Reclaiming roots on Route 66, New Mexico
Barelas, a historic district in Albuquerque, New Mexico, thrives with businesses, shared memories, and preservation efforts.
By Latinos in Heritage Conservation
By Latinos in Heritage Conservation in collaboration with LHC Route 66 Fellows
The Closed Red Ball Cafe (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Economic growth and Route 66
The paving of Route 66 in Albuquerque brought a growth of tourists, who brought in businesses that focused on accommodating tourists through hotels. The drive for tourism was evident as the number of hotels stood at 50 in 1937 and reached 90 in the next three years [Dedek, 2007].
Leticia Gutierrez outside of Ives Flowers Gift Shop (21st Century) by Beatriz Dominguez AlemanLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Meet Leticia Gutierrez
Leticia is the former owner of the Red Ball Café in Barelas and has dedicated herself to preserving its history and maintaining its significance in the community. The café is now closed."I had the honor of owning the Red Ball Café, which was a big, very, a very big honor!" - Leticia
Leticia Gutierrez pointing at Family Picture (21st Century) by Beatriz Dominguez AlemanLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Family memories
Leticia Gutierrez points to a family picture, taken many years ago. After her efforts with the café, Leticia continued her commitment to local heritage by offering her assistance to Ive's Flower Shop, keeping Barelas' cultural legacy alive.
Meet Monica Becomo
Monica is the Community Development Coordinator at Homewise, an organization looking to ensure communities are successful with homeownership. She is also working to revitalize historic businesses to ensure the legacy of the Barelas neighborhood moves forward.
B. Ruppe wall of artifacts (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
B. Ruppe Museum artifacts
Once the center of healing in the Barelas neighborhood, the B. Ruppe Drugstore was the longest continuously operating pharmacy in Albuquerque. The shop is now a museum featuring newspaper clippings, historical photographs, and artifacts of the business.
Mural of Doña Maclovia Sanchez de Zamora (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Mural of Doña Maclovia Sanchez de Zamora
A large mural of renowned natural healer Doña Maclovia Sanchez de Zamora is located on the side of B. Ruppe. Maclovia began working in the drugstore in 1989. She later became part owner and made it a yeberia, a herbalist shop. She would bring in herbs to heal patients.
The history of Ive's Flower Shop began over 100 years ago in 1892, when Bryon Ives, a carpenter for the Santa Fe Railway Station, began selling flowers from his home and then began selling floral arrangements like roses. Bryon Ives continued to run the business until he passed away in 1921. Rosemary Gonzales currently owns Ive's Flower shops and operates her shop within Barelas. The store is within distance of the former Red Ball Cafe.
Eastside exterior of the Por Vida Tattoo shop (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Por Vida Tattoo
Barelas draws in former residents who wish to reestablish their roots by moving their businesses into the neighborhood. Bale Sisneros found success as a Chicano tattoo artist who operates Por Vida, a coffee shop, and a barbershop.
In memory of Bale Sisneros, Por Vida Tattoo co-owner
The Route 66 Abuelas team was privileged to capture Bale Sisneros’ oral history, where his deep love for Albuquerque was evident. Bale was a strong leader shaping the community's future, and his loss is deeply felt. Our condolences go to Albuquerque and the Por Vida community.
Historic Women of New Mexico Mural (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
The Women of New Mexico mural
This mural, created by Izabelle Fernandez Williams, Al Nair Lara, and Colleen Gorman, features historic women ranging from a 1940s Barelas resident to a soladera. They were chosen for their powerful and positive visions of New Mexico and their courage to carry out those visions.
The businesses along the route have seen varied outcomes, with some still operating while others have transitioned through new ownership or permanent closure. For Barelas residents, the historic sites that remain are a part of their community. Many continue to operate in Barelas, close to the original locations. Through the efforts of the community, the story of Route 66 is being revitalized, ensuring that the legacy of Barelas continues to evolve with their efforts to preserve its history.
Barles Mural #2 (21st Century) by Asami Robledo-Allen YamamotoLatinos in Heritage Conservation
Want to explore our Abuelas Project in more depth?
There is more work to be done in relation to Latinx Historic Preservation. Here at Latinos in Heritage Conservation, we work to preserve and amplify Latinx heritage through the Abuelas Project. Explore our New Mexico and Route 66 StoryMap by clicking here!
Latinos in Heritage Conservation
The Abuelas Route 66 Team: Asami Robledo-Allen Yamamoto | Jennifer Rivera | Melanie Escobar| Brittney Jimenez | Karina Amalbert | Beatriz Dominguez Aleman
Featuring interviews from: Teresa Kennedy | David Rosas | Tony Renteria | Jennifer Gallardo | Lilia Escajeda | Shawn Kennedy | Mary Martinez & Glorie Arrasmith | Bale Sisneros | Monica Bencomo | Leticia Gutierrez | Rosemary Gallegos | Almalia Berrios-Payton | Patricia Garcia | Jesse Dominguez | Irene Dominguez |Tamara Serrao-Leiva | Nina Fresco
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