Allendale

Postcard circa 1959

The HoJo's that Never Was
Based on the postcard and photographs of the former Bon Air, an educated guess is that it was meant to have been Allendale's Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge. However it is more than likely that its guest buildings made up a preexisting motel. Nonetheless, a Nims-type Ranch Gate Lodge was constructed and even a Trapezoid sign was erected (note the Lamp topping the sign!!). Moreover the old-timey guest rooms were outfitted with fixtures and furnishings common to HJ Lodges of the later 1950s and early '60s.

Note that in about 1959 the Bon Air joined the short lived Alamo Plaza franchise scheme.

Photographs December 2003: Courtesy of Kevin Cannon

Photograph October 2002: Courtesy of Phil Edwards

Remaining Mystery
A close examination of the site's remains and its postcard indicate that its Gate Lodge and Trapezoid sign were erected after Allendale's actual Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge was in operation, for both the spire/cupola and roadsign are in the more modern 1960s style. Was the former Bon Air to far from the Restaurant to become a Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge -- did some deal fall through -- what happened?

Note that both properties were owned and managed by the same people.

Photograph December 2003: Courtesy of Kevin Cannon

Photographs June 2002: Courtesy of Bob Venditti

Note that the site of the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge was actually a little closer to (and behind) the Restaurant than is indicated in the image above.