100 years ago: “Financially, the Colorado-New Mexico Fair this year was much more successful than last year. The aeroplane last year cost a pile of money which was not present this year. The gate receipts this year totaled $3,068.25.”

75 years ago: “A civil defense council was organized in Durango in a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. The council will be similar to those already formed in a number of larger cities throughout the nation. It is organized solely for the purpose of making a survey of the resources in this territory – Durango and its environs – that are in any way vital to American defense.”

50 years ago: “Everyone at the Herald agrees that Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pearce should name their new baby girl, Heraldene, as she was born on the Herald’s dedication day Oct. 8 and Pearce is a member of the Herald’s advertising staff. However, the Pearces feel different, and the little girl will grow up with a much more common name, even though she is unnamed as yet.”

25 years ago: “The Durango Fire Department’s responsibilities have increased 10 times, but the city has added no firefighters to the force in the last decade. Chief Mike Dunaway asked the City Council to fund three new firefighters in 1991 at a cost of $60,000.”

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