Rocking R Motel (Gone)
Burlington, KS
Photo courtesy Greg West

The Rocking R Motel features a classic roadside marquee that once caught the eye of travelers passing through Burlington on busy U.S. Highway 75. Its simple design advertised all the comforts a weary motorist was looking for after a long day on the road. 01-06

The 16-unit motel was operating by the 1960s, when it was owned by Eddie and Reta Rich. Like many independent motels of the era, it promoted amenities that are commonplace today but were major selling points at the time, including air conditioning, televisions, telephones, wall-to-wall carpeting, and even complimentary in-room coffee.

The motel remained a familiar stop for decades, changing ownership in the 1980s when the Kirchner family took over. While the buildings have survived, the motel itself has since faded into history, much like countless mom-and-pop roadside businesses that once lined America's highways.

UPDATE: The Rocking R Motel is no longer operating as a motel, although the original building still stands. 06-26

The Indian Lodge
Wagoner, OK
Photo and info 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

Jesse Chisholm Motel (Demolished)
Geary, OK
Photo and info courtesy Chris Small

Geary was once home to this gem of a sign. The Jesse Chisholm Motel marquee had fragments of broken neon tubes hanging from it, giving it a haunting look that made it a favorite of roadside photographers. The motel has since been torn down, taking one more piece of old Route 66 with it. Another roadside treasure has made its last exit. 08-06

Named after legendary trader and scout Jesse Chisholm, the motel stood along the original 1926-1932 alignment of Route 66 through Geary. Although the motel eventually closed, the weathered sign remained standing for years, becoming even more interesting as time and the Oklahoma weather took their toll.

There was something oddly beautiful about the broken neon. Instead of being restored or replaced, the shattered tubing and rusting framework told the story of a roadside business that had simply been left behind. Sometimes those forgotten signs have just as much character as the ones still lighting up the highway.

UPDATE: The motel buildings have been demolished, and the iconic broken neon sign has also been removed. The site no longer reflects its Route 66 past, leaving photographs like this as one of the few reminders of a memorable roadside landmark. 06-26

Tulsa Motel (Gone)
Tulsa, OK
Postcard and info 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

The motel was one of several independent motor courts that lined this busy stretch of Route 66 during Tulsa's postwar boom. Private garages were especially popular during the early years of automobile travel, giving guests added security and convenience before open parking lots became the norm.

The roadside sign proudly advertised those garages along with modern steam heat, reminding travelers that comfort and convenience were just as important as a good night's sleep. It's a great example of how motels once competed by offering unique amenities instead of loyalty programs.

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

This country-looking sign belongs to the Swiss Valley Motel, located just outside Dubuque along U.S. Highway 151. With its chalet-inspired design, it fit right in with the rolling hills surrounding the nearby Swiss Valley area and offered travelers a quiet alternative to staying in town. 12-06

The motel was in business by at least 1955, appearing in the Dubuque City Directory that year. Throughout the late 1950s, postcards promoted the motel as a peaceful stop near scenic Swiss Valley, while advertising modern comforts like air conditioning and panel ray heat to motorists exploring eastern Iowa and the Upper Mississippi River region.

Unlike the flashy neon signs found along some highways, the Swiss Valley Motel took a more rustic approach. Its simple country-style marquee reflected the surrounding landscape and gave the property a warm, welcoming feel that matched its rural setting.

UPDATE: The motel is no longer in business, and the original buildings have been retired from lodging use. The vintage roadside sign has also been removed, leaving only old postcards and photographs to remember this once-popular stop along U.S. Highway 151. 06-26