A Brief History of Coral Court Motel
The Coral Court Motel was built in 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri. It was designed by architects George Hellmuth and Harold Bissner Sr. in the Streamline Moderne style, which was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. The motel had 48 units, each with its own garage, and was one of the first motels in the United States to feature air conditioning.
The Coral Court Motel was a popular destination for tourists and travelers until it closed its doors in 1993. Today, the motel is recognized as a significant example of mid-century modern architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The motel’s key chains are among the most sought-after and collectible souvenirs from the Coral Court Motel.
The Significance of Key Chains in the Hospitality Industry
Key chains have been a popular promotional item in the hospitality industry for decades. They are inexpensive to produce, easy to distribute, and serve as a reminder of a traveler’s experience at a particular hotel or motel. Key chains are also functional, as they allow guests to keep their room keys and other small items together in one place.
The design of key chains has evolved over the years, from simple metal rings to more elaborate designs featuring charms, fobs, and other decorative elements. Key chains have become collector’s items for travelers, and many people enjoy collecting key chains from hotels and motels they have visited.
The Design of Key Chains from Coral Court Motel
The key chains from Coral Court Motel feature a distinctive design that incorporates the motel’s name and logo. The motel’s name is spelled out in bold, block letters, while the logo features a stylized palm tree with the words “Coral Court” in a script font. The key chains are made of metal and feature a small tag that attaches to the motel’s room key.
The design of the Coral Court Motel key chains reflects the Streamline Moderne style of the motel’s architecture. The clean lines, bold typography, and palm tree motif evoke the glamour and sophistication of the mid-century travel experience.
Rarity and Collectibility of Coral Court Motel Key Chains
The Coral Court Motel key chains are rare and highly collectible. Because the motel closed in 1993, the key chains are no longer available for purchase. This scarcity has made them highly sought-after by collectors of mid-century modern memorabilia.
The value of Coral Court Motel key chains has increased in recent years, as interest in mid-century modern design has grown. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for these key chains, particularly if they are in good condition and still attached to their original room key.
The Value of Key Chains as Souvenirs
For travelers, key chains serve as a tangible reminder of their trip. They can evoke memories of a particular city, hotel, or experience. Key chains are also a way for travelers to share their experiences with others, as they are a small and easy-to-carry souvenir.
The value of a key chain as a souvenir is subjective, as it depends on the individual traveler’s experience and attachment to the item. For some, a key chain may be a simple trinket, while for others, it may hold great sentimental value.
Key Chains as Reminders of Nostalgia and Memory
Key chains can serve as powerful reminders of nostalgia and memory. They can evoke memories of a particular time and place, or of a departed loved one. For collectors, key chains can be a way to connect with the past and to preserve a piece of history.
The Coral Court Motel key chains are particularly powerful reminders of nostalgia and memory. They evoke memories of a bygone era of travel, of a glamorous and sophisticated time when motels were a symbol of freedom and adventure.
The Role of Key Chains in St. Louis Tourism
Key chains from the Coral Court Motel play an important role in St. Louis tourism. They are a tangible reminder of the city’s mid-century modern architecture and its role as a travel destination.
Collectors of Coral Court Motel key chains often travel to St. Louis to visit the motel’s former site and to explore other examples of mid-century modern architecture in the city. The key chains serve as a way to connect with the city’s history and to preserve its architectural heritage.
Coral Court Motel Key Chains as Historical Artifacts
The Coral Court Motel key chains are more than just souvenirs or collectibles – they are historical artifacts that tell a story of mid-century travel and adventure. They are a tangible reminder of the Coral Court Motel’s significance as an example of Streamline Moderne architecture.
As historical artifacts, Coral Court Motel key chains are valuable not only for their collectible worth, but for their ability to tell a story about a particular time and place in American history.
Factors That Affect the Value of Key Chains
The value of a key chain is affected by a number of factors, including its rarity, condition, and historical significance. The Coral Court Motel key chains are rare and highly collectible, and their value is further increased by their association with an important example of mid-century modern architecture.
The condition of a key chain is also an important factor in determining its value. Key chains that are in good condition and still attached to their original room key are more valuable than those that are worn or damaged.
How to Determine the Value of Your Coral Court Motel Key Chain
To determine the value of your Coral Court Motel key chain, you should consider its rarity, condition, and historical significance. You can research the market value of similar key chains to get an idea of its worth.
Another important factor to consider is the provenance of the key chain. If you can trace the key chain back to its original owner or to a particular time and place, its value may be increased.
Where to Buy and Sell Coral Court Motel Key Chains
Coral Court Motel key chains can be purchased and sold through online marketplaces, such as eBay and Etsy. Collectors may also find key chains at antique shops or through specialized dealers in mid-century modern memorabilia.
When buying or selling Coral Court Motel key chains, it is important to do your research and to ensure the authenticity of the item. Look for key chains that are still attached to their original room key and that are in good condition.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Coral Court Motel Key Chains
The Coral Court Motel key chains are more than just souvenirs or collectibles – they are a tangible reminder of a bygone era of travel and adventure. They are historical artifacts that tell a story of mid-century modern architecture and its significance in American history.
The enduring legacy of Coral Court Motel key chains is a testament to the power of design and the importance of preserving our architectural heritage. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out these rare and valuable items, they are ensuring that the Coral Court Motel and its significance in American history will be remembered for generations to come.
