The Elwood Court (Gone)
Elwood, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The neon at The Elwood Court had gone dark by the time this photograph was taken, but the old sign still deserved a look. Standing along State Road 37 in Elwood, Indiana, it recalled the days when a glowing marquee helped travelers choose a place for the night. 07-07

The court served motorists from at least the 1950s, advertising the conveniences expected of a roadside motel. Even without its lights, the sign made it easy to imagine cars pulling in after a long day on the highway.

UPDATE: Elwood Court no longer operates as a motel and was converted into efficiency apartments. The roadside sign’s current status remains unconfirmed. This photograph preserves its weathered appearance from a time when the old motel name still marked the property. 07-26

Plaza Motel (Demolished)
Schererville, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The marquee at Plaza Motel once brought a splash of neon to U.S. 41 in Schererville, Indiana. The lights were already dark when this photograph was taken, but the sign still had plenty of roadside character. It was worth noticing even without an evening glow. 07-07

Just south of U.S. 30, the motel served travelers along one of Northwest Indiana’s busiest corridors. Its sign was designed to catch attention before motorists reached the driveway, back when an independent motel’s welcome often began high above the road.

UPDATE’s vintage sign was removed years ago, and the motel was demolished in October 2024. Both are now gone from the highway. Photographs preserve the marquee that once helped travelers find a room near this busy crossroads. 07-26

Presidential Inn Motel (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The eagle atop the Presidential Inn Motel sign gave this roadside marquee an appropriately patriotic touch. Originally captioned as Chicago, the property actually stands in nearby Lyons along historic Route 66. That oversized emblem certainly helped distinguish it from neighboring motel signs. 07-07

Built in 1961, the motel featured Swiss Chalet-style architecture before later becoming known for fantasy suites. Heart-shaped beds, waterbeds, and whirlpool tubs marked a different chapter from its family-motel beginnings, while the eagle remained a familiar feature outside.

UPDATE: The building survives as Welcome Inn & Suites, but the original Presidential Inn sign has been removed. The motel continues under a new name without the patriotic display that once announced it. 07-26

Rose Dale Motel (Gone)
Rochester, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The red neon rose at Rose Dale Motel gave travelers through Rochester, Indiana, a colorful welcome. With illuminated lettering and the promise “Modern All Year,” this sign had plenty going for it after dark. The flower was a nice change from the usual motel arrow. 07-07

Located along old U.S. 31 on the south side of town, the motel appears in 1960s postcards with the familiar sign out front. Its later history included tragedy when the owner was murdered in 2005 during a business-related dispute.

UPDATE: Rose Dale Motel has closed, and the neon sign’s whereabouts remain unconfirmed. This photograph preserves the glowing rose and its year-round invitation from the days when motorists could still pull in for a room. It would be good to know that flower survived somewhere. 07-26

Blue Star Motel (Rem.)
Chicago Ridge, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The blue script at Blue Star Motel made an inviting display after dark. Although earlier captions placed it in Alsip, the motel is next door in Chicago Ridge, Illinois. The glowing lettering gave passing motorists a clear landmark along 103rd Street. 07-07

The independent motel has served travelers for decades, adding themed accommodations such as the Hawaiian Room and Roman Room. Whirlpool tubs and vintage-style décor carried some of that roadside personality indoors, while the sign supplied the introduction outside.

UPDATE: Blue Star Motel remains open, but the original blue neon sign’s current status is uncertain and it may have been removed. 07-26

D-Lux Budget Motel (Gone)
Alsip, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The marquee at D-Lux Budget Motel gave budget lodging a stylish introduction along Cicero Avenue in Alsip, Illinois. Its mid-century design had enough character to draw your eye without needing an enormous display. The sign certainly held up its end of the “D-Lux” name. 07-07

The property began in the 1950s as Pink Cloud Motel. Later owners reused the original sign structure, updating the lettering rather than replacing the whole display. That practical change kept a piece of the earlier motel around for many more years.

UPDATE: D-Lux Budget Motel has closed, and its vintage marquee was removed in 2018. It’s too bad the display didn’t get another chance to stay. 07-26

Colonial Motel
Fortville, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The neon at Colonial Motel in Fortville, Indiana, was looking good when this photograph was taken. Flowing “Colonial” script above bold “MOTEL” lettering made a fine combination after dark. A little elegance on top, with no guessing about what was offered below. 07-07

Located along State Road 67, the independent motel used its bright marquee to catch passing motorists’ attention. The lettering did much of the work, giving a fairly simple display enough personality to stand out along the highway.

UPDATE: Colonial no longer operates as a motel, and the property has been repurposed. The sign remains standing, although its neon tubing has been stripped away. 07-26