Article: Holiday Inn(R) Founder Kemmons Wilson Dies at Age 90; Wilson Established First Holiday Inn Hotel in 1952; Exclusive Satellite Feed Today (2/13/03) at 1:30 EST.

Kemmons Wilson, 90, founder of Holiday Inn(R) Hotels & Resorts, passed Wednesday, February 12 at his home in Memphis, Tenn.

Wilson opened the first Holiday Inn hotel on August 1, 1952, in Memphis after he returned from a family road trip discouraged over the lack of family and value-oriented lodging. Kemmons saw an opportunity to provide consistent lodging options and a trusted brand name on the road.

From this experience, Wilson's vision emerged and an American icon was born. He created a place where children stayed free and families were treated to a swimming pool, air conditioning and a restaurant at the property. Rounding out the ideal travel ...

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