Looking about, Durangoans could not help but be optimistic in 1911. Times were good and seemingly getting better. The future appeared bright, indeed, as these quotes, all from the Durango Wage Earner, illustrated.
HHH
If you want to be strong and healthy and feel like life is worth living, contrive every day to somehow bring into exercise every muscle of the body. Don’t be a dead old contraption walking around in everybody’s way and your own way.
Our old friend Jack Frost has started for Durango and will soon take up his winter quarters here. Everything should be cleaned up and put in apple-pie order for his reception.
Sept. 7, 1911
HHH
The County Poor Farm
While no one has favored this editor with an automobile ride in order that we might see the county poor farm, we have seen it any way, and the county commissioners are certainly to be commended for the way the structure has been built, its low cost, and excellent location. A poor farm has been sadly needed in this county for some time as the expense of maintaining paupers at private institutions has been extremely large compared with the service rendered. While with a specially fitted institution the poor can be maintained at a minimum of cost, and with the agricultural lands in connection many of the unfortunates can be practically self-supporting.
Arrangements have been made by the Durango order of Elks whereby they have rented the second floor of the Red Men hall, which is specially adapted for the purpose, and will some time within the month install club furniture and fixtures for the benefit of the members of the order. The quarters selected, together with the contemplated furniture will make the best clubs rooms in southwestern Colorado.
Tobacco is to be prohibited at the new Fort Lewis school, also any student caught using liquor during his stay there will be expelled, according to the bulletin sent out by the principal. Very fine rules if they can be enforced.
Denver and her politicians get all the plums while the rest of the commonwealth, and especially the southwestern portion hold the dirty end of the stock. We are treated worse than a stepchild.
Since putting in of a public water system at Animas City that suburb has become greatly improved in appearance. The years are not far distant when the section will be the principal residence portion of the city.
Sept. 14, 1911
HHH
La Plata Mining Association.
Realizing that united effort is a controlling factor in the development of any enterprise or combination of enterprises, the most prominent mining men of the La Platas have organized what is to be known as the La Plata Mining Association. In this way many large undertakings and reforms badly needed in order that the mining district may be properly developed will be carried to a successful completion.
Lower railroad rate, good roads and better facilities for mining, milling and smelting the ore will be the object of the association for the present.
Clean Up Day
Tomorrow is scheduled as cleanup by the city council land the Ladies’ Civic Club. The street cleaning department and boys of the high school will meet at D&RG depot at 8 o’clock in the morning and the work will begin at that hour. Let everyone who is able to field a hoe or pull a rake get busy and do all they can to help out in this most commendable effort.
Sept. 21, 1911
Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
