The 1930S History La Plata I L V E S R 1994 2019 2years E N D I T I O

SNAPSHOTS IN TIME A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY May 2019 v Volume XXV History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 2 May 2019 n Volume XXV

1930s Time Traveler I am a Time Traveler. I randomly ask myself, the 1930s. You have traveled back in time and “What was it like to live back then?” Who are walking down Main Street. What was it like? doesn’t ask that question? What would it be How did they make a living? What did they do like in the first century, the 500s, the 1500s for fun, learning or travel? How did they survive or even 1876 or the 1930s? How about the the depression? There must have been good 1930s? Now that was an interesting decade. times along with working several jobs just to get We have overcome WWI and the flu pandemic. food on the table and a roof over their heads. The economy has had its ups and downs and In the following pages, you will get a glimpse of now the world is finding its own way. But it is the life and times in the 1930s through the lenses difficult to see all the pieces of the world at one of our writers. As you read the feature stories time. We need to focus. Let us narrow it down ask yourself, “Could I have lived like that?” to La Plata County in the 1930s. I hope you enjoy this year’s edition and feel Where would I go to find out about the 1930s free to stop by the Animas Museum to ask about in La Plata County? I suggest we ask around the days gone by. I bet we have answers to and talk to some experienced people. Go to a many of your questions or we can find them for museum, a library, the internet or we can find you. Happy reading my fellow Time Travelers. enlightenment through a publication like the one you are now reading. By Jeff Hutchinson This image of downtown Durango in the 1930s was originally taken as a So, let’s set the stage for the Durango area in Director, Animas Museum Sanborn postcard. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

Board of Directors Meet the animas museum staff Visit the Animas Museum Jeremy Foote - president NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HISTORIC PLACES George Johnson - vice president Museum Hours Caroline Kinser - treasurer 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat. Sandy Jones - secretary (May – October) Cheryl Bryant 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues. - Sat. (November – April) R. Michael Bell Charles DiFerdinando The Museum is located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue Jeff Johnson in Durango, Colorado Joy Martin 970-259-2402 Paul Root Jeff Hutchinson- director Amber Lark- collections manager email [email protected] Duane Smith - emeritus Andres Carlos- office assistant website animasmuseum.org About this Issue On the Cover: This 25th Annual Silver Edition issue was produced by La Plata Springtime in Animas City. Awe… to be young challenges. The 30s were a trying time for many County Historical Society volunteer researchers and writers. The again. Two smiling teens enjoy roller skating but the era also strengthened the community and 1930s were a time of change and strife for many. History books down the sidewalks around Animas City while the citizens who proudly call La Plata County home. and literature allowed us to travel back to the 30s as some of us two young men take a peek. This scene could be Our mission is to keep La Plata County were just youngsters during this time. Also, several of our writers played out in nearly every neighborhood around history and culture alive for present and future are professionals who have researched their stories throughout the world. Today, roller skating is just as popular generations. We strengthen this mission through their career. No doubt, La Plata County is filled with talented and as it was in the 1930s although technology has the professional efforts at the Animas Museum and caring individuals who truly have a passion for the preservation significantly changed. collaborations with partnerships throughout the of history. We hope you enjoy reading and possibly reliving some We chose this photograph as it embodies Four Corners area and the state of Colorado. of these feature stories as we enjoyed bringing them to you. We the vitality of the area’s citizens with a touch of The cover image is from the Animas Museum are grateful to our advertisers. Please patronize these businesses the neighborhood and environment. Durango Photo Archives. Contact us at 970-259-2402 to set and thank them for their support of La Plata County’s history. has evolved along with national and financial an appointment to view our photo archives. The doors of the Animas Museum are always open for you to view the past or to play a guiding role in shaping our future.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 3 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata

the of the Life & Times Peterson House By Carolyn Bowra

n 1997 the Animas made of him a Santa Claus. Whenever in Durango and Lizzie working in a The Peterson House on the grounds of the Animas Museum in April 2019. Photo courtesy of Amber Lark. Museum acquired two he heard of a poor family he visited laundry. They had a daughter, Betty I attached structures that them and when he left the sun shone Lee, and a son, Lindy. Laurence were once the home of the Laurence and the rainbow glistened for his Peterson passed away in 1951 and former railroad building was only part and Elizabeth Peterson family. The purse string had made merry and the Elizabeth Peterson lived until 1982. of the Peterson home, the furnishings buildings were located across the world was ignorant as Jimmy McIntyre With a recent infusion of dedicated will not portray the home as the railroad tracks from the Strater Hotel never boasted…The old gentleman donations and volunteer help, the Petersons knew it but it will serve as and were facing demolition. One was honesty personified.” Museum staff has restored the former a representation of life in Durango building had been built around 1900 as While research on the occupants of railroad building. The home will be during the 1930s. Times were hard but the office for the Vulcan Foundry. The the Peterson House continues, records furnished with 1930s accessories from a sense of “we’re all in this together”, other was built in the 1880s by (or for) show Mrs. Martha Ann Griffith lived the Museum’s Education Collection making do and hard work will be the railroad. When the foundry closed in the little house until her death in and will tell the stories of La Plata reflected in this inspiring exhibit. in the 1920s the small office building 1917. When the namesake Peterson County and The Great Depression. Carolyn Bowra is a past Director of was attached to the south side of the family occupied the dwelling, it was The former Vulcan Foundry office has the Animas Museum. She continues to railroad building, enlarging the house. not only their home but the site of Mr. also been restored and will continue support the LPCHS and the Museum as a Two additional lean-to structures Peterson’s business, AllCars Wrecking to serve as storage for Museum dedicated volunteer and supporter of the completed the home, which was the and Implement Company. In addition maintenance purposes. Since the Society’s mission. Peterson residence from about 1930 to to selling John Deere agricultural 1980. The buildings were separated for implements, used cars and parts, the trip to the Museum, with the metal- they offered automotive repair, new sided foundry office finding a home and used tires, vulcanizing (treating on the southwest side of the Museum tires with sulfur and heat to improve grounds. The wooden structure was strength), batteries, battery service relocated to the southeast side, facing and lawn mower service. West 2nd Avenue. The buildings were Laurence Rupert Peterson was initially used for storage but the La born in Manassa, Colorado in 1893 Plata County Historical Society’s and moved to La Plata County with dream was to restore the house and his parents around 1906. When he open it to the public. registered for the draft in 1917, he This old railroad building was built was living in Bayfield, working as a without a foundation, allowing it to be farmer. He served in World War I with moved as needed. Among the early the 125th Field Artillery. Elizabeth residents of the home was “Old Jimmy” (Lizzie) Camp was born in Colorado McIntyre, a pumper for the railroad. on February 13, 1896. She was living Born in County Donegal in Ireland, with her family in Creede at the time Jimmy was known for his generosity. of the 1900 census but by 1910 they His 1903 obituary noted, “Many a little were living in Manassa. Laurence child will miss him around Xmas time and Elizabeth were married in as his heart was big and his love for Manassa in 1922. The 1930 census The Peterson House as it was being taken from behind the Strater Hotel on June 26, 1997. Restoration the little ones opened his purse and shows Laurence owning the garage work on the structure would continue off and on for another 20 years. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 4 May 2019 n Volume XXV

La Plata &County the Great Depression By Andrew Gulliford

In a keepsake chest I have a small hobo traded those pliers for a pound pair of lightweight balsa wood pliers. of hamburger. For my great-uncle, I should have taken better care of such kindness resulted in business them. With a wooden hinge, they were failure. He lost his butcher shop. “Use it up, wear it out, carved from a single block of wood. During the Depression Aunt Em was I only have half of the pliers, but I do forced to live in a chicken coop. know the complete story. That’s all she could afford. My great-aunt’s husband owned Almost a century later it is hard make it do or do without” a butcher shop during the Great for us to imagine the desperation Depression. Hobos came by for of millions of Americans as farm handouts. Some lonesome railroad prices plummeted, jobs evaporated, and millionaires, not used to their reduced station in life, committed suicide. Radio journalist Studs Terkel documented those stories in his book Hard Times. Thousands of able bodied men lined up for soup kitchens and bread lines. College graduates sold apples on street corners. The nation sank into isolation and despair. But despite the desperation, families forged strong ties. Neighbors came to depend upon each other and “to neighbor” became a verb. Folks owed debts, but not the kind they could pay off at the bank. They were “beholding” or rather “beholden’” to their friends and to others who had helped them out. No television. Nightly activities included listening to the radio, playing cards, and for women, always sewing, patching and replacing patches. The standard phrase was “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” Growing children needed larger The Smiley Jr. High building was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936. boots and shoes. Hardly anyone This Sanborn photo shows the school in 1939. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. bought new clothes.

