There’s a moment early in David Stratton’s new book, “Tucumcari Tonight” (Amazon link), that signals this isn’t going to be a dull history tome. In the introduction, the author, who was 95 years old when the University of New Mexico Press published the book earlier this month, recalls his personal memories of the first owners … Continue reading Book review: ‘Tucumcari Tonite!’
Kevin and Nancy Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Friday the new owners of the historic Route 66 motel are Robert and Dawn Federico of Crystal Lake, Illinois. The Federicos are embarking on a Route 66 trip to introduce themselves to various people along the road before they take possession … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel announces its new owners
The owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Tuesday the Route 66 landmark property was under contract after being on the market for more than 18 months. The deal with “a delightful couple” is expected to close later this month. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller posted this message on Facebook: They … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari is under contract
Citing problems caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Thursday they would close the Route 66 icon for at least 2 1/2 weeks. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller announced in a Facebook post on Thursday they would close the motel starting today, then reassess … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari closes until at least April 12
The principals of Uranus Missouri near St. Robert, Missouri, presided over a lighting ceremony Saturday night at the complex’s new, Route 66-themed neon wall. Here’s a photo of the animated neon on a 20-by-55-foot wall that features a rocket ship, Cadillac Ranch, Blue Swallow Motel, Wigwam Motel, Roy’s of Amboy, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Ted … Continue reading Uranus Missouri lights up its new, Route 66-themed neon wall
The owner of the Roadrunner Lodger Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, this week began a project he’s been wanting to do for seven years — restore the neighboring and long-closed La Plaza Court. According to a story I wrote for the Quay County Sun, David Brenner and his now-former wife brought the Route 66 property … Continue reading Roadrunner Lodge Motel owner begins restoration on La Plaza Court in Tucumcari
Roamin’ Rich Dinkela, president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri and a well-known champion of Route 66 on social media, made an offer to buy the historic Shamrock Court near Sullivan, Missouri, and likely will close on the deal next month. Dinkela said in a phone interview he isn’t going into the motel business. … Continue reading Roamin’ Rich Dinkela has Shamrock Court motel near Sullivan under contract
The new neon-sign wall at the Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri, will hold a ceremonial lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. Sept. 25. On a related note, Uranus also expanded its empire by acquiring a prominent candy store in Indiana and will convert it into a second location. More on that later. Uranus owner … Continue reading New neon wall at Uranus Missouri will light up the evening of Sept. 25
World-famous songwriter and Nobel Prize laureate Bob Dylan three years ago painted a series of images that included more than a half-dozen images from Route 66 as part of his “The Beaten Path” series. The number of images from the Mother Road has increased. The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, posted this image … Continue reading Bob Dylan adds more Route 66 images to his paintings
Brennen Matthews’ detailed travelogue, “Miles to Go: An African Family in Search of America Along Route 66” (Amazon link), explains the spark that led him to found and edit ROUTE Magazine. Because his multiracial family has roots in Kenya or Canada, the 280-page book published by University of New Mexico Press also provides a glimpse … Continue reading Book review: “Miles to Go: An African Family in Search of America Along Route 66”
