This article appeared in the newspaper circa 1950. A copy of it can be seen on our latest menu.
Bill Fryars Open Drug Store in New Fort Davis Location
Community Meeting Place out of Hotel Room First Time Since 1913
Fort Davis, May 4- The gathering place, the "cross roads" of Fort Davis, aside from the post office, was changed in its location over the week-end with the removal of the Fryar dug store to the newly completed $15,000 building "just around the corner."
The old drug store, the Hotel Limpia building, had been since 1913 the spot in town where citizens went daily for their newspapers and tobacco and medicines, their fountain drinks and chewing gum, and to see the doctor in his office. Sunday, for the fist time in thirty seven years, no cars were parked along the hotel and store porch.
Mr. and Mrs. C.R. (Bill) Fryars held the formal opening of their handsome new store, Tuesday. It was gay and colorful with bouquets of spring flowers sent by old customers and friends and well wishers. The hosts served their visitors with their choice of drinks at their new fountain with it's 22- foot bar.
The new building, modern in facilities and appearance, was constructed by R.D. Swarz, local contractor. It is fireproof. The walls are cinder blocks. The floor space is 40X55 feet. The floor is concrete covered azrack tile in bordered pattern. At the rear are the prescription dispensary and the consulting room and office for Dr. C.E. Eaton. The ceiling is of a popular type of paneling. Shelving is modern. New tables and chairs have been added for fountain patrons. New display cases occupy the roomy floor. Visitors from out of town declare that few small towns in the Southwest can match the new store in appearance, lighting and convenience. The lights are fluorescent.
The location is across North Road Street from the rear of Hotel Limpia. Ben R. Taylor, proprietor of the hotel, said he expects the old drug store rooms, in the hotel structure, to be occupied soon by another business.
The Fryars have owned the drug store since July, 1942. Before that Dr. and Mrs. Eaton were the proprietors.
We are happy to report that the 22 foot soda fountain counter and the original soda fountain dispensers are still in operation today!!