Vintage Postcard – Rix Motel

RIX MOTEL
355 Gulf View Boulevard
Clearwater Beach, Florida 33515
Directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Modern efficiency apartments and motel units. Air-Conditioned. Heated. T.V. Close to Fishing Fleet and Shops.
Francis & Grace Hill, Hosts
Telephone (813) 442-3350

Color Card by Ward Beckett – Clearwater, FLA.
62343

This lovely vintage postcard features the AAA logo. It is unused.

Mo-Eye from Tiki Central found an article about the Rix and tiki theft:

“July 9, 1966 – Clearwater ‘Idol Replica is Stolen From Motel – It’s summertime and the natives are restless… at least that’s what Joseph Noaker, manager of the Rix Motel on Clearwater Beach might believe. He reported to police a 5 foot high wooden Tiki weighing from 75 to 100 pounds was taken from his third floor balcony at the motel sometime early yesterday morning. He said the Tiki, wood carved figures from palm trees and symbolic of Tahitian gods, was an original carving by Manuel Lopez of Clearwater. Noaker said the culprits must have climbed three flights of stairs and jumped onto his balcony where the carving resembling a female islander was taken. Another Tiki, weighing 200-500 pounds sitting on the ground at the motel was not disturbed. But, Noaker said, some of his guests reported they saw some boys eyeing the big one.'”

and

“August 4, 1966 – Clearwater – ‘The Tiki Takers Triumph Twice – The Tiki Robbers have struck again. J. J. Noaker, owner of the Rix Motel at 355 Gulfview Blvd. on Clearwater Beach, reported to police yesterday his 200 pound Tiki statue was stolen tuesday night. That’s the second one he’s lost in a month. On July 9 a five foot high wooden Tiki weighing about 100 pounds was taken from Noaker’s third floor balcony. He said the culprits must have climbed three flights of stairs and jumped onto the balcony where the carving, resembling a female Tahitian Islander, was stationed. But he doubted they’d tackle that one. He said its about seven feet tall and weighs from 200-300 pounds, depending on how much moisture it has absorbed. The Tiki stolen Tuesday night is an upside down palm tree, with the face carved into the trunk and the root system serving as hair, mounted on a big brass pedestal. He underestimated the Tiki robbers. They struck sometime between 10pm Tuesday and 8 am yesterday. They even took the brass pedestal. Noaker said the Tiki was created by Manuel Lopez of Clearwater, and he valued it at $200. He’s mad about his two Tikis and other recent vandalism and thefts at beach motels this summer. ‘The only thing they’re not running off with are the guests,’ he said.”

The business holding for this place is listed as Ruffino Management Corporation, a Florida Domestic Profit Corporation filed on March 31, 1986. The company’s filing status is listed as Inactive and its File Number is J07083. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Harry Ruffino, located at 355 Gulfview Blvd Clearwater Beach, FL 33515. 

The place still stands, though. Check out Google Street View:

It’s now a Westmont Inn. From their website: “Make yourself at home in one of the 34 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers, housekeeping is provided daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested.”

You know, it gets really good reviews on Orbitz and the other travel sites. Could be worth checking out next time you are in need of a place to stay while visiting Clearwater.

Love Clearwater Beach? Check these out:

Glass House

Beach Motel