“My grandfather on my father’s side owned Monte’s Drive-in restaurant across the street from Leahy’s Motel. My brother and cousins worked at the restaurant every summer. My grandfather and Mr. Leahy were friends and after working all day we walked across the street to Leahy’s to go swimming. My grandfather on my mother’s side is Frank Balton as in Balton …
The Holiday Inn Great Sign
Many of you have asked us about the Holiday Inn sign. Today, we’re pleased to bring you a guest post exploring the history of this iconic sign by Caroline Mitchell Carrico, Exhibits Design Coordinator at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. Without further ado, we present the Holiday Inn sign… In 1951, Memphis businessman Kemmons Wilson took a vacation that changed …
History on Wheels: Memphis Bicycle Co.
(The Amagliani brothers and their father, courtesy of Shannon Caraway) Guerrino Amagliani opened Memphis Motorcycle Co. in 1917. The store’s first location was on Cooper, but it later moved to 190 Union Avenue, on what is now the grounds of AutoZone Park. Guerrino’s children – John, Mary, Mike, Gene, Joe, and Frank – helped out with the business. Memphis Motorcycle …
The Remnants of an 80’s Kid’s Summer Avenue
I’m honored to write my first contributor’s post for Memphis Type History. I’m especially excited to delve into my own past and to, in a way, write this post from the perspective of an elementary school-aged version of myself. My memories of being out and about as a child almost solely consist of being on or around Summer Avenue – nearly always …
Leahy’s Postcard
This is a postcard of Leahy’s Motel & Trailer Park on Summer Avenue in it’s earlier years. Leahy’s began as a campsite for people who were fine with staying in a tent. Later on, the location matured into an RV and motel “campsite,” with a three-story house of which, people say, once served as a bordello visited by the great …