Americans had just finished their Thanksgiving holiday and were looking ahead now toward Christmas 1941. The world around them was in its second year of World War II. They had heard President Roosevelt say back in 1936, “I have seen war. I hate war.”
Most Americans probably agreed with him, but the times were changing. Indeed they were because Roosevelt had just won a third term, shattering the long honored two-term precedent.
Even Durango and Southwest Colorado were not isolated as the days’ events brought the international situation to their doorstep. Every newspaper had new headlines that could not be wished away or ignored for very long. It seemed that the world as some said “was going to hell in a handbasket.”
With local young men in service, this was not an abstract worry. Yet not all news was about the world situation.
HHH
Herald Democrat, Nov. 21 and 22
Fort Lewis Aggies Beat Pueblo Junior College on Snowy Field
Coach McClain on commenting on the game said it was the best job of playing his team had done all year. Fort Lewis 31 Pueblo 6. Pueblo was only once in Fort Lewis territory during the game.
HHH
Headlines on Page 1 of the two papers:
Japanese Diet Adjourns Amid Warlike Threats
Violence flares at strike closed Pennsylvania coal mines as governor waits
British action against allies of Nazi hinted
German blow drives Moscow defenders back
Premier General Tojo issued declaration that Japan is preparing expansion policy. At the same time efforts being redoubled to cope with what Tojo calls an unprecedented national crisis
Gambling Game Operators are Assessed Fine
Woman Evangelist Now Appearing at Foursquare Church
Winter Proof Your Car Now
Zero Weather Sweeps the Mountains
The Herald is giving away a free turkey for Christmas to everyone who pays for their subscription
Drinking for Science (The article discussed how much alcohol could be consumed before a person became drunk).
HHH
“A Yank in R.A.F.” starring Tyrone Power and Betty Gable. “Packed with Laughs, Songs, Romance and Adventure” was the movie feature.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.