Hotel Whitman
Pocatello,
ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
The Hotel Whitman in Pocatello has had a long and interesting history. Originally built in 1905, the building has served a number of purposes over the years, including housing the Eagles Lodge, the Princess Theater, and later operating as a hotel. It was also known for a time as the Hotel Nicollet.
What is attention catching here is the vintage signage. The old hotel sign and the faded ghost sign on the side of the building are both reminders of the property's past. I always enjoy finding buildings like this where traces of previous businesses are still visible decades later.
The Coffee Shop occupied the front portion of the building when this photo was taken, adding another chapter to the long history of one of downtown Pocatello's most recognizable buildings. 10-06
UPDATE: The Whitman still stands in downtown Pocatello and has been successfully rehabilitated after years of decline. Today the building serves as a mixed-use property with housing and commercial space. The ghost sign remains visible, while the historic vertical marquee survives in an altered form after being restored and relocated on the building. 06-26
Hotel (Closed)
Boise,
ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Here's an old Olympic Hotel sign outside of this building in Boise, Idaho.
What is attention catching here is the simple vertical hotel sign hanging out over the sidewalk. Signs like this were once a common sight in downtowns across America, helping travelers spot a place to stay from blocks away.
I've always liked old hotel signs in downtown settings. Even when the hotel itself is gone, the sign often survives as a reminder of what the building once was. This one has a classic look that fits perfectly with the historic character of downtown Boise. 10-06
UPDATE: The hotel no longer operates, but the historic sign remains in place and has been restored. The upper floors of the building have been repurposed as an event venue, while the old Olympic Hotel sign continues to hang over Main Street as a reminder of the building's past. 06-26
Hotel Antler (Closed)
New Castle, WY Photo courtesy Larry Glass
This old sign sits outside of the Hotel Antlers in Newcastle, Wyoming.
The side marquee is pretty eye-catching in orange. The faded lettering on the building is also a great reminder of days gone by. It's details like these that make old buildings worth a second look and help tell the story of a property's past. 12-07
UPDATE: The Hotel Antlers no longer operates as a traditional hotel, but the historic building remains an active part of downtown Newcastle. The old vertical sign still hangs on the facade, although its neon lighting is gone. Today the building houses a mix of businesses and lodging, allowing this local landmark to continue serving the community more than a century after it was built. 06-26
The old blue faded out blade marquee on the side of building appears to have been completely redone.
Hotel Yellowstone (Closed)
Pocatello,
ID Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Here's a shot of the Hotel Yellowstone. This Pocatello hotel features a tremendous rooftop sign.
What is attention catching here is that giant rooftop marquee. Signs like this were designed to be seen from a distance, and the Hotel Yellowstone certainly succeeded. Rising above the downtown skyline, it has become one of Pocatello's most recognizable landmarks.
Rooftop signs are always a good reminder of good days gone past. They have a way of dominating the skyline and giving a city its own identity. The Hotel Yellowstone sign is one of those signs that's hard to forget once you've seen it. 10-06
UPDATE: Despite the name still shining above downtown, the Hotel Yellowstone no longer operates as a hotel. The building has been repurposed and now houses restaurants, bars, and other commercial uses. Fortunately, the famous rooftop sign survives and has been restored, allowing this longtime Pocatello landmark to continue lighting up the skyline. 06-26
Rio Grande Hotel (Closed)
Salt Lake City, UT Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
This old sign is located at the Rio Grande Hotel in Salt Lake City.
What is attention catching here is the vintage hotel sign hanging from the side of the building. Signs like this were once a common sight around railroad districts and downtown hotel rows, helping travelers find a room for the night.
The sign has a simple design, but that's part of its appeal. Combined with the older brick building behind it, the scene feels like a step back in time and offers a glimpse into an earlier era of travel in Salt Lake City. 10-06
UPDATE: The Rio Grande Hotel no longer operates as a traditional hotel, but the building remains in use today as housing. The historic projecting sign still hangs on the building, continuing to remind passersby of the property's long history near Salt Lake City's railroad district. 06-26
Hotel (Closed)
Hotel Antler (Closed)
Hotel Yellowstone (Closed)
Rio Grande Hotel (Closed)
