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A few snippets from Monroe News April 2016:
Razing of the former Economy Inn and restaurant at I-75 and N. Dixie Hwy. in Frenchtown Township is wrapping up to make way for a Marriott Inn. Demolition of the motel complex, which has undergone many name changes since a Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge was built there more than 50 years ago, is expected to be finished next week, said Frenchtown Supervisor Jim McDevitt.
Howard Johnson’s, known for its orange roofs, was the first chain motel and conference room to build in the Monroe area. A groundbreaking for the motor lodge took place in January, 1964. Clippings from the Monroe News show former Frenchtown Supervisor Curtis Yoas, Monroe Mayor William Augusta, Ben Leiken and Harry C. Fink taking part.
Both Mr. Leiken and Mr. Fink were business partners in the lodge and lived in Toledo. They were president and secretary, respectively, of the contractor that originally built the lodge that had 76 rooms. The golf course was also built the same year.by James Spillson of Monroe. In 1989, the motel was sold to a Day’s Inn franchise and the Howard Johnson’s sign was torn down.