ABQPedia - An encyclopedia of Albuquerque's people, places, history, culture, institutions, and attractions.
ABQPedia entries - K
Kennedy, President John F.
Visited Albuquerque on December 7 1962 to tour the Sandia Labs along with Sen. Clinton P. Anderson and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. The President's entourage stayed at the Western Skies Hotel, at the time Albuquerque's premium lodgings.
Sometimes as "Theater". Opened in 1927 at 419-423 W. Central Avenue in Albuquerque, financed by businessman Oreste Bachechi. Considered one of the best surviving examples of Pueblo Deco architecture. A contest was held to name the new theatre; the winner was Isleta Pueblo Governor Pablo Abeita. In its time the KiMo hosted many famous personalities, including Ginger Rogers, Sally Rand, Gloria Swanson, and Tom Mix. Purchased by the city in 1977 and restored for use as a community arts center featuring film, concert, and theatrical performances. KiMo Theatre website
AKA: KAFB. Constructed in 1941 as Albuquerque Army Air Base. Renamed Kirtland Army Air Field in February 1942. Placed under Air Materiel Command in 1946, renamed as Kirtland Air Force Base in 1947. Merged with Sandia and Manzano Bases in 1971. Kirtland Air Force Base website
AKA: El Cucuy. New Mexico "boogeyman" which since 1992 has been burned in effigy on the last Sunday of October, in Albuquerque's South Valley. Similar to Zozobra, El Kookooee is blamed for the ills of the world, which are carried away when he is burned. The 30-foot-tall effigy is different every year and designed by schoolchildren, and decorated with large paper or cardboard leaves donated by participants. Notes of woes people wish to see burned away are added to the blaze.