100 years ago: “The opening of the Exchange and ladies’ rest rooms by a ‘house warming’ party was a decided success from every point of view. The crowd was large, and the entertainment provided was thoroughly appreciated.”
75 years ago: “That out of town people coming to the Fiesta expect a crowd is indicated by comment by Strater Hotel officials. All rooms with baths have been reserved for the Fiesta weekend, and the reservations are still coming in.”
50 years ago: “Lt. Joe Relihan of the Colorado State Patrol says he has investigated every rumor that Hell’s Angels may be planning a visit to Durango, and hasn’t found confirmation of any of them. Rumors have floated throughout the area that the California motorcycle band plans a summer visit to Southwest Colorado. ... Lt. Relihan said all law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal with any trouble, should it occur.”
25 years ago: “As of Monday it will be illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, sell or consume alcohol in the state of Colorado. The law, enacted in 1987, has been phasing in the new drinking age a year at a time for the past three years. That meant, until now, persons born after July 30, 1987, legally could continue to drink alcoholic beverages containing no more than 3.2 percent alcohol. After bills proposing an increase in the legal drinking age failed in the Colorado Legislature in 1984, 1985, and 1986, the federal government finally forced the state’s hand. If the Legislature had not adopted the 21-year-old drinking law, the federal government would have imposed a penalty of $18 million a year in federal highway funds.”
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
