And the West is History

“This is the new little orange and black locomotive, which will be used as a switch engine in the D&RGW yards in Durango, thus saving the old steam locomotives for their runs to Silverton, pulling passenger coaches in the summer, and to Alamosa, and pulling freight. The engine came from Oregon where it originally was a working locomotive on the Sumter Valley Railroad and later was used as a lumber company engine.” The photo appeared in a February 1964 Herald.

Durango Herald file photo

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“This is the new little orange and black locomotive, which will be used as a switch engine in the D&RGW yards in Durango, thus saving the old steam locomotives for their runs to Silverton, pulling passenger coaches in the summer, and to Alamosa, and pulling freight. The engine came from Oregon where it originally was a working locomotive on the Sumter Valley Railroad and later was used as a lumber company engine.” The photo appeared in a February 1964 Herald.

Durango Herald file photo

100 years ago: “‘Bob’ Mason, of Sunnyside, who recently broke a rib in a friendly wrestling match, was in town to have a doctor wrap him up in adhesive tape.”

75 years ago: “All five members of the present city council filed the required number of nomination petitions, plus acceptances of nominations as the first move in seeking re-election to the offices they now hold.”

50 years ago: “A mother’s march in support of public kindergartens is to take place. Under the leadership of Mrs. John Littlefield about 300 petitions, each with space for 20 signatures, will be circulated.”

25 years ago: “Work will begin to install 85 historical streetlights through downtown Durango. The streetlights will stretch along Main Avenue from Sixth Street to 13th Street.”

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