Motor Courts and Bungalows (c. 1946) - Tom Petr Collection

Likely filmed around 1946 in Texas and New Mexico, this silent home movie from the Petr family captures the charm of post-war motor courts in beautiful color. The camera operator surveys the sandstone exteriors of the Red Mill Court and El Ranchotel in El Paso, Texas, and Pueblo Auto Courts and Kilby Kourt in Las Cruces, New Mexico, all promising state-of-the-art amenities like air conditioning. Also featured is the Dona Ana County Courthouse in Las Cruces and a charming neighborhood of bungalows and palm trees. Briefly interrupting the scenic views is footage of men inspecting an overturned truck on the side of the road.