Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari Talking Tour on Saturday launched a fundraiser to help restore the city’s historic neon signs by selling vintage ceramic tile salvaged from the Cactus RV Park that was demolished in January.
The Talking Tour stated in a Facebook post it saved 40 almond-colored ceramic tile manufactured before World War II from the motel and RV park, which was razed to make way for an O’Reilly Auto Parts store.
The tile will be sold for $25, plus $8.40 in shipping, and come with a certificate of authenticity. A metal stand for the tile also is available for $2.50. All purchases are tax-deductible and will come with a receipt.
The nonprofit organization, of which Tucumcari MainStreet is the fiscal agent, stated those interested in buying the tile should call 575-461-3701 or email [email protected]. It stated PayPal or debit and credit-card purchasing will be available soon at tucumcaritalkingtour.com.
The Cactus RV Park was the site of the Cactus Motor Lodge built in the 1930s. It once was listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, an annual publication that compiled businesses friendly to African Americans during the Jim Crow era. The Cactus also was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tucumcari Talking Tour last summer shepherded an effort to install low-wattage radio transmitters at 16 historic sites that broadcast historical information.