Westview Skateland - Columbus, Ohio

461 Commerce Sq. W. - at 4000 Sullivan Ave.
Columbus, Ohio

Motel Monday: Sleepy Bear is Everywhere

This week's Motel Monday theme centers around the Travelodge chain (outside of California). These dozen motels represent the chain's presence in various states and one province. Most of these cards feature Sleepy Bear, the official "brand ambassador" for the Travelodge chain. Here's some early history of Sleepy Bear from the Travelodge.com website:

History

1954
Travelodge Hotels, Inc. introduced its mascot Sleepy Bear to North America. The lovable bear was also incorporated into all in-room items. Sleepy Bear quickly became an icon to children of all ages and a welcome face for travelers seeking affordable and comfortable lodging.

1955
The Sleepy Bear plush stuffed toy was born. Dressed in a white night shirt and cap with “Sleepy” on the brim, the toy was a winner with guests of all ages.

1956
The first Sleepy Bear walk-around costume was created and worn by individuals in parades, celebrations, and grand openings of new hotels.

1973
Sleepy Bear, one of the most recognizable logos in the lodging industry, was transformed from a sleepy-eyed brown bear to a warm, smiling bear for a softer, cuddlier look.

Motel Monday: Seeing Red

This week's Motel Monday theme is motels with "Red" in the title somewhere. There's a variety of things from American Indians, fruit, horses, arrows, and shingles that can only be described as red.

All postcards from my collection. You can see my other blog, In The Heart of Downtown, to see my entire posted collection of over 2,500 different motels.

Red Feather Lodge - Grand Canyon, Arizona

Red Apple Motel - Yakima, Washington

Red Carpet Inn - Stateline, California

UPDATE: Bloomer Girl (with new information and more pictures) - Cleveland, Ohio

These slides are from a play performed sometime in the 1950s entitled "Bloomer Girl". I am not sure where this took place. I know it took place in December but I also don't know the year. I really don't have much more information. It's a brief glimpse of actors and behind the scenes shots from a local play more than 50 years ago.

NOTE: Thanks to landseer312 and his amazing detetcive work, it was determined that this play took place in December of 1953 at the Cleveland Play House in Cleveland, Ohio. Here's a picture in the Cleveland State University archive from December 5, 1953. That picture combined with a few clues in the slides I had posted  pretty much closed the case.