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in Places & People

What New Mexico looked like in the 1980s and 1990s

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New Mexico lost more service members in World War II than any other state. As a national war bond drive leader, the state had fifty federal installations, including glider and bombardier training schools. Sixty-five thousand young men (and 700 young women) joined the military during the war, where they received a wide range of technical training and experienced the outside world for the first time. There were high wages, jobs for everyone, rationing, and shortages during wartime because of government spending. In the postwar years, federal facilities contributed significantly to the state’s economy. Since New Mexico relied on both the smokestack industry and scenic tourism, it was at the center of debates over clean air legislation, particularly the Clean Air Act of 1967 and its amendments in 1970 and 1977. New Mexico became the first of only four states to adopt the English Plus resolution, which supports the acceptance of non-English languages, in 1989.

Many Californians migrated to the state during the 1990s, resulting in continued population growth. Despite the rapid growth of its population, New Mexico remains one of the poorest states in the country. This is despite increasing exploitation of oil, gas, and other mineral resources and increased agricultural production through improved irrigation. In March 1999, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southeastern New Mexico opened, becoming the world’s first underground storage facility for radioactive waste.

Here are some fascinating photos of New Mexico in the 1980s and 1990s.

#1 Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

3 Points

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#2 Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1984

Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1984

3 Points

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#3 Ranch House Cafe sign, Route 285, Vaughn, New Mexico, 1991

Ranch House Cafe sign, Route 285, Vaughn, New Mexico, 1991

3 Points

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#4 Zia Motor Lodge sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1997

Zia Motor Lodge sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1997

3 Points

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#5 Dog house sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Dog house sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

3 Points

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#6 Production Credit Building (which then became the Occidental Life Company Building), overall diagonal view, 3rd & Gold, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Production Credit Building (which then became the Occidental Life Company Building), overall diagonal view, 3rd & Gold, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

3 Points

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#7 Aztec Motel, diagonal view 2, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Aztec Motel, diagonal view 2, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

2 Points

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#8 Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

2 Points

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#9 South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1992

South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1992

2 Points

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#10 Jack’s Liquor sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

Jack's Liquor sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

2 Points

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#11 Mori’s Bar, 4th & Slate, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

Mori's Bar, 4th & Slate, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

2 Points

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#12 Blake’s Restaurant sign, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1991

Blake's Restaurant sign, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1991

2 Points

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#13 Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

1 Point

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#14 Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

1 Point

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#15 Jene’s Teepee Gifts sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

Jene's Teepee Gifts sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

1 Point

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#16 Hollywood Diner sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1985

Hollywood Diner sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1985

1 Point

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#17 Adobe Diner, Route 64 & 285, Tres Piedras, New Mexico, 1981

Adobe Diner, Route 64 & 285, Tres Piedras, New Mexico, 1981

1 Point

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#18 West Theater, angle 2, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

West Theater, angle 2, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

1 Point

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#19 Covered Wagon Court sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Covered Wagon Court sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

1 Point

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#20 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

1 Point

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#21 Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

1 Point

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#22 Big Ben, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Big Ben, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

1 Point

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#23 Wiener Schnitzel Restaurant, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1997

Wiener Schnitzel Restaurant, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1997

1 Point

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#24 Uranium Cafe Chinese sign, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1983

Uranium Cafe Chinese sign, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1983

1 Point

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#25 Aztec Motel, diagonal view 1, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Aztec Motel, diagonal view 1, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

1 Point

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#26 Grant County Courthouse, center vertical, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, center vertical, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

1 Point

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#27 Wild Life Museum, Chama, New Mexico,1980

Wild Life Museum, Chama, New Mexico,1980

1 Point

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#28 Whataburger, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1996

Whataburger, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1996

1 Point

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#29 Sparks Office Supply Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1994

Sparks Office Supply Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1994

1 Point

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#30 Teepee shed, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Teepee shed, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

1 Point

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#31 Pizza Hut, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1992

Pizza Hut, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1992

1 Point

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#32 Las Cruces downtown, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1997

Las Cruces downtown, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1997

1 Point

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#33 Storefront, Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 2 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Storefront, Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 2 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

1 Point

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#34 Apache Canyon Trading Post, teepee and car, Routes 62 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Apache Canyon Trading Post, teepee and car, Routes 62 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

1 Point

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#35 Center block, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

Center block, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

1 Point

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#36 Re Ball Cafe, front view, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

Re Ball Cafe, front view, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

1 Point

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#37 Texas-New Mexico Power Co., Broadway Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Texas-New Mexico Power Co., Broadway Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

