>
 
Photographs February, 2004: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
El Paso, Texas -- 8887 Gateway West
 

Not far from Old Mexico, El Paso was set to open in the Spring of 1967. By Phil's 2004 visit, its Orange Roofed Gate Lodge still gleamed in the Texas sun--squared off but complete with its Lamplighter Weathervane and space-age-modern Spire/Cupola! This classic Motor Lodge is the last of its kind in the Lone Star State. It has remained a Howard Johnson's since its opening. Whereas the only other original HJ wearing the Howard Johnson brand in 2006 (Arlington) has worn many badges before it took back the Howard Johnson name.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In many ways still a complete package with its classic Motor Lodge and converted to an IHOP restaurant, the complex retains its completeness of convenience for the road weary motorist offering both lodging and an on site well-known branded food outlet catering to travelers and locals alike.

Architecturally though, the Restaurant lost its HoJo's character along the way.
 
 
>