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William Moyer, courtesy Loyd Files Research Library – Museum of Western Colorado

On October 5, 2004, Congressman Scott McInnis spoke before the U.S. House of Representatives. He said, “Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the legacy of William Moyer from Grand Junction, Colorado. William was a leader of the community who left an indelible print on the city of Grand Junction…”

On October 16, 2009, William J. Moyer was honored again, when the Legends of the Grand Valley project unveiled a monument to this great citizen. J. Michael Wilson, renowned sculptor, was commissioned to create the sculpture.

When Moyer moved to Grand Junction in 1890, he opened a tiny mercantile. His sparse stock was high quality yet reasonably priced, and service was excellent. Before century’s end, The Fair was the largest department store between Denver and Salt Lake City. It served the community until 1935, when its welcoming doors closed forever.

Moyer’s business contributions were many, but his passion was people. Advice and a helping hand were readily given, though mostly in secret. Often, he’d quietly slip necessities into the bag of a struggling family. Wayward children were brought to him for chastisement, but he softened his reproof with a piece of candy.

His love of children was legendary. He and his wife, Ida, though childless, opened their home and hearts to many youngsters. They raised William Weiser, a fatherless nephew, and sent him to college. Weiser became a prominent lawyer and banker, and never forgot his aunt and uncle’s love. Seventeen others went to college on the Moyers’ benevolence. Recipients wrote glowing letters of thanks to “Will” and “Mother” Moyer.

Their greatest gift to youth came as the result of tragedy. Abhorred by an employee’s son drowning in the Grand (now Colorado) River, the Moyers built a pool and donated it to the city. On June 8, 1922, Moyer Natatorium was dedicated before a tremendous crowd, including Colorado’s governor and other dignitaries. Stipulated by the Moyers were two free days a week for kids.

Few early swimmers survive, but their children happily reminisce. Diann (Diemer) Admire recollects summer “officially” began when Moyer Pool opened for the season. Preschool years in the wading pool, but she longed for deeper waters—where the inviting slide beckoned. She recalls the laughing boy statue with four turtles spraying water, and buying a soda at the fountain, where Moyer’s picture smiled down at her.

Her husband, Gene, remembers jumping into to water from atop the slide or the boy’s locker room roof.

Memories bring Ken Johnson back to hot days when he and his brother, Jim, trekked across many streets to the pool. Outfitted in swimming trunks and dragging towels, they danced over hot asphalt to cool grassy medians, relishing the brief relief.

For several decades, the valley’s youth enjoyed the Moyers’ gift. Ida died soon after its dedication, but William watched kids swim and splash for many years. It buoyed him up when his fortune was lost, mainly due to the Depression, and his health deteriorated after he broke his leg. Bitterness tugged at his soul but he never succumbed. On May 24, 1943, he died at 83. During his funeral, downtown businesses closed to honor him.

As time passed, William Moyer’s memory ebbed and flowed, but he was never forgotten. Though the original natatorium building was dismantled in 1973, and the pool demolished in 1985, his legacy lives on through the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool, through nostalgia and lovers of history, and through the Legends sculpture project. William J. Moyer will leave an “indelible print” for generations to come.

J. Mike Wilson and crowd await unveiling. The sculpture awaits unveiling. Norm Franke speaks, with Jacquie Chappell-Reid and Miffie Blozvich

Moyer’s face shows joy at the pool’s promise of safety. The little boy who drowned wears Fair Store dungarees. The base of the sculpture houses the original YMCA cornerstone.

The Legends Project usually is funded by donations, but Alpine Bank purchased Moyer’s sculpture. Norm Franke, Regional President, feels the project historically impacts the valley’s citizens, and believes it highlights a unique aspect of the city’s culture.

Moyer’s likeness stands in front of the bank’s downtown branch. This was the original site of the impressive Y.M.C.A. building, a program Moyer strongly believed in and helped support the building’s construction. Built in 1908, it was razed in the mid-1970s.

Within sight, on the southeast corner of Main and 5^th streets, is Moyer’s beloved Fair building. Cattycorner is the five-story brick structure, erected in 1910, which originally housed Grand Valley National Bank. Moyer was one of the institution’s organizers.

The larger-than-life bronze captures a tender scene. Before J. Michael Wilson began his work, he read about Moyer’s life. Particularly touched by the story of the pool, he decided on the sculpture’s theme. Wilson depicted Moyer encircling a young girl in a life preserver, while the boy who drowned peeks around Moyer’s back. His smile conveys jubilation that his death brought something good. A tag on his overalls says “The Fair Store”. Childlike joy infuses Moyer’s features, reflecting the assurance the future is safer for children.

The sculpture, which elicits tender emotion, will become part of Art on the Corner.

Following pictures, courtesy Loyd Files Research Library – Museum of Western Colorado

Thanksgiving 1905, The Fair Store moved into a beautiful new building at 5th and Main. 1904 construction garners much interest.

Some 1921 Fair Employees. Moyer is fellow with bow tie in front. "Dad" Smith, with white beard, played Santa at Christmastime.

Interior shots of the Fair Store. Nothing was too rich or exotic for the patrons. Notice the pulley system on right, used to bring cash to the office. No cash registers, here!

Opening Day, June 8, 1922. These photos courtesy of Diann Admire, whose mother, Eleanor Gibbs, was there to enjoy the opening.

This was sometime in the 1940s-1950s. As you can see, the pool has changed a bit. Photo courtesy of A. Colunga.