Obviously not in Toronto, the iconic neon sign outside the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari New Mexico has been inviting Route 66 travellers for the past 70 years or so.From their website:
The Blue Swallow Motel was built in 1939 by W. A. Huggins. It features a unique, personal shell design on the exterior stucco. Garages, a signature of motor courts of the era, are another unique characteristic of this motel. According to Huggins' son, Phares, it was sold at a loss because of economic conditions at the onset of WWII. With gas and tire rationing in effect, people weren't traveling as much.
The best known proprietor of the Blue Swallow was Lillian Redman, who acquired it in 1958. She operated the motel for almost 40 years, but faced numerous difficulties including the interstate bypass, which drastically reduced her customer base. There is much information available about Lillian online and in numerous publications.
Your hosts, Terri & Bill, purchased the Blue Swallow Motel in 2004. They are keeping the tradition of hospitality alive and welcome you to this historic Route 66 landmark.
Some vintage postcards.
There's a great archive of vintage Route 66 postcards right here.
The Blue Swallow as depicted by artist Josh Heisie.
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