Debra Whittington, the longtime co-owner of the Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and author of historical books about Tucumcari, died Monday after a lengthy illness. She was 61. Whittington also co-owned the Dollhouse Bed & Breakfast in Tucumcari, a 1908 two-story Victorian home near downtown Tucumcari she and her husband, Mark, restored and … Continue reading Longtime Tucumcari motel co-owner, author Debra Whittington dies
Tag: Tucumcari
Beto O’Rourke’s day on Route 66 in Tucumcari
A few days ago, former congressman and possible presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke spent a day in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to meet with local folks and research a bit of his family history there. O'Rourke, a Democrat, rose to national prominence last year after he lost an unexpectedly close 3-point U.S. Senate race in deeply Republican … Continue reading Beto O’Rourke’s day on Route 66 in Tucumcari
Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor
Some details about the Rockin' Route 66 festival in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on June 27-30 were released last week, revealing a few key differences from the festival's predecessor, Rockabilly on the Route. -- First, Rockin' Route 66 will not feature just rockabilly music, as its forerunner did. According to an email from Brian Whitcomb, president … Continue reading Rockin’ Route 66 festival in Tucumcari will have key differences from predecessor
Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period
The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Claremore MainStreet recently finished the first of several murals that will be painted in downtown alleys. The first mural, painted by John Hammer, portrays Route 66, Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and astronaut Stuart Roosa. Both grew up in Claremore. The city stated this about the mural program several weeks … Continue reading Claremore adds first of many murals over six-year period
Cactus RV Park sign in Tucumcari removed; property may be sold
A collector purchased and removed the 1950s-era neon sign at the Cactus RV Park in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the RV park and former motel there soon may be bought out by a national auto-parts chain. Workers and a truck from SignArt in Albuquerque dismantled and removed the sign Thursday from the property. Johnnie Meier, … Continue reading Cactus RV Park sign in Tucumcari removed; property may be sold
Was there a ban of black customers at Route 66 motels in eastern New Mexico?
Roland Penttila, a reader of this website based in Albuquerque, emailed this 1955 newspaper clipping a few days ago: Penttila wrote: While many white families have fond memories of their auto adventures along Route 66 during its heyday, too little is remembered of how difficult it was for African Americans to travel U.S. highways including … Continue reading Was there a ban of black customers at Route 66 motels in eastern New Mexico?
Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari put up for sale
Acknowledging "mixed feelings," the owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced they have put the iconic Route 66 property on the market. Co-owners Kevin and Nancy Mueller made the announcement Monday night in a Facebook post. It stated: We’ve given our hearts, souls, and financial resources over eight seasons, working to … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari put up for sale
What is the capital of Route 66?
Tulsa World newspaper columnist John Klein a few days ago wrote an essay with this provocative title: "Tulsa is already the heart of Route 66. Soon it will also be the capital of the Mother Road." Klein lays out his case with quotes from Route 66 Alliance officers Michael Wallis and Ken Busby, who hope … Continue reading What is the capital of Route 66?
Rockin’ Route 66 replaces Rockabilly on the Route festival in Tucumcari
A new organization announced a Rockin' Route 66 rockabilly-themed festival in June 2019 in Tucumcari, New Mexico -- two years after the town's Rockabilly on the Route event went on hiatus. Representatives from Garage 71 and Grease Inc. made the announcement in late June about the new festival, but news of it surfaced on Facebook this … Continue reading Rockin’ Route 66 replaces Rockabilly on the Route festival in Tucumcari
Route 66 Wedding Chapel, two related businesses close
The co-owner of Route 66 Wedding Chapel, Mother Road Old Time Photos and Christmas Shop of Tucumcari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Monday those shops closed and possibly will move to Tennessee because of health issues and family obligations. The three businesses were housed in one storefront across the street from the historic Blue Swallow … Continue reading Route 66 Wedding Chapel, two related businesses close