75 years ago: “The new 40-room fireproof addition to the Strater Hotel was opened for occupancy. Only the first floor has been completely furnished and filled with guests, but the second floor will be ready within a week, and 32 of the 40 rooms will be thrown open in the immediate future.”

50 years ago: “A few suds and five dead fish were the results of pouring detergent into the fountain in front of City Hall. The five trout in the fountain, ranging in length from 18 to 24 inches, were all dead this morning from the result of dumping two bottles of detergent into the water.”

25 years ago: “The San Juan National Forest Service ordered a fire ban that will limit campfires, charcoal grills and cigarette smoking in the woods. Hot, dry windy weather causing an ‘extremely high’ fire danger designation in the forest prompted area officials to take action.”

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