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History La Plata The 1960S:

Snapshots in Time A Publication of the La Plata County Historical Society May 2018 v Volume XXIV History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 2 May 2018 z Volume XXIV From The President Kathy McKenzie Snapshots are defined as informal two answers. Either of those questions bring back fond memories from your photographs taken with a small hand- will bring back snapshots of very vivid past or give you a new insight as to held camera as a record or view of memories for you or nothing comes to what was going on in our area during a particular point in a sequence of mind since you hadn’t been born yet. the 60s. We all need to recognize how events or a continuing process. This The 1960s were full of many memories historically important this decade was year’s History La Plata hopes to give which were both unsettling and and how it changed all of us. It was you “snapshots” of the 1960s using exciting. Those of us who were living known as “The Decade That Changed a photos as well as the written word to in the Durango area during this time Nation”. The La Plata County Historical remind or inform you of a decade of enjoyed going to the drive-in theater, Society and the Animas Museum hope discontent as well as a time of peace, ice skating at Huck Finn Pond by the you have a blast reading this year’s love and harmony. fish hatchery, and watching the Navajo History La Plata publication. If someone mentions “dragging” Trails Fiesta Parade. The fiesta’s name Main Street or they ask what you were was changed from Spanish Trails to Kathy McKenzie is President of the La doing when you heard JFK had been Navajo Trails in 1966. It is our hope that Plata County Historical Society Board of shot, you will probably have one of reading this year’s History La Plata will Directors and is a Durango native.

Familiar Faces Visit the Kathy McKenzie (LPCHS President), Andres Animas Museum “Pabblo” Carlos (Museum Office Assistant), Museum Hours Amber Lark (Animas Museum Collections 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. - Sat. Manager) ready to hit the road in a classic (May – October) 1965 Ford Mustang. Along for the ride are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues. - Sat. volunteers George Johnson, Ed Horvath, (November – April) Chuck Williams, Carolyn Bowra, Janet The Museum is located at Williams, Raelynn Torres, Carol Schmudde, 3065 West 2nd Avenue and Pam Dyer. Special thanks to Derrill and in Durango, Colorado Nancy Macho for the groovy wheels! 970-259-2402 [email protected]

About this Issue On the Cover: Board of This issue was produced by La Directors Marigold Glassware from Rocky Mountain Glass Company was created by 2nd generation Plata County Historical Society glassmaker Joe Hamon at their factory 2 miles north of Durango on Highway 550. The volunteer researchers and writers. Kathy McKenzie - President glassworks opened in 1965 with an eye towards the tourist market. Many of them remember the 1960s. Cheryl Bryant - Vice President Durango High School Cheerleaders epitomize 60s fashion (and school spirit). Pictured: Therefore, the writers’ photos Sandra Jones - Secretary Madelyn Clark, Lois Short, Janie Perkins and Pat Haney. which accompany each article are Caroline Kinser – Treasurer from the 60s. We hope you enjoy Denver and Rio Grande locomotive 483 prepares to transport tourists to Silverton in R. Michael Bell reading this issue of History La 1969. Freighting had declined, and the line was primarily tourist based. Today the 483 is Charles DiFerdinando Plata as much as we have enjoyed in Chama at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Jeremy Foote producing it. We are so grateful to George Johnson Durango at night looking north from the 800 block of Main Avenue in the mid-60s. our advertisers. Please patronize Jeff Johnson All cover images are from the Animas Museum Photo Archives. these businesses and thank them for their support of La Plata Duane Smith – Emeritus County’s history. A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 3 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

Chaos and Continuity

1968: By Cody Ferguson, Ph.D.

