Following the Second World War when gas was no longer rationed, when tires were easier to purchase and families were reunited, people started to travel. Motels and auto courts began to appear as ideal places to stop overnight. In North Battleford we had Nays Motel, Park Motel, Sunset Motel and North Battleford Auto Court.
The auto court was, as they said at the time "at the bottom of Main Street" (now 100the Street). It was a collection of one-room, one- or two-bedroom cabins. As the ad stated in the November 1958 telephone book, "fully equipped, reasonable rates, a choice of cabins and AAA rating."
Many travellers with their cars, campers or trailers enjoyed the quiet beautiful location with the scenic view of the North Saskatchewan River, of the town of Battleford and the Eagle Hills in the background. Wild flowers, birds and wildlife on the hills below added to the beauty.
Tim and Muriel Bazley and their family were the owners and gracious hosts as were the Kluzak family before them. Their home was to the left of the north gate, their garage to the right. Attached to their home was a laundry room and washrooms and in the centre of the yard a power pole for the convenience of the travelers. The lower level had swings for the children to play on. An added convenience was Mary Hotvedt's Riverview Grocery at 732 - Main St.
Many local residents appreciated the use of the auto court as temporary lodging while their home was being built or they had temporary employment and some of their children attended Riverview School close by. Church and school groups held their June wind up picnics. Miss Fletcher led her Girl Guides in nature studies and bird watching. During the winter older farm couples moved in to enjoy city life and appreciated that they did not have to worry about being snowed in because of impassable country roads.
There have been many changes since the closure of the auto court in the early 1960s. In 1966 the subway was widened, Â鶹´«Ã½AV Railway Avenue was reconstructed thus closing the access to Main Street (100th),changing access to Victoria Street (99th) and then connecting it to the new 5th Avenue. Lovely homes now occupy the 500 block and 5th Avenue overlook the new bridges, the Highway 16 bypass and their owners enjoy the scenic view of the North Saskatchewan River, the town of Battleford and the Eagle Hills that the visitors to the auto court once enjoyed.