1 Point

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#38 Saints & Sinners Liquor Store, Espanola, New Mexico, 1998

Saints & Sinners Liquor Store, Espanola, New Mexico, 1998

1 Point

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#39 Ranch House Cafe sign, Route 285, Vaughn, New Mexico, 1992

Ranch House Cafe sign, Route 285, Vaughn, New Mexico, 1992

1 Point

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#40 Rules, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Rules, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

1 Point

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#41 Jack’s Liquor sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

Jack's Liquor sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

1 Point

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#42 Desert Sands Motor Hotel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Desert Sands Motor Hotel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

1 Point

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#43 West Theater, angle 1, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1999

West Theater, angle 1, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1999

1 Point

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#44 State Theater, Central Avenue (Route 66), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

State Theater, Central Avenue (Route 66), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

1 Point

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#45 Production Credit Building, overall diagonal view, 3rd & Gold, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Production Credit Building, overall diagonal view, 3rd & Gold, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

1 Point

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#46 Hiland Theater, Central Avenue (Route 66), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Hiland Theater, Central Avenue (Route 66), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

1 Point

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#47 Aztec Motel, office and sign, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Aztec Motel, office and sign, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

1 Point

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#48 Sonic Drive-In Restaurant, Central Valley, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Sonic Drive-In Restaurant, Central Valley, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#49 Purified Water windmill, Roswell, New Mexico, 1993

Purified Water windmill, Roswell, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#50 Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1984

Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1984

0 Points

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#51 Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#52 Traveling Traders (Black Hawk Jewelry), Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1985

Traveling Traders (Black Hawk Jewelry), Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1985

0 Points

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#53 Dog house sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

Dog house sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#54 Pioneer Motel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1991

Pioneer Motel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#55 Ken’s Ice Cream Sandwich sign, B-4, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Ken's Ice Cream Sandwich sign, B-4, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#56 Lux Theater, B-40, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

Lux Theater, B-40, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#57 Teepee, Alta’s Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1996

Teepee, Alta's Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1996

0 Points

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#58 Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1981

Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#59 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#60 Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#61 Erica’s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1999

Erica's Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#62 Adobe, Alta’s Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1992

Adobe, Alta's Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#63 Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#64 Hotel Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1998

Hotel Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#65 Simon’s Western Wear sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

Simon's Western Wear sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

0 Points

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#66 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#67 Barber pole, Portales, New Mexico,1982

Barber pole, Portales, New Mexico,1982

0 Points

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#68 B & M Bar, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

B & M Bar, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#69 Whataburger, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1994

Whataburger, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1994

0 Points

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#70 Dean’s Restaurant sign, chef detail, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant sign, chef detail, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#71 Silver Moon Bar sign, B-40 (Route 66), Grants, New Mexico, 1987

Silver Moon Bar sign, B-40 (Route 66), Grants, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#72 Old motel sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

Old motel sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

0 Points

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#73 Jene’s Teepee Gifts, Route 66, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

Jene's Teepee Gifts, Route 66, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#74 The Roaring 20’s sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

The Roaring 20's sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

0 Points

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#75 Zia Motor Lodge sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Zia Motor Lodge sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#76 Saints & Sinners Liquor Store, Espanola, New Mexico, 1999

Saints & Sinners Liquor Store, Espanola, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#77 Silver City Daily Press, Arizona and Market Streets, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Silver City Daily Press, Arizona and Market Streets, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#78 Dean’s Restaurant sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#79 Golden Rule and New York Stores, South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1991

Golden Rule and New York Stores, South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#80 Log Cabin Lodge sign, Gallup, New Mexico, 1999

Log Cabin Lodge sign, Gallup, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#81 McDonald’s (angle 1), Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

McDonald's (angle 1), Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#82 White City Motel, Whites City, New Mexico, 1992

White City Motel, Whites City, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#83 Jene’s Teepee Gifts sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1985

Jene's Teepee Gifts sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1985

0 Points

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#84 New Village Cafe sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1985

New Village Cafe sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1985

0 Points

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#85 Lux Theater, B-40, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

Lux Theater, B-40, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#86 Rancho To Motel sign, Gallup, New Mexico, 1998

Rancho To Motel sign, Gallup, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#87 Gallup Kachina sign, Heart of Indian Country, Gallup, New Mexico, 1994

Gallup Kachina sign, Heart of Indian Country, Gallup, New Mexico, 1994

0 Points

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#88 Aztec Motel, office and sign, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1994

Aztec Motel, office and sign, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1994

0 Points

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#89 Hightower Motel, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

Hightower Motel, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#90 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1989