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Cattlemen and sheepmen stopped herders to help with lambing and to their feuding with passage of the take sheep back into the high country Taylor Grazing Act of 1934. Third when summer came. district Colorado Congressman Poor families got “on the dole” and Edward T. Taylor had seen too much took “relief.” Agricultural markets violence and rangeland strife so slowly began to recover. Begun in the grazing legislation, named in 1940, big construction projects like his honor, turned the public range Vallecito Reservoir meant hard cash into designated allotments for for laborers. FDR’s programs both summer and winter grazing. helped immensely, but the Great Competition became cooperation. Depression did not end until after Racism, however, intensified when the December 7, 1941 when we switched economy collapsed. to a wartime economy. In April 1936, Governor “Big Ed” The generation that lived through In the 1930s, Feliciano “Chano” Montoya worked as a boy in a sheep camp. He is pictured here on horseback Johnson used the Colorado State the Depression in La Plata County (right). The Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 turned the public range into designated allotments for both summer Patrol to keep “Mexicans” out of and winter grazing for cattle and sheep. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. never forgot. They saved string, Colorado by closing the southern newspapers, cans. Years later border from Trinidad to Cortez. they were still “beholden” to their On Colorado’s Eastern Plains, the The warden took a long look at the Hispano men traveling from northern neighbors, and proud to help out. They Dust Bowl ravaged Baca, Cheyenne rancher, his frayed bib denim overalls, New Mexico were rudely, and illegally, had survived the Great Depression. and Prowers Counties. Here in La the stack of wood in his truck, and turned back. Despite pleas from They could survive anything. Plata County, farmers hunkered moist patches of soil underneath it. hungry wives that their husbands down. Ranchers resigned themselves “Okay,” the warden said. “Looks like needed work, Johnson would not to prices lower than what it cost you’d better get on home before that Andrew Gulliford is a professor of relent. Finally, sheep ranchers changed History and Environmental Studies at to raise their sheep and cattle. In woodpile bleeds to death.” the governor’s mind. It was spring Fort Lewis College. He can be reached at national forests and on public land Residents in isolated La Plata County and they desperately needed Hispano [email protected] “farmer’s season” ruled - in other found themselves desperate for federal words, poaching, particularly for deer dollars. Finally, with President Franklin buckskin, as despondent ranchers Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, waited for prices to rise. In close knit money trickled in. The Civilian La Plata County, everyone understood Conservation Corps built reservoirs, everyone else’s financial condition. stone shelters, and picnic areas like the In one Western Slope Lions Den on the ridge story a rancher in need across from Hillcrest of money cut cedar trees Golf Course. They built for fence posts. He’d The generation a stone picnic shelter trim the branches off on Reservoir Hill, which with an ax and stack the that lived became the campus for posts in his aging pickup Fort Lewis College. truck with its rotting through the Historic preservation wooden truck bed. He expert Jill Seyfarth saw a buck, shot it, and Depression in La explained to me that at knowing it was months Kline a CCC camp south away from deer season, Plata County of Hesperus worked hid the dead deer under on erosion control and SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM a pile of fence posts. never forgot. water management. A 3rd As the rancher drove CCC camp in the county towards home, sure worked on the Vallecito enough, a game warden stopped him Dam project. The county fairground on a dirt road. was a Works Progress Administration The warden asked, “Did you hear (WPA) project as was Smiley Junior EST. 1881 any shots? Did you see any poachers?” High and the library at Old Fort Lewis. DURANGOHERALD.COM/SUBSCRIBE “No sir,” the rancher said. “I’m just Helen Sloan Daniels used National trying to feed my family by cutting Youth Administration (NYA) funds for fence posts. Ain’t no money in cows or archaeological digs in what is now the 970-375-4530 woolies right now.” Crestview area in Durango.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 6 May 2019 n Volume XXV

the in La Plata County CCC By Elizabeth A. Green

he 1929 stock market employment, stability, and hope to remained in operation for seven years. Less well known, but perhaps crash was slow to impact young men between the ages of 16 and The best known landmark from their leaving a bigger impact, was the T Colorado, as is typical 25. They were given a place to live, work is an open air rock shelter known CCC camp on the Dryside, known with such broad economic swings. fed well, and paid a modest sum in as the Lion’s Den. Less recognized is a as DG-9-C. In the summer of 1935, However, within two years, a quarter exchange for working on the nation’s second shelter on the college campus, CCCers traveled 1,200 miles by train of the state’s banks had closed. public lands. Many of the buildings, adjacent to the dormitories. And seldom from Ardmore, Oklahoma, to work Agriculture took an especially hard hit, roads, campgrounds, view areas, and seen but still holding strong is rock in the camp near Red Mesa south compounded by extensive drought. other amenities we continue to enjoy work at the face of a culvert on East 8th of Hesperus. They spent weeks By the time Franklin Delano Roosevelt in our national and state parks and Avenue, just below the bus stop. beautifying the camp, including lining took office as president of the United forests were built by CCCers. Perhaps their experience in pathways with stones, and planting States in 1933, the nation’s youth faced La Plata County played host to two quarrying, dressing and setting lawns, flower gardens and trees. dim prospects for their future. “permanent” camps. The camp on what massive stones was partly responsible Local resident Hans Aspaas served Among numerous New Deal was then called Reservoir Hill (now for their move to Morrison, Colorado, as camp superintendent, overseeing programs, Roosevelt created the home to Fort Lewis College and Hillcrest where visitors to Denver Mountain their work on improving the area for Civilian Conservation Corps to provide Golf Course) opened in 1934 and Park will find similar shelters. sheep and cattle grazing. They built stock ponds, cleared roads, killed prairie dogs and eradicated noxious weeds. Among their first year projects were the approach road from Marvel to the camp, the Pinion Ridge Truck Trail, the Farmington-Mancos Truck Trail, the Mountain View Reservoir, the Boyle, Stroebel, Petty and Heather dams, and three 500-foot wells. A contingent from the camp also worked on similar projects in and around Ignacio. “The men themselves have not been neglected,” a 1936 CCC report stated. “…the health and physical well-being of the men was built up. Now all of the men are healthy and in good physical trim.” In fact, the report added, “numerous” CCCers had gained 20 to This photo from July 25, 1936 shows the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp DG-9-C near Red Mesa south of Hesperus. This facility housed CCC Company 3842. The camp closed in 1938, and the property was returned to the Southern Ute Tribe. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. 50 pounds since arriving at the camp.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 7 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata

original buildings were removed. Today, surrounded by private land and inaccessible to the public, the remnants of the camp are being overgrown with sagebrush. There is no evidence of the three-story building described in the 1936 report as a transformed water tower known as the “kiva.” The school building contained a typing room, a classroom, a manual training shop and a photography darkroom. What does remain are a large, sturdy rock fireplace with a curved concrete bench facing it and one of the two entrance pillars. Less A 1936 Sanborn photo of the Lion’s Den rock shelter built by the CCC. The photo is A modern color image of the Lion’s Den on Rim Drive. obvious beneath the sagebrush are Photo courtesy of Beth Green. looking southwest over Durango. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. the stone-lined walkways, as well as a subterranean stone-walled structure. Education was an important own food, thanks to having a fertile cauliflower, onions, corn, potatoes component of life in DG-9-C, as it bench of land bordered by the La and strawberries. Elizabeth A. Green is the co-author of was in all CCC camps. Enrollees were Plata River, just below the camp. The After the camp closed in 1938, With Picks, Shovels and Hope, The CCC taught at whatever level they needed. eight-acre garden produced radishes, the property was returned to the and its Legacy on the Colorado Plateau, Those who could not read or write lettuce, peas, turnips, cabbage, Southern Ute tribe and many of the published by Mountain Press. learned to do so. Academic work led to eighth grade diplomas for some, high school diplomas for others, and even college work through the University of Wyoming. Practical instruction in various trades also was offered. CCCers earned $30 a month, $25 of which was sent home to their families. Since all their basic needs were met, $5 was ample for most of them. Some enterprising young men supplemented their earnings by offering such services as haircuts and photography, or honing their skills at poker. In their free time, the men enjoyed team sports, music, and games. Sport competitions among various camps were common, particularly baseball and boxing. Boxers from DG-9-C won three championships at a regional Amateur Athletic Union tournament held in Durango in June 1936. Still, adjusting to being so far from home was difficult for some, and before their first six-month enrollment was up, sixty of the original 200 enrollees opted to return home. They were replaced with men from the Pueblo area, who were perhaps better equipped to adapt in Colorado’s four seasons climate. Unlike most other camps, the CCCers at DG-9-C grew much of their

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 8 May 2019 n Volume XXV

ome of La Plata County’s first assigned the work to the Bureau of white settlers came to the Pine Reclamation. The Bureau chose the name River Valley in the mid-1870s “Vallecito”, Spanish for little valley, to S and immediately began filing avoid confusion with projects on other homestead claims and building irrigation Pine Rivers located in other states. Vallecito ditches. They joined the Ute Indians, who The Martin Wunderlich Company of already held water rights along the Pine Jefferson City, Missouri, submitted the River. Even along the riverbanks, farming winning bid of $2,115,870. Work began was a struggle. The river’s high spring on May 13, 1938, with more than 75 runoffs often gave way to late summer employees. The Bureau of Reclamation drought. Periodic flooding also brought supplemented the contractor’s efforts disaster. During a particularly dry year with Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1920s, the 40-some ditches that workers. The CCC program was part of diverted water directly from the Pine President Roosevelt’s New Deal effort to River and its tributaries ran dry, and conserve the Nation’s depleted natural farmers called for a water storage project. resources and put unemployed young The project was further bolstered by men to work. a United States District Court decision in On May 15, 1939, sixty-five men arrived Dam October of 1930, awarding senior water from the camp at Elephant Butte, New & rights to the Utes, based on an 1868 Mexico to build the new Vallecito Camp, treaty. Support grew for a water storage (CCC Camp #BR 81) on land located just project to fulfill water rights and to south of the dam site. They were soon the CCC mitigate the fluctuating water flow in the joined by the rest of the Elephant Butte Pine River. crew who worked there in 1939. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt the direct supervision of the Bureau of By Jill Seyfarth authorized the project in 1937, and Reclamation construction engineer, C.A.

