100 years ago: An advertisement read: “Durango Drug Company. Libby’s cold tablets. Good for grippe, influenza, bone-ache and general colds. Navajo rugs from the reservation $1 per pound.”
75 years ago: “Sixty-two aliens have registered at the Durango post office; 10 of them this week complying with the government’s requirements. ... Nearly an hour and the time of two men is required to register an alien. When the Christmas rush is on, it is going to be a difficult job to handle the regular business of the post office and registrations.”
50 years ago: “School District 9-R has begun a study to determine where concentrations of economically disadvantaged children exist in the district as a prelude to participation in the Elementary Secondary Act of 1965. District 9-R is entitled to $119,236.05 under the act. ... Title I is designed to help local school districts broaden and strengthen public school programs where there are concentrations of disadvantaged children. The money can be used to hire additional staff, construct facilities and acquire equipment.”
25 years ago: “Design approval for a proposed factory-outlet shopping mall on the old City Market property at 14th Street and Main Avenue would be ‘miraculous.’ ... If the Design Review Board votes down the project, the City Council will discuss a possible appeal. The dispute is over developer Southwest Associates’ plans for an Old West-theme design. City design standards prohibit thematic designs that might be confused with historic buildings. However, Southwest Associates – Bob Colgan, Jim Jackson and Gary Hammons – who own the property, contend their clients want an Old West theme, and that Durango attracts tourists by marketing the theme.”
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
