There is an old hotel in Carthage and it’s called Boots Court. If you google it, you’ll find some cool pictures. It’s on Historic Route 66 and needed a lot of work – a lot of structural, expensive type work. A couple whose last name was Boots built it back in the 1930’s I think it was. Their ads said that they had a radio in every room!
Anyway, I really wanted to buy it. Vince never thought I was serious but I was except I knew that we’re past the age of taking on a project like that. There was a time when I would have loved to have had a bed and breakfast.
I think it has 13 rooms, which seems like an unlucky number. I told Vince that we could take a couple of the rooms for ourselves – maybe 5 or 6 – one could be a fabric/yarn/stitching storage room; one could be turned into a nice kitchen for us and for breakfast for the guests. I had it all figured out in my head but Vince was the voice of reason.
The price on the place wasn’t bad – but the repairs would have been so far above what we could have afforded. But . . we have a cat named Boots and I think having an inn named after our cat would be a very good thing. Boots thought it was a great idea!
Almost anywhere we go in Carthage, we pass by the hotel. Every time we go by there, I say “I really want to buy that place.” Vince pretends he doesn’t hear me.
When we passed by there Friday, there was work being done. It looked like the parking/driveway area had been jackhammered and was being re-done. Vince said “I think they’re re-doing it!” I said “Darn it! We missed our chance.” Again, no response from Vince.
Last night I came across this article. I think it’s so nice that it’s being preserved and there’s a group helping with the funds. I’m going to make sure to watch the progress as much as I can when we pass by there.
Nelle Coursey says
I love to see that people are restoring instead of tearing down! Icons like this cannot be replaced! We don’t need another Walmart, taco bell or any of the other things people are building today. We need to preserve our history!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I agree and feel the same way but I do understand that restoring a place like this, that has been neglected for so many years, there’s just no money to be made and it can become a money pit. This hotel should do well beings how it’s on Route 66 in the middle of Carthage but so many places, a Walmart brings in more income, as well as tax revenue, than a restored building. So .. I see why it happens.
Just like Brownwood, there are so many historic buildings here that are falling apart. I want to buy them all and restore them but that would be financial suicide at our ages.
Peggy Benjamin says
I love that they’re saving Boots Court! I’m reading this while sitting in a darling motor court motel in McLean, Tx, right off I-40. It has new owners who are refurbishing it a room at a time and I encourage y’all to stay here at the Cactus Inn if you’re traveling Route 66 and the timing is right for you. It isn’t fancy but the rooms are large and clean, and it’s like stepping back in time. This place was probably built in the ‘50’s. Here’s to history and those who appreciate it!