THANK YOU CHARLIE BRENNAN FOR ALL THE YEARS OF SUPPORT OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THE ANIMAS MUSEUM

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 9 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata

Burns, the CCC workers installed a mess hall, two headquarters buildings, NOTE: The a recreation hall, an infirmary, a bath figures provided house, a latrine, a pump house, an oil in this story house, 37 pyramid tents, five wall tents came from two and three hospital tents. histories written About 200 men lived in the camp, by the Bureau of Reclamation which was only occupied in the summer about Vallecito because the high elevation made it too and CCC Camps. cold to stay in the winter. In the summer of 1940, men from Camp BR-59 in Grand Junction occupied the Vallecito Camp, Construction on the Vallecito Dam, as part of the creation A panorama photo of the construction at Vallacito. and returned the next summer. Some of the Vallecito Reservoir by the CCC in 1939. Water is The Dam was dedicated on September 12, 1941. Photo remains of the CCC camp are still visible in the reservoir on the left side of the photo. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. evident at 13030 County Road 501. C.A. Burns lived with the other administrators and engineers at the reservoir site and built 1.1 miles of toe is 900 feet; and the crest is 35 leading to Vallecito was a big cloud of “Government Camp”, which was roadway. They also built operation feet wide. Workers filled the dam dust all day long.” situated upslope from the CCC camp. roads, installed pipe culverts and embankment with 3,738,000 cubic The Vallecito CCC camp closed in The houses next to the Pine River landscaped the Government Camp. yards of dirt. November 1941. Most of the camp Irrigation District Office, which occupies Wunderlich employees constructed Vallecito Dam was dedicated on buildings were dismantled and one of the old headquarters buildings, the earth dam measuring 162 September 14, 1941. Dottie Warlick removed in 1942. remain from the former camp. feet high and 4,010 feet long. The writes in her book Vallecito Country Vallecito Camp workers cleared maximum width of the dam’s base that “…seven thousand people came Jill Seyfarth is an archaeologist and vegetation from the 647-acre from upstream toe to downstream to the dedication ceremony. The road historian, and a resident of Animas City.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 10 May 2019 n Volume XXV TRENCH WARS: Archaeology, and s D u r a n g o, the 1930 By Mona Charles

have researched, written the Animas River and Hidden Valley. Helen Sloan Daniels, a long-time about, presented on, Professional archaeologists at the resident of Durango and board I admired, and even time showed little interest in the ever- member of the Durango Public Library, cringed over the state of archaeology present shallow depressions indicating established a local division of the in Durango during the 1930s. What a deep pit houses or upright stone 1930s Works Progress Administration’s time to have been alive and involved slabs protruding from the hillsides National Youth Administration (NYA) with the local archaeological marking storage cists, wattle-and- to be housed at the Durango Public community. For better and for worse, daub surface structures, and burial Library. From 1936 through 1940, this this decade singularly put Durango pits. If the professional community local office employed young men to on the proverbial “archaeological was not tempted by these subtle excavate archaeological sites that map” of the Greater Southwest. Unlike archaeological indicators, the same were in harm’s way. Meeting the Chimney Rock, Mesa Verde, or Aztec cannot be said for Durango’s amateur demand for new subdivisions and Ruins, Durango could not boast of archaeologists and pot-hunters. increased infrastructure resulted in Chacoan-type architecture, impressive Unemployed and new to Durango, mass destruction of prehistoric sites in cliff dwellings, or Great Kivas. To I.F. (Zeke) Flora wasted no time and around Durango. However, Daniels Two volumes of Sherds and Points were drafted by Helen Sloan Daniels and the contrary, Durango’s prehistory in joining the burgeoning local was not trained in archaeology and Zeke Flora in 1940 & 1941, after digging lay hidden in the wooded mesas and amateur archaeological community. did little in the way of field supervision at various spots in La Plata County terraces of the Animas, La Plata, and Flora, a self-proclaimed pot-hunter, of these youths. This she left to Zeke throughout the 1930s. Mimeographed Florida Rivers, and in the craggy rock probed and trenched countless Flora, Lola Sanders, Homer Root, sketches in the publications were shelters of the cliffs that jutted from archaeological ruins in and around and Lee Eddy. To their credit, notes, provided by the “Durango Public Library NYA Museum Project,” and it was Durango collecting antiquities. Flora photographs, and drawings were published by The Durango News, sold artifacts and human skeletons made of these excavations. Most of Inc. Photo courtesy of the Animas to Harold (Happy) Gladwin at Gila the original documentation has been Museum photo archives. Pueblo, Arizona, while keeping for lost or misplaced, leaving only limited himself artifacts and burned logs letters, photographs, and a single removed from long-abandoned cursory publication. Volume One of Sherds and structures to study their tree-rings The anonymity of Durango’s Points was printed in 1940. All in his home laboratory. Artifacts and prehistory abruptly ended in 1937 with articles were written by Helen Sloan Daniels or Zeke Flora. The most unfortunately prehistoric human the discovery by Daniels and Flora articles cover topics on NYA remains, especially skulls, gathered of a cache of naturally mummified digs, Falls Creek Rock Shelters, by Flora and his contemporaries human remains in a rock shelter near Dendrochronology, and the were displayed in the “Museum Durango. Quite by happenstance, relationships between amateur Room” of the Durango Public Daniels led a small group of people and professional archaeologists at the time. Photo courtesy of the Library. Most often the displays were to the northernmost of two rock Animas Museum photo archives. accompanied by unsupported and shelters. There they gazed on brightly often theatrical interpretations. colored rock paintings representing

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 11 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata human (anthromorphs) and animal Flats in 1939, and Talus Village in 1940. Mona Charles is an archaeologist (zoomorphs) figures, concentric circles, Flora accompanied Morris on these who lives in Durango. She has over 40 and geometric designs. She soon told excavations and Morris employed years of experience in the discipline. Zeke about the discovery, whereby Daniel’s NYA youth in 1938 and 1939. She was a member of the faculty the two wasted no time in completely The resulting publication The Basket at Fort Lewis College and was the emptying the archeological contents Maker II of Durango, Colorado, by Earl interim Collections Manager at La of a narrow rock crevice. The crevice Morris and Robert Burgh, serves as Plata County Historical Society. In contained layers of mummified human one of the most important publications her most recent role as grant project remains and associated artifacts, the on the prehistory of the Greater director with the La Plata County like of which had never been found in Southwest. Sadly, the acrimony that Historical Society, Mona studied Durango. Recognizing the scientific stemmed from the juxtaposition of the the primary players who shaped value of the rock shelters, Flora notified amateur and professional communities Durango’s archaeological history Earl Morris, archaeologist at the in Durango that began in the 1930s, in the 1930s. She specializes in the Carnegie Institute of Washington D.C., continued for many decades thereafter. Durango Basketmakers. Mona owns who made haste to visit Durango. Upon Morris, Flora, and Daniels have all Powderhorn Research LLC., a private examination, Morris validated Flora’s passed away but vestiges of their archaeological consulting business theory that the mummies belonged to contentious relationships emerge from in Durango. She continues to work a period that Southwest archaeologists time to time even 90 years later. If enthusiastically on her research referred to as Basketmaker II; a This poster board of sherds was created by you would like to dig deeper into this and publications. heretofore unknown population that the young men involved in the National Youth period of Durango’s archaeological lived in the hills above Durango three Administration after excavations at the Ignacio history, I recommend Points and Mona Charles, Independent Consultant, centuries before and four centuries 12-1 site. Zeke Flora’s site number of Ignacio 12-1 Pithouses by Phil Duke and Gary Powderhorn Research LLC and is a 30-year Durango resident. She is after the Christian Era. Morris went was a local Durango number. None of the sherds on Matlock and of course Florence Lister’s the board are funerary objects. Photo courtesy of long time member of the La Plata on to trench and partially excavate the Animas Museum photo archives. Prehistory in Peril: The Worst and Best CountyHistorical Society and volunteer the rock shelters in 1938, Falls Creek of Durango Archaeology. of the Animas Museum.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 12 May 2019 n Volume XXV Fiesta! By Robert McDaniel

or well over 80 years, Fiesta different types of horse races, some enthusiastically stated that “The reputation. The big Brahma steers has meant fun in Durango. of which were designated for Indians city has taken on a wild western are wild and ready to throw off their The idea for this community- only in an effort to encourage their appearance with brilliantly colored riders and stick a horn through them F wide celebration of our attendance. Since Fiesta was held in shirts and ten gallon hats adorning if possible – they are bad medicine.” western heritage was hatched in 1935 September that year, a football game the leading businessmen. Some of the Determined to build the event into in the depths of the Great Depression. between the Durango Demons and wildest costumes imaginable are being “a prime basin attraction . . . one of Local businessmen and community the Center, Colorado football team worn and everyone seems imbued the leading rodeos in the Southwest,” leaders hoped that the Spanish Trails “kicked off” the celebration. Boxing with the joyous spirit of Fiesta.” boosters planned bigger and better Fiesta, as it was originally known, and wrestling matches helped fill the Contestants, race horses and shows for the coming years. The would raise spirits during those dark bill. Because of limited seating at the bucking stock arrived “hourly” in the county fairgrounds, located in times and promote business activity rodeo grounds, cars were permitted days leading up to the events. The Durango’s Brookside neighborhood, by bringing people to the community. near the arena with no parking fee. Durango Herald-Democrat reported hosted the rodeo and horse racing In true western tradition, the That first Fiesta was a huge success. that, “the bucking horses, some of events. More and better seating would program that first year included a The September 18, 1935 issue of which are the toughest in the game, be needed to accommodate the larger full slate of rodeo events and eight the Durango Herald-Democrat have unseated riders of national crowds envisioned by organizers. The Durango News reported that when the first show was held in 1935, “onlookers witnessed the show from an open bleacher under a boiling sun. There were between 1400 and 1500 of them on the single section of seats, the safety of which fiesta officials ‘wondered about’.” The solution was to build a “huge stone stadium” under the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration. Construction began in late 1936 or early 1937 under the supervision

