Wigwam Motel
For the 1860 Republican National Convention Headquarters see Wigwam (Chicago). For other uses see Wigwam (disambiguation).
Wigwam Village #6 | |
 Wigwam Motel | |
| Location | 811 West Hopi Drive, Holbrook, AZ |
|---|---|
| Built | 1950 |
| Architect | Frank Redford, Chester Evert Lewis |
| Architectural style | Other |
| MPS | Historic US Route 66 in Arizona MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000419 [1] |
| Added to NRHP | May 02, 2002 |
The "wigwams" known as the Wigwam Motel, are distinctive landmarks. Two of the three surviving motels are located on historic Route 66, in Holbrook, AZ and on the border between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA. The wigwam village #6 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 2002 under the official designation of Wigwam Village #6.
History
In 1936 Frank Redford applied for a patent on the ornamental design of the building on December 17, 1935, and was granted Design Patent 98,617 on February 18, 1936. The original drawing includes four prominent swastikas displayed encircling the building above each doorway.
Seven Wigwam Villages were built between 1936 through the 1950s.
Wigwam villages
Wigwam village #1: Horse cave, Kentucky
History
Built in 1935 by Frank Redford. It originally consisted of just the 1933 central wigwam. An addition of 15 more wigwams to be used as guest rooms was made at in 1935. The central building and gas pumps are visible on undated postcards.
This wigwam village was lost in 1982 when it was razed.
Location
US-31E
Horse Cave, Ky
USA
Wigwam village #2: Cave City, Kentucky
History
Wigwam village #2 was built in 1937, very close to the original wigwam village #1. It was built consisting of 15 wigwams used as guest rooms and a much bigger concrete and steel central structure that originally served as a restaurant.
The restaurant closed, but the motel is still open today and welcoming guests.
Location
601 North Dixie Hwy
Cave City, Ky 42127
USA
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Wigwam village #3: New Orleans, Louisiana
This wigwam village was lost.
Location
New Orleans, LA
USA
Wigwam village #4: Orlando, Florida
This wigwam village was lost.
Location
Orlando, FL
USA
Wigwam village #5: Bessemer, Alabama
This wigwam village was lost.
Location
Bessemer, AL
USA
Wigwam village #6: Holbrook, Arizona
History
Built in 1950 by Arizona motel owner Chester E. Lewis, the plans were based on the original of Frank Redford.
Lewis first became aware of the distinctive wigwam designs when he was passing through Cave City in 1938. He purchased the rights to Redford's design, as well as the right to use the name "Wigwam Village" in a novel royalty agreement: coin operated radios would be installed in Lewis' Wigwam Village, and every dime inserted for 30 minutes of play would be sent to Redford as payment.
Lewis' was the sixth to begin operations, hence, the designation as Wigwam Village #6. Lewis operated the motel successfully until closing it in 1980 when Interstate 40 bypassed downtown Holbrook. Two years after his death in 1986, sons John and Paul Lewis, with Chester's wife, renovated the motel, finally reopening it in 1988.
Fifteen concrete and steel teepees are arranged as a square with one edge missing where the main office is located. They are numbered from 1 to 16 (there is no teepee 13). The diameter of the base of each teepee is 14 feet, with each unit 32 feet in height. Behind the main room of each unit is a small bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower. Current rooms contain the original restored hickory furniture, two double beds, cable TV and a window mounted air conditioner; there are no telephones or Internet access. Vintage restored automobiles from the 1960's and earlier are located throughout the parking area. Small green metal benches etched with the words "Wigwam Village #6" are scattered throughout the complex as well.
The Lewis family continues to run and maintain Wigwam Village #6. Chester's wife often shows up at 4:00 pm to open the office, and if requested, will fill a small ice bucket (there is no ice machine in keeping with the authenticity of the restoration) for customers. Near the registration desk is a small room which contains many of Chester Lewis' memorabilia (including a necklace of human teeth of unknown origin).
Nearby places of interest include Petrified Forest National Monument and Meteor Crater (Barringer Crater).
Trivia
Wigwam Village #6 was featured in the second episode of Oprah and Gayle's Big Adventure on Oprah's TV show.
Location
811 West Hopi Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
USA
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Wigwam village #7: Rialto/San Bernardino, California
Location
The location of the this village gives cause to discussion and confusion. The address of the motel is in Rialto. But the motel is itself completely located inside San Bernardino. It's located right on the border between the two places so to avoid confusion and discussion both are named here.
Address:
2728 West Foothill Blvd
Rialto, CA 92376
USA
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Other wigwam like motels
The Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, TX is a setup where the tee pees are of a different shape and line up in a straight line. It's not of the same design nor heritage.
Sources
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23.
- Allen, Joseph Baneth. "A Teepee Tradition" American Profile (Sep. 7, 2003)
- Levinger, Larry. "Wigwam Motel: get your kitsch. Via - AAA Magazine (May 2001)
- United States Patent Office, U.S. Design Patent 98,617 (Feb. 18, 1936)