The Glancy Motor Hotel, a relic of the mid-20th century, stands as a testament to the heyday of Route 66. Originally established as Glancy's Hotel Courts on July 9, 1950, this roadside gem was a beacon of modernity with its 17 units featuring air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, and tile baths equipped with showers and tubs. The local newspaper hailed it as an "Ultra Modern Motel," embracing the optimism and progress of post-war America.
Yet, as the Glancy Motor Hotel stands frozen in time, its fate hangs precariously in the balance. Scheduled for demolition, the once-lively rooms now echo with the whispers of history, leaving admirers grappling with the impending loss of a vintage icon along the fading stretches of Route 66. Keep scrolling to learn more about this hotel that has been left in ruins.
Under the ownership of Chester and Gladys Glancy, the motel quickly expanded, adding 25 rooms and a swimming pool in 1959. By the early 1960s, further expansions brought the total room count to 75, solidifying its status as a prime lodging spot along Route 66.
However, the advent of Interstate 40 marked the beginning of a decline for Route 66, as faster and more direct routes diverted travelers away from the iconic highway.
The Glancy Motor Hotel, once bustling with life, found itself on the wrong side of progress. In 2019, the city of Clinton condemned the site, reflecting the gradual erosion of its former glory.
Today, the Glancy Motor Hotel stands in a state of abandonment, a poignant reminder of the ebb and flow of progress and nostalgia. Weathered by time, the motel's exterior tells a story of bygone days, with faded colors and cracked walls bearing witness to the passage of decades.
The once-vibrant rooms that housed travelers along Route 66 now sit empty, their midcentury charm giving way to the inexorable march of time. The Route 66 hotel room numbers still can be seen on the doors today.
Exploring the site evokes a sense of melancholy, as remnants of a curio shop, abandoned rooms, and the empty swimming pool stand as silent witnesses to the motel's vibrant past.
As the Glancy Motor Hotel faces an uncertain fate, preservationists and enthusiasts lament the potential loss of not just a building but a chapter in the grand narrative of Route 66.
Obscurist Tourist explored the abandoned hotel and posted a video on YouTube of the hotel. Check it out below to learn more:
If you enjoy visiting abandoned places, be sure to also explore the town of Pitcher. Ready for more Oklahoma experiences? if so, check out the excursions on Viator.com.
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