The Hi-Line Motor Court in Ash Fork, Arizona, was opened in around 1936 by a Mr Moore who sold it three years later to Mr and Mrs JR Edwards. In February 1940 they added five new units, each with a kitchenette. Mr Edwards had, apparently, made a thorough study of the tourist business and concluded that there was “a genuine demand” for the type of cabin he was adding.
In the middle of the U-shaped court was a Shell station, which disappeared when the road was widened in the 1950s. Jame Alton and Gladys McAbee took over in the late 1940s and ran it until 1964.
The Hi-Line struggled into the 21st century as long term rentals. Unlike many of its contemporaries it still retained its garages. But around 15 years ago it closed for good and fell into increasing disrepair. In November 2022 it was posted as unsafe for human occupancy.
Then, when I stopped by last November, I found that, on October 22, 2025, it had been issued with a Notice to Abate. This raised the stakes for the old motor court. In short, if the owner didn’t make repairs within 40 days, the county had the right to demolish. As the current owner, Glenn Summerfield, had died in August of 2025 it seemed unlikely that would happen, so I stopped to take yet more photos. It was a good call. On December 30, 2025, the oldest motor court in Ash Fork was demolished. The sign has been saved by the excellent Ash Fork Museum.
NEVER QUITE LOST 
I am so pleased that you captured these photographs when you did. It must have been fate or divine intervention that you were able to catch the last images before it completely disappeared. You are a great steward of the old road and I appreciate your efforts to save the landmarks and the memories. Thanks for this article and the pictures.
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Thank you so much.
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Excellent piece of documentation! I’m glad they saved the sign!
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You did not include Ed & Vera Ackworth, who purchased the Hi Line in1964, and ran it successfully, for years. Later renting out the rooms to Santa Fe Railroaders for a few years. Not quite sure when Vera sold it. Late 1980’s I think.
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Thank you so much for the extra information – much appreciated!
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Hello. I’m Abby Levin, daughter of Ed and Vera. My parents bought the Hi Line in December of 1963, They began operating the motel then. It was a very classic motor court. Garages near many rooms. Parking in the U shaped driveway. My father, Edward, passed in June of 1976. Vera continue renting rooms to the Santa Fe railroad workers until early 1985. She sold the motel at that time and kept her house separate.
Vera passed away in 2006, The house and surrounding structures were sold in 2007.
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Thank you so much for adding another piece to the Hi-Line story! 🙂
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