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Tourist cabins, auto and motor courts

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My mother's basement
This would seem the place to share the sad news that Torrans Manufacturing Co., an outfit that produced stamped steel “motel chairs,” is calling it quits. Their website says they’re selling out what remains of their inventory, which ain’t much.

I bought two chairs from them in recent years and am pleased with the quality. It was the thought that I might buy more that had me visiting their website today.
 
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Messages
13,672
Location
down south
This would seem the place to share the sad news that Torrans Manufacturing Co., an outfit that produced stamped steel “motel chairs,” is calling it quits. Their website says they’ll selling out what remains of their inventory, which ain’t much.

I bought two chairs from them in recent years and am pleased with the quality. It was the thought that I might buy more that had me visiting their website today.
Sad new indeed.
 
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https://www.bigchiefstl.com/history

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Messages
10,945
Location
My mother's basement
This is just a little before my time, seeing how I moved to Seattle in 1968. Hydroplane racing was still a BFD out that way when I landed there. Not so much anymore. It’s a whole lot safer now, though, what with the jet fighter canopies and onboard oxygen and escape hatches (those things have been known to get upside down).
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Messages
10,945
Location
My mother's basement
^^^^^^
I’m torn on whether the remaining signage ought to be saved or left to return to the earth from which it came.

As is my way, I like for these old things to show the lives they’ve led. If they are saved, I’d prefer they not be restored — stabilized, maybe, but not put in a like-new condition.
 
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Messages
13,672
Location
down south
Credit where it's due...there are a
^^^^^^
I’m torn on whether the remaining signage ought to be saved or left to return to the earth from which it came.

As is my way, I like for these old things to show the lives they’ve led. If they are saved, I’d prefer they not be restored — stabilized, maybe, but not put in a like-new condition.
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Chattanooga, or at least some of those residing there, seem to be doing a pretty good job of leaving these past icons alone to do their thing.

When I photographed the sign with the horse and rider, it looked like someone was living in what was left of the old place.

The Budget Motel was condemned and razed a couple years ago, but the sign is still standing on the side of the road, as is the front office building. It, too, may well be someone's residence now.

As for the remains of the Northside Motel (or whatever it was previous to that, I couldn't find any other information) I don't hold out as much hope. It is located in a rapidly gentrifying part of town and this past visit I noticed another old neon up the way from it was already gone to make way for the new condo that now occupies the spot. The other two I just posted are in a part of town that isn't (currently, anyway) developing so rapidly.
 

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