In his book Route 66, Michael Wallis calls the Club Cafe in Santa Rosa, N.M., ''a significant establishment since 1935.'' The Club Cafe is still a must stop on the way west, both for its hearty Mexican food and its prewar decor. On a weekday morning we asked some of the folks in the cafe (quoted from left to right in foreground) how they get their kicks on Route 66.
Bozo Cordova,Car Repair Service:
''Oh, man, you know, we used to hot rod right on Old 66! That's
right! We used to just stop the traffic. No more, man. I just fix
people's cars that break down every day.''
Michael Esquibel,
Runs Local Radio Station:
''I get my kicks by trying to lure people back onto Old 66 here.
When we were kids, we'd just stand up there on that hill and look
down on all the traffic.''
Santiago Chavez,
Cafe club Owner and Artist:
''Our most precious possession here is time. In a small town like
ours, 24 hours is like 48 anywhere else. People come here by the
millions, and they like to talk about their lives. That's what makes
this 66.''
Mary Ellis,
Cashier, Club Cafe:
''You meet people from all walks of life. They all have the same
need. They need to be loved. They're all hungry, just for a smile.''
Dan Ulibarri,
Retired:
''What pleases me is helping out around the cafe. I could have
traveled. But I'd rather stay here and see what happens. I've seen
everything.''
Ron Chavez,
Owner, Club Cafe:
''What gives me my kick is to see joy on people's faces, the joy
that comes from having your appetite satisfied. You can fill your
belly. But to be satisfied, that is something else.''
Lt. Freddy Moncayo,
Santa Rosa Police:
''When I was a kid here, before the freeway, it would take you 15
minutes just to cross the road. We still have enough traffic to suit
me.''
