The Star Lite Motel is a historic motel in Dilworth, Minnesota. It is one of the oldest buildings in Dilworth, and the oldest motel in Clay County. Earlier it was known as Charley's Motel.[2] A previous owner created the neon sign that is regarded as the motel's most noteworthy feature.[2][3]
| Star Lite Motel | |
|---|---|
 Star Lite Motel | |
 | |
| Former names | Charley's Motel |
| Alternative names | Starlite Motel |
| General information | |
| Type | Motel |
| Address | 900 Center Ave E |
| Town or city | Dilworth, Minnesota |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 46°52′37″N 96°41′28″W / 46.87694°N 96.69111°W |
| Inaugurated | 1977 (as Star Lite Motel)[1] |
| Owner | William Donovan |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
Architecture
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The motel is blue, L-shaped, and in a specific 1950s motel architecture style, with a red neon sign on the end of the building by the road. The sign's architectural style was recognized as historic by numerous 1950s motel historians and passersby.[4][5] The motel is a single-story edifice surrounded by a large parking lot and empty fields.
History
editVivian Tang bought the Star Lite (formerly Charley's Motel) building in 1959 and operated it until the current owner, William Donovan, bought it.[6]
The motel was built in 1960. The motel was permanently closed in 2021. William and Rozeana were retired and moved to Moorhead. A large section of the motel has since been razed although the neon sign and a few rooms nearest to the office were kept.
See also
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References
edit- ^ "Star-Lite Motel". www.manta.com/. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
- ^ a b Dilworth gallery
- ^ The Star-Lite Motel at Roadarch
- ^ Andrew F. Wood; Jenny L. Wood (2004). Motel America A State-by-State Tour Guide to Nostalgic Stopovers. Collectors Press. ISBN 978-1-888054-91-0.
- ^ Star Lite Motel. Dilworth, Minnesota. at Wordpress
- ^ Vivian Tang