100 years ago: SILVERTON – “If current reports are true, several of the large mines of the county, most of which were formerly among our heaviest shippers, but because of litigation or internal differences, have been idle for years, will resume operations at an early day and before the season is well advanced will be once more supplying their quota to our annual output.”

75 years ago: “Dorothy May Jackson, former Durango music teacher; and now music instructor in the Aztec, New Mexico public schools is bringing her harmonica band of fourth-grade boys and girls to Durango and they will participate in the regular program at the Kiva Theater.”

50 years ago: “Fort Lewis College will offer a special computer institute for the residents of the greater San Juan Basin. The program will be oriented toward business and economics and will run for four weeks. ... The Control Data G-15 computer will be utilized.”

25 years ago: “Lillian Demarest has outlived her life insurance policy. The Prudential insurance policy Demarest’s parents took out on her 91 years ago makes her the oldest policy holder in the state of Colorado. Demarest, 92, of Durango, won a contest sponsored by the Colorado Association of Life Underwriters in search of the oldest life insurance policy holder in the state. She was awarded a check for $250 and a bouquet of flowers.”

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