant, Motel Safari, Loretta’s Burrito Hut, and La Cita signs.
Greenstein and his wife Dydia DeLyser are nationally known as authorities on classic neon signage and are co-authors of the book, Neon: A Light History.
“Having Paul here was an extraordinary experience,” Meier said. “Paul is a fast and talented pro who in addition to expediting the project through his field work, instructed the Association team on a number of restoration trade practices. He took time away from his projects in Los Angeles and used frequent flyer miles to come help a bunch of strangers with the challenging work of restoring vintage neon, in Tucumcari of all places! His passion and dedication were inspiring and added to our motivation to relight Tucumcari.”
All broken neon lights on the TeePee Curios, Del’s Restaurant, and Motel Safari were fabricated and installed in September. New glass has been secured for Loretta’s Burrito Hut, the Boulevard Cleaners and Laundromat Wash Lady, the Americana Motel, and the La Cita Restaurants Sombrero. The project has been on hiatus since late September as the neon vendor awaits an order of supplies. Restoration of these signs is scheduled to be completed by mid-November, provided the association receives new glass from the neon vendor in a timely manner. Following this phase, the Association is creating a restoration plan for the Pow-Wow Restaurants Thunderbird sign, the Buckaroo Motel, Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shops Arrow, and the Odeon Theater. This third phase is expected to continue into December.
by Johnnie America. Photos by Connie Loveland and Melissa Lea
The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet are working together to repair iconic neon signs that were damaged during the May 27 storm that produced golf ball-sized hail.
“MainStreet has had a productive relationship with the New Mexico Route 66 Association in promoting Tucumcari as a tourist destination as well as partnering on MainStreet projects,” Tucumcari MainStreet Executive Director Connie Loveland said. “Tucumcari MainStreet recognizes that heritage tourism is vital to our local economy and that the classic neon signage is vital to maintaining our position as a top tourist destination on Route 66.”
More than $1 million in damages to city-owned buildings, homes, and businesses like La Cita Restaurant were reported.
A neon sign damage assessment conducted by the Association has identified more than 65 pieces of broken neon tubing distributed among 11 classic neon signs in Tucumcari.
Tucumcari has been a favored destination of Route 66 tourists seeking to experience classic neon signage and patronize the businesses along the route. In addition to the tourism value of the neon signs, these signs are recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) as significant examples of American Folk Art, and in past years awarded grants to restore historic signs in 66 communities like Tucumcari.
New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Officer Johnnie Meier said Tucumcari has an issue when it comes to repairing its signs.
“Tucumcari is isolated with regard to commercial sign companies that are capable of neon sign servicing,” he said. “The closest companies that could service Tucumcari are in Amarillo [Texas] 115 miles away.” For example, a written estimate to repair the La Cita restaurant neon sign includes a $1,250 trip charge from Amarillo to Tucumcari and back, and a $600 per diem charge per night. The repair process would require multiple trip charges and per diems. Hail damaged neon replacement is quoted as $6,500 for 4 pieces of broken neon on the La Cita. The family businesses in Tucumcari that suffered neon damage are facing a cost prohibitive repair situation while at the same time risking a decline in business income.
Working together to fix the neon Shortly after the storm, the New Mexico Route 66 Association set up a GoFundMe campaign for people who wanted to support the neon sign effort. Donations were also sent directly to the association’s office in Albuquerque. “The Association’s GoFundMe neon initiative has allowed us to begin the neon restoration project,” Association President Melissa Beasley-Lee said. “Since the hailstorm, we’ve collected over $7,000 with contributions continuing to be received. We have received contributions from a nationwide donor base and are moving forward with restoration.”
The Association is also committed to assisting small business owners by repairing their signs with a cost-effective solution: volunteer service.
Association volunteers have come to Tucumcari and used locally loaned bucket trucks and lifts to remove broken glass, created paper patterns for neon fabrication, delivered patterns and broken glass to a neon tube bender in Amarillo, retrieved new glass, and installed replacement glass. The Association estimates that using local lifts and volunteer expertise and labor, the outof-pocket-cost to repair the La Cita, for example, will be about $1,000 compared to nearly $10,000 for commercial servicing from Amarillo.
“The Association has more than 20 years’ experience in leading neon restoration projects and our Association, and our Preservation Officer have received the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award given by the State of New Mexico for our neon project successes,” Beasley-Lee said. “In addition, the National Scenic Byways organization awarded our Association Best Practices recognition for our neon preservation work on the Route 66 Scenic Byway in New Mexico.”
The Association has identified at least 65 pieces of broken neon distributed among eleven historic signs. “Fabrication of the neon tubing has been estimated at between $125 to $200 for each section depending on the complexity of the piece,” Meier said. “If we choose an average of $150 a section, we’ll need at least $7,500 for glass. It is expected that a number of burned-out high voltage transformers will need to be replaced which could push the total project cost for materials to as high as $10,000.”
