100 years ago: “A marvelous invention, which hydraulic, irrigation, power and sewage experts declare is certain to revolutionize pumping of all kinds all over the world, has been perfected in Durango and the pumps will be built in the Ball foundry here and shipped to all points. The name of the device is the Ervin pump. It was invented by Valney Ervin, a young man of Coeur d’Alenes in northern Idaho and now a resident of this city.”
75 years ago: “Since the annual San Juan District meeting of Boy Scouts of America, a great impetus has been given to scouting in Durango and other San Juan Basin towns.”
50 years ago: “The Durango district of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women sponsored an afternoon of recollection at St. Columba Church. Over 100 women from Pagosa Springs, Ignacio, Dolores, Mancos, Cortez and both Sacred Heart Parish and St. Columba in Durango heard Farther Edward W. Wichmann give three talks during the afternoon. Sister Mary Carla, read a series of spiritual messages. The rest of the afternoon was spent in mediation and prayer.”
25 years ago: An advertisement for Americana Beauty College, 730 South Camino del Rio, read, “Cosmetology a career you can live with forever! Classes now forming.”
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
