As summer approached in 1941, Durangoans found that war news took over the front page of their newspaper. Germany was the prime villain, but Japan lurked in the background. Still, the community and its neighbors seemed far away from the actual war front.
It would be the last peacetime summer for them. But, even then, young men were being drafted and sent off by train to Denver, usually with a crowd bidding them farewell. Other Durangoans were heading for the West Coast, where the defense factories needed workers and the pay was significantly higher than anything offered locally.
HHH
Herald Democrat June 18, 1941
Germany Formally Protests Ouster Order by U.S.
Germany has formally protested President Roosevelt’s order ousting German agents from the United States.
Reports from Mexico City indicate that Mexico may follow the United States ouster action.
HHH
Erected last week four miles west of Gallup, New Mexico, is a huge sign 40 x 10 feet advising tourists that the shortest paved road from that point to Denver by way of paved highway is by way of Durango.
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It is generally admitted by the average internationalist that it will be impossible for Hitler to invade this country in a military sense from some years to come, even were he to win a complete victory in Europe. Uncle Sam has the most powerful navy in the world, a deterrent to sending a huge army 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. No where near are there enough ships in Europe to provide tonnage for such an invasion.
HHH
A cooking school, open to the public, will be conducted at the Durango theater at 3 o’clock under the sponsorship of the Western Colorado Light and Power Co.
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Water, one of the essential things in a lake, is one thing that Lake Electra won’t lack this summer.
HHH
Slim Wartime Crowd Attends English Derby
The 162 running of Britain’s most famous race took place at New Market instead of Epson Downs because of the war.
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Property draft bill runs into new opposition
The controversial bill provides that the government may requisition industry, raw materials, and transport equipment for defense by paying compensation.
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Mrs. Phyllis Cogburn has returned from Denver where she has taken a course in beauty culture.
HHH
Irish Billy Conn faces chocolate-coated stick of dynamite tonight for the glory, gold and a girl. (Champion Joe Louis knocked him out in the 13th round after what was described as a good fight.)
HHH
Ad: Catchpole Beauty Salon Keep Well Groomed It pays.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
