100 years ago: “The long-lost goat of Bruce Barnard, storekeeper at the Navajo agency store in Shiprock, N.M., has at last been traced to his secret lair. This snow-white baby goat has won national fame within the last two months. It is even claimed that this is the very creature which made Bill Shakespeare exclaim, ‘Thou damned and luxurious mountain goat!’”
75 YEARS AGO: “Line drawn in battle against bubonic plague: Discovery of eight cases of bubonic plague among squirrels and woodchucks has led the Colorado Board of Health to declare the nation is ripe for an epidemic. Once the plague gets among eastern rats, an epidemic is likely, according to the Board. Officials plan to combat the disease by exterminating all rats in the area of Montrose and improving town garbage collection and disposal systems.”
50 YEARS AGO: “There was a time when time was free. And now it begins to be a priceless or an unknown commodity. Remember the days of our youth when summertime meant leisure time? Well, not so now! Free time is lost in the confusion of little league, 4-H, church school, summer camp, summer school, swimming lessons, a potluck here and a meeting there. It is our obligation as parents to help our children choose from the fine smörgåsbord of planned activities, to ensure there will still be free time, and that one of life’s dearest freedoms will not have vanished after all.”
25 YEARS AGO: “Durango Police and La Plata County Sheriff: 10:06 a.m. – Bird in chimney at 312 Hillcrest Drive. Resident advised to call a chimney sweep. 12:18 p.m. – Dog killed duck on the 3000 block of County Road 203. Dog owner given verbal warning. 2:18 p.m. – Woman reportedly changed her shirt in full view of several construction workers near the intersection of 10th Street and East Third Ave. Reported as indecent exposure. Woman could not be located.”
Most items in this column are taken from The Durango Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and the Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
