Aku Tiki Inn - Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

South Seas Island Magic

2225 South Atlantic Ave. (A1A)

Daytona Beach Shores, Fla.

A Complete Resort - Directly on the Ocean. Motel Rooms and Efficiencies. Individually Controlled (G.E. Zoneline) Heat and Air-Conditioning. Color T.V., Room Phones, Elevator. Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge. Large Heated Pool - Shuffleboards - Game Room.

Mailed from Daytona Beach, Florida to Mrs. W.C. Callaham of Anderson, South Carolina on July 21, 1970:

Dear Mrs. Callaham,

Well, as you will notice, Bill & I have finally gotten to go on a vacation. It's lovely here. See you soon. Ann & Bill Jones.

O'Brien Color Studios

Plastichrome by Colourpicture

STATUS: Still there. Still the Aku Tiki.

 

Airways Inn - Syracuse, New York

 

N.Y.S. Thruway Exit 36 & Route 11, 7th North St. Restaurant - Cocktail Lounge - Banquet & Meeting Rooms. Free T.V. Individual Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning. Heated Swimming Pool & Shuffleboard Court.

Other Airways Hotels in Buffalo, New York: Airways Hotel at the Buffalo Airport, Seaway Hotel on Lake Shore Road, Town House Hotel at Main & High Streets downtown, Buffalo.

Hygrade Paper Co.
Chester Litho
C-22410

 

N.Y.S. Thruway Exit 36 and  Route 11, 7th North St.

Restaurant - Cocktail Lounge - Banquet and Meeting Rooms. Free T.V. Individual Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning. Heated Swimming Pool & Shuffleboard Court.

Other Airways Hotels in Buffalo, New York: Airways Hotel at the Buffalo Airport, Seaway Hotel on Lake Shore Road, Town House Hotel at Main and High Streets downtown.

Mailed from Liverpool, New York to Mrs. Stella Kachan of Scranton, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1961:

Spent night here now on way to see Stan and his boss. Hope you are fine and see you soon. Thanks for my card. Love, Ruth and John

Carhat Photo Service

Plastichrome by Colourpicture

P30707

STATUS: Unknown. Appears to be gone.

Willow Run Airport Hotel - Ypsilanti, Michigan

Located on mezzanine of Detroit-Willow Run Airport Terminal Bldg.
America's finest in Air-Hotel accommodations. For reservations call HUnter 3-5000
Ypsilanti, Michigan

Mailed from Detroit, Michigan to Mrs. J.S. DeLeon of Zanesville, Ohio on February 20, 1963:

Ho -
The weather here has moderated a bit - thank god! I've had a cold I can't shake. Hope you are well. Love to both, Chuck.

Walter Wong Photographer, WE 3-4848

STATUS: Gone.

Ahwahnee Motel and Lodge - Denver, Colorado

Located at 8500 E. Colfax
Denver, Colorado
Just fifteen minutes ride from the heart of downtown Denver
Strictly modern - 3 restaurants and shopping section within walking distance. 5 minutes from Municipal Airport. Kitchenettes Available.
WOLF BROTHERS, Owner-Management Enterprise

Curteichcolor Card
2DK-849

STATUS: Amazingly still standing and still the Ahwahnee.

Aggie's Motel - Port Angeles, Washington

535 East First
Port Angeles, Washington
Starlite Room
Coffee Shop
Dining Room
Motel

535 East First
Port Angeles, Washington
Starlite Room
Coffee Shop
Dining Room
Motel

Status: Man, I loooooove the sign in the first card and the redesigned 60s-modern look of the second card. Now it's a basic motel. I do wonder where that woman is headed.

Adobe Inn - Santa Rosa, New Mexico

Junction I-40 and U.S. 66 & 54
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Fifty eight luxurious rooms, Heated pool, putting green, color TV, telephones, individually controlled hot water heat & air conditioning, queen size beds, excellent restaurant next door.

Petley Studios
135752

STATUS: The building is still there. I couldn't match the view in this photo as it appears to have been taken from the parking lot next door. The Adobe is currently a Days Inn.

Admiral Semmes Hotel & Motor Hotel - Mobile, Alabama

Home of the famous Bellingrath Gardens
Comfort and convenience keynote the Admiral Semmes. 250 guest rooms and suites tastefully appointed and decorated. Completely Air-Conditioned, television, radio, superb food. You'll enjoy Mobile more when you stop at the Admiral Semmes. An Affiliated National Hotel.

