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

Shellee Graham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2000

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.

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

About the Author

Shellee Graham is a St. Louis based artist who has worked as a graphic designer, courtroom artist, fashion illustrator and freelance photographer. Since 1992, her solo photography exhibition "Return to Route 66: Photographs from the Mother Road," has been shown in museums and galleries all over the United States.

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 (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,189,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Plating for the Coral Court August 8, 2000

By Alfred C. Coleman

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous memorial to a departed Route 66 icon July 29, 2000

By Doug Pappas

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."

4 of 4 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 A Customer

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars They Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore! September 27, 2006

By raisyn

I now realize I was born 25 years too late. In the current world of homonginzed travel on Interstate highways and sleeping in cookie cutter motels, it is always nice to stay "some place different". After reading this book, we now know what is lost each time a place like this falls to the wrecking ball of progress.

I did see the relocated & rebuilt facade of one of the Coral Court units a few years ago at the Museum of Transportation in St Louis. The materials used were first rate. Motel chains would never build like this today - much too costly and would effect the bottom line and make stock holders angry.

The book mentions both the good and bad of the Coral Court. I'm still upset after reading what became of the main entry sign, but we still have our memories and the many pictures in this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is Tops! February 5, 2004

By Glenda Campbell

Amazon Verified Purchase

Anyone who is a true "roadie" will appreciate Shellee Graham's effort to bring the Coral Court alive with her words and photos. Thanks, Shellee, you have created a masterpiece! This is truly a wonderful memorial to the beautiful Streamline Moderne that is no longer.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars tales from the coral court October 24, 2008

By Daryl the reader

Amazon Verified Purchase

As a fan of Americana, I am so glad I read this book. (again and again) It has seriously enriched my reading life. The author has done a fantastic job of blending humor, facts, interviews, rumors, and heresay into a fascinating and well written account of a unique place. Thank you so much for this insightful book. Very well done. My only regrets are I never got to see, or visit this place before it got torn down.

5.0 out of 5 stars I really got a kick out of this book! January 2, 2012

By Maria Wilmas

This book was so much fun to read! I think I would love it even if I wasn't from St.Louis. I do remember going there for a fraternity party (in the 60's) but the room was so packed we couldn't get in! But I passed it many times over the years, and I would always chuckle because of the stories I heard. Apparently, they were all true! (And then some!!)