Brochure ca. 1960s: Dan Donahue
 
Southington, Connecticut -- 30 Lannings St (Rt. 10 @ I-84)
 

A compact layout, the Southington Motor Lodge was scheduled to open in September of 1965 with 72 classically configured guest rooms in two, two-story buildings both featuring central corridors. Unique in the Nutmeg State and one of fewer than a dozen Howard Johnson's, Southington presented itself to the public with a drive-under "canopy" Gate Lodge.

Starting in late 1957, the Howard Johnson Company had endeavored to create a standard image for its Motor Lodges by utilizing an a-frame design for guest lobbies. Known as a Gate Lodge, these lobbies at most Motor Lodges were free-standing structures that came to represent Howard Johnson's modern and superior hospitality offerings. The Gate Lodges themselves were true a-frame structures perhaps initially designed by Bank Building & Equipment Corporation of America in conjunction with HoJo's in-house architectural department led by Joseph Cicco and later by Lowery Bell. Exuding the modernity of the Space-Age, the Gate Lodges were clad in gleaming orange porcelain enamel roof tiles and topped with a spire cupola and Lamplighter weather vane--a juxtaposition of old and new symbolism that worked!

Since the Gate Lodges were a standard size, they presented limitations for operators that desired larger public spaces. Thus an alternative was use of an in-the-building lobby and drive under canopy Gate Lodge such as what was employed at Southington.

 
 
 
Photos December 2001: Kummerlowe Archive
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo September 2006: Kummerlowe Archive
 
 
Photo May 2007: Phil Edwards
 
 

 
 
Brochure ca. 1960s: Dan Donahue
 
Fine Hospitality
From our lobby, (or by phone to us) we can secure and confirm a reservation at any Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge in the country in 50 seconds. Switchboard is open 24 hours, messages are signaled by flashing light beneath your mailbox and below the color TV picture tube in your room.
 

 
• Spacious Rooms • Immaculate Surroundings • Soundproofing •
• Wall to Wall Carpeting • Extra Large Beds • Swimming Pool •
• Dual Wash Areas • Extra Large Towels• Excellent Lighting •
• Color TV • Bedside Light and TV Switch Panel • Sauna •
• Individual Heat/air Conditioning Controls •
• 24 hour Switchboard •
 
 

Directory of Services
Sauna Bath (free to guests), spacious swimming pool, valet and laundry same day service, 3 channel Color TV including UHF, free ice, skittle pool, direct dial telephones.

Luxury Accommodations
When you choose Howard Johnson's Southington Motor Lodge you will find these very finest accommodations available.

 
 

Above: A single bedroom with Color TV

Below: Double beds, with bedside direct dial phone service, and pamper panel controlling all lights.

 
 
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