Mailed from Mobile, Alabama to Mr. F.R. Snyder of Wellington, Kansas on August 18, 1962:

Sorry I have been so long about writing but I haven't had time to sit still long enough to write even a card. We are sure seeing lots of things & having a wonderful time. Hope you are well & if you want me just call.
Love from Mom

Alert Advertising Agency, Galveston, Texas
Curteichcolor Card
Number hidden

Mobile's Downtown Motor Hotel.
The Admiral Semmes
Mobile, Alabama.
110 oversized guest rooms, most with private balconies overlooking patio pool. Pool is temperature controlled for year round use. Delightful Purple Paddle cocktail lounge. Magnificent lobby and dining facilities. Two elevators. Ice machines on each floor. TV. Completely air-conditioned. Free parking. In the heart of the business district on Highway 90.

Mailed from Mobile, Alabama to Mr. & Mrs. E.E. Wood of Dedham, Massachusetts on November 4, 1963:

11/4 Hi!
Here from N. Orleans at "Semmes" hotel. To "Pensacola" at 12:30 later. "Eglin Air For Base." Suppose "Carol" has left. We are O.K. Fannie is a good sport. Nearer home. - F.

Alert Advertising Agency, Galveston, Texas
A Curteich Color Card
Number: 0DK-1742

From the AMHA Hotel and Motel Red Book

STATUS: The Admiral Semmes was renovated in 2014 and is a modern hotel now known as The Admiral.

Admiral Motel - St. Petersburg, Florida

16611 Gulf Boulevard, Redington Beach
St. Petersburg, Florida
Beside the Admiral's magnificent heated, and filtered fresh water pool. New as to morrow! Sliding walls convert rooms into private patios. All units include powder rooms, tiled bathrooms, telephones, free TV, running ice water, air-conditioning, and filtered heat.
Just a few steps to the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Shuffleboard. Famous Howard Johnson Restaurant on premises. Phone: 9-0911. AAA Approved.

Mailed from St. Petersburg, Florida to Mr. & Mrs. H.M. Chapman of Union City, Pennsylvania on July 2, 1958:

Had a grand visit with the "Chappies" last nite. Nancy is a darling as you said. Everyone looks marvelous. On to Atlanta to-day. Love, P'S

Ward Beckett & Co.
YL5221

STATUS: Gone. Now fancy condos. The Howard Johnson's next door is gone as well.

Admiral Benbow Inn - Jackson, Mississippi

U.S. Highways 49 and 51
905 N. State St. - Jackson, Miss.
124 Deluxe Rooms
Individually controlled Air Conditioning and Heating thermostats, TV, background music and direct dial phones in each room. Swimming Pool, Lounge, Dining Rooms, Meeting Rooms.

Plastichrome by Colourpicture
P68700

STATUS: Now a retirement home known as the Admiral.

 

Admiral Benbow Inn - Doraville (Atlanta), Georgia

Buford Highway at I-285
Doraville (Atlanta), Georgia
Restaurant, Lounge, Banquet Rooms and Luxury Bedroom Suites. Swimming Pool and Color TV.
Fotos by Frankie

Made by Dexter Press
17273-D

STATUS: The Admiral Benbow has gone through many names the building stands at 2001 Clearview Ave. It's a little difficult to see in the street view below but the covered entrance is visible.

 

Admiral Benbow Inn - Chattanooga, Tennessee

101 East 20th Street at Market Street Exit
Chattanooga, Tennessee
142 Deluxe Rooms, Individually controlled air-conditioning and heating thermostats, swimming pool, TV, direct dialing phones in each room. 2 Dining Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Cocktail Lounge, Background Music.

STATUS: The Building still stands and is now known as the Country Hearth Suites.

 

Admiral Benbow Inn - Memphis, Tennessee

1220 Union Ave. - Memphis, Tenn.
134 DELUXE ROOMS
Phone BRoadway 4-0633 TWX CODE ME-238
Individually controlled Air Conditioning and Heating Thermostats - Swimming Pool - TV - Direct Dialing Phones in each room - Radio and Background Music - Cocktail Lounge - 2 Dining Rooms - Conference Rooms.

Mailed from Memphis, Tennessee to Mrs. A.L. Bates of Denver, Colorado on April 16, 1963:

4/15/63
Cold in Memphis. We will be in Ft. Smith Ark. tonight. Will call the Scanlans when we get to Oklahoma City. - E.

