And then we arrived in beautiful Virginia where the weather proved much better than our last trip!
Blue Ridge Mountains
Enjoying a picnic lunch at a roadside overlook from I-64, we admired the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lord Paget Motor Inn
In another couple of hours, we arrived at the quaint Lord Paget Motor Inn, located at 901 Capitol Landing Road.
Built in 1952, the Georgian features made us feel as though we were in Colonial Williamsburg, less than a mile from the historic area.
Many of the features reminded me of the Governor’s Palace, like the stocked lake for fishing. (seen in blog post header)
Other features evoked fine living in the 1950s: miniature golf, swimming pool, entryways to each room from the parking area. Check out this vintage postcard of the swimming pool!
Also check out this vintage brochure!
Sadly the place was run down.
I began to dream of buying the property to upgrade like brand new, while retaining the 1950s colonial revival charm.
Knowing my budget wouldn’t allow for a remodel much less a property purchase, all I could do was dream.
Williamsburg’s Boom of 1950s Motor Inns
Part of the charm of Williamsburg is all the motor inns from the 1950s. Colonial Williamsburg was established in the 1920s, and by the 1950s Americans were ready to travel.
By this time many renovations transformed the sleepy modernized historic area into a closer representation of its 18th century style.
The economic boost must have been amazing for the town since the old motels abound in the area.
1989 visit at a vintage motor inn on Richmond Road
On my very first trip to Virginia, in 1989, I stayed in another of these vintage motels.
After visiting the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, we took Richmond Rd to Williamsburg.
Once arriving in town we pulled into the first cute motel on our right.
Looking a lot like the Princess Ann Motor Lodge, it was white, with a swimming pool in the center of the surrounding units. I think the grand admin building was in front of the pool.
In a U-shape around the office were the motel units, in front of which we parked. We had the end unit on the right, facing the motel.
Across the street was a larger motel/hotel, more expensive, not as charming.
Needing to be cautious with our budget, I’m glad that allowed for vintage charm.
Colonial Williamsburg 1989 Style
I remember enthusiastically hopping in the car every morning, turning down Richmond Rd onto Lafayette Rd to arrive at a parking area off the historic area.
That Lafayette, he’s everywhere!
Entering town the boom of cannons met our ears as the militia practiced their formations.
I was so geeked out and thrilled to finally be in a place I first saw on tv as a little girl: an 18th century town that’s alive every day!
The streets were alive for sure!
Horses clip clopping through town as pulling carriages.
Historical interpreters in proper attire everywhere, telling their story.
In front of the Greenhow Store, a properly dressed 18th century farmer, dressed in long cream pants and white shirt, shared the story of tobacco, while leaning on a hogshead of tobacco.
Explaining how tobacco is grown, harvested, packed, and shipped to England, he taught us about the mercantile system that bound Virginia to England.
From there I remember walking to the Wythe house, where we followed an 18th century girl lead a red devon into the barn to milk.
I remember visiting the Powell’s at their home behind the Capitol. Through the window we saw a fine looking gentleman arrive to talk to speak sweet-nothings to their daughter, sitting in the garden.
And on and on the week went.
When the hot, humid July weather wore us down, we bought lemonade on a corner near the Capitol, from an 18th century vendor.
In the evenings we cooled off in the pool. For me that was a quick dip as the evening cooled rapidly once the sun started to set, unlike Texas.
Epilogue
I’ve since made hundreds of trips to Colonial Williamsburg, all terrific, but none as alive with interpreters, programs, and guests than my 1989 trip.
When we purchased our 1989 tickets, we nearly purchased an extra ticket to tour Carter’s Grove, a gorgeous plantation home, now long since gone.
After falling into disrepair, a sad saga of failed owners broke my heart. I’d have loved to restore that property too.
Well, if I can’t afford the Lord Paget Motor Inn, there is certainly no way I could afford Carter’s Grove.
At least Carter’s Grove does exist, albeit privately, now.
However the Lord Paget Motor Inn followed the fate of most of the vintage motels in America. It no longer exists.
The faded 1950s property assessed at $2,753,000 for 9 buildings on 6.5 acres, sold to the city of Williamsburg at a cost of $697,000.
In 2014 a distillery purchased the lot, to enjoyed today, minus the 18th century charm.
I’m starting to realize the need and my desire for documentation and photography, to capture the past before it fades away.
