Grand Junction in Mesa County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Fair Building

c. 1904

— City Historic Register —

The Fair Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2018

1. The Fair Building Marker

Inscription. William J. Moyer was one of Mesa County's leading businessmen and philanthropists. He arrived in Grand Junction in 1890 and opened the original Fair Store across the street in a room measuring 12 ft. x 20 ft. with $700 in stock. In 1904, Moyer opened this impressive brick building. The Fair Building had the first elevator in the city and was known for its quality merchandise and service.

Mr. Moyer helped fund local charities, the Y.M.C.A., and important road projects. He donated the Moyer Natatorium to the city in 1922 with the stipulation of one free day each week for needy children to swim. The store became bankrupt in 1934, during the Great Depression, and for the next fifty years housed the Montgomery Ward store.

Erected by Colorado Historical Society. (Marker Number 21.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 39° 4.035′ N, 108° 33.854′ W. Marker is in Grand Junction, Colorado, in Mesa County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and South 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Main Street, Grand Junction CO 81501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

of this marker. Benge’s Shoe Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Majestic/Mesa Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Junction News Established (within shouting distance of this marker); Bannister Furniture (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mesa Drug/City Market (about 500 feet away); Sampliner’s Dry Goods (about 500 feet away); St. Regis Hotel (about 700 feet away); Whitman School (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Junction.

Regarding The Fair Building. Pioneer businessman William J. Moyer constructed a small wooden store on this site in the 1890s. The present large brick structure was home to his Fair Store from 1904 until the 1930s. Moyer was not only a Grand Junction business and civic leader, he and his wife privately helped fund everything from road construction to the Y.M.C.A. to college tuition for local students. The couple was best known for establishing the Moyer Pool for the city so young people could have a safe place to swim.

For better or worse, John Abbott, the fictional main character in Dalton Trumbo’s “Eclipse” was loosely based on William Moyer.

The Fair Building with marker on center pillar. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 7, 2018

2. The Fair Building with marker on center pillar.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.