Blog Archives
3635 days later
At some point in the 3,635 days between these photographs, Crider’s Motel was torn down. Actually, I know exactly when it was torn down, thanks to a random comment on an earlier blog post. Here’s the timeline:
- I made the original photo on March 9, 2013
- The place was torn down on November 21, 2016
- And on February 19, I went back
And for those of you keeping up with things, you’ll be interested to know that the old motel – which was widely known for housing those on staff with President Lyndon B. Johnson when he was in residence on his nearby ranch – was torn down to make way for: a vacant lot.
Johnson City, Texas
photographed 2.19.2023
The chairs remain the same*
Evidently, this place has been out of business since around 2003, when the long-time owner Byron Crider passed away.
But the chairs are still here, carefully arranged along the porch.
That’s the kind of place Johnson City is, I guess.
Johnson City, Texas
photographed 3.9.2013
*Sorry for the lame Led Zeppelin reference. I couldn’t help it.
Room Seven, Crider’s Motel
In addition to carpet and alarm clocks, each room also comes with outdoor seating. And an electric meter (just above the air conditioner). I wonder if guests got a bill for electricity when they checked out.
Johnson City, Texas
photographed 3.9.2013
Crider’s Motel may be past its prime
I had a feeling that there’d be something good to see in Johnson City. And I was right. Crider’s Motel was exactly what I was hoping for.
The sign by the lobby entrance used to say “Weekly – Monthly – Carpet – Alarm Clock – Budget Rates” making this the first time I’ve seen carpet AND alarm clocks featured as selling points for a motel. One or the other, sure. But both? That was completely unprecedented.
I also like how the big sign says the motel is 1/2 block away, when clearly it is RIGHT THERE. But I guess that was a way to lure people in from the highway which is (you know what I am going to say), about a half a block away.
Along South Ave F, just south of Main Street
Johnson City, Texas
photographed 3.9.2013
One Day | One Image 