This store was originally
built in 1896 by the Hyde Expedition, which was organized to excavate nearby Chaco
Canyon, It started as a company store
but expanded into the trading business because of the large Navajo
population. It was especially active until
Highway 66 bypassed the location in the late 30s, which was a precursor to
Interstate 40 in the 60s. The store was revived in the 60s with the expansion of the nearby uranium mining area, which employed many Navajo workers. It is
now closed. This token was likely issued in the early days of the store because there was little cash business until the uranium mines opened. Pronounced Tha-Roo.