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Postcard
circa 1950s: Kummerlowe |
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Springfield,
Ohio --
2842 E Main St. (US 40 -- The National Road!) |
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Like
so many Howard Johnson's Restaurants built in the post-war economic
expansion of the 1950s, the Springfield, Ohio outlet was opened
in 1952 (or perhaps 1953) immediately adjacent to the Town House
Motor Lodge along a section of "miracle mile" roadway.
Moreover, it was located along U.S. Highway 40 which is the National
Road! No less than four motels were nearby whilst the HoJo's was
in its heyday prior to the opening of Interstate Highway 70.
Springfield
itself is situated between Dayton, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio, but
closer to Dayton and not too distant from Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base.
Once I-70 opened in the early 1970s many Springfield businesses
along U.S. 40 were by-passed, but the Howard Johnson's Restaurant
remained under its Orange Roof until about 1975.
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1965-66
Mid eastern AAA TourBook p. 461: Kummerlowe |
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Postcard
circa 1960s: Kummerlowe |
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ABOVE
& BELOW: The vintage postcard view, as well as Kyle
Snyder's early 2000s photo show off the mid 20th century decorative
screenwork at the Town House's entrance. |
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Photographs
2001: Kyle Snyder |
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Photograph
circa 1990s: Al Coleman |
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ABOVE
& BELOW: By the early to middle 1990s, it appeared
as if the former Springfield HoJo's days were numbered--especially
since its plate glass windows were covered with plywood! Incredibly
the site was re-purposed by the early 2000s as a bridal boutique
and nail/tan spa. |
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Photograph
2003: Phil Edwards |
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©
Google street view July 2019 (screen capture June 23, 2020) |
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Photograph
2003: Phil Edwards |
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Photograph
2001: Kyle Snyder |
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Photographs
2003: Phil Edwards |
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Photographs
2003; Phil Edwards |
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Photos
July 2012: Tod Swormstedt |
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Photograph
July 2012: Tod Swormstedt |
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Indeed
"Jesus is All!" By Tod Swormstedt's* visit in the early
2010s the former Howard Johnson's restaurant had served as a worship
center for the local Souls for Christ Ministries.
Later
still, and incredibly still standing as recently as July of 2019
sans its cupola and porcelain enamel roof tiles, the site was
available for sale after having been a finance company.
*Tod
Swormstedt is the founder of the American
Sign Museum
which is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. |
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©
Google street view and 3d views July 2019 (screen captures June
23, 2020) |
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