100 years ago: “Every mining camp in the state reports increased activity, and it is only a question of time until the improved oil flotation process will have worked wonders for the mining industry.”

75 years ago: “Fourteen inches of new snow over a foot of old snow drew several Durango skiers to Wolf Creek, where weather conditions were reported unpleasant but skiing fairly good.”

50 years ago: “The trustees of the Durango Public Library board airmailed their application for $75,000 in federal matching funds to help finance the proposed $173,109 remodeling and building program. They did so after being assured by State Librarian Gordon Bennett that Durango had a high priority for sharing in the more than $300,000 available to Colorado libraries this coming year and that approval was likely.”

25 years ago: “A Durango unit of the Colorado National Guard has been placed on alert for a possible call-up to Saudi Arabia. ... Herald files indicate that fewer than 100 guardsmen form the 1st Detachment of the 928th Medical Company of Durango. The unit is trained in medical treatment and evacuation.”

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