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1989

0 Points

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#91 Erica’s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1998

Erica's Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#92 White City Motel, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

White City Motel, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#93 Purified Water windmill, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

Purified Water windmill, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#94 Sirloin Stockade sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1982

Sirloin Stockade sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#95 Sinclair Gas sign, Rt. 2, Lake Arthur, New Mexico, 1981

Sinclair Gas sign, Rt. 2, Lake Arthur, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#96 Drive-in Theater, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

Drive-in Theater, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#97 Hightower Motel, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

Hightower Motel, Lordsburg, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#98 Erica’s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

Erica's Beauty Salon, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

0 Points

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#99 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#100 Grant County Courthouse, straight on, closer, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, straight on, closer, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#101 Stuff n’ Things, South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1992

Stuff n' Things, South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#102 Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#103 Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1991

Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#104 Gas station at Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Gas station at Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#105 Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#106 Wiener Schnitzel Restaurant, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1991

Wiener Schnitzel Restaurant, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#107 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1988

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1988

0 Points

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#108 Jene’s Teepee Gifts, Route 66, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

Jene's Teepee Gifts, Route 66, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#109 Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#110 Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#111 South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1991

South 1st Street, Raton, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#112 Restaurants White’s City, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Restaurants White's City, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#113 Sign, Alta’s Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1992

Sign, Alta's Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#114 Shamrock gas sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Shamrock gas sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#115 La Casa Judy Motel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1981

La Casa Judy Motel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#116 Blake’s Burger sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1984

Blake's Burger sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1984

0 Points

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#117 Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#118 Sparks Office Supply Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1993

Sparks Office Supply Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#119 Grant County Courthouse, center vertical, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

Grant County Courthouse, center vertical, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#120 Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#121 City Electric Shoe Shop (old Theater?), Cole [i.e. Coal] Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 1999

City Electric Shoe Shop (old Theater?), Cole [i.e. Coal] Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#122 Grant County Courthouse, diagonal, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, diagonal, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#123 Dean’s Restaurant spoke sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant spoke sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#124 Teepee, Alta’s Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

Teepee, Alta's Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#125 Dream Catcher Theater (a contemporary multiplex), angle 1, Route 285, Espanola, New Mexico, 1997

Dream Catcher Theater (a contemporary multiplex), angle 1, Route 285, Espanola, New Mexico, 1997

0 Points

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#126 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#127 Teepee shed, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Teepee shed, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#128 Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

Park Plaza Motel, Raton, New Mexico, 1980

0 Points

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#129 Jack’s Trading Center, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1983

Jack's Trading Center, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1983

0 Points

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#130 Dairy Mart Drive-in sign, Artesia, New Mexico, 1983

Dairy Mart Drive-in sign, Artesia, New Mexico, 1983

0 Points

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#131 Uranium Cafe sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

Uranium Cafe sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#132 Chew Den sign, Roswell, New Mexico, 1981

Chew Den sign, Roswell, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#133 Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1999

Old City Hall, now fire department, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#134 Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1981

Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#135 Malco gas pump, Rt. 285, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1981

Malco gas pump, Rt. 285, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#136 Big Ben, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Big Ben, Leisure Twin Putt, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#137 Highway 567, junction, near Taos, Taos, New Mexico, 1999

Highway 567, junction, near Taos, Taos, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#138 Tinnie Silver Dollar Restaurant, Tinnie, New Mexico, 1992

Tinnie Silver Dollar Restaurant, Tinnie, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#139 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#140 Grant County Courthouse, top central detail, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, top central detail, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#141 The Original Trading Post, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1981

The Original Trading Post, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#142 Adobe Diner, Route 64 & 285, Tres Piedras, New Mexico, 1983

Adobe Diner, Route 64 & 285, Tres Piedras, New Mexico, 1983

0 Points

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#143 Adobe, Alta’s Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

Adobe, Alta's Cactus Cave Gift Shop since 1944, Route 70, Roswell, New Mexico, 1991

0 Points

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#144 Teepee at gas station, souvenir place, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1992

Teepee at gas station, souvenir place, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1992

0 Points

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#145 Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1982

Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#146 Dean’s Restaurant sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#147 Sirloin Stockade sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1982

Sirloin Stockade sign, Hobbs, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#148 McDonald’s, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

McDonald's, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#149 West Theater, angle 2, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

West Theater, angle 2, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#150 Casa Grande Motel, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Casa Grande Motel, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#151 Covered Wagon Court sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Covered Wagon Court sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#152 Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Durand Motor Co., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#153 Dream Catcher Theater (a contemporary multiplex), angle 3, Route 285, Espanola, New Mexico, 1999

