Film Showing and Discussion ’The De Anza Motor Lodge and Its Zuni Connection’

Showing of 30 minute film exploring the history of the Route 66 De Anza Motor Lodge, built in 1939 by Indian Trader Charles Garrett Wallace, followed by discussion with followed by discussion with Jonathan Sims (Acoma) Cinematographer and  Elizabeth Chestnut, film producer, and former director of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and today the project coordinator with the Route 66 De Anza Association. In the MIAC theater, seating is limited. Free.

The De Anza was a major economic, social and political center in Albuquerque from 1939 to 1983, C.G. Wallace got his start at Zuni Pueblo as an Indian Trader. His relationship with the Zuni people grew increasingly complex and deeply influenced his building and operation of the De Anza Motor Court. Insight into Wallace and his Zuni connection provides perspective on what it means to be a New Mexican.This Film presents edited interviews with the late Ken Wallace, son of C.G. Wallace, builder (1939) & operator (until 1983) of the De Anza Motor Lodge, Historic Route 66 at Central and Washington, N.E. and interviews with three Zuni Pueblo members with ties to C.G. Wallace. 

 The Route 66 De Anza Association Oral History Project was made possible by the New Mexico Humanities Council and the We the People Initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the Pueblo of Zuni, the Zuni Senior Center, and Ken Wallace. Interview recording was done by Jonathan Sims of Acoma Pueblo, with audio support by Bart Hood of the Navajo Nation. Production support was provided by David Kammer, Route 66 Historian & Elizabeth Akiya Chestnut, Project Director. Special thanks also to Tom Kennedy, Department of Zuni Tourism, and to Deborah Slaney, Historian, Albuquerque Museum.