100 years ago: “The city schools are in some grades badly overcrowded as the result of an unusual increase in attendance. Twenty-five new pupils are reported since the first of January which with an increase of 20 during December filled many of the rooms to overflowing. The new students in a large majority of cases are coming from outside towns and the surrounding country sections.”

75 years ago: “Three Durango boys who evidently wanted to see some more of this world without going to the trouble of signing up with Uncle Sam’s navy, got as far as Pagosa Springs before their trip was interrupted.”

50 years ago: “Prior to a trial he was hearing Dist. Judge James M. Noland said as court opened, ‘The court is going to take rather an unusual action at this time. We have lost one of the greatest leaders in the world’s history. This is an appropriate time to give some proper notice to the death of Sir Winston Churchill.’ Judge Noland asked those in the courtroom, including two panels of prospective jurors, to rise and stand for a 30-second silent tribute to the former British Prime Minister.”

25 years ago: “After receiving almost $600,000 from property taxes, La Plata Community Hospital lost more than $200,000 for fiscal year 1989, according to the hospital’s financial reports. ... But community board members point out that the $201,512 loss for fiscal year 1989, which ended Dec. 31, is a $600,000 turnaround from the year before.”

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