Horse racing was always one of the most popular events during the Spanish Trails Fiesta. The new grandstands at the fairgrounds overflows with spectators watching this horse race in the late 1940s. During its peak years, Fiesta attracted nationally known rodeo stars, clowns and trick ropers, and it was La Plata County’s most popular community-wide event. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 13 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata of local master stonemason Dan Spanish Trails Fiesta resumed with to meet changing preferences in of our western heritage, however, Fiesta Cummins. By August, crews had a bang in 1946. It became Durango’s recreational uses. remains a late-summer classic of good finished four sections of the new largest, best attended community- In addition, a new community-wide old-fashioned western fun. grandstands in time for Fiesta. That wide celebration into the 1960s. Some social/entertainment event called Robert McDaniel is a fourth-generation year, a reported 4500 people crowded of the nation’s top rodeo stars, along Snowdown got its start in 1979. It quickly with celebrity trick riders and ropers, Durango native whose father was into the half-finished grandstands for overshadowed Fiesta in its breadth of Saturday’s rodeo. An additional 1500 participated during the peak years. the presiding Judge of the Fiesta’s community involvement. As a symbol Kangaroo Court. reportedly attended on Sunday! It was By the mid-1960s, however, changing believed to be, the News reported, the times and the distractions of another “largest crowd ever assembled in the war caused interest in Fiesta to wane. San Juan Basin.” An influx of new businessmen to the By July 1938, the grandstands had Fiesta board in 1966, along with a doubled in size, and crews worked name change to Navajo Trails Fiesta, to complete additional sections on temporarily rejuvenated the event. both the north and south ends of the After two more turbulent decades stands. Together with a new arena, and another name change to Durango stock pens and broadcaster’s booth, Fiesta Days, the annual summer the News optimistically predicted show reached a crossroads. The that the fairgrounds would have “one fairgrounds’ iconic grandstands were of the finest recreational units in the deemed to be structurally unsound, country.” Fiesta-goers packed the and along with the stall row along stands again that year and would for north Main Avenue, were slated for many years to come. demolition in the early 1990s. The World War II forced the cancellation county’s choice piece of property in of events from 1942 to 1945, but the the middle of town was redesigned

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 14 May 2019 n Volume XXV Preserving Pioneer Voices By Susan Jones “ nother very noticeable This snapshot of Adolph L. Soens was taken in characteristic feature was May 1946. As the La Plata County recorder, Soens A the scarcity of women on the collected 44 interviews from men and women across the county. Photo courtesy of the Animas streets; one infrequently met a woman Museum photo archives. or an old man.” Estelle Camp was talking about 1883 Durango when she made this statement in January of informal collecting of memories and 1934. Certainly pioneering, building oral histories was going on in La Plata railroads, mining, farming and County when the stock market crashed ranching were jobs for the young. in October of 1929. Some of the notes, Those young pioneers succeeded in letters, and early drafts for “Pioneers” building Durango and La Plata County. are preserved in the Animas Museum’s Many of them had survived economic collections. hard times such as the Panic of 1873, Meanwhile, the nation’s economy the Silver Crash of 1893 and the seemed to be out of control. By Banker’s Panic of 1907 through their the time Franklin D. Roosevelt own resourcefulness. By the 1930s, was inaugurated in March of 1933, these “young” pioneers were in their there were 15 million Americans 70s and 80s and disappearing quickly. unemployed. On November 7 of that Fortunately, members of the Sarah year, FDR signed into law a program Platt Decker Chapter of the Daughters called the Civil Works Administration of the American Revolution realized or CWA, directed by Harry Hopkins, this and started in the late 1920s to a social worker who was one of gather their stories. Many of the Roosevelt’s closest advisors. The oral histories we find in the first CWA was intended to be a short term This two page handwritten letter is by Helen M. Searcy on “a school girl’s impression written for Pioneers” regarding the Durango Fire of 1889 that burned much of downtown Durango. Photo volume of “Pioneers of the San Juan program that would put 4 million courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. Country” were taken in the 1930s unemployed people to work over but not published until 1942. This the winter. What made the CWA

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 15 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata different from other programs was The fieldworker for La Plata County Americans. Field workers were his friend Elvin Cobb. These copies that it was not meant to offer only was Adolph L. Soens who was born required to type up the transcripts may be read in the Animas Museum’s menial but necessary jobs like ditch in 1893 and graduated from Durango and have them approved by the Research Library. digging. It was also intended to help High School in 1911. Soens was a clerk interviewee before submitting the final The CWA was declared get the unemployed white collar and at the American Smelting and Refining product to Denver. unconstitutional in 1936. It had cost professional people back to work on Company when World War I broke out. The original transcripts from all 35 $200 million a month and had provided meaningful projects. He joined the Army and was stationed counties are in Denver and today’s 4 million workers a financial and Over 200,000 projects were funded in California during World War I where History Colorado is in the process psychological boost in its short life. by the CWA, including one special he learned to fly. Soens married of scanning all of them. The Animas At that point, other more well-known project in Colorado. Leroy Hafen, Christine Hansen, whose family also Museum has copies of many of the “alphabet soup” programs like the the state historian, understood the pioneered in the Durango area in the interviews conducted by Adolph WPA, NYA, and CCC took over. The urgency of collecting the stories of 1880s. In the 1930 census, the couple is Soens in the sprawling accession CWA provided Coloradans, including pioneering days so he put together found living with Christine’s family in (92.22) acquired from Annetta Pauline those of us in La Plata County, a a project to do just that. Hafen Durango, probably due to the depressed Cobb in 1992. Her husband Elvin priceless testimony of what life was hired 27 field workers, unemployed economy. Soens was recruited by was a history teacher at Durango like before the sweeping social, professionals in 35 Colorado counties Hafen and collected 44 interviews, High School and while working on a political and technological changes of to conduct the interviews. The including the story of Estelle Camp who Masters degree from Berkley under the 20th century. field workers were paid between arrived in Durango in 1883 and noticed tutelage of the same professor who $.75 and $1.00 an hour, 30 hours a only young men on the streets. He also had advised Hafen, collected a lot Susan Jones is long time member of week between December 1, 1933 and interviewed his mother-in-law Mary D. of documentation about the history the La Plata County Historical Society and volunteer of the Animas Museum. February 15, 1934. Because the project Hansen. Soens collected the stories of of Durango. Although we are not She also is a historical interpreter and was so successful, it was extended for men and women, although like other sure how it happened, Adolph Soens narrator at the Durango & Silverton another 10 weeks in 1934. field workers, only from European shared copies of his transcripts with Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 16 May 2019 n Volume XXV S.P.M.D.T.U.THE Hispano Self-reliance, Charity and Brotherhood By Ruth E. Lambert

he depression of the 1930s secular and religious aspects of their were models of community self- lands and their traditional pastoral- was a dark time for residents lives. The early acequia, or ditch, reliance that served the Hispanos based livelihoods. With these across the United States. In the associations operated to deliver in the early 20th century and the changes, many men were forced T Southwest, people struggled water to fields and orchards. These depression of the 1930s. into low-paying jobs and unable to to make ends meet on their farms, associations were communally One of the most important support their families. In addition to ranches and in towns and cities. The organized and maintained to mutual aid organizations was the these economic conditions, Hispanos Hispano-Americans struggle for a ensure access to precious water for La Sociedad Proteccion Mutua De faced racial prejudice and the lack of livelihood was not new and their agricultural crops. In the religious Trabajadores Unidos, or S.P.M.D.T.U. social services. traditions of self-reliance and mutual realm of Hispano life, the La Sociedad The SPMDTU (the Society for the Hispanos in northern New Mexico aid served them well during these de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno/ Los Mutual Protection of United Workers) and southern Colorado struggled hard times. Hermanos Penitentes, or Penitentes, was originally organized to meet the against these circumstances and As early as the 18th century, operated as a fraternal brotherhood needs of Hispano workers in the San relying on their mutual aid traditions Hispanos had traditional organized for religious services and Luis Valley at the end of the 19th founded the SPMDTU to address organizations that were based rites in the absence of priests in small century. At that time, Hispanos had their needs. In November 1900, on mutual assistance both in the rural villages. These organizations lost access to their historic land grant Celedonio Mondragón organized the SPMDTU in Antonito, Colorado as a fraternal secular mutual aid society. The society’s rules and regulations required that members be adult Hispano males, maintain high moral standards, attend meetings and pay dues. Members could not be ministers or political bosses. By 1910, the society offered a modest unemployment and sickness benefit as well as funeral and burial

