Potter’s unveils new mural, celebrates 60 years

The Potter family welcomed community members and business leaders to celebrate the unveiling of Potter’s Western Store’s new mural and the store’s 60th anniversary, Friday, Oct. 3.

In 1965, Clarence H. Potter and his wife Eloise helped found and then owned Potter’s Western Store, “the best little Western store in Texas.” In the following decades, the store has remained true to its origin as a family business, having spanned three generations of Potters with more to come.

Charles Potter thanked supporters of the store in the crowd of a few dozen at the official ribbon cutting.

“Without the support of our loyal customers over the last 60 years, we would not be at this milestone,” Potter said. “Thank you to all of those who shop with us and share our things on social media and any kind of support you give us.”

In 1974, Clarence’s oldest son Clarence Henry Jr. and his wife Pamela moved to Columbus and purchased the business. For 50 years, the pair grew the small store into a community resource that reflected the people and heart of the town. In July 2024, Henry died unexpectedly from pancreatic cancer. Pamela Potter now runs the business, and their children Charles, Brian and Amanda Potter are actively involved.

“I also want to thank my father for not only building the business but for setting an example and leaving such a legacy for us to carry on with,” Charles Potter said. “Without him, none of us would be here today. I know he is looking down and smiling on us today as well.”

The new mural, painted by Tyler Kay, gives tribute to the Potter family and depicts key elements of the store and its history. On the left, Henry Potter’s favorite cow and a map of Colorado County highlights the family’s long history in ranching in the county. A handwritten receipt names the store’s first customer. The bulk of the mural is a scene showcasing the daily life inside the store with Potter family members assisting customers and perusing merchandise. Henry Potter is featured working at the hat department in the store and on a “Like Hell It’s Yours” hat card.

“It’s such an honor to illustrate y’all’s legacy and to have known Mr. Henry,” Kay said. “It’s one of the proudest works I have ever done.”

Columbus Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shelley Janik presented the Potters with a certificate from Governor Greg Abbott congratulating the family and its business on its 60th anniversary. Afterwards, the family and supporters cut the ribbon and celebrated with refreshments, socializing and pictures with Henry’s restored truck and a large Texas Longhorn.