𝙏𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙒𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝙈𝙊𝙏𝙀𝙇 𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉 𝙎𝙐𝘾𝘾𝙐𝙈𝘽𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙎𝙃 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙎

Remnants of the same trade winds that have driven ships across the ocean for hundreds of years have done a number on the sign advertising the Tradewinds Motel on Central Boulevard, battering it to smithereens.

The establishment, proudly in business since 1955, offers a short term "Bano y Siesta" stay for "$19.95 and up," likely a euphemism for a discreet, midday sexual liaison.  

Actually, Central Boulevard was dotted with several inexpensive motels when I first came to town in 1966, typically frequented by shoppers from Mexico.

If there was a flagship business for Central back then, it was FedMart, selling groceries and general merchandise roughly where H.E.B. is located today.

An elderly Anglo lady ran a smaller version of the Toddle Inn back then, turning it over to her primary assistant, Alex Torres, when she got sick in old age.

Coffee back then set you back a dime including free refills.