he more one studies into a bloody and increasingly By late spring, a charismatic, scoring an important point in the history, the more one controversial undeclared war that youthful, antiwar late-comer to Space Race and paving the way for an finds oneself suspended has claimed thousands of American Democratic presidential primaries eventual moon landing. T uncomfortably between lives. Christmas has just passed. It’s sweeps the contests. After winning Any one of these events would have two poles of historical thought. a new year - 1968. It’s an election California, Robert Kennedy, his dominated the short attention span of On the one hand, we know dates and year; all polls indicate that the great nomination practically assured, the today’s news cycle for the better part decades are merely conveniences that majority of the public approve of the candidate to whom millions look to of a year and these are just the most allow us to place a person or event in current president—Lyndon Johnson mend the gaping divides in America obvious events of 1968. Fifty years relation to other persons and events is expected to run for a second term. is shot dead. The chasms widen. on, we have our own unique set of to explain why or how something In January, the tide of war shifts. After By the end of the summer, antiwar challenges. However, as disorienting happened and, perhaps, why it is being told the U.S. was winning, the activists descend upon Chicago and and overwhelming as today’s news significant. The dates or decades fall enemy launches a massive offensive the Democratic National Convention. can feel, it is worth considering our into place in the unstoppable march which drives America’s forces, a Despite their protests, party stalwarts current circumstances in light of such of time aligned with things we deem half million strong, temporarily back and loyalists organize to nominate a turbulent year. At probably no other important. Continuity on their heels. By the the stand-pat sitting vice president. time since the 1850s and the Civil spans the years and early spring, President Outside, plain-clothed police try to War, has America been as close to decades connecting the Perhaps Johnson’s approval rating incite protestors to riot and helmet- “revolution” as it was in “the Sixties.” past and present. has plummeted. On March clad, billy club wielding officers And yet, though damaged and changed, On the other hand, we Heraclitus 31, he announces that he clash with activists. Tear gas wafts American institutions emerged cannot seem to escape was right, will not seek re-election into the convention hall as votes intact. The reader might find this fact the gravity of certain leaving the Democratic are tallied. America watches on TV reassuring or alarming but if 1968 dates and decades that “the only Party floundering as the political process appears to teaches us anything, it is the reality of stand out and seem to between its stand-pat and degenerate into chaos. In November, America’s durability even in the midst grow to take on an air constant is antiwar factions. the Republicans capitalize on the of existential trials. Continuity and of inevitability. As the change.” Four days later, the disillusion and fragmentation in change merged and emanate from 1968. saying goes, the only nation’s pre-eminent Democratic ranks and capture the Perhaps Heraclitus was right, “the only constant is change and civil rights leader, presidency, their candidate, Richard constant is change.” changes happen on dates. In the Martin Luther King Jr. is shot dead Nixon, promising to end the war United States, July 4th is more than a outside his motel room in Memphis. and bring “peace with honor.” On Dr. Ferguson is an Assistant Professor holiday; the Twenties were “roaring”; In the four previous summers, the Christmas Eve, astronauts aboard an of History and Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College. in the pre-dawn dim of July 16, 1945, unrelenting press of poverty and American spacecraft orbit the moon the world entered the atomic age. racial tensions have boiled over in Los Perhaps more than any other decade, Angeles, Milwaukee, Detroit, New York, “The Sixties” has taken on almost Washington, D.C. and dozens of other mythic status as a time of great cities. Americans watch on the nightly transition and even revolution. Of all news as the nation’s inner cities the years in this incredible decade, burn. Upon hearing the news of the 1968 was, arguably, the most pivotal. assassination, frustrated Americans Whether you lived through this most take to the streets—in anticipation tumultuous of years in a tumultuous of violence, the President calls in decade or you were born later, it is the military to defend the Capital; worth taking a moment to recall the the mayor of Chicago tells the police events of 1968. to shoot rioters. Meanwhile, young For a moment, try to imagine the people protest all around the world, following as if it had happened today. from Prague to Paris, Mexico City, We are more than three years Poland, and across the United States.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 4 May 2018 z Volume XXIV

60s Fashion: The They Hemlines are A-Changin’

By Susan Jones

s Bob Dylan’s 1964 song The youth of the 1960s had more the early 1960s. When the young, “The Times They Are money at their disposal due to post- skinny model known as Twiggy became A A-Changin’” proclaims, war prosperity. Since more choices of popular women started dieting. Girdles the women’s fashions less-expensive clothes were available, were still necessary to hold up one’s of the 1960s were also they used fashion to make a statement stockings, and an indispensable item changing, reflecting the music and against conformity and in favor of the required to cover bare legs as hemlines tempo of the time. The decade started changes sweeping through society. rose above the ankles. The girdle in as an extension of the postwar return Change started from the inside the Museum’s Collection was worn FIGURE 1: 15.18.29, GIFT OF LUCINDA DAVIS STRIDE to glamour in the 1950s. out. For hundreds of every day by the (slim!) donor when In the early part of the decade, fitted The 1963 assassination years, women wore she was a student at Durango High and well-tailored conservative suits of President John F. Change stays or corsets under School in the early 60s. Pantyhose, a (with restrictive foundation garments) Kennedy, however, was their clothes to create one-piece combination of underwear were extremely popular. Hemlines fell an outward symbol started the body shape or and stockings were invented in 1959 just below the knee. Jackie Kennedy of societal changes. silhouette, which the but didn’t catch on until the middle was a fashion idol. Her style was Economic shifts, the from the fashions of the times of the decade as prices dropped. copied by women of all ages and civil rights and women’s demanded. After the In 1968 a protest outside the Miss classes, from her suits and pillbox hats liberation movements inside out. first World War ended in America Pageant had women famously to her sportswear. In the Collections, and anti-war protests 1918, it seemed that the discarding their girdles and bras the green two-piece suit shown here is affected fashion. Flappers of the 1920s supporting Women’s Liberation. They a beautifully tailored example. It was While clothes have been more than abandoned the corset. The reality was had planned to burn the bras like completed by the donor as part of her protection from the elements since women were still using foundation men were burning their draft cards to Home Economics class in November pre-historic times, until the mid-1960s, garments, like girdles, to provide the protest the war in Vietnam. Contrary to of 1963, coincidentally when Durango clothing typically reflected a way to hourglass figure which again became popular belief, no bras were High School was closed during the conform or fit into society’s norms. popular in the 1950s and carried into actually burnt. televised funeral of President Kennedy.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 5 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

