Colonial Beach Historical Society & Museum

The development of condominiums in Colonial Beach, Virginia, has evolved over the years, reflecting the town's growth and appeal as a waterfront community.

Constructed in 1926 by the Pusey & Jones Shipyard in Wilmington, Delaware, she was originally named Siele—an anagram of the first owner's wife's name. In 1941, she was acquired by the U.S. Navy and commissioned as the USS Aquamarine (PYc-7), serving in experimental research and as a tender to presidential yachts during World War II .

Ellie Caruthers, 84 years old and the wife of the late Herbert "Doc" Caruthers, continues to run the motel her husband built in 1948. It is the oldest motel in Colonial Beach, Virginia, an historic little resort on the Potomac River. One would never presume to guess Ellie's age - she is charming and eloquent, hard-working and resourceful, and loved and appreciated by her many regular guests as well as the locals. She maintains the motel independently, and apart from offering WiFi to her guests, the accomodations are essentially as they would have been many years ago, with plenty of vintage features, including the original neon sign. We met Ellie while sight-seeing, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to document her quaint, authentic establishment, as well as her memories, her love of "Doc," and her commitment to maintain Doc's Motor Court in a traditional manner as long as she lives.

A view of permanent exhibits Visit us at https://www.cbhistoryandmuseum.org/ Become a Member, Support our continued efforts to preserve the history of Colonial Beach.