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Back To Scrap Book Volume No.6

Holiday Inn in Vietnam Has Some Unique Features

From the Memphis Press-Scimitar

27 June 1966

Author Eldon Roark

South Vietnam now has its first Holiday Inn!

Usually before a Holiday Inn can be established anywhere, a franchise must be obtained from headquarters of the chain here in Memphis. But this group in Vietnam has gone about it vice-versa. They have set up the Inn. Now they write and ask for approval.

Cousin Jerry O'Roark, public relations director for International Association of Holiday Inns, shows me this letter -

Something New! -This is the first Holiday Inn in South Vietnam-in tents!

It offers old-timey conveniences.

“Gentlemen:

We are a group of six Army aviators flying helicopters for the 25th Infantry Division, Cu Chi, South Vietnam. Throughout the years, we have enjoyed staying at various Holiday Inns across the nation.

“Recently we have experienced an abrupt change in our living conditions. In an effort to obtain a little touch of home, we had a replica of your sign constructed. The sign was reproduced by a local Vietnamese sign painter from a book matchbook cover.

“Inasmuch as you were continuously expanding, we hereby request an honorary franchise for the first Holiday Inn in South Vietnam.”

“This branch of the Holiday Inn offers the following unique facilities and accommodations: six semi-private cubicles with individual electric fans and mosquito nets; private electrical generating system; private well with water available on the carry-your-own basis; indoor wash stand; open air showers; country-style outhouse; self service maid and laundry; daily trash pickup; private bomb shelter; lounge, including TV, bar with refrigerator, and nightly snack bar featuring sardines, saltines, and peanuts; community games, including darts, checkers, chess, dominoes, card games, and outdoor volleyball; nightly fireworks displays (flares, mortars and artillery directed at the Viet Cong); helicopter with non-stop service to Saigon International Airport.

“Enclosed are several photographs of our Holiday Inn.”

The request for the franchise was signed by six officers, all captains: John R. Gantt, Kingsport Tenn.; Ira R. Hartwell, Jr., Columbus Ga., Robert H. Kelly, Milledgeville, Ga., James B. Kelly, Jr., Ozark, Ala.; Delmer H. Livengood, Morgantown W. Va.; Paul M. Smith, Kansas City, Mo.

No Matter where Americans are, and no matter how grim trhe situation they're in, they never lose their sense of humor. Men like that can't be licked.


	\| home Page 1 \| Page 2 \| Page 3 \| Page 4 \| Page 5 \| Page 6 \| Page 7 Page 7 Back To Scrap Book Volume No.6 Holiday Inn in Vietnam Has Some Unique Features From the Memphis Press-Scimitar 27 June 1966 Author Eldon Roark South Vietnam now has its first Holiday Inn! Usually before a Holiday Inn can be established anywhere, a franchise must be obtained from headquarters of the chain here in Memphis. But this group in Vietnam has gone about it vice-versa. They have set up the Inn. Now they write and ask for approval. Cousin Jerry O'Roark, public relations director for International Association of Holiday Inns, shows me this letter - Something New! -This is the first Holiday Inn in South Vietnam-in tents! It offers old-timey conveniences. “Gentlemen: We are a group of six Army aviators flying helicopters for the 25th Infantry Division, Cu Chi, South Vietnam. Throughout the years, we have enjoyed staying at various Holiday Inns across the nation. “Recently we have experienced an abrupt change in our living conditions. In an effort to obtain a little touch of home, we had a replica of your sign constructed. The sign was reproduced by a local Vietnamese sign painter from a book matchbook cover. “Inasmuch as you were continuously expanding, we hereby request an honorary franchise for the first Holiday Inn in South Vietnam.” “This branch of the Holiday Inn offers the following unique facilities and accommodations: six semi-private cubicles with individual electric fans and mosquito nets; private electrical generating system; private well with water available on the carry-your-own basis; indoor wash stand; open air showers; country-style outhouse; self service maid and laundry; daily trash pickup; private bomb shelter; lounge, including TV, bar with refrigerator, and nightly snack bar featuring sardines, saltines, and peanuts; community games, including darts, checkers, chess, dominoes, card games, and outdoor volleyball; nightly fireworks displays (flares, mortars and artillery directed at the Viet Cong); helicopter with non-stop service to Saigon International Airport. “Enclosed are several photographs of our Holiday Inn.” The request for the franchise was signed by six officers, all captains: John R. Gantt, Kingsport Tenn.; Ira R. Hartwell, Jr., Columbus Ga., Robert H. Kelly, Milledgeville, Ga., James B. Kelly, Jr., Ozark, Ala.; Delmer H. Livengood, Morgantown W. Va.; Paul M. Smith, Kansas City, Mo. No Matter where Americans are, and no matter how grim trhe situation they're in, they never lose their sense of humor. Men like that can't be licked.