In July 1909, Durango and the United States were at peace and prosperous. The Civil War had nearly faded into the past, and the recent Spanish American War had given the country an empire. Energetic and enthusiastic former President Theodore Roosevelt was on a world tour and having a “bully of a good time,” according to the press. Times were good in Durango, better than they had been in years.
UUU
Durango Democrat July 2, 1909
The Oro Fino mining district should attract both capital home development this year. That is the banner La Plata producer of yellow metal – coined and blowed – circulated and not.
UUU
Meadow and vegetable and the range owned by J.M. Crawford, the pioneer of that section (south of Hay Gulch). He came into the country on foot and can now retire to the quiet, lazy life. Go out to Hay Gulch and look over the ranches.
UUU
The Tiffany country is going to be the granary and general farming section of La Plata County. The meadows, orchards and fields will all be in an hour’s drive of the Denver & Rio Grande and hang up against the summer ranges.
UUU
The big ball game comes off next Sunday between Aztec and Durango teams at the fairgrounds. The last time the Aztecs were up here the score resulted 1 to 0 in favor of Durango.
UUU
July 4
The Democrat was advised late last night that there will be no parade tomorrow morning. The GAR comm. fear it will be too hot for the old vets. The band concert will be given on Main street as advertised.
UUU
July 6
Everyone who went to the ball park
yesterday had a splendid time, even the ball was greater than Solomon ever thought of being. Durango won, the games standing 11 to 7. In the evening at the corner of 13th Street and Second Avenue there was a grand display of fireworks, which was enjoyed by old and young. Not an accident was reported to mar the day and all seemed well pleased with the celebration.
UUU
The picnic at Brookside caught many who enjoyed an old fashion way of enjoying a meal, and there were many lavish and abundant.
UUU
Why not buy a new flag for the courthouse. The one flaunted to the breeze yesterday would make an Englishman think this was a divided country.
UUU
It was a glorious shower upon a glorious anniversary that upon Sunday fell upon a glorious soil – an “old flag.”
UUU
One thing is as sure as shooting and that is if you want a state normal school in this part of the moral vineyard, you’ve got to get a move on you. Don’t wait until the legislature convenes and then go at it with a half idiotic method, but commence now.
Durango Wage Earner July 8, 1909
Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
