100 years ago: “The directors of School District No. 9, La Plata County, have issued an official statement in which they set for the facts with regard to existing school conditions, for the purpose of showing why people of Durango should vote $175,000 in bonds to build a new high school. One of the strongest arguments of the construction of a new high school is that it would attract families from all parts of the San Juan Basin, who would live here in order that their children might have superior educational advantages.”
75 years ago: “All cars are ordered to be off Main Avenue by midnight tonight so that the street department may plow out all the snow from the curbs. The order is issued by City Manager O.W. Harrah, and the most complete cooperation by car owners is requested.”
50 years ago: “The La Plata Fire Volunteer siren will be shut off at midnight Jan. 31 and the volunteer firemen won’t take any more calls. Volunteer Fire Chief Charles Self said the group will take inventory of its equipment after Jan. 1 and start disposing of it about Feb. 1. Fire volunteers were forced into ceasing operations by lack of funds and consistent support. ... The volunteers gave the county its only rural fire protection.”
25 years ago: “Plumbers and welders took advantage of relatively balmy weather, whittling down waiting lists and thawing out pipes frozen during the past week of sub-zero low temperatures. Meanwhile, temperatures are predicted to dip below zero again the next few nights, and plumbers caution homeowners to protect pipes.”
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