STATUS: Gone. Now the Southern School of Optometry.

Acres Motel - Chicago, Illinois

5600 Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60645
75 air conditioned and soundproof units
Free Television
Aquacade swimming pool & playground area
Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
24 Hour Switchboard
Conference Rooms, seating capacity 10 to 150
14 minutes drive to Downtown Shopping
18 Minutes drive to O'Hare International Airport
Courtesy car to surrounding area and O'Hare Airport
S & H Green Stamps
AAA Approved. Diners' Club, American Express Accepted. Member of the Aristocrat Inns of America

STATUS: Gone. Now the Budlong Woods Library. The blog, A Chicago Soujorn, has a great piece, written in 2012, about this and other motels along Lincoln Avenue.

 

Aberdeen Motel - Aberdeen, Maryland

2 mi. South of Aberdeen, on U.S. 40 at A.P.G. entrance road
Aberdeen, Maryland
Attractively furnished air-conditioned units, each with colored tile bath - TV - telephone - Large family rooms - efficiency units. AAA Approved. American Express & The Diners' Club accepted.

Clement D. Erhardt
Made by Dexter
45189-B

STATUS: Appears to be gone, as I cannot find any evidence of its current existence.

830 S. Michigan Hotel - Chicago, Illinois

Facing Lake Michigan
On the famous Michigan Blvd. in the best Hotel, Theater, and Shopping District. Withing a few minutes walk from Illinois Central, Grand Central Stations and the "Loop". Ample parking Space adjoining Hotel. Excellent food in our Dining Room at moderate prices. Only 1/2 block south of the Stevens Hotel, yet at half the price.

STATUS: 830 S. Michigan is vacant lot. There's a great write-up on the history of the address here.

55th Avenue Motel - Oakland, California

Between Highway 17 and US 50 at 55th Avenue and Foothill Blvd. 30 DeLuxe Garden Units. Singles and $5.00; Doubles, $5.00 and $6.00; Twins, $7.00. T.V, Phones, Kitchenettes, Large Family Rooms. AAA Approved

Written but never sent from Oakland, California to Mr. J.F. Kennedy - President of These United States in Washington, D.C. (In January of 1961, 1962 or 1963)

Dear President -
We the Republicans of Calif. wish you a Happy New Year & Jacqueline, too!
Mike & Mary White

STATUS: Unknown. Presumed to be gone. I cannot find anything.

19-62 Motel - Mercer, Pennsylvania

Located at the junction of U.S. Route 19 and 62 at the North edge of Mercer, Pa., the 19-62 Motel is indeed "One of the Nation's Finest". Every room has a tiled bath with both tub and shower, fully carpeted floors, Beautyrest mattresses and spring, telephone, free radio and deluxe furnishings. The Structure is fully fireproof and a spacious lobby provides television and relaxation. Phone: Mercer 737.


STATUS: The motel, known as the Mercer Motel is still standing on the street view, from 2014 but it is gone from the current satellite photo.

 

Tidelands Motor Inn - Tucson, Arizona

Complete Resort Living in Down-Town Tucson, golf privileges at leading Country Club, 200-air conditioned rooms and suites, TV in every room; dining and dancing in the elegant Terrace Room. Cocktail lounge, coffee shop, complete banquet facilities, gift shop, beauty salon, putting green, and year-round heated pool with underwater music. Gateway to Mexico. AAA Approved.

Ray Manley Commercial Photography
47872

Sterling Motel - Veedersburg, Indiana

On U. S. 41 - 3 Blocks N. of North Jct. of U. S. 136. Hot Water Heat - Forced Air Cooling - 20 Units with Ind. Tile Bath. Conveniently located to Good Restaurants, The Church of Your Choice, Two Theatres - 20 Minutes to Turkey Run and Shades Park. Also Jungle Park and Gobbler Nob. TV Lounge.
STERLING MOTEL
Route #4

Millard Brown, Noblesville, Ind.
Dexter Press
78506

Churchill Motel - Gravenhurst, Ontario

Ultra Modern. AAA Approved.