This photo of Ignacio, Colorado was taken around the turn of the 20th century as a postcard. The SPMDTU lodge in Ignacio was organized in 1902, and it is considered to be the first lodge outside of the San Luis Valley. The building is now owned by the school district. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 17 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata assistance. Later, the society offered Archuleta Counties. Research a stepped parapet front above the insurance to members, a benefit that indicates that lodges were located original entrance. Recently, a sign has continued into the early 2000s. in Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Junction, been installed identifying the building The SPMDTU was organized into and Arboles, and Rosa (N.M.). In La as “SPMDTU 1902”. local concilios, or lodges that were Plata County, lodges were built at In recent years, membership in the established throughout the area. Durango and Ignacio. A lodge was SPMDTU has declined in part due to As lodges formed, concerns were also built at McPhee in Montezuma aging members and the availability expressed about coordination between County (now under McPhee Reservoir of other social services. However, a lodges and in 1909, the Concilio near Dolores). On-going research large celebration was held in Antonito Superior was established in Antonito. suggests that the “Mexican labor hall” in 2000 on the 100th anniversary of The society continued to grow as at Tiffany was also a SPMDTU lodge. the founding of the society. Today, members took advantage of benefits, Unfortunately, this building burned membership is approximately 400 especially for family support. During down in 2012. with a continued interest in the the depression, membership declined The SPMDTU lodge in Ignacio was preservation of the Concilio Superior due to overall economic hard times. organized in 1902 and it is reported and other lodges. Although the size of Following World War II, membership to be the first lodge outside of the San the SPMDTU has declined, the society increased as men returned from war Luis Valley. The establishment of the serves as a reminder of the strong and economic times improved. By This fraternal badge from a Sociedad lodge in Ignacio indicates there was Hispano tradition of self-reliance, Proteccion Mutua De Trabajadores Unidos 1946, lodges were located in the San (SPMDTU) lodge was presented on November a sizable Hispano population and the charity and brotherhood. Luis Valley, northern New Mexico, 26, 1900. The SPMDTU was organized at the society was important to the local southern Colorado, Denver, and Utah. end of the 19th century by Hispano workers in community. Within a few years, a Ruth E. Lambert is an anthropologist and A total of 64 lodges were established the San Luis Valley. These lodges continued to large lodge building was constructed the cultural program director at the San Juan Mountains Association. Her research with about 3000 members. assist workers in the 1930s by promoting the on Goddard Avenue and it is currently community traditions of self-reliance, charity into the SPMDTU is on-going. If you have Several of the SPMDTU lodges and brotherhood. Photo courtesy of the Animas owned by the school district. It is information to share about the SPMDTU, were established in La Plata and Museum photo archives. a stucco clad frame building with please contact her at [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, August 24th The Historic Elks Lodge VOTED This year’s Culinary Heritage Dinner i m a s m u s e will celebrate the culinary tradition of n u m STEAKHOUSE A the Hispanic communities of EST. 2016 La Plata County. IN Durango Culinary In keeping with the Animas Museum’s 1930’s theme, we will be (970) 247-5707 OrEhOuSeDuRaNgO.CoM Heritage crafting a menu of authentic dishes D r and flavors indicative of the era. OpEn 5Pm DaIlY 147 EaSt CoLlEgE DrIvE i n n e So prepare your palate for bold flavors created from the finest ingredients the region can produce. ReSeRvAtIoNs AdViSeD Call (970) 259-2402 Today for Reservations as Seats are Limited

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 18 May 2019 n Volume XXV

s Medical Advancements By Guy Walton Durango’s 1930

he Great Depression of clinical demonstrations before a state the1930s was a decade of panel of experts. minimal scientific and medical Despite the Depression, the ever- T advancements, despite some frugal Sisters of Mercy Hospital in significant ones in diabetes care Durango was free of debt in 1930 for and laboratory studies. A notable the first time in its 50 year history, advance was related to medical making the hospital poised for growth. school education which became more There were also changes looming standardized. Physicians worked with for the other hospital in town, the hospitals to improve the care of all Ochsner Hospital, in what is now the patients. Anesthesia and disinfection Gable House. were greatly enhanced since the turn In 1931 a two and a half story of the century. It wouldn’t be until addition was added to Mercy Hospital the 1940s when penicillin would be for patient rooms and a laboratory. readily available in the United States More patient rooms and a radiology and would have a huge impact on suite were added while the existing patient mortality. In 1926 the American surgery quarters were enlarged in College of Surgeons established a 1935. These additions brought patient Manual of Hospital Standardization capacity to 62 beds and 12 bassinets. and set standards for surgeon In 1937 Mercy Hospital completed certification in 1937. a dormitory for nursing students The majority of nursing schools and other nurses stranded during were associated with hospitals rather inclement weather. The plans called than academic institutions. It was for 16 sleeping rooms, a lounge and a a source of inexpensive labor for classroom. Since 1910 nursing students hospitals. Didactic curriculum was had slept in the hospital using managed by clinical physicians and whatever beds were available. Classes nurses and lasted for three years. At were held there for the students often Nurses and nuns gather in front of Mercy Hospital in 1934 to celebrate the hospital’s 50th anniversary. Photo credit of the Mercy Hospital archives. the end of the program, graduates after completing a 12 hour hospital were granted a diploma and therefore shift. eligible to take a state nursing exam. The work was physically demanding The exams lasted all day and included in the old hospital. There were no

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 19 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata

He came to Durango straight out of his medical residency in Rochester, New York with Dr. Christopher Martin. Dr. Benjamin Ochsner was ready to retire after his wife’s death and his grown daughter had left Durango. He agreed to sell his hospital to Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Martin for $15,000 (with no money down) and agreed to help them for the next three months. The young men had little experience as physicians and even less as administrators. Lloyd and Martin did well enough to repay the loan to Ochsner before they were drafted for World War II. They sold the hospital to La Plata County for the same price they paid of $15,000. The county continued to operate it until its closing in the 1950s. After the war Dr. Lloyd returned to Durango but not to his old hospital.

This photo shows Mercy Hospital patients and nurses in 1922. More patient rooms and a radiology suite were added to Mercy Hospital, while the existing Guy Walton is a retired nurse and co- surgery quarters were enlarged in 1935. These additions brought patient capacity to 62 beds and 12 bassinets. Photo credit of the Mercy Hospital archives. author (with Barbara Moorhead) of Mercy Hospital of the San Juans. Guy can be reached at [email protected]. bathrooms in the patient rooms worst tasks was making cast bandages. between patient use. Needles were causing nurses to carry all bedpans, It was a messy job and required hand sharpened and burrs removed on a waste and fresh water up and down rubbing powdered plaster of Paris small whetting stone. the long halls on a regular basis. into a coarse gauze material. Cut into At the Ochsner Hospital, nursing Bedpans were cleaned various lengths and life was very similar to that at Mercy. manually with a brush widths it was used It was physically demanding work and further cleaned in There were no (when wet) for casting even on the best of days. The nurses a ring sanitizer. Ice was broken arms and legs. at Mercy Hospital were fortunate to delivered to the hospital disposable items Alma (Leonardelli) have an elevator even if it did require in 50 pound blocks. Phillips was a nursing strong arms and good pulleys to Nurses used ice picks student at Mercy operate. The Ochsner Hospital had to break off enough for back then so Hospital during the a dumbwaiter which ran from the patient water pitchers Depression. She basement kitchen to the third floor. and ice compresses. A old newspapers remembered blowing There was no elevator during its 40 dumbwaiter and elevator into the ends of surgical years as a hospital. Since Radiology were operated by the were folded rubber gloves to look and Surgery were located on the third nurses and sisters with for holes. When one was floor, it required the extraordinary the aid of ropes, pulleys into small discovered, a patch was strength and agility of four people to and brute strength. made from an old glove carry patients on a canvas stretcher There were no bedside trash and glued over the leak. up and down the steep stairs. disposable items back A standard 4x4 bandage Dr. Leo Lloyd scraped his way then so old newspapers bags for the for patient wounds was through most of the Depression as a were folded into small cut from a long roll, student, first in college and then in bedside trash bags for patients folded and packaged. medical school. In college he waited the patients. Cotton Glass drug syringes tables, washed dishes and worked as Gable House was home to the Ochsner balls and cotton-tipped and needles were used an auditorium usher. He returned to Hospital. After the sale of the hospital applicators (Q-tips) were handmade. repeatedly. Often only one syringe the family peach orchard in Palisade, during WWII, La Plata County ran the Surgical drapes and other linens were for each nursing unit was available Colorado during the summer to work hospital until the 1950s. Photo credit of patched by the nurses. One of the and each was soaked in a disinfectant full time. the Mercy Hospital archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 20 May 2019 n Volume XXV Out of the Way Will Rogers By Bruce Spining

n one of his columns, humorist Will eat,” touched the people of the 1930s right where Rogers quipped about his visit to they were. Other apt comments for his time (and I Durango, “[It is] a beautiful little possibly ours) include: “If stupidity got us into city, out of the way, and glad of it.” At the time this mess, then why can’t it get us out?” of his visit in July 1935, locals would have loved His “I never met a man I didn’t like,” remains Rogers’ insight about them even though it was his best-known saying, but his actual quote has a only partially true. context: “I joked about every prominent man in Generally, Americans like folksy. We get a my lifetime, but I never met one I didn’t like.” kick out of the supposed yokel who can get the The Durango stop over was to secure the better of the sophisticate by using homespun aviation fuel needed for the group to fly over the witticisms. Rogers assumed that many living in nearby national parks. Early the next morning, this area embrace our ‘out-of-the-way’ locale as the group buzzed the ruins at Mesa Verde and one of the reasons to be here. then moved on to take air tours of the Grand Rogers’ visit to our town was a short one. Canyon, Bryce, and Zion National Parks. Flight Accompanied by his wife, Betty, and pilot friend, restrictions that would today prohibit this sort Wiley Post, the trio was engaged in some ‘puddle- of thing did not exist at the time. jumping’ in Wiley’s new plane, a Lockheed Orion Even urbanites in New York and Hollywood Explorer. Local reports outlined that the group enjoyed the folksy-humor of Will Rogers—the had started from Albuquerque, flying initially cowboy wit who told jokes while brandishing to Trinidad. From there they came to Durango, his lariat for The Ziegfeld Follies and who later bunking for one night in the Strater Hotel. gained success as a character in Hollywood Our small-town rumor mill spread the news films. Rogers’ jokes, jibes, and stories struck a of their arrival faster than the nanoseconds of chord that echoed across social and economic today’s internet. The group was besieged by a boundaries. Nothing unites us like humor host of autograph-seeking gawkers who especially for those of us now living in our little wanted the chance to meet the cowboy comic out-of-the-way city. and his entourage. When Rogers and Post, his eye-patched flyer The Oklahoma-born Will Rogers came from friend, came through Durango they were more- Cherokee Indian stock. As he once joked: “My or-less in route to Alaska, where tragically both ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, perished in a plane crash near Point Barrow— but they were there to meet the boat.” From barely a month after whistle-stopping here. his early days as a vaudeville entertainer, he Despite his tragic, too soon death, the humorist became a prolific writer, penning more than 3,600 in Rogers might have gotten a chuckle out of newspaper columns. the comment that, in the early years of the 20th Century, many sometimes thought of Durango During the Great Depression, his “aw shucks” as the jumping off place. way of poking fun at the harsh realities of the Will Rogers helping his wife, Betty, into the cabin of the Wiley Post times made of him a beloved national icon. airplane at the Durango Municipal Airport on Reservoir Hill in August Bruce Spining is descended from Florida Mesa 1935. Photo courtesy of Animas Museum Photo Archives. Insights like, “Ten men in the country could buy pioneers and is a long time member and associate of the world and ten million can’t buy enough to the La Plata County Historical Society.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 21 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata The Seven Rio Grande Southern “Motors” By Jeff Ellingson

