Family vacations are what memories are made of- new places, new foods, and fun adventures that are sure to be remembered at every future family gathering. Growing up, our vacations were filled with travels all over the country, but ours always included an architectural tour of some kind. My father made sure of that!
With each piece that I collect, I look for more than your typical mid-century modern style. I look for pieces that have the ability to speak differently to each person that views them, pieces that evoke memories. One of my favorite examples is this rendering of the Holiday Inn in Birmingham, AL.
Most everyone has stayed in a Holiday Inn, and probably while on vacation with family. While you may recognize the sign, you may not know the story behind these famous travel accommodations. There was an incredible amount of thought and ingenuity that went into creating one of the most well-known lodging companies.
A Frustrated Traveler
As Kemmons and Dorothy Wilson traveled with their 5 children in 1951, taking them from Memphis to see the monuments of Washington, DC, they encountered some incredibly frustrating lodging complications. Not only were rooms cramped and uncomfortable, but the Wilsons were charged extra for each child.
With each hotel stop on the way to DC, Kemmons became convinced that he could create something better. It was then that he decided to “reinvent the lodging industry.”
Innovating for Future Travelers
During each stay, Kemmons measured the dimensions of the rooms and took other notes on what would best serve a traveling family. While a comfortably sized room would be a must (12 x 26, with bathroom), each motel would also include a swimming pool, an ice machine, a free in-room TV, a restaurant, and a telephone. Also, there would be no additional charges for children under 12. These things would not only become standards in all of Kemmons’ motels but standards across the lodging industry.
Introducing the Holiday Inn
Named after the Bing Crosby movie, the first Holiday Inn opened in Memphis in 1952. With plans to build 3 more, Kemmons encountered a financial obstacle, causing him to rethink his business strategy. Kemmons decided to partner with Wallace Johnson, and together they decided to franchise Holiday Inns. The first franchise location opened in Clarksdale, MS in 1954. After that, the business took off and there were 2 Holiday Inns opening every week by 1962.
Innovating for the Lodging Industry
Not only did Kemmons revolutionize comfortable lodging for travel-weary families, but he also helped modernize the lodging industry as a whole. Through a partnership with IBM, Kemmons created the first centralized reservation system for the hospitality industry. Called Holidex, this allowed guests to make their own reservations. In 1995, Holiday Inn was the first hotel to let guests make their reservations online.
A Travel Mainstay for Your Collection
While the innovations are notable, the thing people remember the most about Holiday Inn is their stay. And what better way to commemorate these memories than your own, original rendering of one of the first Holiday Inns?
If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.
