Milford History Online

Note: This story was written in October 2023

After many years of neglect, the aging Milford Motor Motel is being converted into one-bedroom apartments, as reported by the Union Leader: https://shorturl.at/nEKW4 It is a change welcomed by the neighborhood.

While the dilapidated Elm Street motel has fallen into serious disrepair, it was called “completely modern” by the Milford Cabinet upon its opening in 1963. Designed by Hodgson Homes and constructed by Wright Builders of Milford, it contained “furniture of the finest quality.” Wall-to-wall carpeting, telephones, free television, and heat control were also included at a time when such features weren’t always standard. Remarkably the L-shaped structure was built by just a two-man team during a four-month span — a task the Cabinet called “Herculean.”

In 1964, it became one of only two regional motels to become AAA-approved. The following year, owners Arthur and Libby Hayward opened “Hayward’s Trading Post” — which is still going strong and is still run by Libby Drolet, the former Mrs. Hayward. At the time, the Haywards lived in the house on the motel premises and actually turned their living room into the motel office after construction. The motor inn was sold in 1971 and apparently the long decline began soon thereafter.