The Association is serving as the point-of-contact to represent the neon sign owners in Tucumcari in transactions with neon vendors. As is the case with federal grants the Association has received in the past, the Association will require a 50% cash match from sign owners. The organization’s goal is for the sign owners to be able to have their signs restored with only the outlay of 50% of the cost of glass fabrication.
Work is expected to take several months to complete including turnaround time for neon tube fabrication.
Paul Greenstein, a veteran neon professional from Los Angeles, came to Tucumcari in September to assist Beasley-Lee, Meier and fellow Association board member and retired neon professional Larry Plath on several of the signs. During his three days in Tucumcari, Greenstein helped work on the TeePee Curios, Del’s Restaurant, Motel Safari, Loretta’s Burrito Hut, and La Cita signs.
Greenstein and his wife Dydia DeLyser are nationally known as authorities on classic neon signage and are co-authors of the book, Neon: A Light History.
“Having Paul here was an extraordinary experience,” Meier said. “Paul is a fast and talented pro who in addition to expediting the project through his field work, instructed the Association team on a number of restoration trade practices. He took time away from his projects in Los Angeles and used frequent flyer miles to come help a bunch of strangers with the challenging work of restoring vintage neon, in Tucumcari of all places! His passion and dedication were inspiring and added to our motivation to relight Tucumcari.”
All broken neon lights on the TeePee Curios, Del’s Restaurant, and Motel Safari were fabricated and installed in September. New glass has been secured for Loretta’s Burrito Hut, the Boulevard Cleaners and Laundromat Wash Lady, the Americana Motel, and the La Cita Restaurants Sombrero. The project has been on hiatus since late September as the neon vendor awaits an order of supplies. Restoration of these signs is scheduled to be completed by mid-November, provided the association receives new glass from the neon vendor in a timely manner. Following this phase, the Association is creating a restoration plan for the Pow-Wow Restaurants Thunderbird sign, the Buckaroo Motel, Route 66 Welcome Center and Gift Shops Arrow, and the Odeon Theater. This third phase is expected to continue into December.
Left to right: New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Officer Johnnie and Meier Paul Greenstein tie down new neon pieces for transporting to their final destination. Paul Greenstein attaching new glass to the Tee Pee Curios neon sign. New Mexico Route 66 Association President Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee takes her turn removing broken neon from the Tee Pee Curios sign.
Left to right: Motel Safari neon sign shines bright in the night sky once again! Paul Greenstein discussing Tee Pee Curios neon sign with Gary Daley. Paul Greenstein attaching new glass to Del’s Restaurant neon sign. After new neon was attached, testing showed the Tee Pee Curios neon sign still had a f ew minor repairs to complete before it was glowing perfectly again. Due to the limited availability of the bucket truck, additional repairs could not be completed at that time. A second truck will be provided by Jerry Mares, owner of the La Cita restaurant, that will be available fulltime for the association in the future. This will help the Association expedite the work in a timelier manner.
Left to right: New Mexico Route 66 Association Preservation Officer Johnnie Meier labels a piece of broken glass after tracing the piece onto paper. Both will be taken to the neon shop to have a new piece of glass duplicated. New Mexico Route 66 Association President Melissa Lea Beasley-Lee attaching new glass to Del’s Restaurant neon sign. Paul Greenstein looks over new neon pieces while being filmed by Fast TV Network.
Left to right: New Mexico Route 66 Association Board Member Larry Plath makes final touches to Del’s “Restaurant” sketch traced from the sign. This and the broken glass labeled will be taken to the neon shop to have a new piece of glass duplicated. Fast TV Network President and New Mexico Route 66 Association Board Member, Mike Lee, traces and cuts new panels for the Del’s Restaurant sign. Paul Greenstein replacing panels on Del’s Restaurant neon sign. Del’s Restaurant neon sign shinning bright again in the night sky!
July 27, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Task Force Organized to Repair Hail Damaged Route 66 Neon Signs in Tucumcari
The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet have joined forces to repair devastating hail damage to iconic Route 66 neon signs. Not a single historic roadside neon sign survived golf ball sized hail that ravaged Tucumcari on May 27. The hailstorm impacted the city with more than $1 million dollars in damages to municipally owned buildings as well as damage to businesses and residences.
A neon sign damage assessment by the New Mexico Route 66 Association has identified more than 60 pieces of broken neon tubing distributed among 12 classic neon signs in Tucumcari.
Tucumcari has been a favored destination of Route 66 tourists seeking to experience classic neon signage and patronize the businesses along the route. In addition to the tourism value of the neon signs, these signs are recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) as significant examples of American Folk Art. The park service has awarded previous grants to restore historic signs on Route 66 including signs in Tucumcari.
