William J. Moyer was one of Mesa County's leading businessmen and philanthropists. He arrived in Grand Junction in 1890 and opened the original Fair Store across the street in a room measuring 12 ft. x 20 ft. with $700 in stock. In 1904, Moyer opened this impressive brick building. The Fair Building had the first elevator in the city and was known for its quality merchandise and service. Mr. Moyer helped fund local charities, the Y.M.C.A., and important road projects. He donated the Moyer Natatorium to the city in 1922 with the stipulation of one free day each week for needy children to swim. The store became bankrupt in 1934, during the Great Depression, and for the next fifty years housed the Montgomery Ward store.