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| Postcard ca. 1960s: Kummerlowe Archive |
Springfield,
Missouri -- 2610 N Glenstone (U.S.
66) |
Well sited along the famous U.S. 66, Springfield's complex was opened in 1964. It featured a classic highway style Motor Lodge and Restaurant layout. Initially there were only 80 guest rooms in two buildings as well as one heated swimming pool and a playground. The 1966 Mobile Travel Guide indicated that the site featured "modern attractive rooms" as well as a bridal suite. Expanded to 112 rooms by the late 1960s, AAA's 1968-'69 TourBook noted that the site boasted "inviting grounds, large very nicely appointed--very well kept units, TV some color, and hi-fi music." |
| 8mm film 1965: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| 1968 AAA Tourbook, p. 217: Kummerlowe Archive |
Having become a local landmark, the complex eventually spraweled across several acres. By 1984 it offered 403 rooms, four heated pools with one that was indoors, and an exhibition hall that held 1,500 people! With Charles L. Sturgell as its host, Springfield served as the headquarters for the McLean Enterprises hospitality empire which included more than 21 Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge complexes. With
its long list of amenities, the Springfield HoJo's boasted that
it was "S.W. Missouri's Largest Convention Headquarters."
At some point the McLean empire crumbled leaving only remnents
and of course the expansive Springfield complex. After
its life as a HoJo's the Motor Lodge was named Bass County Inn,
then Atrium Inn & Convention Center before it became the Oasis
Inn & Convention Center |
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| Postcard ca. 1970s: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Brochure ca. 1978: Scott Sargent |
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| Photos 2004: Scott Sargent |
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