The Star Lite Motel is a historic motel in Dilworth, Minnesota. It is one of the oldest buildings in Dilworth, and the oldest motel in Clay County. Earlier it was known as Charley's Motel.[2] A previous owner created the neon sign that is regarded as the motel's most noteworthy feature.[2][3]

Star Lite Motel
Star Lite in Winter
Star Lite Motel
Map
Former namesCharley's Motel
Alternative namesStarlite Motel
General information
TypeMotel
Address900 Center Ave E
Town or cityDilworth, Minnesota
CountryUnited States
Coordinates46°52′37″N 96°41′28″W / 46.87694°N 96.69111°W / 46.87694; -96.69111
Inaugurated1977 (as Star Lite Motel)[1]
OwnerWilliam Donovan
Technical details
Floor count1

Architecture

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Trees in front of the Motel. Neon sign can be seen in the background.

The motel is blue, L-shaped, and in a specific 1950s motel architecture style, with a red neon sign on the end of the building by the road. The sign's architectural style was recognized as historic by numerous 1950s motel historians and passersby.[4][5] The motel is a single-story edifice surrounded by a large parking lot and empty fields.

History

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Vivian Tang bought the Star Lite (formerly Charley's Motel) building in 1959 and operated it until the current owner, William Donovan, bought it.[6]

The motel was built in 1960. The motel was permanently closed in 2021. William and Rozeana were retired and moved to Moorhead. A large section of the motel has since been razed although the neon sign and a few rooms nearest to the office were kept.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Star-Lite Motel". www.manta.com/. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Dilworth gallery
  3. ^ The Star-Lite Motel at Roadarch
  4. ^ Andrew F. Wood; Jenny L. Wood (2004). Motel America A State-by-State Tour Guide to Nostalgic Stopovers. Collectors Press. ISBN 978-1-888054-91-0.
  5. ^ Star Lite Motel. Dilworth, Minnesota. at Wordpress
  6. ^ Vivian Tang
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