In Durango, change was a bit slower to occur. Young ladies could still buy dresses like the brown dress shown here, which was purchased at the Mode O’Day dress shop at 915 Main Ave. in 1965. Several dress shops in town catered primarily to the more conservative dresser. Then the Beatles invaded America and suddenly it seemed hemlines all over the country quickly rose to new heights in response. The white mini-dress shown here was made for the donor by her mother in 1966. It reflects the popular natural “hippie” look with a very short hemline and empire waist. Short skirts, bright colors, bell bottom pants and jeans became symbols of revolution against the status quo.

FIGURE 2: 15.18.23 GIFT OF LUCINDA DAVIS STRIDE During the 1950s, ladies started to discard the obligatory hats. However, they still were Finally, Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 classic Durango. Spiked heels and tall “go-go” seen at church services on song “These Boots Are Made for boots were a signal that women were Sundays, especially Easter. Walking” helped to popularize the ready to take their place in a new Jackie popularized the pillbox iconic footwear of the era. This pair “Great Society,” striding toward peace, hat like the one seen below. By was worn on many an occasion in sexual freedom, and hoping for an end the mid-1960s, ladylike hats were no to poverty and racial injustice. longer mandatory for every occasion as society became more casual. Beehive hairdos gave way to short, simple geometric styles for women. The popular long, straight locks were achieved by ironing the hair with a clothing iron or dried on large “rollers” made of empty frozen orange FIGURE 4: 15.18.24 GIFT OF juice concentrate cans. LUCINDA DAVIS STRIDE

FIGURE 5: 15.18.22 GIFT OF FIGURE 6: 15.18.17 GIFT OF LUCINDA DAVIS STRIDE LUCINDA DAVIS STRIDE

Susan Jones, now a volunteer at the Animas Museum and a narrator on the Durango & Silverton Railroad, did own a pair of go-go boots.

FIGURE 3: 02.25.8 GIFT OF ELVA C. SCOWN A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 6 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Durango Shopping Goes Modern By Jill Seyfarth

n the 1960s, Durango’s buy a hat at Gradens, robust downtown which was advertised shopping scene was as “Durango’s nice I a mix of local stores department store”. and national chains. Franchises like Gradens was also the Gamble’s Department Store, J.C. local S&H Green Stamp Penney, Woolworths, Mode O’Day Redemption Center. and Sweetbriar shared Main Avenue Beginning in the 1930s, frontage with local retailers such as people saved the little Hogan’s, A&B Clothing, Stuart’s of Green Stamps, which they Durango, and Gardenswartz Sporting received as bonuses for Goods. Parsons Drug Store offered shopping at certain stores, legendary milk shakes and redeemed at its fountain. Local the stamps business owners Purgatory for “rewards” debated the town’s ordered from future there, at the opened S&H catalogs, informal Parsons Coffee or picked Club. In one visit to in 1965, up at one of COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES downtown Durango, you several S&H centers. flower cart - to decorate her bedroom. THE NEW MONTGOMERY WARD STORE OPENED IN THE could buy groceries, go attracting Rewards included Downtown Durango businesses TOWN PLAZA IN 1968. TODAY THE BUILDING IS THE to the bank and the post new winter everything from linens served about 20,500 La Plata County HOME OF SOUTH CITY MARKET. office, meet with your to china to furniture to residents. Tourists provided some lawyer or doctor and customers. sporting equipment. The additional revenue, but they did not historically slow retail period. Mesa take care of that errand Green Stamp movement visit Durango in the numbers that they Verde National Park saw a surge in at the courthouse. You peaked in the 1960s do today. The Denver and Rio Grande visitation in the 1960s as well, and could buy your shoes at A&H Bootery, and your author has many happy Western Railroad operated from June many of the Park’s tourists ended up gas up your car, peruse the automobile memories of browsing the Green to early October, adding a second train shopping in Durango. dealerships lining East 2nd Avenue, Stamp catalogs and being allowed in 1963. Purgatory opened in 1965, Tourists and locals all travelled pick up nails at French Hardware or to pick out a single item - a three tier attracting new winter customers in a north-south through town via the

