Tulsa Motel
Tulsa, OK
Postcard and info courtesy Chris King

Located along Route 66 about a mile west of the Rose Bowl, the Tulsa Motel offered one feature that's almost impossible to find today—an individual enclosed garage for every guest room. Long before sprawling parking lots became the norm, travelers could pull directly into their own private garage, keeping both their vehicle and luggage secure while spending the night. It was a clever design that reflected the growing importance of the automobile during America's early road trip era.

Like many independent motels along Tulsa's stretch of Route 66, the Tulsa Motel catered to cross-country travelers before the interstate diverted much of the traffic away from 11th Street. Although the motel is gone today, its unusual garage-style layout remains a fascinating reminder of how roadside lodging evolved to meet the needs of motorists during the golden age of highway travel. 12-06

UPDATE: The Tulsa Motel was demolished years ago, and the property has since been redeveloped. While the buildings have disappeared, vintage postcards preserve the memory of one of Route 66's more distinctive auto courts and its uncommon private garage design. 06-26

Main Street 1924 Hastings, Nebraska Postcard courtesy Bruce R. Cassi