Duff Hollon started the Covered Wagon Motel in 1936 which he operated until 1961 when he retired. 

The Lusk Herald, August 31, 1961

Bill Smith, Jr. Buys Covered Wagon Motel

William Smith, Jr., has purchased the Covered Wagon Motel from C.K, Bixler. Earlier this month Mr. Bixler purchased the motel from Duff Hollon, long-time owner.

Mr. Smith, Jr., will operate the motel for the remainder of the current tourist season. The motel will be closed during the winter months. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Sr., own and operate Smith's Motor Lodge.

The Covered Wagon Motel has 23 units and two partially completed units which will be completed during the winter months.

Mr. Smith, Jr., is regional manager for the Great Plains Insurance Company for the Basin region of Wyoming and is living in Cody. He will continue to to live in Cody and operate the Covered Wagon Motel only during the summer months.

Included in the consideration paid for the motel was an apartment house near Niobrara County High School. The apartment house is now owned by Bixler.

Mr. Hollon started the motel in April 1936, and has operated it ever since. Mrs.  Hollon has been active in the business with her husband. Prior to starting the motel, called a cabin camp in the earlier days, Mr. Hollon was engaged in the trucking business with the late Jerry Dull, operating the Hollon-Dull Transportation Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Hollon will go into retirement. Mr. Hollon has been engaged in business in Lusk for a total of 54 years.