100 years ago: “This week’s Leslie’s Weekly contains an excellent picture of Dr. J. Walter Fewkes and wife. Fewkes’ work at Mesa Verde ruins is spoken of in a highly complementary article accompanying the picture. The photograph and the accompanying mention of Fewkes’ work at Mesa Verde will do much to advertise the wonders of the ruins.”
50 years ago: Silverton – “Tommy Lovato, 27, of Silverton was killed in the American Tunnel of old Shenandoah Dives (now Standard Metals) mine when an ore chute gave way. Lovato was running the gate when the chute, a new one weakened by water, gave way. Mine crews worked until nearly midnight to extricate the body. Many volunteer workers were on hand to help but were not allowed to go the two miles into the mine where the cave-in occurred.”
25 years ago: “A stone chimney is the solitary remnant of the historic At Last Ranch farmhouse east of Pagosa Springs after being destroyed by fire. Owner Betty Feazel, 74, awoke to the buzzing of a smoke detector and managed to escape the burning house in her bathrobe. Forced to leave behind her purse, the family’s library accumulated over several generations and countless heirlooms, she ran barefoot 500 yards through the snow to the safety of her son David’s house. ... A portion of the structure was built in 1923 as a ‘temporary summer home’ by her parents, Lucy S. and Earl H. Turner, a year after they bought the 860-acre ranch.”
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
