From: John Berry
Subject: Proposed Trip Virginias and Carolinas
I propose a trip to the above (duration about a month, interests Photography, music, art and beautiful scenery. Avoidance, beach lounging but love the sea) and would appreciate any advice from anyone. Motels, areas, time of year etc. On a previous occasion when I asked this, I received a very helpful reply from someone with a Dutch name, Greg Vanderwerker, I think which I have lost together with his e number (The usual crash not yet backed up). Sadly, I was not able to make the trip as planned but all good things come to a return and here I am re-planning, Can send Photos.
June 26, 1999 additions
From: Earl Norquest
Subject: Highway Suggestions
I've done a lot of driving in the U.S. and Canada and probably wouldn't have taken the time to e-mail except for the fact that your Ohio information starts out in Athens which is only a few miles (well maybe about 35 as the crow flies) from where I went to high school. In a little village called Beverly near Marietta. I recognized some of the names from the times we drove into Columbus for Christmas shopping when I was still in high school. I'm old enough to remember when the interstate highway system (especially I-70) was built across Ohio and relegated U.S. 40 into a secondary, scenic highway. Three years ago (before my Father passed away) my Dad, sister and I drove old 40 out of Columbus heading east. We found the motel that our parents had stayed in on their honeymoon during WWII. Didn't know it still existed--can't see it from I-70 but it was there and in rather good shape with its individual garages and motor court entryway. We found several motels from that era and most were still busy pulling traffic from the nearest exit on I-70.
I didn't check out your info regarding Arizona. My sister lives in Flagstaff which contains some real gems from the glory days of Route 66. I've taken my Dad's R.V. from Seligman to Kingman on old 66 and more of the old motels and motor courts seem to disappear each year. Some re-born as apartments and others just allowed to sink into the dust.
If your ever back in the Seattle area you should try driving old Pacific Highway 99 south to Tacoma from the city and then on through to the area near McCord A.F.B. and Fort Lewis. There are still a few relics from the days when this was the main highway to Portland. Also Aurora Avenue North still has some gems as you make your way north to Everett on what is left of Pacific Highway 99. There is even a early twenties gasoline station in great repair and used as an antique shop. I believe it has either ESSO or Sinclair advertising memorabilia displayed on the front. Some of these won't be there for too much longer. Too many people are filling in the area that used to very open between Seattle and Everett; especially between I-5 and old 99...
Enjoyed this trip through your site on my web-t.v. Just started using this system. Will return to your site and journey through some other states. By the way, without looking to see if you've been there the old sourthern route across B.C. on Provincial 3 used to have some great locations in Creston, Cranbrook, Nelson, etc. I graduated from the U. of Montana in Missoula and would take the route as a vacation while on my way to Vancouver/Seattle. Certainly not the easiest route but very scenic.
For some great sites in western montana -- get thee to Missoula. In Missoula, going both norh and south of the city are some still intact examples of motor courts/motels/ and guest houses. Try the route north to Flathead Lake/Kallispel and some of the small towns scattered thoughout the Flat- head Valley. There used to be some neat places near Whitefish, Mt. but alas the power of Microsoft even reaches this far east. A lot of mom and pops have disappeared before the onslaught of the (206) crowd looking for decent white-powder skiing.
From: Rob Kaufmann
Subject: Arlington Motel Americana
I came upon your site tonight while searching Yahoo! in its "buildings and structures" listing. There is, no kidding, a motel called "Motel Americana" in Arlington (Crystal City) Virginia. The building is about a 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from the Pentagon down on U.S. Rt. 1 and looks to be built in the mid-40s (?), possibly earlier. The structure is about 4 stories high, has bright neon signs, and a big (unlit) neon red-white-blue marquee. With the exception of the lobby, I haven't seen the interior and do not know how many rooms can be occupied (I'd estimate 60-75). Oddly, I've parked in it's small (for No. VA) parking lot every day for the past 2 years and don't know its history, as the place has only served me as somewhere to park my car for $60 a month. And it's a "backup plan/option" (I've never had to use) in case of a bad snowstorm or late-nighter at the office because it's the cheapest room in Crystal City. Regards, Rob
April 26, 1999 additions
From: Sean M Fay
Subject: Florida and Kansas City motels
The east coast of Florida seems to have many wonderful old motels, especially off the well-beaten path. Late one night back in 1997, I was traveling along getting more and more tired by the minute. I had an interview earlier in the day in Miami, then afterwards drove to Key West. Pressed for time, I was unable to stay there, and headed back- I needed to get back to Kansas City in 2 days. But I was very tired, and I knew I needed to get off the highway. So, I pulled off I-95 and headed for one of those sleepy coastal towns of eastern Florida. To this day, I still don't remember the town, but I believe it was on Jupiter Island. Anyways, I was so tired I was having trouble figuring out where to stay, and I pulled into the first place that looked like a motel. Normally, I used to never take chances with where I stayed- it had to be something uniform that I could trust. But this time, I didn't pull into any national chain. It was a small, mom and pop operation, and was certainly not like any regular hotel/motel. The rooms were actually little cabins, each outfitted with fully furnished kitchen. The dinnerware was totally retro- something that you might see on an episode of the Wonderyears. In fact, everything was wonderfully retro, from the orange-vinyl breakfast nook, to the psychedelic tiles in the shower. Once outside on a glorious Florida morning, I noticed that the swimming pool still had that 50s turqoise that has been all but lost back in the midwest. I loved the place. I look forward to dragging my kids along someday, in search of the wonderful little cabins I spent one very exhausted night.
