Curry-Thornton Saloon, Lincoln, New Mexico, 1890's.
Also called the Bank Exchange Saloon, this place was owned by J. Y. Thornton and George Curry. The saloon featured a billiard's table with the bar at the back of the room. Behind the bar is a mirror and shelves, and it appears the bar had the typical foot rail, on which a cowboy is resting his foot. Walls are adorned with a patterned wallpaper, and a few prints. Lighting provided by lamps hanging from the ceiling and the floor is made of plank boards
A native of Pennsylvania, J. Y. Thornton came to New Mexico as a
soldier in the United States Army in 1870. After serving for five years with the Fifteenth Infantry stationed at
Fort Stanton, he was discharged in 1875. Afterwards he engaged in the cattle business at Fort Stanton with George Curry for five years and the two opened the saloon and hotel in
Lincoln,
New Mexico in about 1880. Thornton also owned the Pioneer livery stable in Lincoln. The very next year a bit of excitement took place right across the street from the saloon when
Billy the Kid, who was housed in the jail, awaiting execution, killed his guards, and escaped on April 28, 1881. Thornton moved from Lincoln to
Roswell, New Mexico in 1895.
Vintage photo restored by
Kathy Weiser-Alexander.