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Orange Treats |
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Ocala-North,
FL --photos
April 1991: Bob Venditti |
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Bob:
"The place was still very nice; had an upper floor balcony
room along intertstate. That's my gold Honda Civic parked
on the right." |
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Smithfield,
NC --photo
May 1991: BobVenditti |
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Bob:
"I always liked how this place was situated off
the interstate, and the wide park-like lawn really seemed
appealing.
I had a single room in the one-story section which was very
comfortable and in good condition, although it seemed a
little dated. In the area near the sliders, the floor was
dark brown linoleum on which sat a recliner chair. If only
they hadn't later boxed in the teriffic patios and balconies.
Otherwise this place would still be a gem, even with the
added stucco embellishments." |
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Hollywood,
FL --photo
June 1992: Bob Venditti |
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Bob:
"I needed a place to shower and change for one night--I
only had my camera with me to document the motel stay, as
I have always done, no other reason..."
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Lexington,
VA --photo
August 1991: Bob Venditti |
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Bob:
"Very nice place to stay while taking the long way
to Ohio! I had great pancakes at the dairy bar." |
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| Scattered
Roof Tiles |
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Durham,
NC --photo
August 2010: Robby Delius |
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Above:
Exceptionally long-lived (1966-2009), the Durham Howard
Johnson's Motor Lodge was an exemplar of Orange Roofed staying
power. Special Thanks to Robby Delius who has followed and
documented Durham's demise. |
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Quality
over Quantity
To be sure, expeditious expansive expansion contributed
exponentially to the success of the Howard Johnson's orange
roofed roadside empire--this was especially true during
the middle part of the incredibly remarkable innovative
20th century, which has been regarded by some historians
as the peak of modern mankind's forward-looking American
Century. However the Howard Johnson Company's success
is perhaps better explained by its fervent focus on standardization
and quality control which resulted in an unprecedented
and exceptional longevity for the HoJo's brand in the
face of an ephemeral and fickle roadside marketplace.
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| Orange
August Flashbacks! |
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Left:
Me and my grandmother 1999. Note my FAI era Howard
Johnson's polo purchased at the Pittsburgh Blvd. of
the Allies Restaurant
Employees
in the Wilmington -Concord Pike HJ thought me quite
weird for having and wearing one of their uniform
shirts--in fact, I was shunned!
Remember
that just a mere decade ago we could still get authentic
fried clams--and better yet, real Howard
Johnson's ice cream! Ah, the 1990s, those were
the days...and we didn't even know it!? My August
1999 journey was my last great HJ road trip, for I
visited EIGHT operating Howard Johnson's
Restaurants in the span of a week (alas they are all
gone now).
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Wilmington-Concord,
DE--photo
August 9, 1999: Kummerlowe Archive |
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Pittsburgh
(Blvd. of the Allies) PA--photo
August 7, 1999: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Harrisonburg
, VA--photo
8/13/98 (visited again 8/99): Kummerlowe Archive |
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Wilmington-Kirkwood,
DE--photo
August 9, 1999: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Claymont.
DE--photo
1998 (visited again in 8/1999): Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Afton
, VA--photo
August 13, 1998: kummerlowe Archive |
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| Millington
, MD--photo
August 9, 1999: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Front
Royal , VA--photo
8/1998 (visited again in 8/99): Kummerlowe Archive |
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| Lexington,
VA--photo
August 13, 1999: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| St
Louis-Kirkwood, MO--photos
August 2000: Kummerlowe Archive |
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| West
Boylston, Mass--photos
June 2010: Bob Venditti |
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A
Must See for HoJo's Fans:
Located somewhat off the beaten path, the former West Boylston
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge maintains the best preserved
A-frame Gate Lodge--it is the last complete example. |
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| Hard
to Believe but |
| ONLY
Three Howard Johnson's Restaurants Remain: |
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At
the onset of my endeavor/adventure to document Howard
Johnson's in 1998, I never could have imagined that
I was witness to the end of an era. It is difficult
to believe that an institution so ingrained in our culture
could vanish almost without a trace. For it would seem
that with each passing day another HoJo's is closed
and demolished. Not that long ago Howard Johnson's was
the largest hospitality chain in the world. But now
this once ubiquitous roadside landmark fades from America's
rear-view mirror, and as we speed off into the uncharted
future fewer and fewer orange roofed Restaurants and
Motor Lodges remain to serve the hungry and sleepy motoring
public.
This
site commemorates the Roadside Empire created by Howard
D. Johnson, and chronicles with photographs and commentary
the story of a once vast organization and its legacy
to the American roadscape, and to the hospitality industry.
Please browse and enjoy the photographs, and I hope
that they rekindle many memories. |
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"Howard
Johnson's -- An American way of life -- convenience, comfort
and hospitality for the entire family, at home and away from
home." |
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