Coronado Go-carts & Arcades - From 1975 to 1979, how many westside Coronado kids
ditched class and wound up at the Coronado go-cart track on Mesa? Who knows, but according
to legend - A LOT! Yes, the truancy rate at Coronado Hi school back in those days (1975-79)
was at the number 4-spot statewide. And most of them went to race around a winding track
outlined by old tires in primitive, dangerous, gas-powered go-carts. It wasn't uncommon to
see serious abrasions, bruises and broken bones caused from crashes. But it was great fun,
and along with the arcades and pool, it was well-worth taking the chance on having to repeat
a couple of classes.
Time Tunnel - An indoor skating ring with food, arcades, pool and music. It was almost
guaranteed that you were going to see one of your classmates on a Friday night. When the
Thunderbirds finished playing their home games, the Time Tunnel and Pizza Hut were
all within easy walking distance.
Thunderbird Lanes - Bowling, arcades, food, beer, were some of the activities
there. A favorite hangout for teens as they could play pinball and other arcades. For adults,
there was an attached indoor bar. And of course,. bowling!
Charcoaler - Not only some really good food, but a place to get out and stretch your
legs. Visit with some friends while enjoying a char-broiled chili-cheese burger with a
chocolate malt.
Mornigside Mall - A square, compact indoor shopping mall with two levels. Many fashion
stores including Francis Bounds supplied shoppers with women's fashion. Shoe stores, a movie
theater, clubs, and eating establishments were also among the retail establishments. The
Cotton Patch was a large club where you could drink and dance on a great dance floor. The
furnishings were not so great but some really good bands performed there. A lot of the bands
played during the summer. Their dress code prohibited t-shirts and tank tops. On a regular
basis, you could expect a good mix of 40s and 50s style of music with live performances.
The drinks included Cotton Picker (an altered Plater's Punch), Eli Whitney
(a triple Margarita), both $2.25. They were open Monday through Friday 10-2, Saturday 3-2,
and Sunday 6:30 - 1:30 with a $1 cover.
Rays Bassett Burger
El Paso Natural Gas Co.
ASARCO
Bella Napoli
Billy Crews Dining Room
The Old Buffalo
Fiesta Drive Inn
Appelgates Landing -
Farah Manufacturing -
King's X and Lucy's Bar
Rio Grande River Raft Race - The Rio Grande River has always been a wide river flowing through
El Paso and hosting many habitats for wildlife. It also hosted the Rio Grande River Raft Race.
