| |
| | 1920
postcard courtesy of
rootsweb.com/~txgenweb/postcards |
| The
Gibraltar Hotel was once Paris’ shining glory, a testament to its growth. Built
in 1915 by Richard H. Blyth, Edward Buford Norment and B.P. Bailey, it accommodated
passengers on the St. Louis-Dallas rail line – a time when towns had street cars
and real train service. Though damaged in the 1916 fire, the owners were optimistic
enough to add a seventh story upon restoration. But like most downtown hotels,
it fell out of favor with the traveling public, who wanted their lodgings close
and convenient to the highways. |
| | The
Gibraltar Hotel today
Photo courtesy Robin Jett, 8-23-03 |
The
hotel has had numerous owners since then, and has stood empty sentry over downtown
since the late 1970s. Gutted and in various states of decay, the hotel has lost
much of its past beauty. One owner even committed suicide in 1985, although if
the ghosts of the Gibraltar Hotel had anything to do with that is anyone’s guess.
In 2004, Don “Pinky” Wilson, a local businessman, took ownership and intends to
make the old building into a senior center and condominium complex. Hope springs
eternal…
© Robin Jett
January, 2003 |
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