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Postcard circa 1960s
 
Bloomington, Illinois -- 2613 S. Veterans Parkway
 
Built during HoJo's heyday, the Bloomington complex opened in about 1963. It also featured an adjacent service station and gift shop for the convenience of its guests.
 
 
 
 
Brochure circa 1975: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photographs August 20, 2004: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note the original decorative acrylic panels and natural brick that were still evident on the Gate Lodge.
 
 
 
 
Photographs July, 2005: Courtesy of Bob Venditti
 
 

The old Bloomington Howard Johnson's has endured several changes over the years. For a time it was unbranded and then flew the Choice Hotel's Roadway Inn flag.

By the end of 2005, the Motor Lodge had been repatriated. Even as it retained its Gate Lodge nearly intact, and as good as it seems to be that it became a HoJo again, the facility will most certainly receive a makeover that will destroy whatever character the place had managed to keep.

 
 
 
 
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