100 years ago: “J.H. Slattery of Silverton was homeward bound last night after spending the winter on the Pacific coast. He is interested in the lease on the Gold King and other large properties and plans a very active mining campaign during the summer and fall months.”

75 years ago: “The San Juan Basin Archaeological Society and friends gathered for a picnic on Reservoir Hill Tuesday night. The pungency of steaming chili, cooked over an open fire, filled the air and tempted from afar the appetite of those who came to enjoy the pioneer supper and final round of the current season.”

50 years ago: “O.L. Burgess dedicated a wreath for the American Legion and VFW Memorial Day services held on the Animas bridge yesterday. Color guard and firing squad units were present for ceremonies at the Animas bridge, city hall, and Greenmount cemetery. Dr. Kenneth Eubanks, dean of Fort Lewis College faculty, delivered an address honoring the dead at Greenmount Cemetery.”

25 years ago: “Excited residents of south Durango began organizing a neighborhood association Wednesday night after a two-and-a-half-hour airing of concerns with city officials. Almost 60 women, men and children of different ages and races attended the meeting to discuss 18 issues ranging from trashy alleys to noisy car stereos.”

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