Dream Catcher Theater (a contemporary multiplex), angle 3, Route 285, Espanola, New Mexico, 1999

0 Points

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#154 Sparks Office Supply Co. entrance, Canal & Shaw, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1993

Sparks Office Supply Co. entrance, Canal & Shaw, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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#155 Gordon’s Jewelry Street Clock, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

Gordon's Jewelry Street Clock, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 1997

0 Points

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#156 Mountain View Barber Shop, El Prado, New Mexico, 1981

Mountain View Barber Shop, El Prado, New Mexico, 1981

0 Points

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#157 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

0 Points

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#158 Virgie’s Mexican Food sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

Virgie's Mexican Food sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#159 Pioneer Motel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1998

Pioneer Motel sign, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1998

0 Points

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#160 Buckaroo Motel sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

Buckaroo Motel sign, Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1982

0 Points

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#161 Apache Canyon Trading Post, gas station, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1994

Apache Canyon Trading Post, gas station, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1994

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#162 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

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#163 Aztec Motel, diagonal view 2, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

Aztec Motel, diagonal view 2, Route 66, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1999

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#164 Red Ball Cafe, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

Red Ball Cafe, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1982

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#165 Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1992

Grant County Courthouse, entire street, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1992

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#166 Dean’s Restaurant sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

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#167 Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Red Ball Cafe sign, 4th Street, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

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#168 Cecilia’s Flower Shop (gas Station), Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Cecilia's Flower Shop (gas Station), Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

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#169 West Theater, angle 1, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

West Theater, angle 1, Route 66, Grants, New Mexico, 1997

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#170 Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

Horseshoe Motel, Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 1980

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#171 Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1982

Economy Gasoline Co., Carlsbad, New Mexico, 1982

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#172 Dean’s Restaurant spoke sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

Dean's Restaurant spoke sign, B-40 (Route 66), Tucumcari, New Mexico, 1987

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#173 La Casa Judy Motel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1982

La Casa Judy Motel, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1982

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#174 Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

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#175 Grant County Courthouse, diagonal, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

Grant County Courthouse, diagonal, Copper Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1991

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#176 Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

Club Cafe sign near Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico, 1987

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#177 Storefront, Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 2 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Storefront, Apache Canyon Trading Post, Routes 2 and 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

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#178 Traveling Traders (Black Hawk Jewelry), Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

Traveling Traders (Black Hawk Jewelry), Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1987

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#179 Apache Canyon Trading Post, teepee, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

Apache Canyon Trading Post, teepee, Routes 62 & 180, Whites City, New Mexico, 1993

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#180 Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1981

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#181 Pizza Hut, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

Pizza Hut, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1999

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#182 Silver Moon Bar sign, B-40 (Route 66), Grants, New Mexico, 1987

Silver Moon Bar sign, B-40 (Route 66), Grants, New Mexico, 1987

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#183 Canton Cafe sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

Canton Cafe sign, Grants, New Mexico, 1998

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#184 Simon’s Western Wear sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

Simon's Western Wear sign, Central Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984

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#185 Gila Theater, Bullard Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

Gila Theater, Bullard Street, Silver City, New Mexico, 1993

0 Points

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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11 Comments

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King Burger says:

September 21, 2023 at 16:25 Copy Link of a Comment

So, it still looks the same as it did three years ago?

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- Count Gassy says:
  
  September 21, 2023 at 16:25 Copy Link of a Comment
  
  Perhaps it looks slightly greener or whiter now. There was a lot of precipitation during the 90s.
  
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  - Prince Sausage says:
    
    September 21, 2023 at 16:26 Copy Link of a Comment
    
    Yeah but more sepia-toned
    
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Anastasiya says:

September 21, 2023 at 16:28 Copy Link of a Comment

I recall that Wiener Schnitzel in Las Cruces! It was my go-to spot as a kid, and they served the best hot dogs.

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Professor PickleJuice says:

September 21, 2023 at 16:29 Copy Link of a Comment

New Mexico lost more service members in World War II than any other state” Not even close. What kind of article is this?

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- Doctor Doofus says:
  
  September 21, 2023 at 16:30 Copy Link of a Comment
  
  Could it be true per capita? You’re right that it’s obvious that it’s not true in nominal terms, but I’m not saying it is.
  
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King Klutz says:

September 21, 2023 at 16:29 Copy Link of a Comment

And those are just pictures of old signs, not photos from the 80s.

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Count Popcorn says:

September 21, 2023 at 16:29 Copy Link of a Comment

Parts of New Mexico look a lot like that in the 2020s

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