100 years ago: Justus A. Gibbs, a train conductor and Durango local, became violent in his family home and was taken to jail by the Sheriff. He had been suffering from a mental condition which had “given his family and friends concern for some time.”
75 years ago: According to the “official notice” received by Sgt. Gerald Baskett at the Durango recruiting office, married men could now enlist as Army aviation cadets. Two years of college work was still required.
50 Years Ago: The Colorado Motor Vehicle Division in Denver listed 16 drivers registered in La Plata County with suspended licenses. Two of the 16 names listed would soon have their licenses reinstated.
25 years ago: One out of the four Florida Mesa water wells tested for contamination was found to contain toxic levels of methane. The San Juan Citizens Alliance responded by demanding oil and gas companies in the area to cease natural gas drilling until the cause of contamination could be determined.
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
