100 years ago: “On July 4, 1912, we shivered in a temperature of 42 degrees. Snow fell within five miles of town. July 4 the thermometer showed a temperature of 88 in the warmest part of the day. Evidence that variety even in weather conditions is never found wanted in this part of the world.”

75 years ago: An advertisement for Farmers Supply Co. read, “SWAP poor hens for good feed! Hens that stop laying in July and August are short-time layers. You can’t make money on them – but you can swap them for Purina Laying Chows or Purina Growing Chows. We’ll cull your flock free.”

50 years ago: “In a year already marked with many broken records, the Denver and Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge to Silverton will do it again. Two trains, for the first time in narrow gauge history, will make the spectacular run to Silverton. The first train will leave on time – carrying seven cars, the second about 20 minutes later, carrying eight.”

25 years ago: “An estimated 3,000 people turned out to watch Durango’s 35 minutes of fireworks, featuring 37 ground and aerial displays, put on by the American Legion.”

Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not have been verified.