50 Years ago: “Are your knee-caps sore? Do you suffer from chronic raw throats? If so, you are probably afflicted with “Froshitis,” otherwise known as freshmen initiation. You can recognize the freshmen by their handsome (?) blue and gold beanies, the tons of matches they carry, and the look of constant terror in their eyes. A frosh’s typical day includes everything from lighting the upperclassmen’s cigarettes to doing a snake dance to that old classic, “Jingle Bells.”

25 Years ago: “The future of government in La Plata County is hanging on the outcome of the Oct. 8 special election, in which voters will accept or reject the proposed home rule charter. If accepted, La Plata County will become the third county in the state to adopt a home rule charter, joining Weld and Pitkin counties.”

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