Some folks say the estimated number of motels in America tripled between 1940 and 1960. People on the move with money to spend found modern motels with well-appointed rooms out on the edges of just about every metropolitan area. Air conditioning, television, radios, tiled bathrooms, easy chairs, coin operated vibrating beds, swimming pools and movie stars all became standard. The good old motor courts gradually became motels and neon signs flashed bright and beautiful enticing travelers off the road and in for the night. Those were the golden years for the Parkway Motor Hotel. Just five miles from Minneapolis between Robbinsdale and Osseo, the Parkway was the place for wild wives, happy husbands and kids that were old enough to know better. Long time owner and manager Fred R. Strum welcomed them all and did his very best to provide the affordable sort of comfort a family just can’t find a fancy pants in a downtown hotel.
