White Haven Motor Lodge
White Haven Motor Lodge
Weary travelers driving along 69 Highway/Metcalf Avenue in the mid-1950s had a variety of places to hang their hats. They could have a rustic stay at the Annette Cabins. They could pull up to the Royal Court Auto Lodge. Or they could enjoy the comfort and hospitality of the newest motel on the block: The White Haven Motor Lodge.
Located at 8039 Metcalf and operated by Bob and Gene White, the White Haven Motor Lodge is the oldest hotel in Overland Park. Built in 1957 by Bob, his brother Joe, and his father Hugh, it was meant to be a retirement business for Hugh and his wife. Hugh, Joe, and Bob White were homebuilders whose past projects included the White Haven estates at 85th and Metcalf.
The Whites entered the hospitality industry at a time when Americans were taking to the highways in record numbers. Located on Highway 69, rather than I-70 or I-35, the White Haven Motor Lodge attracted a respectable number of travelers who came from neighboring communities and states. The motel opened with 35 rooms and expanded to 79 rooms in the 1960s to keep up with demand.
Guests enjoying the pool
The U-shaped floor plan of the motel resembled that of other motels from the era. Details like the textured white brick exterior, wood shingle roof, and black window awnings complimented the architectural style of surrounding neighborhoods. The swimming pool – a motel standard – occupied space in the courtyard enclosed by a wrought iron-fence.
The most eye-catching feature of the White Haven Motor Lodge is the sign. An amoeba-shaped black and white sign beckons passersby, while a smaller, turquoise sign boasts the amenities of TV and air conditioning. In the 1950s, signs were an important component of roadside commercial architecture. Bold, modernist designs and vivid colors attracted the attention of passing motorists. The sign was not the only factor in attracting visitors. Thomas Hine observes in the book Populuxe that, “A sign might indicate a place to eat, but the building had to indicate cleanliness and liveliness.” The White Haven Motor Lodge had the advantage of both an attractive building and a striking sign to recommend it to travelers.
Truly a gem from a bygone era of family-run drive-ins, service stations, motels, and roadside attractions, the White Haven Motor Lodge exists as a delightful piece of mid-twentieth century Americana right in the heart of Overland Park.
--ALBUM vol. 15, no. 1 (winter 2002)