100 years ago: The Durango Democrat interviewed Bill Wilson, “the genial cracker man,” who was a famous motorcycle rider. When asked about his most thrilling experience, he said: “As you remember, I made the trip along the very summit of the range and strange to say, the most thrilling experience was right in this region. When approaching Durango, having accumulated considerable momentum after leaving Silverton, I attempted a spiral glide from Needleton mountain to Perins Peak. You are aware that this feat requires considerable skill. I attempted to do it in two jumps. Unluckily, in the middle of the second jump I struck a hot-air balloon. The sudden rise in temperature caused the gas tank to explode. You may imagine my sensations alone with an explosion in mid-air between two peaks. As it happened, however, there was a small petrified forest beneath me, and the attraction of gravity had also become petrified in that immediate vicinity so I remained suspended in the ether until a forest ranger down at Pinkerton saw me and threw me a rope and towed me and the machine back to terra cotta.”
75 years ago: “Quietly and without fanfare,” the financial resources of the Rocky Mountain region were being mobilized for the successful prosecution of the war against the Axis.
50 years ago: Thompson Park campground, located along U.S. Highway 160 between Durango and Cortez, announced it was open to the public. The description, packed with adjectives, said, “Shady campsites among tall spruce trees offer the feel of deep woods and the pleasure of cool mountain camping to the weary traveler.”
25 years ago: The FBI confirmed that an investigation was underway of an extortionate threat made against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge and the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association. Someone close to The Durango Herald was told that an unidentified extortionist planned to “shoot up” the train unless the resort association paid a sum of $450,000.
Most items in this column are taken from The Durango Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
