Aku Aku/Town House Motel

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Aku Aku/Town House Motel Supper Club and Hotel The Aku Aku was a supper club built in 1960 as part of a hotel complex. It was demolished with little fanfare in 1989.

It was famous for hosting many of the biggest names in entertainment from 1960 through 1970.Some of the people who performed there were Henny Youngman, Phyllis Diller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra Jr., and many others. The club was also infamous for it's connections to the mob which probably explains why such big name entertainers appeared there. From 1971 through 1972 it was under new management featuring local bands. It closed after a going into foreclosure in 1972 and the site was sold at a sheriff's auction in an attempt to recover debt owed to the bank. It then reopened as a trucker's hotel in 1973 until it's closing for good in 1984. Having been built in a neighborhood that was already in decline lead to it's failure. A Rally's drive-thru now occupies the site. Recently the rest of the site was developed and a Family Dollar store is being built where the southwest corner of the hotel stood. While the site was being excavated this past summer a large chunk of the wall of the swimming pool was unearthed. The blue faded paint was still intact. I found a piece of the brick that once decorated the outside of the club. A former employee shared some memories of his days as a houseboy carrying luggage of performers at the club one who had so much luggage it took three trips to the third floor and he only got a quarter for a tip...he said he gave it back. He also said that it was wise to stay on the good side of Irv Shapiro.

Postcard from early 1960’s before the third floor was added.
05/02/2023

Postcard from early 1960’s before the third floor was added.

07/04/2019
06/18/2015

Owned and operated by the mob, this former Toledo landmark featured big name entertainers such as Frank Sinatra Jr., Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller Orchestra, Harry James, Buddy Rich, Henny (take my wife, please) Youngman, Phyllis Diller, Jimmy Durante, Bill Dana, Sonny King, an unofficial member of Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack and many, many others. The mob had the connections back then to book these acts. In spite of the success of the night club the hotel eventually started losing money as it was built in an already declining neighborhood. Clubs such as this fell out of favor by the early 1970's as many performers began playing to large venues. The Hotel and night club finally closed for good as a run down hotel for truckers in 1984. After sitting vacant and vandalized it was razed in 1989. A lot of history happened there, some good and a lot not so good due to mob activity but city officials turned a blind eye probably because of "perks" offered. It was THE place to go in the 1960's. Top city officials, ceos, mob bosses and many others met there for the excellent food and entertainment. One former worker said that you never wanted to get on the bad side of the owner Irv Shapiro. Finding photos and information is difficult due to it's connection to the mob.

Found pictures of a lighter with the Town House Motel and Aku Aku logos.
01/23/2014

Found pictures of a lighter with the Town House Motel and Aku Aku logos.

Custom made lamp from the Aku Aku in Toledo, Ohio. The owner says they bought it in the late 1970's. Does anyone remembe...
12/18/2013

Custom made lamp from the Aku Aku in Toledo, Ohio. The owner says they bought it in the late 1970's. Does anyone remember seeing lamps like these in the Aku Aku? I am guessing that these lamps were part of a diorama in the northeast corner of the club which had palm trees and other tropical scenery. Cannot verify this but it makes sense.

Someone posted this mid 1960's view of the front of the Town House Motel and the Aku Aku. Many thanks.
11/06/2013

Someone posted this mid 1960's view of the front of the Town House Motel and the Aku Aku. Many thanks.

01/07/2013

If anyone has a story about the Town House Motel or the Aku Aku feel free to share your experiences.

A showcase of some of the entertainers that appeared at the Aku Aku from it's opening in 1960 thru 1970.
08/05/2011

A showcase of some of the entertainers that appeared at the Aku Aku from it's opening in 1960 thru 1970.

Advertising brochure for the Town House Motel and the Aku Aku Polynesian Room in Toledo Ohio.
08/04/2011

Advertising brochure for the Town House Motel and the Aku Aku Polynesian Room in Toledo Ohio.

Layout of the Aku Aku.
02/24/2011

Layout of the Aku Aku.

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Toledo, OH
43620

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