LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The above motel was probably Lafollette’s first motel, and it actually started as Claiborne’s Tourist Court and later become Shelby’s Motel. In the beginning there was a garage for each room so guests could park their cars inside over night. Later those garage spaces were converted to more rooms.

Before I-75, this place was full most nights. You can see they added on, on the north side, which also included a play ground for kids.

Before Shelby’s, it was Claiborne’s Tourist Court.

The last remaining section of the structure, the main office and a couple of rooms on the south side, where the sign is, was razed in August 2017 to make parking space for LUB, which is across the street.

Below is a long ago post card front and back.

Antrim is in Guernsey County, Ohio, about midway between Columbus and Pittsburgh.

The last owners to operate the motel and gas station was the C.J. Russell Family. At the Shelby Motel, you could spend the night, buy your gas, get S&H Green Stamps and even mail a letter to family and friends by just dropping it in the mail box out front. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/24/2021-6AM-ADDITIONAL IMAGES AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD OVERBAY)

2 Replies to “The Shelby Motel is featured in this week’s Throwback Thursday”

    1. Thank you for your response, Rita.

      Yes, the Shelby Motel was across the street from where the LUB offices are now on North Tennessee Avenue. Most all of that property is graveled.

      Best,
      Jim
      WLAF

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