Museum Exhibit Honors Farah Company

A part of El Paso’s history is receiving recognition.

“Awakening The Giants Of El Paso!” is the name of the new exhibit honoring the Farah company that made its debut Friday night inside the El Paso Museum of History.

With a mariachi band playing, it was a party paying homage to one of the most significant influences in El Paso’s history.

Although the Farah Manufacturing Company now sits closed, its legacy has never dimmed in the minds of those who lived this story.

Jim Farah is the grandson of Mansour Farah, who started the company here in the 1920s. “This giant celebration is really in thanking all the employees,” Jim said.

10,000 people called Mr. Farah boss – people like Rubi and Ruben Gardea, who met at the manufacturing company – and ended up getting married. “It’s very special, because we’ve been married now 30 – 31 years in September,” said Rubi.

“She just took me by surprise – stole my heart,” said Ruben.

For the Gardeas, a trip down memory lane is reason to be grateful they lived through an experience in El Paso’s history now known as a giant in the books. “Certainly, they have to contribute and give the man honor for starting the business here in El Paso, Texas, absolutely,” said Ruben.

Developers want to turn the Farah building into a high-end shopping mall but last month, they were granted an extension by city council on the dates to start and complete construction.

If it is eventually transformed into a mall, Jim Farah says it would be great for the city of El Paso.