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Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
Postcard postmarked1973
 
Topeka, Kansas -- 3839 & 3841 S.W. Topeka Blvd.
 
 

 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
circa 1960s

Left: Guests of the 132 room ultra-modern Motor Lodge relaxed by one of the two swimming pools at Topeka.

Above: Once an important selling point, Topeka featured color TVs in all of its rooms!

 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
Advertisement in the South Central 1968-69 AAA TourBook, page 168
 
 

Right: A spectacular and welcoming view, gleaming Orange Roofs on both the Gate Lodge and Restaurant caught the motorist's eye.

Note that the Restaurant's spire was replaced with a Beacon during the middle 1970s.

Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
 
 

 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
Photograph June 1993: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
 
 

Westward Ho for HoJo!
The Topeka Howard Johnson's complex opened in 1963 and marked the beginning of rapid expansion to the Pacific Ocean, making the chain "Host of The Highways not just from Maine to Florida but also from coast to coast!
Little expense was spared for Topeka's modern Motor Lodge and Restaurant facility. The grounds included lighted tennis courts, 9 hole putting green, 2 swimming pools and a large playground.


Above: Having just lost its Howard Johnson's name during 1993, Scott Sargent arrived in time to see it operating as the Liberty Inn but still intact.

Right & Below: By Scott's subsequent visits in the 2000s, the site had been abandoned.

Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
Photograph 2004: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Topeka, Kansas
 
 
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