The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM is one of Route 66's greatest treasures. Built in 1939 by W.A. Huggins, the Blue Swallow features separate garages as was common with many of the motels from the same era. Lillian Redman is the most famous owner running the motel for 40 years afterreceiving the motel as a gift from her new to be husband. Lillian Redman passed away on February 21, 1999.
Blue Swallow Motel
Tucumcari, NM Photo courtesy Greg West
Blue
Swallow Motel
Tucumcari, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
After Lillian Redman sold the motel to Dale and HIlda Bakke in the 1990's, the motel was painstakingly restored.
The newest owners Terri and Bill continue to operate the Blue Swallow today with great care. The neon swallow on the sign used to flicker back and forth but is now static. The neon still glows in all its neon glory though.
Below are more photos of the historic Blue Swallow Motel. The Blue Swallow is the oldest operating motel in Tucumcari, a town which once boasted 2,000 rooms on roadside billboards.
Blue
Swallow Motel
Tucumcari, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Blue
Swallow Motel
Tucumcari, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The blue
swallows above the garage
Tucumcari, NM Photo by RoadsidePeek.com