This is Bard, New Mexico. Or rather both Bards, New Mexico. As I explored this area, I realized the town had "moved" when New Mexico moved Route 66 from its original route, northward to where I-40 is now. Route 66 number 2 is the north frontage road of the freeway.

I thought maybe the name reflected some intellectual bent on the part of the early residents; it turns out it was named for the Bar D Ranch which was nearby.

The diner is in the second incarnation of the town. There was a house attached at the rear where the proprietor lived; it was empty. I was amazed at the preservation of the fixtures inside the building even with all the glass broken. The recliner did confuse me. I guess the diner's being in the middle of nowhere makes it too much trouble to strip the place; the few local residents have left it alone, either out of historical respect or some other motive.

The pictures below are of the original Bard remains, a mile or so south.  The road signs reflect the difference of opinion of where Route 66 was. I have been unable to determine the year of relocation of 66.

The rock building is now in the front yard of a farmhouse. The house by the station looked occupied. This makes a total of five inhabited houses in the Bards in 2007!