Postcard circa 1950s: Kummerlowe
 
Springfield, Ohio -- 2842 E Main St. (US 40 -- The National Road!)
 

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.

 
1965-66 Mid eastern AAA TourBook p. 461: Kummerlowe
 
 
Postcard circa 1960s: Kummerlowe
 
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.
 
Photographs 2001: Kyle Snyder
 
 
 
 
Photograph circa 1990s: Al Coleman
 
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.
 
Photograph 2003: Phil Edwards
 
 
© Google street view July 2019 (screen capture June 23, 2020)
 
 
Photograph 2003: Phil Edwards
 
 
Photograph 2001: Kyle Snyder
 
 
Photographs 2003: Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo 2001: Kyle Snyder
 
 
Photographs 2003; Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photos July 2012: Tod Swormstedt
 
 
 
Photo 2003: Phil Edwards
 
 
Photograph July 2012: Tod Swormstedt
 

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.
 
© Google street view and 3d views July 2019 (screen captures June 23, 2020)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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