Recorded Sunday, October 22, 2023
In the interwar years, the American motel sector experienced a remarkable surge, evolving from experimental beginnings in the 1920s to an established industry in the 1930s. Join Cara Rodway, Head of Research Development at the British Library as she delves into the motivations driving this rapid expansion and its implications for consumer behavior. We will explore why motels thrived during this era, shedding light on business strategies and shifts in consumer preferences. Additionally, we will explore who was staying in these motels and what this can tell us about social change during this period. We will also consider what meanings the public attached to motels and why, and what this can tell us about American culture and values in a time of rapid economic and social change.