50 years ago: “Santa Claus arrived by helicopter on the lawn of Durango High School. The helicopter spun to Earth, Santa jumped out, and the big mechanized bird took off again in a swirl of snow and leaves. Santa made his way through the throng of kids and parents and hopped aboard the old Rotary fire truck to tour Main Avenue and wave to spectators along the curbs.”

25 years ago: “The prayers of local skiers have been answered – Purgatory Ski Resort is planning to open. Purgatory received 17 inches of snow bringing the base measurement to 31 inches. Purgatory will also continue with snow making to supplement Mother Nature’s efforts.”

Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.