Baton Rouge-Northeast, La
 -- 7271 Airline Hwy (U.S. 61 & 190)
 

Prior to the advent of the modern Interstate Highway system, the Huey Long era Airline Highway (U.S. 61) served as the main route between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and served as an excellent site for Louisiana's first Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant complex. It all began in 1955 with a stand alone Restaurant which was joined by its Motor Lodge in 1959. The Motor Lodge was large for its day and offered 150 rooms all with "100% Weather Conditioning, Phones, Deluxe Patios, Private Balconies, and 21" T.V.s."

Airline Highway itself became motel row during the 1950s and '60s with dozens of lodging choices for weary motorists, and the Howard Johnson's was in good company with several nearby upscale motels including the Oak Manor as well as the Bellmont Motor Hotel.

1960 Yellow Pages ad page 179: EBR Parish Library
 
 
Brochure circa 1960s: Scott Sargent
 
 
 
 
Postcard circa 1960s: Kummerlowe
 
 
Ad circa 1959: Tim & Tom Bernert

Your unseen host: THE TAYLORMAN

When Taylor was commissioned to build the Howard Johnson Restaurant and Motor Lodge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the orders went something like this: the newest ideas in comfort and beauty ... build it economically ... and do it all in 8 short months. The Taylorman in charge met the challenge. Every Taylor project receives the day-by-day, on-the-spot, nuts-and-bolts supervision of a dedicated construction man. It is one of the many reasons why anybody whois considering a major building effort should talk to Taylor

Taylor Construction Company
New York . Los Angeles . Miami . San Juan, PR
Taylor International Corp.

Modern, tastefully furnished accommodations, always immaculate, are waiting for you at the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge in Baton Rouge. Conveniently located on Highway 61, the Motor Lodge is near to Louisiana State University and the downtown area via high-speed expressways.


Above: Note that the artist's rendering of the complex in the Taylor advertisement depicts the Motor Lodge as being considerably larger than it came to be. Moreover, the ad claims that Taylor was commissioned to construct the entire complex including the Restaurant, but the Restaurant was built five years prior to the Motor Lodge! Furthermore there have never been "high-speed expressways" linking anything in Baton Rouge much less the HoJo's with LSU or downtown!!
 
Below: The complete complex--Motor Lodge, Restaurant, and Texaco Service Station--the perfect combination.
 
Annau-Robinson Color Productions Inc 1966: Tim & Tom Bernert
 
 
 
 
 
"The Fabulous Blue Room!" 
The Blue Room cocktail lounge advertised "Dancing and Entertainment beginning at 9:00 P.M.
 
 
 
 

The world-renowned trademark of Howard Johnson's
--the orange roof and cupola--beckons you to enjoy true
hospitality in Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana and famed
as a sportsman's paradise. Here you will find excellent dining
and refreshing cocktails, served in an atmosphere of graciousness
and charm. You will find modern accommodations surrounding a beautiful
pool and patio are.

If you arrive by plane or train, our Courtesy Car
will be waiting for you. Simply let us know of your arrival time ...
by writing, or calling EL 6-1461

 
 
 
 
 
Postcard circa 1960s: Kummerlowe
 
 
Photograph 2002: Kummerlowe
 
Above & Below: Views of the Restaurant's former site looking past to the Motor Lodge guest buildings.
 
Photographs December 2003: Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photograph June 30, 2012: Kummerlowe
 

Time Line:

  • 1954 Howard Johnson's Restaurant built
  • 1959 Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge began operation
  • 1971 Motor Lodge became a Motel 6
  • 1975 Last year for the Howard Johnson's Restaurant (a fire?)
  • 1976 Former Motor Lodge became the unbranded Day Motel
  • 1980 Former Motor Lodge became Jay's Motel with Nuggett Room
  • 1990 Former Motor Lodge became Pines Motel
  • 2010s The pines were felled and the site was rechristened as the Crown Efficiency Apartments
 
Postcard postmarked April 18, 1969: Kummerlowe
 

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