An old postcard view, this one postmarked October 5, 1964.
From the back:
- “CADILLAC MOTEL”
2498 DOUGALL, WINDSOR, ONTARIO
on Hwy. 401 & 3B
Across from Dorwin Shopping Centre
*MEMBER OTCA AAA OAA
*SUPERIOR COURTS
*DINERS’ CLUB
*AMERICAN EXPRESS
*CARTE BLANCHE
*INTERNATIONAL CHARGE HONOURED HERE
*CENTRAL TRANE HEATING
*PHONE IN EVERY ROOM
*FREE TELEVISION AND RADIO
*PRIVATE BATH AND SHOWERS
*AIR CONDITIONED
*CARPETED FLOORS
REALLY GOOD ACCOMMODATION WORTH RECOMMENDING
GOLF AND DRIVING RANGE NEXT DOOR
19 UNITS – RESERVATIONS: CL6-4518
I was hoping the phone number was still the same, but it’s not 
A neat view of the old Neon Sign, long gone. The hotel renovated/expanded in the early 1990’s, maybe 1993-ish?
It’s still around and still open. I can’t think of a tougher business that to be an independent Hotel/Motel operator. I have a listing for the Cadillac Motel in the 1958 phone book, so the business has been around at least 53 years. It has to be the oldest Hotel business in Windsor still in operation…
So here is a test. Does anyone else remember what the CL stood for in the phone number?
Very cool post. The neon sign showed a bit of a googie theme, with its stylize arrow.
CLearwater
Just for nostalgia’s sake, we had one other telephone exchange during this time: WH for WHitehall.
YOrktown….. YO
I remember that motel and the sign. You are correct Andrew around 1993ish and then I think it had minor changes in late 1990s early 2000?
Hi, Michael F.:
It was CLearwater.
CL “25” ClearWater
SE was Seneca for the Tecumseh area.
definitely remember that strip of Dougall. Woodall’s was there–goofy golf, driving range and Par 3 course, the Rose Bowl, and S&S drive-in. All across from Dorwin Plaza and Sentry.
I’ve been to the Cadillac Motel for Christmas parties in the past few years . It’s a great place for a get together and well run for decades by Mike and his wife and family .
Terry Jolliffe , Belle River
I met the owner Mike through the local Model Railroad Club. He’s about as nice of a guy as you can ever meet. Always a smile on his face. I’m glad that his hotel is still running strong.
The history of the telephone exchanges is indeed very interesting. CL (25) for lines served out of the Goyeau C.O. YO (96) for lines served out of the Avondale C.O. WH (94) for lines served out of the Francois St. C.O. SE (73) for lines served out of the Tecumseh C.O. It’s interesting that these conventions still hold true for the older phone exchanges (969-xxxx, 966-xxxx phone numbers being served from the Avondale C.O. 944-xxxx, 948-xxxx phone numbers being served out of the Francois C.O. etc).
The 2 letter exchange acronym of course no longer works for newer phone numbers. ’97’ could be a 972 number in South Windsor (Avondale), a 977 or 971 number downtown (Goyeau), a 974 number in East Windsor (Francois), or a 978 number in LaSalle.
It’s interesting that the convention still works for older phone numbers though. Our city’s telephone infrastructure would be an interesting I.M. article. I believe there was already an article on here about the Avondale C.O. The Goyeau and Francois C.O.’s are both beautiful buildings as well. (Especially the art deco design of Goyeau).
Very interesting about the telephone exchanges. I did know that Clearwater = CL = 25, but did not know for sure about the others. (We still have a 25 number)
I agree – both those buildings are beautiful.
The Cadillac was a great place for adults to get away from what ailed them.
It’s now called the Cadillac Inn. In recent years, the word “motel” has seemed to take on a negative connotation (Super 8 has officially abandoned that word too).
Glad to see the Clearwater question generated a few great comments! It would seem, according to ‘pinstripes’ that the Cadillac Motel also generated good memories for some of us as well, he says with a smile. Yes the good old days.
As one of many displaced Windsorites, this is a great site that brings back many fond thoughts of a once truly proud city. I hope it re-captures its glory.
My grandparents owned the Cadillac Motel in the ’70’s, and they lived in the house the office was attached to (far right of postcard image). Lots of family memories. Right before they purchased it, a two-storey addition was built between the house/ office, and the original strip of rooms just to the east. The basement of the addition was a banquet hall where my grandparents would host parties for Lithuanian friends and family stretching from Chicago to Toronto. Thanks, Andrew.
Ah yes,
the Good old days.
Osama accomplished his goal as many of the freedoms we took for granted no longer exist.
Like taking the Tunnel Bus and walking to Hudsons,or walking from the tunnel to Tiger Stadium.
Sorry to get off topic,but whenever I am reminded of the “good old days” it takes me back to simpler times when you asked a girl for her phone number she would say Clearwater___, or Whitehall____.
As always Andrew, your efforts are appreciated, taking us all back to a time you never saw
C P
Osama caused havoc, and created lots of problems at the border, but progress, took care of Hudsons, and Tiger STadium. The same progress killed retail in downtown Windsor.I think Hudsons closed in 1985, imploded in 99 or 2000.
The Detroit Tigers moved to Comerica Park in 2000 (before 9/11), and it’s MUCH easier to walk there from the tunnel than Tiger Stadium ever was. I’ve done it many times over the past 10 years. Downtown Detroit has actually become quite walkable in the past 10 years, unlike the the rest of the city which falls further and further into decay as years go by.
What this has to do with Osama, I have no idea. Perhaps somebody could explain that one.
Read Chuck Pikes entry above mine,
I think they have a lot of corporate clients. I know that Loblaws (Zehrs, Superstore) use them for all their out of town employees, sales reps, managers, etc. As well, lots of out of town contractors stay there also.
I can’t believe this picture is on this site. I just saw it now. I wonder if they have any old records of visitors from 42 years ago. I stayed here with my first husband on august 8 1970.This was such a nice clean place at that time. It looks even nicer now. I drive by every so often when I’m over that way. Too bad I can’t remember the room # Thanks for the picture.
i have short stayed here a few times
I stayed here, in a suite for a night on my birthday, with my girlfriend back in 2007. It wasn’t anything special. Actually, it seemed a little on the dingy side. The toiled clogged, and we found some ants in the morning.