St. Robert in Pulaski County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Stanley Cour-Tel

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

1. Stanley Cour-Tel Marker

Inscription.
The Stanley Cour-Tel, located at 4675 N. Lindbergh Blvd. in St. Louis, was constructed in 1950 by Stanley and Olivia Williams. It was situated next to the Alura Motel, which was later known as the Lin-Air Motel. The restored sign of the Lin-Air Motel is also part of the Route 66 Neon Park. According to Anna Backues, Stanley and Olivia's daughter, one of the highlights of staying at the Stanley was the opportunity to meet the Williamses themselves. Backues mentioned her father had a very engaging personality. He would readily strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at home.

The family hosted grill outs on the Stanley grounds, inviting patrons, local residents, and businesses to join in the festivities. This helped the Stanley attract local businesses, including employees from McDonnell Douglas. When McDonnell Douglas was selected to design and build the spacecraft for Project Mercury, the first U.S. manned space mission, these connections led the Stanley to become the "Cour-Tel" where the Mercury astronauts stayed while training for the mission.

The Stanley Cour-Tel was well known for its beautiful

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grounds and the pastel pink doors on its 25 rooms. Each unit had hot water, heat and showers. The name "Cour-Tel" was unique to this motel and was believed to reflect the transition from courts to motels at that time. It was later discovered that Stanley Williams intended the word to represent "the convenience of a motor court with the hospitality of a hotel." In line with this, the Cour-Tel did not have a Room 13, as Stanley Williams thought it would not be inviting to his customers.

In 1976, Stanley and Olivia Williams retired and moved to Brownsville, TX with their daughter, who still resides there. The motel continued to operate for another 25 years, unlike other older mom-and-pop motels that turned into apartments. It displayed a sign on its marquee: "No Weekly Rates." The Stanley Cour-Tel was demolished in 2002 to make room for an airport expansion. The sign was purchased by Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. with a generous donation from Dr. Joel Braunstein. It eventually made its way to Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, IL, in late 2004, where it was taken care of and displayed thanks to Rich Henry for 13 years. The Friends

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

2. Stanley Cour-Tel Marker

of the Mother Road, Inc. then donated it to the Route 66 Neon Park.

Sign donated by Friends of the Mother Road, Inc · Sign restored by Missouri Neon, Springfield, MO · Historic information provided by Kip Welborn · Image courtesy of Joe Sonderman

Erected 2025.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.

Location. 37° 49.278′ N, 92° 8.894′ W. Marker is in St. Robert, Missouri, in Pulaski County. It is at the intersection of J.H. Williamson Drive and Business Interstate 44, on the right when traveling north on J.H. Williamson Drive. Marker is located at Route 66 Neon Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 Reed Pkwy, Saint Robert MO 65584, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 23, 2026

3. Stanley Cour-Tel Marker

Located at Route 66 Neon Park, which is also George M. Reed Roadside Park

World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Motel St. Louis (a few steps from this marker); D & G Package Store (a few steps from this marker); Modern Cabins (a few steps from this marker); AlPac Motel (a few steps from this marker); Skyline Garage Auto Service (a few steps from this marker); Tri-State Bonding (a few steps from this marker); Alura Motel (within shouting distance of this marker); George M. Reed (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Robert.

Also see . . . Route 66 Neon Park (City of Saint Robert's website). (Submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.