Walsenburg
1901: The engineers boring for oil at the Roof and Houser prospect near the Lewis place north of Walsenburg accidentally caused an explosion with losses estimated at about $5,000.
1907: Fred Klein had the building he just purchased on Main Street moved to the rear of the lot and will build a new brick one for his confectionery and use the old one for baking.
1914: Walsenburg bachelors should attend the evening sermon at the Presbyterian Church, entitled “It is not good that the man should be alone”.
1921: Dr. P.G. Mathews and Dr. S.J. Greear have swapped offices, with the former now located downstairs and the latter upstairs in the Kearns block.
1928: Frank Kafka’s orchestra will furnish the music for the Polish lodge Z.N.P. dance in Maccabee Hall.
1934: The Huerfano County sheep growers have reorganized the Huerfano County Wool Growers association with George Neibuhr, president; Max Vigil, vice president and J.C. Pritchard, secretary and treasurer.
1940: The name of Dr. James M. Lamme, Jr., was confirmed yesterday by Gov. Ralph L. Carr as medical examiner for the Huerfano County draft board.
1946: The O.P.A. yesterday removed price ceilings on all foods and drinks sold in restaurants and lifted controls off everything except sugar and rice.
1952: Now showing: Abbott and Costello in “Lost in Alaska”, Errol Flynn and Ruth Roman in “Mara Maru”, plus a Pluto cartoon and the Fox News.
1958: Barbara Neeman was crowned Homecoming Queen at St. Mary High School by Billy Vigil, King. Her attendants were Annette Vallejo and Charlene Ugolini.
1964: Thirty-two young people were questioned by authorities after a raid on the abandoned Walsen school revealed a break in, theft and underage drinking.
1970: The Teen-Aids had a Halloween costume party Oct. 21 in Elks Lounge. Winners were Charlene Quirico, first, Dolores Gomez, second and Bonnie Ferkovich, third.
1976: Huerfano County District Hospital Board will ask voters to approve a $535,000 general obligation bond to become eligible for an F.H.A. loan to build a 60-bed skilled nursing care facility.
1982: Saturday, Oct. 30 will be the Great Pumpkin Day in Walsenburg with a parade for students from kindergarten through fifth grade beginning at 11 a.m.
1988: Huerfano County Farm Bureau sponsored an organizational meeting of a local Crime Stoppers with John McNabb being elected president, Jack Stroh, vice president and Mary Alice Corsentino, secretary and treasurer.
1994: After serving with the Walsenburg Police Department 24 years and as chief for 18 years, Toby Vigil was honored at a retirement party by about 200 guests.
La Veta
1889: F.A. “Berry” Moore resigned his position as La Veta postmaster and M.T. Hills has been appointed in his stead.
1902: Next week is Hallowe’en. It is well to bear the date in mind so as not to leave any vehicles standing around outside. See that your roof is inaccessible and put a good, large firecracker under your front gate with the fuse attached.
1908: George A. Edmonston of Walsenburg has purchased John P. Stranger’s stock of goods and is leasing the Stranger building, hall and residence.
1913: Eugene S. Vories and Ruby L. Capps were married at the home of the bride’s parents on east Francisco Street.
1919: A basket social and play is to be given at the Echo Canon schoolhouse this evening under the auspices of the teacher, Miss Frieda Firm.
1924: La Veta’s doubles team of Harrison and Henderson won the Huerfano County tennis championship over Walsenburg.
1930: Don’t try the new Blue Lakes road unless you are an expert at backing down a heavy, twisting, narrow grade for a mile; the road is about one half completed.
1936: R.B. Linscott and Tom Wheeler are building a new barn for H.A. Howard on the hill behind the high school.
1942: The local news is lacking this week and will be next week too to make room for the political candidates stories and qualifications.
1948: Tuesday Night Study Club had its annual masquerade and Halloween party at the home of Miss Connie Ghiardi with a treasure hunt.
1954: Tuesday Night Study Club, instead of having its regular Halloween party, drove up La Veta Pass for a delicious fried chicken dinner at Lone Pine Inn. Fourteen members were present.
1960: Helen Weir, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert “Buddy” Weir, was chosen Homecoming Queen Friday and was attended by Cleatrice Miller, both seniors.
1966: Lorraine Prator and Melvin Schulz will participate in the 12th annual Colorado All State High School Choir and Madrigal Festival.
1972: Juniors on the first six weeks honor roll are Shirlee Engleman, Karen Quintana, Janice Riggins, Jon Keeling, Beth Pene, Nola Long, Lane Drury, Steve Aguirre, Kurt Boyer and Rodney Falk.
1978: Melissa Combes was crowned Homecoming Queen Friday afternoon by football team co-captain Jay Mayo.
1984: Bubby Morgan hit the magic 1,000 yards rushing during Friday’s victory over Mountain Valley, 50-18.
1990: Our former writer of the Up the Valley column, Sara Murphy of La Veta, is now director of the Carnegie Public Library in Trinidad where she began work Oct. 1.
