100 years ago: “An interesting summary is in prospect for James Arthur Pulliam, Jr. who plans, after visiting here with his parents a few days after the close of the term at the University of Colorado, to join the government’s military instruction camp near the Presidio at San Francisco. The camp will be one of four established in the U.S. The object is to give the young men of the country opportunity for a short course in military training, the better to fit them to discharge their military duty should their country ever stand the need of their services.”

75 years ago: “Survey work and test drilling for bridge sites are being done along Lightner and Wildcat creeks in preparation for the new highway job which will be begun some time this summer and fall. It was recently announced, $80,000 has been allotted by the state highway department for straightening and rebuilding the present Wildcat Canyon Road.”

50 years ago: “‘We’ll have equipment here this week to move a plate of dirt and rock on top of this tailings pile,’ Page Edwards, general manager of western mines for Vandium Corporation of America said. Gusty winds this past week have caused tailings to blow over the area, despite the fact the company waters them down with a sprinkling system, drawing water from the Animas. Edwards explained that what made the situation particularly bad was that the 25 horsepower pump, used to power the operation, was broken down. Winds were strong and a number of residents complained, prompting Chamber of Commerce president Dr. Chester Wigton to send telegrams of protest to atomic energy officials both in Denver and Washington and to state public health officials as well as Edwards. Dr. Wigton raised the spectre of radioactivity in the blowing tailings.”

25 years ago: “It’s little consolation to Animas-La Plata Project supporters, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did determine that the project won’t hurt bald eagles. The same study that could scuttle the project because of its effect on squawfish says that the Animas-La Plata ‘is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the bald eagle.’”

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