Tales From the Coral Court: Photos & Stories from a Lost Route 66 Landmark (Paperback)

by Shellee Graham (Author) "In November 1940, John Carr bought 29 residential lots in the largely undeveloped Marlborough Manor subdivision, about a mile southwest of the city limits of..." (more)
Key Phrases: former desk clerk, chrome postcard, motel complex, Coral Court, John Carr, Watson Road (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
I thought it was a terrific local landmark, that probably had as much mythology as truth attached to it. -- Bob Costas, National broadcast journalist

Product Description
History and first-person accounts of this famous no tell motel. Includes more than 100 color and b/w photos by Route 66 photographer Shellee Graham.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Virginia Pub; First Edition edition (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891442082
• ISBN-13: 978-1891442087
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #972,737 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Plating for the Coral Court, August 9, 2000

By	Alfred C. Coleman (Harrison OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Shellee Graham's photography and research, combined with essays and comments from former patrons and employees, result in a gold-plated tribute to a long-standing lodging stop on the outskirts of St. Louis, MO. Constructed in portions, prior to and after World War II, the Coral Court Motel was an icon of luxury during the early years of the Baby-Boomer generation. Sadly, it lost its glamour as its facilities faded from modern accomodations into delapidation as the 1940's evolved into the 1990's. The author's dedication (along with those of like-minded groups) to save it from demolition failed, however Shellee Graham has lovingly restored it into both its prime and demise. This is a very worthwhile book and mandatory reading for anyone who has ever stayed in a non-chain motel. For anyone who has an interest in the evolution of travel facilities, this is a must-read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous memorial to a departed Route 66 icon, July 30, 2000

By	Doug Pappas (Hartsdale, NY) - See all my reviews

Before its unfortunate demolition in 1995, the Coral Court Motel enjoyed dual renown. The Streamline Moderne marvel was both the most beautiful motel along Route 66 and the most notorious "hot sheet" motel in metropolitan St. Louis.

Shellee Graham's tribute to the Coral Court honors both sides of the legacy. (The text is rated PG, though I suspect the author would have little difficulty producing an R- or X-rated version.) Ms. Graham, a noted Route 66 photographer, combines her own images with period shots and numerous interviews to trace the birth, life and death of the Coral Court. Highly recommended to fans of Route 66 or roadside architecture -- as well as anyone who ever took advantage of the covered garages attached to each unit for an hour or two of private, er, "rest."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Work for the Roadies of the World., June 14, 2000

By	Bob Moore (Grand Canyon Country) - See all my reviews

As icons of the Mother Road disappear - most in the name of progress - there is always much wringing of hands and crying about preservation. The reality of preservation is the cost - something most preservationists are not aware of. Shellee Graham could see the future of the Coral Court and set to work in 1993 to preserve this icon on film - then over the years interviewed dozens of people about this world famous icon of Route 66. The culmination of her efforts are presented in Tales from the Coral Court... . Each story and photograph bring this famous "no-tell, motel" back to life. Shellee has answered the questions about those infamous garages, hourly rates, and why this landmark was lost to progress. This is the most important Route 66 book to have come out in the past few years and is THE Route 66 book of the year 2000. Thank you Shellee for giving us the definitive book on one of the most memorable locations on Route 66.