Pearl Harbor was still on Durangoans’ minds as the first anniversary of the attack arrived. After the trying days of 1941, on all battle fronts, optimists could see better days coming throughout the world.

Life on the home front was becoming more routine, within the boundaries of a wartime situation. A full page in the Dec. 7 paper, “Remembering Pearl Harbor,” was sponsored by Durango merchants, all 10 of whom were still in business in the 1960s.

Herald Democrat Dec. 7, 1942

Americans are observing the historic day of Dec. 7, as they have everyone of the 365 days since they were asleep at Pearl Harbor, on the home front and fighting front on the long hard come back from a day of shame and galling defeat.

America launches world’s greatest dreadnaught on Pearl Harbor anniversary. Coral Sea, Midway, Solomon Islands, Aid to China, commando Raids, tanks in Egypt, Terrible by Increasing production, and Buying war Bonds, (a full page reminding readers of what had happened in the years since pearl harbor)

(Editorial) There is no official observance of Pearl Harbor in the nation, but it is celebrated nevertheless in every community and every American’s heart. From that moment there could be no American attitude toward the Japanese military despots other than hostility and contempt, no arbitration, but war.

Yellowstone’s biggest elk will be shot to help meat shortage.

“The Spirit of American Democracy” is the title of the annual play which will be presented by the children of the Sacred Heart school Friday night Dec. 11.

The deadline for the turning in of idle tires has been extended to Dec. 12.

Dec. 8

Durango High School pre-holiday schedule includes four basketball games. The first of the families will be played in Smiley gym, Saturday night December 13. Other games will follow against Pagosa Springs and against Mancos and Silverton on the road.

Because of the gas shortage, the teams are not playing a round-robin schedule as of past years. Instead each team will wildcat around, scheduling games as best it can.

Blackout regulations No. 1 (a sampling follows)

1. All citizens should remain at home

2. All traffic except emergency vehicles must stop.

3. Don’t use the telephone during the blackout.

Governor Ralph Carr endorses universal Bible Sunday.

Inauguration Ball Canceled As War Measure

Denver cancellation of the ball for newly elected state officials because of the war conditions has been announced. Instead, a small reception will be held in the governor’s office after simple inauguration ceremonies where officials take their oath of office.

Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.