Tag: 1960s

This motel was located close to the Mackinac Bridge, which was built in the late 1950s.

The description states:
SUNSET MOTEL
1 1/2 Miles West on US-2
from Mackinac Bridge
St. Ignace, Michigan
In Michigan’s Vacationland 1/2 mile from Golf Course. Showers & Tubs – TV – Hot Water Heat – Inn-Room Coffee – Separate Bedrooms. Restaurant next door.
Bud and Sheila Winters  Phone (906) 643-8377
–Unlike many other establishments of this era, this motel still exists in its original location and with the same construction as shown in the picture. The most notable change from the image is the new sign at the road.
This card dates from the 1960s.

This oddly named motel is on the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula very close to the locks which connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron. It would appear the name is derived from the fictional character Rip Van Winkle, who slept for many decades before waking.

The description states:
RIP – VAN MOTEL
Across the street from famous “Soo” Locks
351 West Portage Ave.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Built in 1959  Phone: MElrose 2-2571
Singles to Suites – Family Units
Ceramic Tile Showers – Completely Carpeted – Spacious Lobby with T.V. – Excellent Restaurant in connection.
Frarnk Baccari – Owner-Manager
–This card shows some of the very typical mid-century accommodations and furniture widely used not only in motels but often in private homes. These pieces are now collector’s items in some cases.
The motel apparently has changed hands over the years, and there is a Lockview Motel in this location instead. The old buildings are gone and the new motel has new structures. The auto shown in the photo indicates this card dates from the 1960s.

This motel was situated to overlook the Straits of Mackinac and near the Mackinac Bridge. It was located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The description states:
NORTH STAR MOTEL
Mackinaw City, Mich. 49701
Welcome to Mackinaw City’s Most Modern Motel. 33 Units – Coffee Shop – Sandy Beach – Playground. Located on Beautiful Lake Huron, with Nice Island view – 1 Mile from Mackinac Bridge on U. S. 23 and U. S. 27.
Phone Area 616 – HE 6-5565  P. O. Box 705
–The original establishment no longer exists, but the buildings apparently remain, under a new ownership, now called the Waterfront Inn, which has the same building layout with extensive modifications.
The cars and presence of zip codes on the card indicate this card is from the 1960s.

This typical motel was built in Traverse City, Michigan but apparently no longer exists.

The description states:
MUNSON MOTOR INN
Traverse City, Michigan. On U.S. 31 North, in city. One of Michigan’s finest, close to restaurants and good beaches. Shopping centers nearby. Motel located on spacious grounds, away from highway noises. Air-Conditioned; Hot Water Heat; Direct Dial Phones; Large Televisions.
–Early motels did not have much in the way of amenities, and one of the most popular later additions was televisions. So important were these that they were advertised permanently on the road sign as shown in this picture. Later, color was also highlighted, and in the 1970s and beyond, cable services such as HBO also listed to attract the passing traveller.
Of special note is the automobile in the foreground of the photo, which is a rare and highly prized model today: a Jaguar XK E-type. The car indicates that this photo is from the 1960s.

The Manor Motel still stands in Newberry Michigan, where it was first opened 48 years ago in 1966.

The description states:
MANOR MOTEL
South Newberry Ave.
Newberry, Mich.
Gateway to Tahquamemon Falls
De luxe showers – Free T.V. – Carpeted large soundproof rooms. Family unites equipped with Beauty Rest springs and mattresses. Shuffleboard and playground. The best costs no more. Phone 561.
–Playgrounds with simple games such as shuffleboard were common for establishments like this one during the mid-century. Most such constructions have been demolished and replaced with pools where practical, as those are more commonly used.
The building has been remodeled on the outside, as can be seen at the link above. The date on the website indicates this card is from the 1960s.

This artist’s rendition of the Georgian House Motel is clearly labelled Michigan’s Most Beautiful Motel, a bit of marketing exaggeration to be sure.

The description states:
THE GEORGIAN HOUSE
Michigan’s Most Beautiful Motel
Situated on the Lake (Straits of Mackinac)
Facing Mackinac Island
1131 North State St. St. Ignace, Michigan
46 Massive Units, Baths, Showers & Dressing Rooms. French Provincial Decor Throughout. Carpeting, T.V., Sun Deck, Luxurious Dining Room.
For reservations, call St. Ignace 666
–Some overseas travel sites still list this motel as active, but street view of the location shows no buildings at that location now. The information available says the motel was built in 1961, so the card dates from the 1960s.

This image is of petrified coral known as Favosites, or honeycomb coral. The form of coral shown here is long extinct.

The description states:
“Petrified Honeycomb”
A colonial coral known as FAVOSITES. Both cross sectional and longitudinal cuts make attractive jewelry. Found throughout Michigan.
–The bottom right sample shows the most common view of the coral type, while the others show how the stacks of coral appear from the sides. The card is dated 1962.