tto Mears built the railroad operating for another 20 Rio Grande Southern years. The very first “Motor” was Railroad (RGS) in 1890- completed in 1931. It was built from O 91. Construction on a 1925 Buick Master 6 Touring car the 162-mile line began more or and spare parts lying around in the less simultaneously from both the Ridgeway roundhouse. north and south ends (Ridgway and This was not the first time that Durango), and the final connection railroads had built this sort of railbus. was made on December 19, 1981, about Most likely because of what these half-way between Dolores and Rico. machines were able to accomplish and The railroad was built narrow gauge from their strange appearance, Goose so the rails were just 36 inches apart. No. 2 through No. 7 survive to this day. This railroad by far traverses some of Not much is known about Motor No. the most rugged and beautiful country 1 since it is the only Goose that was in the state of Colorado. Because parted out and scrapped. There were The Rio Grande Southern Motor No. 4 at the Durango Depot in 1938. This photo was originally of the mountainous terrain, there no plans drawn up for Motor No. 1. It taken as a postcard by Sanborn. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. were many problems and all sorts of was the prototype for the other Motors weather related disasters. Avalanches, that would be built later. rockslides and flash floods were a huge In the winter of 1932, Jack was the term “Galloping Goose”. The and locomotives were saved by problem for the RGS causing delays in Odenbaugh set to work on Motor No. name was not painted on them until conscientious rail fans and historians. service and lost revenue. 2. Motor. No. 2 had a much larger 1950 even though they had been given Some RGS rolling stock lives today After many years of struggling cargo box and a two-truck design. this nickname by passengers as early at Knotts Berry Farm in California. financially, the RGS found itself in the Odenbaugh used a Buick body and a as 1946 when the Wayne bus bodies There you will find Galloping Goose Great Depression. The railroad in 1929 Buick 6 cylinder engine. During that were added. This gave them the No. 3 running with a diesel engine for was once again in receivership. The same winter Motor No. 3 and No. 4 appearance of a goose charging with a power plant. Of all the RGS Motors, U.S. District Court Judge in Denver, were built. These were built from its head down. Galloping Goose No. 3 has run the Colorado appointed Victor A. Miller Pierce Arrow car bodies. One major Motor No. 6 was of a different sort longest. In 1999, Karl Schaeffer, a of Denver to manage the affairs of the drawback of the RGS Motors was because it was a “work” Motor built in retired Railroader, got involved with RGS. At this time the railroad only had that they could not handle the heavy the winter of 1934. The cab was a model a group of fellow historians and enough funds to operate for just a few snowstorms which plagued Southwest 33 Pierce Arrow car body but had Buick started a railroad museum in Ridgway, more weeks at best. Colorado. During the winter, the RGS headlights. Motor No. 6 was used often Colorado. Karl decided that he In Ridgway, a not so new idea was Motors steam locomotives required by the RGS roadmaster for inspection would rebuild Motor No. 1 which was being developed by Miller & RGS a rotary to plow the snow so the trips. This Motor looked like a flatbed dismantled a long time ago. Karl used Master Mechanic Jack Odenbaugh. Motors could run. Motors No. 2-5 and truck and did not carry passengers but what little information and photos that With bad track on the RGS line and later Motor No. 7 not only carried performed maintenance along the RGS existed on Motor No. 1 and built an the expense of running steam trains freight but also became popular for right-of-way. In 1936 Motor No. 7 was to operating replica. Only a year later, with a full crew, Mr. Odenbaugh passengers. Motors No. 3-5 would be the last goose built. It still has the during the Durango & Silverton Narrow began work on the first “Motor” for once again get modified in 1946. Pierce Arrow body along with Goose Gauge Railroad’s Railfest, Motor No. 1 RGS. In an effort to keep the U.S. Using a war surplus school bus from No. 2 and No. 6 which are located at took to the rails once again along with mail contract and handle a few the Wayne Body Corporation, the the Colorado Railroad Museum in Goose No. 2 and Goose No. 5. passengers, RGS management decided passenger capacity of these three Golden, Colorado. Jeff Ellingson is Curator of the to try automotive built railbuses. Motors increased. An interesting side The RGS ceased operations in Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge 1953. A lot of the RGS rolling stock This innovative idea would keep the note to the saga of the RGS Motors Railroad Museum.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 22 May 2019 n Volume XXV KIUP Local Radio

The original KIUP stucco building at 2800 Main Avenue in 1936. for 84 Years Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. By George Johnson

ixing tragedy, guts, risk that the station could operate safely. Avenue to a new location south of and prayers, the birth Mr. Haley was using a rail-line Durango near the current Humane M of radio in Durango was handcart while returning to Durango Society. Over 3,000 people showed up iffy at best in 1935. Little from the Tacoma Power Plant. Sadly for a grand opening to welcome the did John Turner know what waited for for him, a portly porcupine wandered new radio station to the community him when he was vacationing in San onto the track just as he was coming In 1936 the hours of operation were Diego during the Great Depression. along. Hitting the porcupine, the from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm every day He realized there was a radio station handcart derailed, which threw Mr. except Sunday when programming was coming to San Diego. He then Haley into the Animas River killing from noon until 3:00 pm. The station wondered if a radio station could work him. In his pocket was the FCC license operated at only 100 watts. Their tag in his home town of Durango. There to operate the new KIUP radio station. line in 1936 was “The Voice of the San was only one way to find out. Unfortunately for the investors, Juan Basin”. Programming for KIUP in With an investment of $5,000 (almost neither Mr. Haley nor the license was that year varied. $90,000 in today’s dollars) which was recovered for several months which Saturday mornings started with raised from ten Durango businessmen, delayed the operation of the station. the Artistrocats, followed by The the project was hopefully on its way. The station finally began broadcasting Children’s Bible Hour, Hawaiian Music The investors received a broadcast on December 10, 1935 while operating and finally the Garden of Melody. permit after quite a bit of discussion on only a construction permit, not the There was always the News of the with the new Federal Communications actual FCC license. Hour, Farm Flashes, Request Program, Commission. The permit was issued The radio station was finally on WPA Program, Sons of the Pioneers, in the name of LeRoy Haley who held track because they eventually got Slices of Life and Hillbilly Music. In an electrician’s license and was the it right. They made KIUP a true foreman at the Tacoma Power Plant. At community radio station and their A 1936 Pennington Studio portrait of KIUP entertainer Homer Kirk holding a guitar. This the time, the FCC regulations required reports and news reflected the ideas KIUP condenser microphone was designed by the licensee of the station to hold an and wishes of the citizens. The station D. V. Tostenson. Photo courtesy of the Animas electrician’s license in order to prove eventually moved from 2800 Main Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 23 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata addition to regular programming, live air for 4 decades, John Mackey for 24 talent shows were broadcast. These years, and Gene Shirley for over 20 included Mildred Limprecht and her years. Of course, no radio station can accordion band, as well as an in-house run by itself. Bruce Anderson, a true guitarist named Homer Kirk. In 1936 gentleman, kept the “air” on for over the station was owned and operated 30 years. by C. Guy Shepard. The manager was Today the format has changed and D.V. Tostenson and the Commercial the location is different from the 1930s. Manager was Wallace C. Mollette. The Never leaving its roots behind, KIUP is advertising rate for 5 minutes varied still Durango’s true local radio station. from $2.70 to $4.00 and spot ads were Kristen Dills, the Operations Manager as low as $1.00 each. at Four Corners Broadcasting and the A radio station lives and dies by its current owners of KIUP, are adamant programming but its spirit lies with that KIUP’s commitment to the the on-air personalities who connect community would not change. Born with the listeners. KIUP has had an in the 30s, KIUP continues the proud abundance of these great people. One tradition of its very first broadcast of the first was “Johnny Becker” who and of being the second oldest radio began in 1951 as the Lady of Make station in Colorado. Believe, a children’s story program. For over 25 years, she also hosted George Johnson is the Vice President of The Breakfast Club, previously The the La Plata County Historical Society Coffee with Johnny Show. Also there Board of Directors and volunteers at the KIUP letterhead from 1936. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. was Wayne Morehead, who was on Animas Museum.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 24 May 2019 n Volume XXV

