GET YOUR FIX
Johnnie Meier picks a few of his favorite renovated signs.
Tucumcari’s Blue Swallow Motel keeps the neon lights on.
Photograph by Jen Judge.
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari
“A blue swallow is the symbol for safe homecoming, and the sprig of laurel leaves invokes the serenity and peace that calls out to road-weary travelers.”
Dog House Drive In, Albuquerque
“If there is such a thing as an adorable neon sign, here it is. A wiener dog gobbling up a string of wieners while wagging its tail.”
Photograph by Jakob Schiller.
El Vado Motel, Albuquerque
“El Vado means ‘river crossing,’ and the Río Grande is only half a mile away. The motel sign features a Native American’s portrait backlit with a fantastic multicolored headdress.”
Glenn’s Bakery, Gallup
“This 2019 sign represents a welcome resurgence of retro neon signs. Capped by a Route 66 shield and a spiked neon sputnik, the sign is supported by artfully rendered pylons that resemble yellow-striped Route 66 pavement.”
RUSTY RELICS
…and these unrestored beauties.
Buckaroo Motel, Tucumcari
“Celebrating Tucumcari’s Wild West heritage, the Buckaroo sign beckons. Chaser lights wrap around the sign topped by a glowing, bucking bronco. Yeehaw!”
Rio Pecos Ranch Truck Terminal, Santa Rosa
“A massive sign picturing an almost life-size semitruck. At one time, the sign was animated, with spinning wheels and an affable truck driver waving ‘Howdy’ at passersby.”
Bluewater Motel, Bluewater
“This enormous sign is an example of road-art metal sculpture in the style of midcentury modern.”
Whiting Bros., McCartys
“Although hard to tell, the two giant Whiting Bros. signs were once embellished with neon. Whiting Bros. signs for their motels and gas stations were arrayed from Tucumcari to Gallup, but the gigantic shield-shaped sign at McCartys was the mother of all Whiting Bros. signs.”
Virgie’s Restaurant & Lounge, Gallup
“This sign is an example of design gone wild—a mash-up of asymmetric panels, symmetric poles, and a swooping arrow with a color palette that demands attention.”
