Offered is a vibrant vintage postcard featuring the Texan Motel in Eugene, Oregon, a classic mid-century roadside motor court located along U.S. Highway 99—one of the primary travel routes through the Pacific Northwest before the interstate era.

The front illustration captures a quintessential postwar American motel scene, complete with low-slung units, colorful landscaping, and bold roadside signage beneath a stylized “Texan” script and cowboy hat motif. This imagery reflects the era’s fascination with themed motor courts designed to attract automobile travelers exploring the open road.

Postcard Details

• Location: Eugene, Oregon

• Property: Texan Motel, 750 West 7th Street (U.S. Highway 99)

• Publisher: Western Litho Co., Los Angeles, California

• Card Number: 16,487F

• Type: Linen postcard (textured paper stock)

• Era: Linen Era (circa 1930s–1950s; likely late 1940s–early 1950s)

• Back Type: Divided back

• Postmark: Eugene, Oregon

• Markings: “Postage Due 3 cents” handstamp

• Slogan: “Keep Oregon Green” (regional conservation message)

• Printing: Offset lithography typical of linen production

Historical Context

This postcard represents the golden age of automobile tourism along U.S. Highway 99, the major north–south corridor that predated Interstate 5. During this period, motor courts like the Texan Motel catered to travelers seeking convenient, modern accommodations with amenities such as tile showers, radios, televisions, and full carpeting—all proudly advertised on the reverse.

The “Texan” theme reflects a broader trend in roadside architecture and branding, where motels adopted regional or romanticized identities to stand out in an increasingly competitive travel market.

The inclusion of the “Keep Oregon Green” slogan ties the card to early environmental and anti-litter campaigns, adding another layer of cultural significance.

Collector Highlights

• Classic linen-era roadside motel illustration with bold colors

• Strong association with U.S. Highway 99 travel history

• Features “Postage Due 3 cents” marking, adding postal history interest

• “Keep Oregon Green” slogan—desirable regional ephemera

• Excellent subject for collectors of:

• Roadside Americana & Route history

• Motel and motor court postcards

• Oregon and Pacific Northwest travel

• Linen-era printing and design

Condition

• Good vintage condition

• Visible corner and edge wear

• Writing on back

• Postal markings including postage due handstamp

• Light surface wear and minor toning consistent with age

• Strong color and overall eye appeal

Why This Card Stands Out