La Vela Lodge

DateJune 18, 1948

Mediumgelatin silver print on cardstock

Dimensions3 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (8.9 × 13.9 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Nancy Tucker

Object numberPA2021.065.025

DescriptionLa Vela Lodge at 5601 East Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Neon signs out front says “La Vela Lodge and Vacancy” and has a lit candle design on it. The motel is a single-story, territorial style building with a flat roof and a covered entrance to the units. Three immature trees are planted in front of the units. There are also many blooming flower bushes, and a patch of lawn along the road. A window air conditioner is in the right-most unit, beside the road. A sign out front with an arrow points to the office. The Sandia Mountains are in the background.

Printed on the lower left corner of the postcard are advertisements for the motel: "One of Albuquerque’s newest Motor Courts – Approved by everyone who stays here – DeLuxe Hollywood Beds, Innerspring Mattresses – Thermostatically Controlled Heat, Air Conditioned – Tile Showers – All Rooms with Private Bath".

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