Neon Signage - Albuquerque's Legacy of Neon and the remnants of Route 66 Design

Ernst HaasRoute 66 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1969

Ernst Haas

Route 66 Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1969

 

Neon signage served as an attractive way to flag cars down along route 66, the bright buzzing lights were made on an exaggerated scale with fun, colorful designs. Their value is in the iconic quality and the craft of the buzzing glass tubes. Each neon light is designed and hand crafted, and neon lighting has become a form of folk art that speaks to the route 66 car culture that identifies places such as Central Ave in Albuquerque.

As the fabric of Route 66 changes and neon signs begin to go dark or be torn down along with the buildings they accompanied, there is an effort to preserve these iconic displays. The National Parks service has released materials on Preserving Route 66 Historic Signs which you can find here.

Saving Route 66 Historic Signs (trifold brochure) – New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance

Saving Route 66 Historic Signs (trifold brochure) – New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance

Another excellent source if you want to learn more and see an extensive archive of neon design is The Zeon files : art and design of historic Route 66 signs by Mark C. Childs and Ellen D. Babcock. The book includes detailed drafted neon signage designs.

An excerpt from the Zeon files by Mark Childs and Ellen D. Babcock for sale on amazon here

An excerpt from the Zeon files by Mark Childs and Ellen D. Babcock for sale on amazon here

There have been efforts to preserve the Route 66 architecture of Albuquerque, including the El Vado Motel. Built in 1937 the motel has been renovated into a new modern space but maintained it’s original Spanish Pueblo revival style and character. The new Motel features small businesses, a central courtyard, taproom, and an addition that includes a meeting facility. The structure was almost demolished in 2005, but seeing it’s importance as one of the most intact historic Route 66 tourist courts the city purchased the land. The El Vado motel as it stands today is an excellent example in Historic Preservation due to it retaining it’s original character and adjusting it’s program for modern enjoyment. Stay a night here and you will undoubtedly agree.

El Vado motel public courtyard featuring the restored historic neon signage. Image source

El Vado motel public courtyard featuring the restored historic neon signage. Image source

As Central Ave and other main roads that are a part of Route 66 adapt and respond to a modern lifestyle, Route 66 design can be left in the past for modern construction that lacks character and reference to site. By maintaining signage and restoring historic buildings in a way that preserves their original character, we can save some of the more meaningful and iconic fabric of Route 66 and provide economic opportunity in places once neglected.

 
 
 
brandon ortiz