One last note- if you are ever in Kansas City and need a nice place to stay, follow Metcalf Ave south from I-35 until you get past 75th street. Keep an eye out on the left side for the Whitehaven Motor Lodge. You will love it- an oldfashioned motel, it has the once ubiqutous swimming pool out front in the courtyard, and is still a AAA recommended motel. Best of all, the whole place still seems to be in pristine condition. Thanks for your wonderful website.
From: Pamela Lollathin
Subject: Route 40 motels
If you're looking for interesting motels, then you should have went east on route 40 during your trip to Ohio. The most interesting ones are closer to West Virginia, Especially one called the Plaza "Yes" Motel and the Hillside Motel (which is, in its own, redneck, backwards way quite quaint). There are also plenty of good ones in the Wheeling, W.V. area. Happy hunting!
From: Ron
Subject: Great Plains motels
I am planning a 3000 some-odd mile jaunt through the Rockies and Great Plains. I visited the Black Hills and Badlands a few years ago and left a piece of my heart there and have had a burning desire to return ever since. Unfortunately, the last time I was there I was taken by the scenery and I didn't feel the sense of urgency I do now to document vanishing roadside architecture. I am glad to see that someone else shares my passion and your site has been extremely helpful. I would dare say that non-chain motels are the most endangered species in America. Let's save what we can of them. Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated.
From: Rachel Palmer
Subject: Marfa, TX
On a road trip way out west to Marfa, Texas, last fall, my friend and I came across two fabulous motels, the Capri Inn and the Thunderbird Motel, both owned by the same elderly couple. The wife graciously offered us advice on the best times to see the Marfa mystery lights, and she set us up in a great room at the Capri (I believe they close the Thunderbird for the off-season.). Our room, entered through a pink door, was spacious and tidy, the highlight being a wacky wooden bird wall hanging. Needless to say, the trip was delightful, irregardless of everything in town's closing before 8 p.m. Definitely worth a visit.
My own hometown of Denton, Texas, boasts the Holiday Motel, which is located directly across the street from, what else, Holiday Lanes bowling alley.
From: Mike Walker
Subject: Marathon Motel, TX
On a recent trip from Dallas to Big Bend National Park, my traveling buddies and I stayed for the night at the Marathon Motel in Marathon Texas. A classic roadside motel located on US 90, just west of US 385 in southwest Texas. This place was great! 2 unit bungalos (about 12 rooms, total) with vaulted wood ceilings, all wood paneling and a wooden vanity with cactus door knobs. I didn't get to learn much about it in my brief visit, but I do know that it is for sale...the owner bought it 12 years ago as a "retirement hobby." Now, he says he's REALLY ready to retire! It is right down the road from the historic Gage Hotel...that is about all this quaint desert town has to offer, but 2 pieces of classic Americana isn't all bad!
From: Jim Sutton
Subject: Thuderbird Motor Inn, Jacksonville, FL
This postcard was swiped on a childhood trip from the Thunderbird Motor Inn in Jacksonville, Fla. The place is still there though disguised as a Holiday Inn and retains none of the "glamor" that this postcard instills. The man in the chair seems almost Bondesque in his casual yet formal manner as an obliging waiter serves a drink to one of the bevy of nearby females, not a screaming kid to be seen to disrupt the moment!
Once in a while on a back road I stumble on a surprise. Somewhere outside Bristol,VA I spent a night in a place that could only be described as "1960 Jetson's modern" fighting all those hanging lamps was something!!!!Alas on my last trip through the place was gone. . .replaced by a Wal-Mart!
From: Debbie Mason
Subject: Ms. Lillian Redman
Thank you for your piece on the Blue Swallow and Mrs. Lillian Redman. She has meant so much to so many of us who were fortunate to have her and the Blue Swallow be a part of our lives.
It is with sorrow I tell you that Mrs. Redman passed away on February 21, 1999.
She will be greatly missed.
From: Eric Bernatchez
Subject: Warning
I hope you can post the following info on your site, even if it's not necessarily memories:
"Don't be fooled by 'American Motel'. I saw one of these along the highway near Denver, CO and Omaha, Nebraska. They advertise in big red neon letters a price of "19.95 and up' but when you walk in, they will tell you the rate is, for example, 32.95, exactly the same rate that Motel 6 honestly advertises on the other side of the highway. The reason they use is: '19.95 is for two weeks advance reservation', and when you ask why they advertise it on the highway, they don't know what to reply.
That day, I went to Motel 6 on the other side of the highway. I prefer encouraging a business that advertises honest prices."
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