Rob Federico, owner of the Blue Swallow Motel, sounds an alarm with regard to the damaged signs. "I am afraid that if Tucumcari's neon signs are not repaired, we will see a slow demise of Route 66 tourism in Tucumcari. A lot of businesses will suffer."
Johnnie Meier, Preservation Officer for the New Mexico Route 66 Association, recognizes the problem Tucumcari faces in repairing the neon signage. "Tucumcari is isolated with regard to commercial sign companies that are capable of neon sign servicing. The closest companies that could service Tucumcari are in Amarillo, 115 miles away. For an Amarillo company to send a boom truck and a crew to Tucumcari is cost prohibitive to the family-owned small businesses in Tucumcari. Given this circumstance, the Association has committed our organization to assisting the small business owners to repair their signs with a cost-effective solution."
Melissa Lea, President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, explains, "Upon learning of the devastation to the neon signage in Tucumcari, we initiated a Go-Fund-Me campaign for folks that want to support the Association and Tucumcari in the repair of the neon signs. Since the hailstorm, the fund has collected over $4000 dollars with contributions continuing to be received. We have received contributions from a nationwide donor base and are now prepared to go forward with a plan."
Melissa continues, "The Association has more than 20 years’ experience in leading neon restoration projects. Our Association, and our Preservation Officer have received the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award given by the State of New Mexico for our neon project successes. In addition, the National Scenic Byways organization awarded our Association Best Practices recognition four our neon preservation work on the Route 66 Scenic Byway in New Mexico."
The Association is partnering with Connie Loveland, Executive Director of Tucumcari MainStreet, to move the neon sign project forward. Ms. Loveland has identified resources that can be invested in the project. Ms. Loveland comments, " MainStreet has had a productive relationship with the New Mexico Route 66 Association in promoting Tucumcari as a tourist destination as well as partnering on MainStreet projects. An example is the restoration of the Odeon Theater neon sign where the Association volunteered expertise, materials, and labor that resulted in relighting the sign after many years of being inoperable. Tucumcari MainStreet recognizes that heritage tourism is vital to our local economy and that the classic neon signage is vital to maintaining our position as a top tourist destination on Route 66."
Mr. Meier outlines the project plan. "The Association has performed an on-site damage assessment. At least 60 pieces of neon tubing are broken distributed among a dozen historic signs. Fabrication of the neon tubing is expected to run between $125 to $200 for each section depending on the complexity of the piece. If we choose $150 a section, we'll need at least $7500 for glass. It is expected that several burned-out high voltage transformers will need to be replaced which could push the total project cost for materials to as high as $10,000.
What the Association plans to offer, as a free service, is to remove broken tubing, make patterns that will be used by the neon tube benders in Amarillo, to negotiate prices with the neon vendor, deliver patterns to the neon vendor, retrieve the fabricated neon tubes, and install the new tubing. We will test transformers and acquire and install replacement transformers as needed. This plan establishes a single point-of-contact to represent all the neon sign owners in Tucumcari in transactions with neon vendors. As is the case with federal grants the Association has received in the past, the Association will require up to a 50% cash or in-kind match from sign owners. The result we hope to achieve is that the sign owners would be able to have their signs restored with only the outlay of 50% of the cost of glass fabrication. It is expected that the project will require several months to complete including turnaround time for neon tube fabrication
The Association/MainStreet project will be supported by Rob Federico and Gar Engman who have volunteered the loan of their bucket truck and Rob will volunteer as the bucket truck operator. Mr. Meier states, "I've worked with Rob and the bucket truck when we repaired the Odeon Theater sign and his passion for doing whatever he can to promote Tucumcari is an inspiration to both myself and the Association."
Having completed a preliminary damage assessment, Mr. Meier and Ms. Loveland will be personally meeting with sign owners starting the week of July 31 to identify sign owners ready to participate in the project.
Melissa Lea advises, "The Association's Go-Fund-Me neon initiative has allowed us to begin the neon restoration project. The Association is a non-profit corporation, and we operate as volunteers, no one takes a salary, including our preservation team who will be doing most of the work. We would like to invite citizens to continue to donate to the Go-Fund-Me neon campaign in order to allow us to repair as many signs as funding allows." Donations can be made online at the Association's web home page at rt66nm.org.
Task Force Organized to Repair Hail Damaged Route 66 Neon Signs in Tucumcari
The New Mexico Route 66 Association and Tucumcari MainStreet have joined forces to repair devastating hail damage to iconic Route 66 neon signs. Not a single historic roadside neon sign survived golf ball sized hail that ravaged Tucumcari on May 27. The hailstorm impacted the city with more than $1 million dollars in damages to municipally owned buildings as well as damage to businesses and residences.
A neon sign damage assessment by the New Mexico Route 66 Association has identified more than 60 pieces of broken neon tubing distributed among 12 classic neon signs in Tucumcari.
