The Arviso clan from the Crownpoint, New Mexico area has a long and interesting history. For example, Jesus Arviso, whose family came from Spain and then settled in Sonora, Mexico, was once traded for a horse.

In the mid-1800s, young Jesus’s family was raided by a band of Apaches; he was taken. Years later the Apache who had Jesus traded him to a Navajo man for a beautiful black stallion. Jesus finished growing up as a Navajo and eventually married into the tribe. As a result of his unique experiences, he now spoke fluent Spanish, Apache and Navajo. Those talents came in handy, as he became a key translator, and important figure, in treaty negotiations between the U.S. Government...

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the El Rancho Hotel is the embodiment of America’s Old West.

According to author Russell A. Olsen, “As you enter the historic El Rancho through the stately front entry, you immediately realize this was and still is a special place. During its heyday, the El Rancho Hotel was one of the premier hotels in the entire Southwest and became the place for the Hollywood set to stay when filming in the area.

During its glory years, the El Rancho was the definition of luxury and included many amenities that were lacking in other typical tourist hotels of the day.

For 50 years, the El Rancho Hotel greeted guests along Route 66 with class...

Young or old, Croatian or not, everyone is welcome at the Polka in the Pines picnic Aug. 2. The 38 year old event celebrates the historic culture, music and food of the Croatian people of Gallup.

Thanks to Katie Bolf, the community of immigrants have carried on this tradition since 1978. After Bolf attended a Croatian Convention in Toronto, Canada in 1947 she came home with a mission to keep the traditions of her homeland alive.

Bolf and friend, Shirley Baker hosted a Croatian/Slovenian radio station on Sundays until 1974. They sold advertising to pay for the show and spoke both in their native language and in English.

But most of all, they played music.

A memorial was constructed...

The 9th Annual Route 66 Car, Truck & Street Rod Show, will be held this weekend as a collective effort with the Freedom Flight Ride & Cruise event. The event will include a motorcycle cruise of Freedom Riders from Tucumcari to the state line and balloonists will participate in mass ascensions each day. The Freedom Riders will also hold the Toys for Tots “Christmas In July” toy run on Sunday.

A variety of food, vendors, a beer garden, and live music will round-out the day’s entertainment along with outstanding shopping opportunities in historic downtown Gallup.

Gurley Motor Co. owner Steven Gurley said this is the second year that the Route 66 Car, Truck & Street Rod Show has...