Story and photos by Mark Wing
Dave and Ann Merewether organized and hosted the Tn’Vittles breakfast for the month of May at the Owl Cafe’, and after breakfast, a drive to Moriarty, NM for a visit to Archie Lewis’ Auto & Toy Muesum. The Owl Cafe’ is literally shaped like an owl’s head and is a 50’s themed cafe’ known for green chilli cheese burgers and award winning shakes. The Owl Cafe’ also has great breakfasts, and on this morning, 32 Tin Lizzie members and guests enjoyed the the breakfast fare. Model Ts driven that day included Larry Azevedo and Luke Berglund, who arrived in Larry’s 1926 Rajo head speedster, Don Mitchell drove his beautiful maroon 1926 Tudor, and Vern and Pat Willan who drove their very sharp Model A speedster. Joining us for the first time was John Marsh, a local realtor, who loves old cars and wanted to check out our Model Ts. As a special treat, the Owl Cafe’ generously served ice cream to our club!
After breakfast, several members pushed on to Archie Lewis’ Auto & Toy Museum in Moriarty, NM. Moriarty is town east of Albuquerque approximately 38 miles away via Old Route 66. Once we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Archie and his long-time partner Beth Alexander. Archie is a legend in New Mexico’s car collecting community and was one of the founders of the Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque. His collection includes at least a dozen assembled Model Ts and perhaps parts for two dozen more spread over his 13,000 square foot building, and outside on his 8-acre site. Viewing his collection of parts and cars is like going back in time to the 1930’s or 40’s when Model T’s and A’s were more common and wrecking yards were full cars and parts. Archie showed us pictures of his first car, a 1926 Model T that he bought at 9 years old for $40 in 1945!
It was an enjoyable outing and the Archie Lewis Auto and Toy Museum is highly recommended for any early car or toy enthusiast in the Albuquerque area. Thank you to Archie and Beth, and to Dave and Ann for organizing the breakfast and the visit to Archie’s!