By April 1944, Durangoans could relax a little about the war’s outcome. News, censured as it was, definitely had taken a positive turn on all fronts. Republicans thought so also, as their hopes rose for the upcoming presidential election. Allied forces were on the march on all fronts.
President Franklin Roosevelt, meanwhile, would take the unprecedented step of running for a fourth term. The last time a Republican presidential candidate had won was back in 1928, which seemed a long time ago to many Americans who had gone through the Depression and three years of war.
The Republican Party will win a sweeping victory in the 1944 presidential election said the Republican National representative from Colorado.
Oranges 5 pounds 51 cents fresh peas pound 18 cents sliced bacon 40 cents pound coffee 15 to 20 cents pound pork roasts 31 cents pound
Two local young women have joined the United States Naval Reserve
A list of the local boys who finished boot training [included in the same article]
It really wouldn’t be appropriate to ignore the weather much longer. Besides that system has been tried and proved ineffectual. Durango with other parts of the Rocky Mountain states is in the throes of a late winter, or early spring snowstorm. It isn’t very cold but plenty wet.
90 Australian War Brides arrive
See no probable ban on pleasure driving this year
The wind leveled three buildings in Bayfield.
Durango avowedly one of the best places in the United State to live (weatherman please note) has also been officially acclaimed as one of the safest.
The chief of police has received a plaque from the National Safety Council announcing Durango’s place in the nation’s safety honor roll for its record of no traffic fatalities during the past year.
War Bond drives, scrap drives and victory gardens continue to be regular features in Durangoans’ lives by the end of summer 1944. The people had become somewhat adjusted to permanent daylight-saving time and the Herald Democrat being full of war news, with local news and events taking second place,except for items about men and women in the service. It was still a mystery as to what was taking place across the river at the smelter, but rumors were swirling around town. On the war front, events continued to take favorable turns on both the European and Pacific fronts, while politics went on as usual, this being a presidential election year.
U.S. Vanadium to reopen the work of putting the plant into shape to resume operation by October 1 has already begun plant at Durango Smelter. This is good news for Durango.
Congressmen have adjourned to repair political fences.
[Ad] Durango Natural Gas in the house that gas run precision cooking and refrigeration are easier. New gas refrigeration will keep more foods fresher longer. Remember the soldiers at Christmas and send greetings and a small gift.
Demons Trounce Tigers [Aztec] in Season’s Opener
Amid the swirling dust of Memorial Field the Durango Demons emerged victorious. Bikes off ration list says OPA [Office of Price Administration]
What about Christmas Cards? Have you ordered yours for those boys and girls in service? Their Christmas cards must be sent soon.
Republican presidential candidate New York governor Thomas Dewey welcomes the chance to answer President Roosevelt tonight.
The War Production Board allows synthetic rubber to be used to make golf balls.
Two Nazi prisoners of war were caught in Arizona. They made a bid for freedom by jumping from a moving train but are now back in custody.
New York Bakery Now is the time to mail overseas. A delicious Dutch fruit cake can be mailed anywhere and it will retain its goodness.
War News
Japs report new air raid on Iwo Jima
American Third Army wins strategic high ground five miles from Metz [France] American tanks break thru Siegfried line and begin drive toward Cologne
Allied sea and air invasion of Greece virtually unopposed
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.