The Golden Age of Motels

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Through the 20th century, as Americans showed a preference for traveling long distances by car rather than by railroad, roadside lodgings evolved to meet their needs. From bare-bones tourist cabins and cottages to fully-featured tourist courts and motels, these promised modest rates, convenient car parking, a range of comforts, and a homey atmosphere.

Postcard, Alamo Plaza Hotel Courts, circa 1930 - 1

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Postcard, Kirk's Tourist Camp, Hodgenville, Kentucky, circa 1935

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Bell's Tourist Camp, Texarkana, Arkansas, circa 1935

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"Olney's Camp on U.S. 80, Lordsburg, New Mexico," 1935

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Little Detroit Tavern and Cabins, near Negaunee, Michigan, 1935-1950

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Bel-Air Motel, Dodge City, Kansas, 1935-1950

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Koronado Kourts Motel on Route 66, Joplin, Missouri, circa 1940

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Silver Swan Court Motel, Springfield, Ohio, 1940

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Postcard, The Marco Tourist Court, St. Augustine, Florida, 1947

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Postcard, "Cactus Motor Lodge," Tucumcari, New Mexico, circa 1947

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Postcard, La Siesta Court Motel, Winter Park, Florida, 1950

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Paradise Tourist Park, New York City, 1948-1950

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"Crouse's Motor Court- Five Minutes to Heart of City," Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1952

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Postcard, Royal Motor Lodge, Santee, South Carolina, 1950-1965

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"A. G. Gaston Motel, Birmingham's Most Comfortable Relaxing Center," Birmingham, Alabama, 1954 - 2

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Postcard, The Springs Motel, Lexington, Kentucky, circa 1955

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"Sol-Mar Motel," Jacksonville Beach, Florida, circa 1955

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Old South Motel, Atlanta, Georgia, circa 1960

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"Dreamland Motel," Sylvania, Georgia, 1960

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