Big Spring: Then and Now

West side 100 Block of Main

The J&W Fisher Store

The J&W Fisher Store was first established in a tent by the springs in 1881. As soon as the railroad had established service, they picked up stakes and moved close to the track and future depot. Soon they replaced the tent with a wood building and later, after much success, they moved into the former Bressie Brothers Mercantile building.

Then:

This photo was taken around 1909 and shows the concrete water troughs and old board sidewalks. By 1929, the J.&W. Fisher Store was closed. A major remodel took place including plastering the building to “modernize” it. Purser and Son leased the south section and Big Spring Feed, and Seed Company leased the north section that fronted on First Street.

Now:

The store was occupied by Rix Furniture in 1945. When Rix closed, Big Spring Hardware took over the space. Haley Hotel was situated on the top floor and opened in 1927. It was managed by Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Haley's daughter Noreen Haley. Her parents were owners of the Wyoming Hotel on Scurry. Haley Hotel closed in 1966. After years of neglect the building has deteriorated and is currently on the verge of collapsing. The Train Car Cigar Bar is located north of the old Fisher Building.

Southwest 3rd and Main Street

Mcdonald Building

The Home Union Building was constructed in 1890 by the Alderman brothers. It was a simple onestory building with a false front, and served as the Western Telephone Co. and the Water Dept.

Then:

It was torn down and a new brick building was erected in 1906. J.D. Mcdonald, owner, opened the Racket Store on the bottom floor of the building.

In 1929, the building was updated. Sam Segall opened a dry goods store on the main floor and E.B. Ballard opened a drug store. Office spaces were made available on the 2nd floor.

Now:

By the 1940’s Collins Brothers Drug Store opened one of three stores in this location and Zales Jewelry occupied the space from the 1950’s-1980’s. Today, the building is vacant.