Tucumcari has been a favored destination of Route 66 tourists seeking to experience classic neon signage and patronize the businesses along the route. In addition to the tourism value of the neon signs, these signs are recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) as significant examples of American Folk Art. The park service has awarded previous grants to restore historic signs on Route 66 including signs in Tucumcari.
Rob Federico, owner of the Blue Swallow Motel, sounds an alarm with regard to the damaged signs. "I am afraid that if Tucumcari's neon signs are not repaired, we will see a slow demise of Route 66 tourism in Tucumcari. A lot of businesses will suffer."
Johnnie Meier, Preservation Officer for the New Mexico Route 66 Association, recognizes the problem Tucumcari faces in repairing the neon signage. "Tucumcari is isolated with regard to commercial sign companies that are capable of neon sign servicing. The closest companies that could service Tucumcari are in Amarillo, 115 miles away. For an Amarillo company to send a boom truck and a crew to Tucumcari is cost prohibitive to the family-owned small businesses in Tucumcari. Given this circumstance, the Association has committed our organization to assisting the small business owners to repair their signs with a cost-effective solution."
Melissa Lea, President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association, explains, "Upon learning of the devastation to the neon signage in Tucumcari, we initiated a Go-Fund-Me campaign for folks that want to support the Association and Tucumcari in the repair of the neon signs. Since the hailstorm, the fund has collected over $4000 dollars with contributions continuing to be received. We have received contributions from a nationwide donor base and are now prepared to go forward with a plan."
Melissa continues, "The Association has more than 20 years’ experience in leading neon restoration projects. Our Association, and our Preservation Officer have received the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award given by the State of New Mexico for our neon project successes. In addition, the National Scenic Byways organization awarded our Association Best Practices recognition four our neon preservation work on the Route 66 Scenic Byway in New Mexico."
The Association is partnering with Connie Loveland, Executive Director of Tucumcari MainStreet, to move the neon sign project forward. Ms. Loveland has identified resources that can be invested in the project. Ms. Loveland comments, " MainStreet has had a productive relationship with the New Mexico Route 66 Association in promoting Tucumcari as a tourist destination as well as partnering on MainStreet projects. An example is the restoration of the Odeon Theater neon sign where the Association volunteered expertise, materials, and labor that resulted in relighting the sign after many years of being inoperable. Tucumcari MainStreet recognizes that heritage tourism is vital to our local economy and that the classic neon signage is vital to maintaining our position as a top tourist destination on Route 66."
Mr. Meier outlines the project plan. "The Association has performed an on-site damage assessment. At least 60 pieces of neon tubing are broken distributed among a dozen historic signs. Fabrication of the neon tubing is expected to run between $125 to $200 for each section depending on the complexity of the piece. If we choose $150 a section, we'll need at least $7500 for glass. It is expected that several burned-out high voltage transformers will need to be replaced which could push the total project cost for materials to as high as $10,000.
What the Association plans to offer, as a free service, is to remove broken tubing, make patterns that will be used by the neon tube benders in Amarillo, to negotiate prices with the neon vendor, deliver patterns to the neon vendor, retrieve the fabricated neon tubes, and install the new tubing. We will test transformers and acquire and install replacement transformers as needed. This plan establishes a single point-of-contact to represent all the neon sign owners in Tucumcari in transactions with neon vendors. As is the case with federal grants the Association has received in the past, the Association will require up to a 50% cash or in-kind match from sign owners. The result we hope to achieve is that the sign owners would be able to have their signs restored with only the outlay of 50% of the cost of glass fabrication. It is expected that the project will require several months to complete including turnaround time for neon tube fabrication
The Association/MainStreet project will be supported by Rob Federico and Gar Engman who have volunteered the loan of their bucket truck and Rob will volunteer as the bucket truck operator. Mr. Meier states, "I've worked with Rob and the bucket truck when we repaired the Odeon Theater sign and his passion for doing whatever he can to promote Tucumcari is an inspiration to both myself and the Association."
Having completed a preliminary damage assessment, Mr. Meier and Ms. Loveland will be personally meeting with sign owners starting the week of July 31 to identify sign owners ready to participate in the project.
Melissa Lea advises, "The Association's Go-Fund-Me neon initiative has allowed us to begin the neon restoration project. The Association is a non-profit corporation, and we operate as volunteers, no one takes a salary, including our preservation team who will be doing most of the work. We would like to invite citizens to continue to donate to the Go-Fund-Me neon campaign in order to allow us to repair as many signs as funding allows." Donations can be made online at the Association's web home page at rt66nm.org.
Left to right: LaCitaGo: Multiple broken segments on LA CITA MEXICAN FOODS sign Americanago: Broken segments on AMERICANA and VACANCY sign TePeego: Nine broken segments on the TEPEE CURIOS sign
