Moment in Time Christmas in Big Spring 1890

Editor’s Note: The Heritage Museum is gracious enough to share pieces of Howard County history with the Big Spring Herald and our readers each week, in an effort to not only preserve the memories and the history of those who helped form the foundation for our community, but also as an opportunity for the community to better understand who has come before us. These stories are only pieces of the information that is housed at the Heritage Museum.

The hotel was on the south side of the train tracks and north of 1st Street. As passengers deboarded the train, they could enter the lobby of the hotel which also served as the passenger depot at times. The hotel was called the T&P but was also referred to as Birdwell Hotel. John Birdwell ran the hotel for the Texas and Pacific President, Jay Gould.

John was one of the first settlers in Big Spring, arriving at the spring in 1881 to open his saloon, “The Longhorn.” He was a former Texas Ranger and hunting guide to Jay Gould and Mr. Gould’s friend, English nobility, Joseph

Heneage Finch, Earl of Aylesford. John and the Earl became fast friends and drinking buddies. John gave the Earl, the name “Judge” since his title name was so long.

During the hot summer months, tall cottonwood trees gave a little shade, shielding some of the smoke from the engines and blowing sand. John and Annabelle Birdwell raised four small children in the hotel they called home. They enjoyed the daily visitors

Courtesy photos/Heritage Museum Pictured above is Lillian Birdwell on her pony in front of the Birdwell Hotel in 1890. Pictured at right: Christmas tree in 1890, in Big Spring.