75 years ago: “Durango’s own Sun Valley complete with toboggan slide, ski course, tow-back and hot dog dispensary attracts many winter sports enthusiasts. Durango’s course lies 22 miles north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550.”

50 years ago: PAGOSA SPRINGS – “Ron Hudspeth, of San Juan Lumber Co., has announced plans to reopen and expand the mill at Pagosa Springs. … Hudspeth said he hopes to have the mill going on a one-shift basis by March 1, and on a two shift basis by April 10, depending on weather.”

25 years ago: “Ground breaking for the Animas-La Plata Project is tentatively set for May 5. Preparations began for a ceremony to mark the official start of the $380 million project to build a dam and reservoir just southwest of Durango.”

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