May's Cafe in Cornudas TX

May's in May... 2012

I recently ran across these photos of May's Cafe, from 13 years ago.  

I wasn't blogging about road trip dining back then, so I never wrote this up. I don't think I even realized the restaurant was named May's. But I see it written on the roof. 

Earlier that Morning

We were famished when we found the cafe. We'd had a busy morning after leaving Fort Davis Lodge in West Texas. There had been an exiting moment with some wildlife on the highway...

Then we made a stop at the curious and amusing Prada Marfa... which is an art installation, not a store. Then we hiked at Guadalupe National Park.

Gas and Lunch?
​
It was after 1 pm when we found ourselves in Hudspeth County, about halfway between El Paso and Carlsbad, NM.

I spotted what appeared to be the ruins of an old gas station. A faded sign said Cornudas, Texas 1929.

We didn't need gas, but we were hoping the little cafe was open. There was one parked car. 

We headed for the vine covered building and stepped inside. We spotted only 1 table in use.

The 2 women seated, popped up and greeted us warmly. They left their bowls of brussel sprouts on the table and got ready to take care of us.

We were invited to take a seat anywhere. I was tempted to go for the barrel seats.

We chose a table with decorated legs.  Bluejeans and cowboy boots!

I studied the walls, filled with maps and photos. There were messages from past guests. 

There were more messages and photos (and money) displayed on our table, beneath plastic.

I learned late that these displayed gifts and photos and messages were from travelers, passing through. 

Our piping hot meals arrived shortly and covered a few photo faces. The travel notes ( I found along with these photos) said that my oozing grilled cheese was a hit. Don's burger was tasty with big chiles. We left happy.

Who is May?

Since finding these photos, I looked on the internet and learned more about the woman whose name was written on the roof. May Carson had originally been a truck driver who often stopped at the little Cornudas cafe. In 1982, she was persuaded by the owner to buy the business, along with the 28-acre unincorporated town. (which means she became mayor) 

May spent many years cooking and serving truckers and travelers. Her mother (who was in her nineties) often helped. She was known for her hospitality and warmth. Oh how I wish I'd struck up a conversation with the 2 women that day. Back in 2012 I hadn't yet learned that road travel dining adventures are all about the people encounters!
 
I learned that May passed away in 2018. The business and "town" was bought by a guy named Jon, who I believe has spiffed the place up. We'll have to head out that way and check it out. ​