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Clines Corners

I-40 Exit 218, Clines Corners, NM
Phone:

East < GO > West

From a travelers point of view, this is basically a large gift shop, cafe and a couple of gas stations. It's been around since 1934, but not always at this location. Roy E. Cline moved his station to this spot after Route 66 was realigned to bypass Santa Fe and go straight from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque. Then he convinced map makers to include Clines Corners on their maps. The realignment was the result of a political spat between the then New Mexico Governor and the State Legislature in Santa Fe. Roy Cline sold the business and went on to other ventures, but by 1945 he was back with a new station called Flying-C-Ranch just a few miles to the east on Route 66.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

Clines Corners on Highway 66, New Mexico
At an elevation of 7,200 feet Clines Corners, one of the oldest establishments on Highway 66, is equipped for super service to the motoring public, including the most modern Cafe and Curio Shop.

Cline's Corners, "The Crossroads of New Mexico," 60 miles east of Albuquerque, where Highways 66 and 285 intersect.

(Front)
CLINES CORNERS
At the Overpass Where U.S. 285 Meets U.S. 66
New Mexico's Most Popular Highway Stopping Place

(Back)
CLINES CORNERS
CAFE, CURIO SHOP AND SERVICE STATION
60 Miles East of Albuquerque at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 285 and U.S. Highway 66. Best in meals, of most complete curio shops in New Mexico. Cool Clines Corners, elevation 7200 feet. Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Smith, owners and operators.

NOTE: These three postcards kind of illustrate the growth of the business over the years. The little original building is nowhere to be seen in the third card. The tower seen in the first postcard carried the "GULF" name, the brand of gas sold. Apparently after they built the new station seen in the second card they changed the lettering on the tower to say "CAFE". None of these postcards are dated, but the newest car in the 3rd postcard is a 58 or 59 Rambler. What all these cards show is the importance roadside businesses placed on signage to attract customers.
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Photo(s): 2013