Tuesday, May 18, 2010

ABC Wednesday: R is for Rio Motel

This cool neon sign looks to be in perfect shape despite it's age.  I really like it's 1930s sensibility, although I doubt the sign is that old.  The Rio now seems to be a residence motel and from the outside appears to be well kept.  It's located on West MacArthur Blvd., formerly a major thoroughfare through town, and now a down and out strip.  The Sage Motel is located on the same street but on the other end of town.  Mac Arthur Blvd. basically runs north-south and is the unofficial dividing line between the haves and have-nots.  But like everything else in Oakland, there are many exceptions to this "rule."  For other R photos be sure to visit ABC Wednesday this week.

18 comments:

  1. Interesting! You don't see many like that anymore! Great post for the day! Hope your week is going well!

    Sylvia

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  2. Strange where we find the most interesting of signage.

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  3. The sign itself looks like something from the past! Nice capture!

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  4. Good one, Carolyn! Yes, this sign is amazingly well-kept. «Louis» likes its retro look.

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  5. I think every town has imaginary dividing lines between the haves and the have-nots.
    Interesting "vintage" shot of the motel.

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  6. It's so rare to find that kind of sign now a days. Good thing there are some that is left for us to enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

    ABC Wednesday

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  7. Nothing like a classic sign to brighten the day.

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  8. That's a wonderful piece of architectural history. The name makes as much sense as the Surf Motel in Hanover, Kansas, where we stay when we visit the in-laws.

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  9. One of my favorites.

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  10. I love this photo and its solid, striking colours!

    ..and the classic-looking logo too!

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  11. You are right, it is in great shape!!! Good "R" posting!

    Hood Photo Blog

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  12. Now I have both Rio by Duran Duran AND MacArthur Park by Richard Harris stuck in my brain. Odd combo!

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  13. I wonder if this is a "by the hour" establishment.

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  14. A really colourful R. You mentioned the 30s - I had a feeling of the 50s, but no matter: A very fitting R.

    PS Thank you for the nice comment! :-)

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  15. Enjoying your blog..my mom grew up in Oakland back in the 40s and 50s and it's where she met my dad when he was in the Merchant Marines.

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  16. Can't beat sheltered parking!

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  17. Gorgeous sign, nicely framed too.

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