Mailed (with no postmark) to Mrs. H.W. Tuttle of Squel, California:

Gravenhurst, Ontario, 9-23
Stopped at this motel last night. Are on our way north to North Bay. Then will head west to Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. Coloring is more in evidence. Wast only a spot here & there nearer the big lakes. It's just full of lakes as we go along. Lovely country - hills & valleys. Love, Nell

Fry's Photo Shoppe
Plastichrome by Colourpicture
P21821

Admiral Benbow Inn - Louisville, Kentucky

3315 Bardstown Road
Louisville, Kentucky
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating thermostats, TV, background music and direct dialing phones in each room. Swimming pool, cocktail lounge, dining rooms, meeting rooms

STATUS: The building was recently torn down. It shows up in the aerial view, but the November 2015 street view shows a car wash at that address.

Mountain View Motel Lodge - Taos, New Mexico

P.O. Box 1271 at fabulous Taos, New Mexico. On U.S. Highway 64, south edge of Taos. Unusually nice one and two bedroom units with wall-to-wall carpeting. Ceramic tile baths. Mr. and Mrs. S.S. Westvois, owners and managers will welcome you.

 

P.O. Box 1271 at fabulous Taos, New Mexico. On U.S. Highway 64, south edge of Taos. Unusually nice one and two bedroom units with wall-to-wall carpeting. Ceramic tile baths. Mr. and Mrs. S.S. Westvois, owners and managers will welcome you.

Hotel Shirley-Savoy - Denver, Colorado

Lumitone Photoprint


Two Persons for the Price of One
400 Rooms from $1.50
17th and Broadway

Abbey Hotel / Victoria Hotel / Abbey Victoria Hotel - New York, New York

51st Street East of 7th Avenue
New York City
CIrcle 6-9400
Accommodates 1000 guests - All rooms with bath - many air conditioned - Radios - TV. Circulating ice water in each room.

Lumitone Photoprint

 

51st Street East of 7th Avenue
New York 19, N.Y.
Accommodating 1000 guests - Modern Rooms - Television - Air conditioning available - Home of Famous Stockholm Restaurant.

Lumitone Photoprint

 

7th Avenue at 51st Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
1000 Modern Rooms and Suites - Garage and Parking Facilities - In Radio City and Rockefeller Center Area - Home of the famous Stockholm Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge.
Entirely Air-Conditioned

Writing on the back:
Dated 9/29/67
We dined at this beautiful spot last evening, lots of good things to eat. The Abbey V. is very good having a wonderful time. Hope you are too.
Love, Alice & Phil

Seventh Ave. at 51st St.
George Geiger, President

 

Seventh Ave. at 51st St.

In The Wonderful World of Manhattan

Seventh Ave. at 51st St.
Rosie O'Grady Pub Restaurant - Confucius Restaurant - Victoria Coffee Shop
1000 Comfortable Rooms - Air Conditioned - Television

51st Street at 7th Avenue
CIrcle 7-7800
Completely Air-Conditioned
"Times Square at Radio City"
Every room with private baths, shower, and Television. Cocktail Lounge, Bar, Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Color Masters, Inc.
S-30516

STATUS: The Abbey was torn down in 1982. Here's a brief article in the New York Times about the demise of the Abbey.

After 55 Years; R.I.P. Abbey

Published: June 27, 1982

It was the Abbey Victoria Hotel, then the Abbey and Victoria Hotels and, later, back again. In recent years it was simply the ''Shabby Abbey.'' Now it is being demolished to make way for the expansion of the headquarters of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.

Spokesmen for the company, a major owner of Manhattan properties, said plans for the new office tower were not complete yet. It will run from 51st to 52d Street on Seventh Avenue, behind the present 42-story headquarters building at 1285 Avenue of the Americas. That tower was completed 20 years ago as an pioneer project in the avenue's redevelopment.

The hotel was built in 1927 and was divided into the Abbey and Victoria Hotels for the World's Fair in 1939. It stood as a house divided for years, but merged in 1966 to share mechanical and operating costs.

48 States Motel - Saint Albans, West Virginia

Seven miles West of Charleston, West Virginia on U.S. Route #60

Clean, Comfortable and Modern
21 inch TV and 4 season heat pump. Air conditioners on every room.
Mailing Address, 6204 MacCorckle Ave. Saint Albans, W.Va.
Reasonable Rates

W.E. Bollinger & Sons, Charleston 2, W.Va.
C-18772

STATUS: It is now known as the Jefferson Motel. The sign and the great Coke machine are gone.

1200 Beacon Street Hotel - Brookline, Massachusetts

Corner St. Paul Street

Brookline 46, Mass.

