The Newburgh
Howard Johnson's complex opened in 1966. Built at exit 17
of the New York State Thruway, the site provided easy access
to motorists. The Restaurant was built away from the Motor
Lodge facing Rt 17K.
The site was
along a busy commercial roadside strip that included a vintage
Holiday Inn directly across the street from the HoJo's that
wasn't decommissioned until after 2002.
Rackcards
circa 1980s & 1990s: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
The
Motor Lodge itself was down a hill from the Restaurant. Ideally
the Motor Lodges were sited higher than the Restaurants, but
in Newburgh's case the opposite occurred. The Motor Lodge
with its gleaming Orange Roofed Gate Lodge was set so that
motorists could easily spot the complex from the Thruway.
Photograph
May, 2002: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
Photographs
May, 2002
Gleaming
in the late spring sun, Newburgh's Orange
roofed and not too altered Gate Lodge welcomed weary travelers
with its promise of HoJo's hospitality.
