two nickels or one dime
Two years ago, with great fanfare, the red neon sign on the roof of the Hotel Settles was once again illuminated. After a six-year renovation, the grand dame was restored to her 1930s grandeur - especially in the public areas. That included finding the pay phones. The lobby's original wood-paneled phone booths Nos. 1 and 3 -- designated by gold numerals -- were located and restored., one of which was returned by the Big Spring Heritage Museum. (If you should come across No. 2 in an antique shop, let the Settles know!). Pay phones -- and booths -- are passing relics. This 3-slot phone came about in the 1940s although locals calls cost only a dime, at least until 1979. When the Hotel Settles, built from ranching and oil money, opened in 1930 it was the tallest building between Dallas and El Paso. For 30 years the hotel served Big Spring, offering lodging to locals and celebrities. It fell in decline and disrepair until given new life by a hometown boy.
Big Spring, Texas
12.29.2014
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