the Colorado School of Mines. Today gas seeps are still present in the area and along the Animas River. Durango was again jolted by more mysterious blasts in December of 1932. Locals speculated that recent west coast earthquakes somehow Durango’s were connected to the activity of “Moving Mountain”. Geologists quickly killed the theory and put forward that the geologic formations Moving Mountain of Carbon Mountain itself were the cause. The “explosions” continued to be felt as late as March 1933 with rocks being hurled across the river onto the railroad tracks all the way to the train railyard. Initially the By Charles A. DiFerdinando slides were on the north face but then developed on the east face which he 1930s marked a lot of ovens which supplied its fuel. P.M. residents of Durango were rattled continues to this day. changes for Durango. The The mining industry of the San by a “Mystery Blast” that aroused Local news coverage was a mixed nation was in the grip of Juans which had driven the local the sleepy night’s quiet. Houses all bag. Some coverage tried to make T the Great Depression and economy for years had collapsed. The over town were shaken and residents a joke of it and other accounts still under the great social experiment area had not seen such bad conditions alarmed. What was the source of the sensationalized and exaggerated the of Prohibition brought on by the since the Silver Crash of 1893. With “Blast”? The June 9, danger of the event. 21st Amendment to the Constitution. high unemployment and an unsure 1932 Durango Herald- The east slope Word spread quickly on Durango had lost its biggest employer, future, Durango was facing bleak times Democrat ran the the Associated Press American Smelting and Refining, but remained optimistic and looking headline “Mystery Blast slide was and other wire services which was shuttered in December for ways to promote the area. Little did Shakes Houses in This about “Durango’s 1930 with the loss of 249 jobs. There they know Mother Nature would play a City”. The blast was of measured to be Moving Mountain,” was a cascade effect on other support strange role in this. unknown origin and led which caused it to industries such as coal mines and coke On the night of June 8, 1932 at 9:30 to much speculation. moving 30 to 35 become another tourist Landslides were feet per day attraction. observed on the north Also local face of Carbon Mountain toward the river. entrepreneurs asked three miles south of for permission to Durango on the west side operate businesses of the Animas River. at the site and for the construction Carbon Mountain, which is now of a parking lot. In May 1933 the the southern boundary of Bodo County granted a concession to Bill Industrial Park, contains a coal seam Aitken for a tourist stand at “Moving which had been mined at different Mountain”. He constructed a small times beginning in the 1880s. It was rustic building and sold photo images abandoned due to the low quality of “Moving Mountain” produced by of the coal and the presence of local photographer W. M. Pennington. large amounts of methane and “Moving Mountain” made the other dangerous gases. In the 1920s headlines in Time, Popular Mechanics industrious bootleggers had stills and numerous newspapers throughout located in the abandoned mines the world. which were partially flooded. These The Moving Mountain by Herbert bootleggers were shut down by the Alberding attempted to give a law but there was local speculation scientific explanation by discussing This 1932 photo of Moving Mountain shows a view from Highway 160, south of Durango, after an that the activity continued. As early as the geology involved. There had been earth slide with light snow on ground. In the 1930s, residents in Durango felt “explosions” coming 1888, gas seeps had been observed in observed activity on Carbon Mountain from the mountain from June 8, 1932 through March of 1933. Photo courtesy of the Animas as early as 1918. A noted archeologist Museum photo archives. that area by Professor Arthur Lakes of

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 25 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata put forth the theory that a meteor slide was measured to be moving 30 impact was the cause and set out to to 35 feet per day toward the river. find the meteorite. Locals all had their This caused people to speculate that own theories about the cause and it would eventually dam the river and shared them freely with the press. threaten the town. Plans were made Some speculated there could have to be ready to tunnel through the been a volcanic eruption. slide to keep the river flowing. When Durango residents J.H. Will Rogers visited Durango in 1935, Wigglesworth, Francis Will, and Curtis he observed “Moving Mountain” and Johnson climbed the mountain on later quipped to local boosters that December 24, 1933 to survey the they might use some dynamite to help damage and speculated on the cause. “Moving Mountain” keep moving. A newspaper article followed titled The novelty of “Moving Mountain” “Young Geologist Attributes Moving began to wear off and the dire Mountain Phenomenon to Old Burning predictions never materialized. Then Coal Veins”. They believed that the on May 28, 1952 the Durango News long burning McCloskey-West coal ran “Durango’s Moving Mountain mine at the base of the mountain could Moves Once Again”. Over the ensuing have ignited pockets of seeping gas. years only small events have occurred They observed a strong sulfur odor but interest in the underlying cause and smoke coming from fissures on continues. For now “Moving Mountain” the mountain slope. is fairly quiet. Who knows what the On January 7, 1933 a Universal News future might bring. Reel cameraman was almost crushed by a falling boulder while filming Charles A. DiFerdinando is a local historian an avalanche on the north slope of and a member of the La Plata County Carbon Mountain. The east slope Historical Society Board of Directors.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 26 May 2019 n Volume XXV

Depression& Determination

f you stepped back in time of Colorado. With that, Fort Lewis to explore old Fort Lewis High School of Agriculture opened in and compared the site today October of that year. George Snyder a t F o r t I you would see a startling was appointed superintendent and Dr. difference. Fort Lewis, located south of Charles Lory, President of Colorado Hesperus, was decommissioned by the State Agricultural and Mechanical Lewis military and transferred to the Interior College in Fort Collins, developed Department for use as a boarding and oversaw the curriculum. Some school in 1892. of the notable subjects were English, In 1911, the students began attending math, science, history, agriculture, By Megan Reid the Ignacio School, and eventually horticulture, animal husbandry, Fort Lewis was given to the state household mechanical arts, high

The library at Fort Lewis A&M was built by the Works Progress Administration A gathering at the Fort Lewis picnic grounds with Floy Bader, Dean Ernest Bader’s daughter, (WPA) during the Great Depression. Photo courtesy of Center of Southwest Studies, in the foreground. Willa & Paul Snyder are seen in white standing by a tree in the center Fort Lewis College. background. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 27 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata

College to qualify for Fort provided for non-graduates. launched The Cadet yearbook in Lewis teacher’s training Though times were tough in the 1937. The school’s pride shined bright classes for college credit 1930s, business donations and federal with the sponsorship of team sports in 1924. Other classes funds from the Federal Emergency such as football, men’s and women’s gained recognition and Relief Administration (FERA), Works basketball and tumbling. Annually, by 1927 Fort Lewis was Progress Administration (WPA), Public students welcomed family and friends considered a branch of Works Administration (PWA) and the to Visit Days and High School Senior Colorado State College Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) Visitor Day, which included campus which provided high kept the campus in decent condition. tours, demonstrations, picnics and school and college Unused buildings were cleared away entertainment by the students. classes simultaneously. while natural gas for heating was Today, Old Fort Lewis is a symbol During 1931 and 1932 installed along with new water lines. of our humble beginnings and how far enrollment plunged Other projects included construction we have come. From a military fort to again. Mrs. Lory and of a new library, 2 residences, roads a high school and eventually a college, After C.W. McLain was hired as the science teacher and coach in Mrs. Snyder raised and a ski run. A Carnegie Foundation Old Fort Lewis is a gentle reminder to the 1930s, Tumbling/Gymnastics became popular on campus. keep our heritage alive. He started the “A” Club (men’s) in 1935—note the “A” on these money for a student loan grant increased the library collection uniforms. A women’s “A” Club was started a few years later. Photo program, but eventually to 6,000 volumes in 1939. Ft. Lewis A&M College, located courtesy of Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College. Fort Lewis High School Life on campus was not all hard south of Hesperus, moved to the current closed in 1933. It was work. Students presented plays, location on Rim Road to the east of renamed Fort Lewis downtown Durango and renamed altitude experimental agriculture and concerts, dances, organized social A & M Junior College and officially Ft. Lewis College. teachers training. Tuition was free for clubs and participated in outdoor became a Colorado State College residents and $20 for non-residents. An activities and bus trips. In 1935 Megan Reid is a Animas Museum branch with 90 enrolled students annual entrance fee of $5 was charged and 1936, students established The Volunteer who specializes in that year. George Snyder was Dean with room and board set at $16 a Collegian school newspaper and historical research. until his death in 1934 when teacher month, while services and supplies Ernest Bader took over. The number were $20 a term. Students provided of agricultural classes decreased, their own personal items. No tobacco, and those receiving transfer credits liquor, or firearms were allowed. increased. The new classes included Student enrollment was over 100 but business administration, teacher decreased to 20 after the flooding in training, veterinary medicine, forestry, October caused damage to the campus pre-medicine, pre-law, engineering, and a shortage of supplies. and journalism. In 1938 vocational School fees varied depending on agriculture classes were financed by the economy and enrollment. World the National Youth Administration War I and the flu epidemics influenced and the State Board of Vocational enrollment, leading Colorado State Education, and these classes were

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 28 May 2019 n Volume XXV D u r a n g o Dutch Band By Gay Kiene

