Are We Walking to Alaska

Are We Walking to Alaska
Are We Walking to Alaska - A True Story

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Signs - of the Times

Hotels in out of the way places used to be popular - people would come and stay for a week of more - getting away from the heat of the city - or from the rush of work - it was a slower time.  These signs are from old hotels - no longer "needed", no longer wanted.  It was a wonderful time.



With neon arrows, you could  easily find your way to Bishop's Motel
Time for a leisurely walk before unpacking
Birds chirping in the trees
Children playing happily on the grass

The Thomson Hotel has reasonable rates - they say so right on the sign
Come for a weekend, stay for a week
Walk down by the river
Have a picnic in the park
Feel the tensions relax

Or if you prefer a Lodge 
Cabins perhaps
Visit with neighbors who are getting away from it all
Hear stories of where people came from - and where they are going

A Trailer Court - bring your own trailer
Or rent one for a week or a month
Cook dinner on the barbecue
Read in the shade of the lovely old trees
Laugh with the children as they run through the sprinklers

Or today - find an old hotel - take a vacation

Waterville Hotel  
Located approximately three hours from Seattle and two hours from Spokane


Built in 1903
You will have a front row seat on the hotel porch overlooking Pioneer park
And an easy walk to the historic downtown shops.

Lovely gardens to enjoy
A cool walk in the afternoon
Sit and sip iced tea on the porch
Wave a friendly hand to the locals as they pass - they will wave back and smile

There is a vacancy - make your plans now





14 comments:

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I just love this JoAnn...you have me dreaming of days of old (even older than I am). You've told a wonderful story, perfectly illustrated with your great collection of photos.

Nonnie said...

love the images, especially the Waterville Hotel! if I lived in your state, I'd want to spend a weekend here at the Waterville.

Jeanne said...

Interesting photos of the old signs. Yes, you have to get off the beaten track to find unique hotels and inns.

RedPat said...

I love these old signs especially the neon ones.

Anonymous said...

nice collection of hotel signs.

Pat said...

They just don't make hotel signs like that anymore! Hate to see them go away.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This reminds me of the old tourist courts in Florida. Many , if not most are GWTW, and I so loved the signs, too. Enjoyed seeing all of your pictures.

XO,

Sheila

Dave said...

My parents would always choose the old motor motels over the large chain places. Even into the early 90's as both the motor motels and my parents were reaching the end of their life, Mom & Dad would always seek out the small family run places. It must have rubbed off on me, as I always stay at the old motels from the 30's & 40's when I go to the Oregon coast.

Tanya Breese said...

oh i loved all your old signs!

Suburban Girl said...

I just love these kinds of finds.

Janet said...

Most of the old mom and pop motels are gone, including the one my parents and grandparents ran. Nice trip down memory lane though!

Lesley said...

Finding old motel signs is always a real treat.
I particularly like the Hotel Walkerville sign.

Kay said...

Some of those old signs have really been scoured by time, haven't they? The Hotel Waterville looks like a nice place to stay.

Taken For Granted said...

Great collection of ghost and maintained hotel signs. Well done!