75 years ago: “There’s no doubt about it. The 1940 Spanish Trails Fiesta, set for Aug. 10-11, will surpass the other five editions of the Fiesta when it comes to down right entertainment spiced with thrills.”

50 years ago: “The bucking stock provided by Edker H. Wilson, rodeo stock producer from Sanford, has arrived and is resting up for the 28th annual Spanish Trails Fiesta rodeo. The animals appear gentle enough. However, when the big brutes charge out of the bucking chutes they will be anything but gentle.”

25 years ago: “The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado will celebrate its first birthday with a dinner meeting. … Region 9 assists with economic development projects in La Plata, San Juan, Dolores, Montezuma and Archuleta counties. It also administers a revolving loan fund for businesses, manages the Enterprise Zone tax-credit program and promotes marketing efforts.”

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