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About the Zeigler
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The
Zeigler Motel is an icon in New Bern. The 2 story house was
built in the 1920's. The house served as a residence for Mr. and
Mrs. Zeigler.
Mr. Zeigler had a watch repair
shop in the garage that was located in the back yard. Mr. Zeigler had back surgery
sometime in the 1930's and
as a result of complications during the surgery was permanently paralyzed.
Needing extra income Mrs.
Zeigler rented rooms in their house. She later converted the garage
into 2 motel rooms. Her success with renting these 2 rooms convinced
her to eventually build 2 cottages and 9 more motel rooms. At the
time motel rooms in Craven County were scarce, this was long before
the days of the large franchise motels, and she keep all the rooms
occupied. They lived in the house and operated the motel until they passed away.
By the mid 1950's the Zeigler
was perhaps New Bern's premier place to stay.
Anyone over 40 that was born born in New Bern will probably remember the large neon sign
that stood on the corner of
Highway 17 and Eight Street guiding folks to the Zeigler. The
Zeigler is located 2 blocks south of Highway 17. During the 1940's,
50's, and 60's, Highway 17 was the principle route on the East Coast
for those heading North and South. The neon sign snagged many
travelers for the Zeigler Motel.
After Mrs. Zeigler passed away
in the 1990's the motel was sold and maintenance was neglected. The
charming old motel lost her luster and was fading into the sunset.
The motel was purchased in 2007 by the Tyson
Group who are committed to once again make her New Bern's premier
place to stay.
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If you ever stayed at the
Zeigler or remember any stories about her past please send us your
comments and we will archive them. |
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