100 years ago: “It is reported that there are now at Silverton waiting to be shipped, at least 600 cars of ore, destined for the local smelter. This ore is the result of winter working, and comprises about 400 cars from one property and 200 from another. The movement of ore will begin in a few days.”

75 years ago: “Al Barnett has bought Homer Ford’s interest in the San Juan Motor Company, and now is the sole owner of that business.”

50 years ago: “The Animas River, swelled by the reddish-brown runoff from Hermosa Creek, rose more than 6 inches between 8 a.m. Wednesday and this morning, to within 5 or 6 inches of rated flood stage, The official reading was 5.57 feet, a rise of 0.54 foot in 24 hours. Flood stage at the Western Colorado Power Co. plant at 15th Street is pegged at 6 feet.”

25 years ago: “Although anything but glamorous Sheriff Bill Gardner’s rescue of a local man from the pit of a campground outhouse is proving to be fortuitous to his re-election campaign. Gardner received a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition at a press conference from Rep. Ben Nighthorse-Campbell (sic). The certificate recognizes Gardner for his ‘exceptional valor, courage and compassion beyond the call of duty.’ ... It’s still a mystery how the man got in the predicament in the first place.”

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