Potton-Hayden House

In 1880 the Texas and Pacific Railroad established its primary rail-road shop between Ft. Worth and El Paso at Big Spring. This railroad shop was considered to be the halfway point of this West Texas Railway. At the turn of the century, Mr. Joseph Potton was the master mechanic for the 560-mile stretch of track. In 1901, Mr. Potton began construction of the "Hayden House" at the west end of what was then the small and reckless "cowtown-railroad town" of Big Spring.
The north corner lot which faced east on Gregg Street was selected as the site for this house of red Pecos sandstone. The building's original plans still exist although they do not represent the configuration of the interior spaces as they were actually built. Mr. Potton did not live in the house until 1912 having rented it out after its completion. He lived there only two years, at which time his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Hayden, and their three children moved into the house.

The front pediment contains a Palladian window above which is the date of construction of the house. Above the date is a medallion of galvanized tin, on which is stamped the Star of Texas. Other pediments were similarly but less flamboyantly treated, but all were adorned with a pattern of shingles that resembled fish scales. Above the red stone walls rises the typically steep Victorian roof planes with their hips and gables (grill work and tracery included), a few small dormers, and a metal gutter along the eaves. The street address can be seen in the transom above the door.

The two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Hayden remember that their father was quite protective of his family, as reflected by the presence of a wire fence that remains around the property today. The yard and the front porch were always a haven for the neighborhood children in the hot West Texas summertime. The front porch, whose roof was supported by cast iron columns was also the scene of family gatherings in the evenings. The family would often retreat to the screened porch at the rear of the house when the heat was too intense indoors. This, however, was a rare occurrence, since the twelve-foot ceilings and the thick exterior walls kept the temperature pleasant most of the time.

The front door contains a metal knob, which when turned, manipulates a bell. Visitors enter the hall or entry space, which contains a grandfather clock, a hat tree with a seat and mirror, and other assorted furnishings.

The family entertained in the parlor, which is carpeted with a red rug adorned with a floral design. Long satin draperies contrasted with the natural wood patterns in the mantel of the fireplace, which is covered by an embossed cast iron door. Ceramic tile was used around the door. The dining room, which contains a cast iron fireplace was the setting for formal evening meals. A china pantry served as a passageway from the dining room to the kitchen. Noon meals were often served in the kitchen, which contained a large pantry.

Throughout the "Hayden Home" can be seen ornate brass light fixtures either hanging from the ceiling or attached to the walls. Doors or openings are accentuated with beautifully carved woodwork in contrast to the smoothly plastered pastel walls. From these walls hang elegantly framed portraits, still life, and landscape paintings.

A small wood structure was built at the rear of the lot to house the carriage horses. Two small compartments for firewood and coal, and the outdoor convenience, were located nearby. Two wrought iron gates mark the entrance into the backyard.

At this time the City of Big Spring is negotiating with the owner to acquire the "Hayden House" for use as a house museum. If the city can acquire the house, it is planned to furnish it with the Hayden family's original furnishings.