ECV Meeting At The Historic El Rancho Hotel

Above, the main lobby of the El Rancho Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon was spent at the historic El Rancho Hotel & Motel on historic Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico.

Above and below, the hotel's John Wayne display, which
includes a hat worn by Wayne. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

XNGHs Ken Berry and Tom Garland of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus came over from Arizona to meet with the El Rancho's general manager for the plaque dedication to be held in August (probably August 9 - 11) at the hotel. That has to be firmed up, but Clampers should pencil in the tentative date in their calendars anyway.

Above, XNGHs Ken Berry and Tom Garland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The hotel was built by the brother of D. W. Griffith in 1936 to house actors and movie technicians while filming out on location in New Mexico and Arizona.

On the lobby's second floor are photographs of all the movie stars who stayed at the El Rancho.

Above, room number 100, the John Wayne Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that each room is named for a movie star who stayed in it. Tom and Ken were assianged Room 100, the John Wayne Room. That room is their most requested, according to the general manager. Tom and Ken didn't even have to request it!

Above, Ken and Tom at the registration desk. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the meeting, we migrated over to the hotel restaurant for dinner. And, following that, we headed to the hotel's 49er Lounge (appropriate name and inviting to Clampers) for some drinks.

Above, the three Clampers wrapping things up in the hotel's 49er Lounge.

Since a big snowstorm was on its way into the area, I headed off for home before it hit. But it was a good and productive meeting and it was good to see Ken and Tom.

The event promises to be a great one with additional activities for attending Clampers! It will be one hell of a weekend bash for Clampers!

More information will be forthcoming when plans are firmed up.