BEacon 2-7979

Greater Boston's finest Motor Hotel. 170 beautiful rooms - Garage under. Television and radio included in rate. Air conditioned throughout. Attractive Dining Room, Lounge Bars and Coffee Shop. Located less than two miles from downtown Boston.

Status: GONE - A Holiday Inn is at this location.

100 Lakes Motor Court - Winter Haven, Florida

Highway 17
Winter Haven, Florida
36 units - completely air conditioned - TV - heated swimming pool - your host, Ben Gumer - telephone CY 3-8213

Mailed from Bradenton, Florida to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Taylor of Scottland, Illinois on February 24, 1957:

Sarasota, Fl.
Dear Folks,
Every thing fine. Have stayed here 2 nights. At Sarasota Gardens. Leaving Sun. Hope to get home by Tuesday.
Love, Rena

Dennis Hallinan, Cypress Gardens, FL
Dexter Press
92976

STATUS: Unknown. I cannot find any information on the exact location.

Holiday Inn Anniston-Oxford - Oxford, Alabama

On Interstate 20 Where "U.S. 431 & Ala. 21 meet U.S. 78" 

Swimming Pool - Air-conditioned - Restaurant - Free TV - Free Holidex Reservations

1965 Guide Description and map

Notes:

A fairly standard early 1960s Holiday Inn design. The postcard shows the Great Sign, the exterior layout, cars in the parking lot,  a restaurant (not sure the name-can't find it anywhere) and a very early photocropping job of the sky. You can see it in the lines on the tress and the majestic splendor of nature's blurs.

The card is from a few years before the guide based on the cars.

Now:

The property went through a few changes, but I am pretty sure that this is the location. The exterior was painted, the Holiday Inn signage on the building gone and the sign has the all the marking of the 80s Holiday Inn signs that replaced the GREAT sign. The property fell on hard times and became, at one point, Oxford Inn and Suites.

Here's an aerial photograph dated January 7, 2004. (thanks to Google Earth) It's difficult to tell if it is still a Holiday Inn or not. It has the trade mark lay-out.

A 2008 Google Maps street view of the Oxford Inn and Suites:

An undated, but probably 2012 aerial photo of the property being torn down

The final aerial view taken on November 28, 2012 shows only the outline of the motel

The final street view from 2014 shows that there's an empty field and a Bojangles on the current site.There is a newer Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites just down 431 on Colonial Drive.

Midway Motor Lodge - La Crosse, Wisconsin

On the Black River
1835 Rose St. La Crosse, Wisconsin
A tinted, plexiglass bubble dome covers the indoor recreation area of the La Crosse Midway Motor Lodge. Surrounded by guest rooms, the area features a swimming pool, saunas, sun lamp canopy, ping pong and billiards. The lodge features a Hoffman House Restaurant, show lounge and complete meeting and banquet facilities. A Best Western property.

Blue Mountain Hotel and Skeet Club - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Situated in Fishing Creek Valley, in the Mountains of Pennsylvania, yet only fifteen minutes drive from the heart of downtown Harrisburg, this beautiful and modern hotel provides quiet and comfort, combines with convenience, at a location which is at an address of distinction.
Catering to Banquets, Wedding Receptions, Private Parties, and Business Meetings. Rooms have carpeted floors, tile bath and shower. Blue Room free for ladies' card parties.
FAMOUS FOR FINE FOOD
Phones CE-91239 - CE-49040
Harrisburg, Pa.
Yours for a successful evening
W.M. Hollinger - Pres.

Taken by W.M. Hollinger and son, Franklin, at Point Barrow, Alaska. Approximate weight 1200 pounds. World's Record Class. On exhibit at Blue Mountain Restaurant and Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa.

Photographed by Shuey, Brown's Studio, Harrisburg, Pa.
J.A. Sticker Co. Harrisburg, Pa.
C-13319



Taken by W.M. Hollinger and son, Franklin, at Point Barrow, Alaska. Approximate weight 1500 pounds. World's Record Class. On exhibit at Blue Mountain Restaurant and Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa.

1982 by Bill Bard Associates
A Superchrome Color Product
140949

Monte Cristo Court & Restaurant - Grenada, Mississippi

24 hours service - 45 rooms - 45 baths - 45 phones - 100% air conditioned - Highway 51 - Grenada, Miss. None Finer.



One of the South's most beautiful dining rooms. Seats 150 people. Monte Cristo Motor Court and Restaurant, Highway 51 South, Grenada, Miss. Member Quality Courts United, Inc. AAA and Duncan Hines.