 The Indian Lodge
Wagoner, OK
Photo courtesy Greg West
The Indian Lodge sits near Lake Fort Gibson and Taylor Ferry, making it a favorite stop for fishermen, boaters, and families looking to spend a few days by the water. With its vintage roadside sign, motel rooms, and cabins complete with attached carports, it's a real step back in time. More info can be found at this site. 05-06
Built during the 1950s, the lodge was designed to serve the growing number of visitors arriving after Fort Gibson Lake was created. Many of the cabins were built with attached carports so guests could park their cars—and in many cases their boats—right outside the door.
Unlike many mom-and-pop resorts from the same era, the Indian Lodge has managed to retain much of its original character. The cabins, swimming pool, picnic areas, and roadside sign all help preserve the relaxed atmosphere that made these lakeside retreats so popular during the heyday of the American road trip.
UPDATE: The Indian Lodge remains open and family owned, continuing to welcome visitors to Lake Fort Gibson. The original cabins, vintage sign, and much of the property's mid-century charm are still intact. 06-26
 Rocking R Motel (Gone)
Burlington, KS
Photo courtesy Greg West
The Rocking R Motel marquee once welcomed travelers along U.S. Highway 75 in Burlington. Its straightforward advertisement promised a comfortable stop after a long drive. 01-06
Operating by the 1960s under Eddie and Reta Rich, the 16-unit motel advertised air conditioning, television, telephones and in-room coffee. The Kirchner family took over in the 1980s, continuing its run as a familiar independent lodging stop.
UPDATE: The Rocking R no longer operates as a motel, though the original building remains standing. 06-26
 Jesse Chisholm Motel (Demolished)
Geary, OK
Photo courtesy Chris Small
Geary was once home to the Jesse Chisholm Motel and this weathered marquee. Broken neon tubes gave the sign a haunting appearance, making it worth a stop even after the rooms went dark. 08-06
Named for trader and scout Jesse Chisholm, the motel stood along Route 66’s original 1926–1932 alignment. Its sign lingered after the business closed, collecting more character with every Oklahoma season.
UPDATE: The motel buildings have been demolished, and the sign has been removed. Another memorable marker along the old highway has made its last exit. 06-26
 Cliff Pat Motel
Langley, OK
Photos info courtesy Greg West
The Cliff Pat Motel was built some 50 years ago. This great neon sign has lit the skies of Langley, OK ever since. The current owner purchased the motel 40 years ago. At that time he changed the name to, Cliff Pat Motel. Thus, that portion of the sign was changed to reflect the new owner's chosen name. No idea what it was prior to the change, nor what Cliff Pat means. This beauty is located at; 330 S 3RD ST in Langley, OK. The neon is working just fine! Langley, OK. Photo and info Greg West. 10-06
 Another shot of the Clifff Pat Motel
Langley, OK
Photo courtesy Greg West
Located near Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, the motel was built to serve the growing number of fishermen, boaters, and vacationers visiting the area during Oklahoma's postwar recreation boom. Its low-slung layout and striking roadside sign are classic examples of the mom-and-pop motels that once dotted the state's highways.
One of my favorite details is that the owner chose to update the name without replacing the entire sign. That decision preserved the original neon arrow and much of the sign's mid-century character, something that unfortunately didn't happen at many roadside motels.
UPDATE: The Cliff Pat Motel remains open as an independently operated motel. The vintage neon sign is still standing and continues to light up the roadside, making it one of the surviving neon motel signs around Grand Lake. 06-26 |
 Tulsa Motel (Gone)
Tulsa, OK
Postcard courtesy Chris King
The Tulsa Motel was located along Route 66 on East 11th Street, about a mile west of the Rose Bowl. One of its biggest selling points was something you rarely see today—every room came with its own private garage. Imagine pulling off the highway, parking your car out of the weather, and unloading your luggage just a few steps from your room. 12-06
UPDATE: The Tulsa Motel has long since disappeared. Both the motel and its roadside sign were demolished years ago, and the property has been redeveloped for other commercial uses. 06-26
 Swiss Valley Motel (Gone)
Dubuque, IA
Photo courtesy Dan Schuster
The chalet-style Swiss Valley Motel sign suited the rolling countryside outside Dubuque. Along U.S. Highway 151, it invited travelers to spend the night away from the busier streets in town. 12-06
Listed in the 1955 city directory, the motel promoted scenic surroundings alongside air conditioning and panel-ray heat. A peaceful setting was fine, but modern comforts helped sell the rooms.
UPDATE: The motel has closed, its buildings have left lodging use, and the roadside sign has been removed. Postcards and photographs preserve the welcome once offered along Highway 151. 06-26
 Western Motel
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo courtesy Chris Small
A cowboy hat tops the Western Motel marquee along Route 66 in Bethany. Add sweeping neon, script lettering and a directional arrow, and this sign gives motorists quite a roadside welcome.
Opened in 1953, the motel advertised air conditioning, televisions and tiled bathrooms to travelers passing through the Oklahoma City area. The motor-court layout and familiar sign have retained much of their earlier appearance. 10-07
UPDATE: The Western remains an independent motel. Its cowboy-hat marquee still stands and lights up Route 66, giving travelers another reason to watch for the smaller lodging stops. 06-26
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