Cottage Bakery

a.k.a. Spot Ice Cream Company

2000 Central Ave. SE., Albuquerque, NM
The Cottage Bakery building is one of the last remaining largely unaltered structures associated with the pre-war period of roadside food outlets along Route 66. With the realignment Route 66 anticipated during the years preceding its completion in1937 and with Albuquerque's suburban development creeping up onto the East Mesa, the Cottage Bakery was one of several cafes and food outlets appearing along Central Avenue in the mid-1930s.

The bakery, on the east side, offered baked goods; and the Spot Ice Cream Co., on the west side, offered "Fountain and Curb surface" to local residents and to motorists traveling the highway. Because of this association with automobile tourism along Route 66, the property is eligible under Criterion A.Its unique use of the Thatched Cottage Style also qualifies the building under Criterion C as one of the few examples of roadside businesses along Route 66 in New Mexico that relied on a"duck" style to alert passing motorists of the building's function. The iBq>licit message conveyed by the Cottage Pure Company through its use of the medieval-looking structure was one of a bucolic purity that clients would associate with dairy and bake products. Behind this "duck" facade was the utilitarian portion of the building. When it opened, the baking plant was celebrated for its modern ovens and mixing machines as well as its employee facilities including showers and individual lockers.
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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New Mexico was the birthplace of several famous figures in American history, including the outlaw Billy the Kid, the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who was one of the last men to walk on the moon.
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.

During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.

Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

  • 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
  • 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
  • 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
  • 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
  • 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
  • 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
  • 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.