This dynamic photograph shows the interior of Fisher’s Saloon in Wells, Nevada, a wild west cow tow with a reputation for “showing visitors a good time since Christmas 1869,” according to a local idiom. The saloon is replete with taxidermy of all kinds, and surrounded by patrons is the watering hole’s famed owner, Al Fisher.

From “A Gaming History of Wells, Nevada,” an article by Gene and Peg Kaplan:

"By the 1890’s Fisher’s Saloon was nationally famous for its collection of animal horns displayed on both its interior and exterior. Tremendous numbers of coast to coast railroad travelers stopped in Wells while engines were changed…Fisher was an excellent raconteur and knew the history of every article in his museum. His saloon sign promised “Buffalo, Elk, Mountain Sheep, Antelope Heads and Horns, Mineral Specimens, Curiosities and Indian Relics.” Inside on the walls and in glass cases were heads and horns of wild animals and mounted birds from all parts of the world. The mineral cabinet contained thousands of specimens of rich ore and rock from every mineral producing state and territory in the Union. Given today’s gold prices the melt value alone would be somewhere between $100,000 to $500,00. It was a good place to get into a billiard game or poker game with delayed railroad passengers and local ranchers, rather than the cowhands and railroaders who frequented the honky tonks."

From the estate of Ron Lerch.