he Dutch Band that everyone within earshot could hear wowed the crowds in one of their favorite parade band Durango in the 30s and melodies. Circus music and patriotic T 40s was founded in early songs were their musical choices. 1937. It was organized mostly for the The Band’s first big success was July fun of the musicians but also gave the of 1937 at the National Elks Convention Elks Club a band which was a delight in Denver. The Band’s fame spread, for many. when they went on the Durango C.L. Taylor, Jesse Hocker and Chamber of Commerce Member’s Tommy Lewis founded the band. 1938 Goodwill Tour throughout C. L. Taylor, of Taylor Raymond New Mexico. The Chamber Round Jewelry fame, was the drummer and Table Meeting attendance always would even grab a pan and spoons increased when the Dutch Band was for impromptu performances. Jesse on the schedule. The Durango Dutch Band with Jesse Hocker in front carrying trombone, Tommy Lewis (in Hocker, owner of Hocker Motors, who The Band was well-known for its checkered shirt), C.L. Taylor carrying drum, along with other members of the band & audience on Main Avenue in Durango. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. had been with the Sells Floto Circus many Spanish Trails Fiesta Parade “climbed valiantly up and down the performances while riding up and trombone” according to the Durango down Main Avenue. In June 1939, Herald-Democrat. Tommy Lewis led they led the Junior Chamber’s, better on the clarinet but held his trumpet known as the Jaycees, parade for the in reserve. Its members varied and spring clean-up where the members were limited to twelve musicians carried brooms and mops down from performance to performance. Main. The Band helped with many a Other early members included: Ralph Christmas lighting ceremony while Watson, who could play his coronet escorting Santa Claus down Main as and the piano at the same time, Walter the seasonal lights were turned on. Wilson on drums, Clarence Boren The Durango Dutch Band played for on sax and clarinet, Howard Foster many American Legion picnics, Grange on clarinet. Many other community get-togethers and the Ute Fair held in musicians participated over the years Durango where everyone enjoyed the including Keith Paisley, Ernie Perino, band’s fun loving music. T.F. Keeling, Leonard Glaser, Glenn Puett and Marshall Greathouse. Gay Kiene is a former La Plata County C.L. Taylor explained that the Historical Society Board member and a long time Animas Museum volunteer. She band wasn’t interested in marching is also a historical interpreter on In this photo, Jesse Hocker is on the fender of a car, C.L. Taylor looking over bass drum, Tommy formations or fancy uniforms. As the the Durango & Silverton Narrow Lewis carrying derby next to flag. Onlookers are in the background, possibly at a parade. Photo Band rode in an open Model T Ford, Gauge Railroad. courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 29 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata E n d o f Prohibition A Dodge pickup truck parked in front of 640 Main Avenue in Durango, Colorado with 8 wooden kegs ca. 1935. The sign on the truck door reads, “COORS GOLDEN BEER.” Photo courtesy of Animas Museum photo archives & 3.2 beer olorado Prohibition began 1933. Colorado held an election on in 1916, four years before September 12, 1933 and voters cast a By Charles A. DiFerdinando National prohibition and two-to-one “wet” vote. This ratified C the ratification of the 18th the 21st Amendment and Governor Amendment to the Constitution which Ed Johnson and 15 delegates prohibited the manufacture, sale, or formalized the ratification at a transportation of intoxicating liquours. state convention. On April 7, 1933 This grand social experiment failed Coloradoans celebrated the end of to achieve its goals and made honest prohibition by consuming a citizens into law breakers. Bootleggers 500,000 bottles of legal Colorado- and organized crime flourished. produced beer. In an effort to ease out of prohibition With the 21st Amendment, states and stimulate the depression-ravaged were allowed to regulate alcohol and economy as quickly as possible, write their own liquor laws. Colorado President Franklin D. Roosevelt, after law allowed sale of 3.2% beer to 18 the repeal of the 18th Amendment on year olds and stronger fermented and December 5, 1933, asked Congress to distilled products to 21 year olds. Sales modify the Volstead Act to allow the of 3.2% beer were allowed on Sundays production of beer with 3.2 % alcohol. when stronger alcohol products were Located Inside Nature’s Oasis The Volstead Act limited alcohol in any prohibited due to Blue Laws. beverage or food to .5%. Sales of 3.2% to 18 year olds were We Proudly Serve Only the Best The Cullen-Harrison Act was signed prohibited in the 1980s when the federal We Serve...Meyers Beef, Niman Ranch, into law on March 23, 1933 and was government threatened to withhold Smart Chicken, and more. We stand by providing the to go into effect on April 7, 1933. This federal funds for road projects if alcohol move was to allow for some form of was sold to anyone under 21 years highest quality and ethically produced products. legal beer during the period of time it of age. Due to the Colorado Liquor would take to ratify the 21st Amendment laws which controlled manufacture, to the Constitution. Congress quickly distribution and sale of alcohol, 3.2% changed the law and breweries that had beer was marketed until a change in been making near beer quickly began the law was passed by Colorado voters producing 3.2% beer. Coors Brewery in 2018. On January 1, 2019 the new law in Colorado had continued limited went into effect which signaled the end operation during prohibition producing of 3.2% beer sales. near beer and malted products. Repeal of the 18th Amendment Charles A. DiFerdinando is a local historian Locally and Family Owned went into effect September 26, and a member of the La Plata County 970.247.1988 • 300 S. Camino del Rio • Durango, CO Historical Society Board of Directors.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 30 May 2019 n Volume XXV Culinary Heritage Dinner 2019 By Jeremy Foote

or the past three years, precious metals and coal which were the Animas Museum’s important economic resources in Culinary Heritage Dinner the region. Also, during these years F has taken diners back agricultural and livestock prices in time to the beginning of the 20th bottomed out financially straining century (in 2016), the World War many local farmers and ranchers. I era (in 2017) and the Swinging Hispanics were one of the most Sixties (in 2018). Every year we begin diversely affected ethnic groups crafting our menu based on historical because they historically formed a research to determine what flavors, large part of the mining, farming and ingredients and culinary trends truly ranching labor pools. represent the era. This year’s dinner Unfortunately, specific effects of theme is the 1930s. While the 30s the Great Depression on the Hispanic were a fascinating period for social peoples of La Plata County have not change and governmental programs, been thoroughly documented. Our the decade is not especially plan for this year’s Culinary Heritage The Santa Rita, aka “Mexican significant for American cuisine. So, Dinner is to recognize these residents Flats,” neighborhood was this year we decided to switch gears of La Plata County, to honor their home to many immigrants and focus on the culinary legacy of a contributions to our community and and working class families specific cultural group that influenced feature a menu of dishes that celebrate who worked at the Smelter. our community. the Hispanic culinary tradition. While American Smelting and Refining closed in During the 1930s, Durango was Save the date of Saturday, August 24, December 1930 due to the home to more than one hundred for this year’s Culinary Heritage Dinner Great Depression, this area Hispanic families. The majority of the at the Historic Elks Lodge in downtown continued to be used as a families originated in New Mexico. Durango. As in previous years, we residence for many years. Early in the decade most of this are limiting seats to 64, so please This picture is from the 1950s. Photo courtesy populace was employed either at the make your reservations by calling the of the Animas Museum smelter, the mines or the railroad Animas Museum at (970) 259-2402. photo archives. while others served as household servants, carpenters and pool hall Jeremy Foote is the current President of the La Plata County Historical Society’s A 1935 Christmas menu from attendants. With the stock market Board of Directors. He is a professional the Civilian Conservation crash of 1929, initiating the Great marketing expert and remarkable Corps (CCC) Company 1848. Depression, Southwest Colorado Photo courtesy of the Animas chef. If not in the kitchen or behind a Museum photo archives. was hit especially hard. Markets computer, he can be found wading the shrank and prices crashed for both local trout waters.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org Volume XXV n May 2019 31 The 1930s: Snapshots in Time n History La Plata Friends of Animas Musem Helen Ruth Aspaas Les Goldman Old Colorado Vintage Bill & Tuula Bader Mary Jane Hood Eric H. & Carol A. Pahlke R. Michael & Barbara Bell Ed & Sue Horvat Jeanne Parks Tonia C. Bennett George R. Johnson Maxine Peterson Carolyn Bowra Louis & Gay Kiene Bud & Jean Poe Jim & Bernice Bowra Clark & Caroline Kinser “Keep on Keeping Up” Cheryl Bryant Alvin O. & Marie U. Korte Megan Reid Carl & Teri Craig Derrill & Nancy Macho Ray & Carole Schmudde Gail Downs Rochelle Mann Diane Skinner Durango Craft Spirits Joy Martin Bruce D. Spining Patt Yeager Emmett Barbara & Greg Martin Carl J & Blanca Watson Joyce Erickson Joan McCaw Marilee Jantzer White Sheri Rochford Figgs Robert McDaniel Janet and Chuck Williams Evans & Co. Counselors & Jill Seyfarth Deane Winkler For and Litigators Kathy McKenzie the Tim McCluer Family Jeremy & Lisa Foote Carole Morain Dennis & Karen Young These four friends are dressed in slacks and overalls during the summer of 1933. They are identified as Ken, Anne, Raine, and Eli. Photo courtesy of the Animas Museum photo archives. Gary & Kathy Gibson Michael Murphy

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org History La Plata n The 1930s: Snapshots in Time 32 May 2019 n Volume XXV

endless possibilities. The staff, volunteers Keeping La Plata County History Alive for and members who support the mission to Join us on Saturday, June 15 for keep La Plata County history alive are true the Peterson House Grand Opening Current and Future Generations Starts Here supporters of our flame. We aim to keep our torch aglow but it can only happen with The Peterson House, on the grounds of the Animas We are connected in a variety of ways the complete story of La Plata County. We collaboration and membership. Museum, will finally be open for public tours on throughout La Plata County. Many of can only succeed at this ideal by being I suggest we all extend our hands to Saturday, June 15, 2019. The public is invited to join our citizens are members or volunteers connected with the entire community. help one another. Pass it forward. Lend staff, members and volunteers to cut the ribbon at with various organizations. Many are This connection starts with an a hand. Become a volunteer or a member this grand opening ceremony. The Peterson House connected and some are separated invitation to join us at the Animas of the La Plata County Historical Society. has undergone exterior and interior renovation by mission or cause. But... we are all Museum. You are always welcome here. If you are a current member or need to and restoration projects. The interior is designed connected in making a higher quality of We may have the keys to the door but the renew your membership to the La Plata to interpret the 1930s with items from the Animas living in the San Juans. Animas Museum is your museum. We are County Historical Society, we are here Museum collections. The home was once the home of At the Animas Museum, National here to tell a great story and part of that to help. Membership with us can lead Laurence and Elizabeth Peterson and located across Registry of Historic Places, which is lead story could be your family story. to connections throughout the San the railroad tracks behind the Strater Hotel. by the La Plata County Historical Society, While visiting us, consider becoming Juans. Drop on by for a walk through A variety of activities are planned for all ages along volunteerism and membership are vital to a volunteer or member of the La Plata the Animas Museum or to discuss our with the ribbon cutting ceremony. More information daily operations and supporting cutting County Historical Society. Volunteerism research projects and upcoming events. will be provided through The Durango Herald, emails edge historical interpretation. We aim to gives you the opportunity to further our We cannot do any of this without your and social media. Call the Animas Museum at establish long-term programming that tells mission. Membership gives you and us help and membership. 970-259-2402 for more information.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY n wWw.ANIMASMUSEUM.org