The “Roaring” Twenties mildly roared in Durango. There were a few bootleggers and stills in and around the town and county, but Southwest Colorado was a long way from the urban markets. The community though was not so isolated as to not reflect the changing times.
Men were upset back in May 1917 when the Barber’s Union advanced the price of a shave to 25 cents and a haircut to 50 cents. As the Durango Weekly Democrat noted: “It’s a hell we can’t lay in a supply before the advance goes into effect.” Then the same paper advocated “taking pride in your home town.” It asked, “have you cut your weeds. Durango, we are sorry to state, looks ragged in many spots.”
Locals also became upset about a raise in water rates. “If there is one thing Durango should have is cheap water.” During the past “two years taxpayers have been gouged five additional mills of city tax levy.” This “is detrimental to the town.”
They were pleased, however, when the Denver newspapers “devoted three full pages to the ‘highways and beauty spots of the San Juan Basin.’” The two large signs in Gallup directing “travel to Mesa Verde Park and call attention to the good fishing in the Basin” also drew praise. The overland Auto Park in Denver further had an “exhibit of pictures of La Plata, Montezuma and Dolores counties.” It particularly called attention of the agricultural products, and coal and oil production.
However, when the Denver & Rio Grande published a guidebook with no mention of Durango, tempers rose. This was particularly true when it mentioned Montrose, Delta, Grand Junction and other communities and discussed among other things “the advantages of living there.” Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce pushed to have local railroad rates reduced and money to “improve Wolf Creek Pass.” They also worked with the county officials on improving highways and matters relating to travel. Tourism was playing an active role in the future plans of some of Durango’s “movers and shakers.”
The group also published a four-page pamphlet to “boast the Colorful San Juan – Enchanting Vacationland.” The goal was simple:
“It is our hope to serve you and Durango, to attract more tourists to our basin, to obtain better roads, to encourage more friendly relations between the cities of the San Juan and to make Durango a better place in which to live.”
The future seemed bright and promising as the Twenties rolled along.
Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
