The Elwood Court (Gone)
Elwood, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Speaking of Elwood, here's another old roadside motel. The Elwood Court once featured a neon sign that lit up the night, welcoming travelers along State Road 37. By the time this photo was taken, however, the neon had already gone dark. 07-07
The Elwood Court had been serving motorists since at least the 1950s, advertising all the modern conveniences that travelers expected during the golden age of roadside motels. Like many independent courts of the era, a bright neon sign was one of its biggest selling points.
Even without the lights, the old marquee still had plenty of character. It's easy to imagine how it must have looked years earlier when the neon was glowing and travelers were pulling in for the night.
UPDATE: The Elwood Court is no longer operating as a motel and was later converted into efficiency apartments. Not sure if the old roadside sign is still around today. 07-26
Plaza Motel (Demolished)
Schererville,
IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Here's a look at the Plaza Motel in Schererville, Indiana. At one time, its colorful neon marquee lit up U.S. Route 41, but by the time this photo was taken the glow was already gone. 07-07
Located just south of the busy intersection of U.S. 30 and U.S. 41, the motel spent decades serving travelers passing through one of Northwest Indiana's busiest commercial corridors. Like so many roadside motels of the era, the sign was designed to grab your attention long before you reached the front office.
Even without the neon, the marquee still had plenty of mid-century appeal and was a reminder of a time when independent motels competed for motorists with eye-catching signs instead of online reviews.
Unfortunately, both the sign and the motel are now history.
UPDATE: The vintage neon sign was removed years ago, and the motel itself was demolished in October 2024. Another roadside landmark has faded into memory. 07-26
Rose Dale Motel (Gone)
Rochester, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Here's an eye-catching sign from the Rose Dale Motel in Rochester, Indiana. The bright red neon rose, fully lit lettering, and the slogan "Modern All Year" made this one hard to miss after dark. 07-07
Located along old U.S. Route 31 on the south side of town, the Rose Dale was a classic roadside motel that welcomed travelers for decades. The glowing rose gave the sign plenty of personality and was a nice touch that set it apart from the typical motel marquee. It's the kind of sign that probably convinced more than a few motorists to pull over for the night.
Vintage postcards from the 1960s show the motel looking much the same, with its colorful sign standing proudly out front. Unfortunately, the motel's history also took a tragic turn in 2005 when the owner was murdered during a dispute involving the business.
UPDATE: The Rose Dale Motel has since closed. Not sure if the old neon sign is still around, but it would be nice to think that red rose managed to survive somewhere. 07-26
Blue Star Motel (Rem.)
Chicago Ridge, IL Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Here's a nice look at the Blue Star Motel and its glowing blue neon sign. Even today, it's refreshing to find a motel that still lets its neon do the advertising. 07-07
Although the original caption lists the motel in Alsip, it's actually located just next door in Chicago Ridge. The Blue Star has been serving travelers for decades and still has the kind of roadside sign that catches your eye long before you reach the driveway.
The bright blue script is simple but effective, proving that a little neon can go a long way. Inside, the motel has also embraced a bit of old-school roadside fun with themed rooms that include names like the Hawaiian Room and Roman Room, complete with whirlpool tubs and vintage-style décor.
It's always nice to see an independent motel hanging onto its personality instead of replacing everything with a generic corporate look.
UPDATE: The Blue Star Motel remains open, and its classic blue neon sign may no longer be welcoming guests along 103rd Street. 07-26
Holiday Motel
Sturgeon Bay, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The neon still glows at the Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The marquee lights up beautifully at night and is one of those signs that's worth slowing down for. 07-07
Originally opened in 1952 as the Holiday Motel, it was the first motel built in Door County. Before the Bayview Bridge opened in 1978, just about everyone heading north through Door County passed right by this sign.
The motel took on a new life in 2007 when it was purchased by a group of musicians who renamed it the Holiday Music Motel. Today it's more than just a place to spend the night, with an on-site recording studio, songwriter retreats, and even its own streaming radio station.
Fortunately, through all of the changes, the classic roadside sign is still doing what it has done for decades. The glowing neon lettering and arrow continue to welcome travelers just as they did during the heyday of the American road trip.
UPDATE: The Holiday Music Motel remains open, and its beautifully restored neon sign continues to light up downtown Sturgeon Bay. 07-26
Presidential Inn Motel (Gone)
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Check out the presidential-looking eagle perched on the sign at the Presidential Inn Motel. It certainly gave the marquee a little extra personality and made it stand out along the roadside. 07-07
Although the original caption lists the motel as being in Chicago, it's actually located in nearby Lyons along historic Route 66. Built in 1961, the motel featured a distinctive Swiss Chalet-style design and was hard to miss thanks to its large roadside sign topped with that patriotic emblem.
Like many roadside motels, the Presidential Inn changed with the times. What started as a family motel eventually became known for its fantasy suites, complete with heart-shaped beds, waterbeds, and whirlpool tubs. Through it all, the eagle-topped sign remained one of the property's most recognizable features.
Unfortunately, the original sign didn't survive the motel's latest chapter.
UPDATE: The motel building is still standing, but it now operates as the Welcome Inn & Suites. The original Presidential Inn sign has been removed. 07-26
Plaza Motel (Demolished)
Blue Star Motel (Rem.)
Holiday Motel
Presidential Inn Motel (Gone)
