Slumber Inn Motel Then and Now

Here's a vintage postcard showing Elyria's Slumber Inn Motel, which was located on E. Griswold Road near the Ohio Turnpike exit. It first appeared in the Elyria phone book in 1965, predating Midway Mall by a little bit.

I like the vivid color scheme of the doors and the natural wood and brick look.

The sign is great too, along with the cartoon logo of a man fast asleep atop a bed of clouds, wearing an old fashioned night cap. The marketing message is clear: come here and get a good night's sleep.

Looking at the vintage postcard, I suspect that the sky was dropped in via some old-time camera wizardry, since the photograph is perfect for outlining. Plus I know how hard it is to get a sky like that!

Today, the motel is still in business as the Red Carpet Inn. It's received a makeover of sorts, but structurally it looks very much the same.

I'll bet its guests enjoy a lot of meals at the Wendy's right next door.

Both businesses are kind of landlocked on Griswold Road. They are not easy to get to if you are heading south on Route 57 towards Elyria. You must exit Route 57 onto the western chunk of Griswold, and then go up and over the divided highway to access the east side of Griswold. All the time you are encountering Midway Mall traffic.

Although it's hard to get to when you are heading south, the motel is convenient enough for northbound travelers who exit the Ohio Turnpike looking for a place to spend the night.