Wars in Europe and in Asia as the Axis powers – Germany, Italy and Japan – attacked their neighbors were being fought on several fronts against England, Russia and China. The world seemed to be falling apart.
Not since World War I back in the early 1900s had there been so much fighting. After all, had not that been described as the war to end all wars, when the United States joined the fray in April 1917?
Isolationist Americans blamed decadent Europe for the troubles back then. And there were some, even in isolated Durango far from any military theaters, who felt that to be true now. One big difference came in 1941: They could turn on their radios and listen to Edward R. Murrow broadcast from London, while bombs were dropping and the air raid sirens were wailing.
HHH
Herald Democrat, Nov. 1, 1941
Garden Club is sponsoring city beautification. Planting is beginning this week. As the initial step in the Durango Club plans for the beautification of Durango through the planting of trees and shrubs in various areas and along the streets and highways will be undertaken.
HHH
Next week, trees and shrubs will be planted along the western side of the highway.
HHH
Work on the Silverton road discontinued
Lowdermilk Brothers have the contract on the highway to Silverton. They have been forced to abandon the road-building operations this fall because of unstable ground conditions. Constant rains this fall have made it impossible to work.
HHH
Congressman Danes issued a timely warning when in sending to the attorney general a list of 1,124 red supporters now on the federal payroll.
HHH
Old Fashion Revival Charles Fuller Director
Old hymns and general preaching
Sunday KIUP at 1:00
HHH
Nov. 2
Four Basin Auto Crackups Over the Weekend Cost Heavily
Intersection crash injures two in Durango
Two McPhee men sentenced after accident (McPhee was a lumber camp north of Cortez)
Auto wrecked by collision with horse
Four injured as car crashed into big tree
HHH
The Green Bay Packers defeat the proud Bears in big upset, 16-14
Monday morning quarterbacks are massaging their dandruff over the beating the Green Bay boys handed the Chicago Bears. The Bears recently crushed Washington, 73-0.
HHH
Hunters, do you need tents, tarp, bed sheets, horse blankets, etc? See the Farmers Supply Company.
HHH
Only Durango and Grand Junction have Western Slope radio stations. Both broadcast with 250 watts power.
HHH
There are too many wet-nosed kids with smart-aleck complexes driving high-powered cars around. Likewise, some of the old fellows in the dotage stage constitute at least a minor menace to traffic.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
