This just in…

In spite of its designation as a landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Board, the former Denny’s that stood at the corner of 15th Avenue NW and NW Market Street came down today, thanks the board’s recent reversal of its February decision.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008014363_webdennys24m.html

Photos of the sad affair:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/zoom/html/2008014446.html

Effective today, you can now register online for Southwest Detours!  Please follow the "Conference Registration" link at left, or click here to go directly to the registration page. See you in Albuquerque!

The "Southwest Detours" 2008 Conference Schedule and list of Papers and Presenters are now available.

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting comprehensive conference information, including downloadable registration forms.

Please check back often!

Getting all fired up and ready to go to Albuquerque?

Here’s a little vintage inspiration for you to hit the road:

http://www.highwayhost.org/NewMexicoSCA/newmexicopostcards.htm

Click here to read Kevin Hamm’s entire article on denver.yourhub.com

Click here to visit Richard Talley’s "Smalltown America" web site

Carrie Scupholm & Gregory Smith

Ignore Bugs Bunny’s admonition to take a “Left Toin at Albuquerque” and instead join your friends at the SCA conference in the Duke City on September 11-14, 2008. Enjoy the stunning Southwestern landscape and visit some of the nation’s most scenic and significant historic roads including Route 66.

The SCA conference will include paper sessions and our legendary tours. Prospective speakers are encouraged to submit abstracts on topics relating to automobile culture in the American Southwest, including historic roads (the Old Spanish Trail, the Ozark Trail, and Route 66), tourist facilities (restaurants, gas stations and motels) and tourism sites. However, any topics related to the 20th century commercial landscape are welcome.

The SCA is also co-sponsoring the Preserving the Historic Road conference that will concurrently take place in Albuquerque. Since 1998, this conference has brought together transportation professionals and historic preservationists for educational sessions and field tours about the nation’s historic roads. The SCA is organizing roadside tours for Historic Road conference attendees and is excited about the cross-collaboration potential between the two organizations.

Don’t miss the Land of Enchantment and this landmark gathering!For more information about the conference, places to stay, or cool things to see along the way, contact Greg Smith at greg.smith@thc.state.tx.us. See you in New Mexico!

If you’re an active SCA member, click here to go to the Members Only area. The directory was recently updated and now includes an index for areas of interest!

Just in time for a relaxing read on the beach comes the Spring 2007 issue in which Guy Carwile investigates the Borden’s Ice Cream store in Lafayette, Louisiana while Virginia Price digs into the past looking at the reconstructed fort Rosalie in Natchez, Mississippi. Columnists Larry Cultrera, Diane DeBlois, Pete Phillips and Beth Savage bring new insights into diners, ephemera, signs and historic preservation.To order additional copies of this issue, please visit the SCA Store.

SCA is pleased to announce that its members can now subscribe at a significant discount to American Road, the leading magazine dedicated to roadside culture! If you’re an SCA member and have been procrastinating about subscribing to this informative and richly illustrated quarterly, here is your opportunity. For more information, click here. If you’re not an SCA member, join today!

Reduce your income tax burden. Make a contribution to the SCA!