Very hard to find!
Date: 1960's
Restaurant: Hostetter's Solar Inn
Location: Ames, Iowa
Size (when open): 9 x 12 inches.
From the Ames Historical Society...
The Solar Inn, located on the east side of Highway 69 south of Ames, was known for great chicken, steaks, and sea food in a plush supper club atmosphere. Hugh C. Hostetter and Hugh C. Hostetter Jr. opened the Solar Inn in January of 1949. Arlene Hostetter, wife of Hugh Jr., also helped by serving as a waitress. Hugh Sr. and Ruth Hostetter had previously operated Hostetter's Cafe in Campustown at 121 Welch. The Solar Inn was constructed on the site where the hangar of the Gebracht Aeronautic Corporation airfield had been from 1928 through the 1930s. Beginning in the summer of 1957, central Iowa car enthusiasts would turn into the driveway of the restaurant because the Ames Drag Strip was constructed behind the Solar Inn, although separated by a tall wooden fence.
More info from an Ebay customer...Hugh C Sr and wife Ruth were not owners. Hugh C Jr and Arlene owned the Solar Inn. The business opened in 1950, Mr & Mrs Hugh C Jr Hostetter ran the Solar Inn for close to 30 years they retired in 1977 and sold the building.
From the Ames Historical Society...
The Solar Inn, located on the east side of Highway 69 south of Ames, was known for great chicken, steaks, and sea food in a plush supper club atmosphere. Hugh C. Hostetter and Hugh C. Hostetter Jr. opened the Solar Inn in January of 1949. Arlene Hostetter, wife of Hugh Jr., also helped by serving as a waitress. Hugh Sr. and Ruth Hostetter had previously operated Hostetter's Cafe in Campustown at 121 Welch. The Solar Inn was constructed on the site where the hangar of the Gebracht Aeronautic Corporation airfield had been from 1928 through the 1930s. Beginning in the summer of 1957, central Iowa car enthusiasts would turn into the driveway of the restaurant because the Ames Drag Strip was constructed behind the Solar Inn, although separated by a tall wooden fence.
More info from an Ebay customer...Hugh C Sr and wife Ruth were not owners. Hugh C Jr and Arlene owned the Solar Inn. The business opened in 1950, Mr & Mrs Hugh C Jr Hostetter ran the Solar Inn for close to 30 years they retired in 1977 and sold the building.
Check out the prices!
Filet Mignon... $3.50
Lobster Tail.... $2.75
Condition: Most of our menus were actually used in the restaurant-bar, so there may be writing, wear & tear, spots, stains, creases, etc. So please examine the images closely! Foxing on the front.
InvD13