Although the terms "motel" and "motor court" are used interchangeably, the former was coined in 1926 (a combination of "motor" and "hotel") and is generally used to describe a single building of connected rooms whose doors face a common parking lot.
There are cost advantages to connecting the rooms; plumbing is more accessible, utilities are more efficient, and there are fewer outside walls to be maintained. Also, you can get more rooms to the land.
But, people also discovered new technologies by staying at a motor court.
A lot of people experienced their "firsts" at the motor courts. Firsts like linoleum flooring, wall-to-wall carpeting, box spring mattresses, electricity, plumbing and central heat. Even radio.
Owner Bob Altizer says that several times a week, people pull in and ask for a tour, which they are happy to give. One time, a woman in her 90s and driving a Cadillac stopped by and asked to see Cabin #6. She had stayed there on her honeymoon right before her husband left to fight in World War II.
Bob said, "She just wanted to remember."
--RoadCourt
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