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 7 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata old route of Highway 550, which Durango with the opening of Town Plaza and a covered promenade to protect footprint by expanding into the old ran through the downtown on Main in 1962. The new shopping center was shoppers as they walked from store Grant store. Avenue. A short truck by-pass that constructed on land formerly occupied to store, Town Plaza dazzled local In addition to Kroegers, the other follows the present-day route of by a box manufacturing company and shoppers. Customers were drawn to original businesses that are still Camino Del Rio between College Drive fronted on the truck by-pass, so this the center’s two big anchors; Safeway, operating include Rufe’s Paint Store, the (which was known as 6th Street in project was truly “off the beaten path”. and the now-defunct five and dime Town Plaza Laundry (originally Terrell’s those days) and 14th Street allowed Alton Dorsett, a Texan who had moved store called the W.T. Grant Company. Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning Shop), travelers headed west to Cortez or to Durango in 1945 to buy the Durango A few years later, in 1968, Fred Kroeger Wagon Wheel Liquors, and the former north toward Silverton to skip the Herald Democrat, sold the newspaper built space for two new stores on Plaza Luncheonette, which is now downtown if they did not mind driving and started developing real estate. He the Kroeger property abutting the Oscar’s. By 1968 the Plaza Beauty Salon by lumber yards, manufacturing partnered with Robert Snyder and New south end of the W.T. Grant. Kroeger was operating in Town Plaza, but it businesses, Gradens Flour Mill and Mexico-based developers Ben Abruzzo Hardware located next door to W.T. may not have been an original tenant in the City’s power plant as well as other and Bob Nordhaus to create a new Grant, and the Montgomery Wards 1962. At Durango’s original strip mall, industrial operations located between automobile-oriented shopping center, Department Store leased the space customers have been enjoying “acres of the railroad tracks and the river. which was something that Durangoans that now houses City Market. In later parking” ever since. The traditional downtown expanded had never seen before. years, after W.T. Grant and subsequent into this industrial area when a new With free parking for 400 cars, tenant TG&Y vacated the space, Historian and archaeologist, Jill Seyfarth, development in the retail scene came to 53,000 square feet of retail space, Kroegers would more than double its lives in Animas City.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 8 May 2018 z Volume XXIV

Acres of Free Parking By Jill Seyfarth

Town Plaza Shopping Center z Phillips 66 (now the Durango Joe’s/ z Plaza Pharmacy managed by Robert z Raytron Music City managed by Ray opened in 1962. The Martin Luther Hydration Station complex) L. and Howard Maynes Lindsey Construction Company was the major z z z contractor. Anchor stores were W.T. Rufe’s Paint Store owned by Rufe The Plaza Luncheonette operated A fabric shop, possibly called Thee Grant with 19,000 square feet located Romero Jr. by “Mrs. Ed Sittner” and “Mrs. N.P. Fabric Shop was probably also an at the south end of the shopping z Terrell’s Coin Laundry and Dry Parks”* original tenant. center and Safeway with 15,000 square Cleaning Shop owned by Amos z Kari Inc., a women’s clothing store *In the 1960s, married women were feet located at the north end of the Terrell owned by Ruth Callander, Clara usually referred to in the press by southern complex. z Wagon Wheel Liquors owned and Martinelli and Alberta Dorsett** their husband’s names. The center included a gas station, managed by Oscar and Ed Sittner z Hattie’s Stork Shop operated by **The listing of the first names of and two complexes of stores. In 1962 Mrs. Hattie Jones** the women owners for Kari Inc. and they included: z Safeway (now the Rite Aid store) originally managed by Rudy Shubart z W.T. Grant five and dime store Hattie’s was quite uncommon.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 9 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata It’s Take Cover! The By Amber Lark hile the 1960s were a time instruct people on how to prepare and of social and personal what to do in the event of an attack. liberations, it was also a Three such books are held in the W decade troubled by the Animas Museum’s collections: Fallout ongoing Cold War. It could be argued Protection: What to Know and Do that the 1960s were the height of Cold About Nuclear Attack (1961), Fallout ... War power struggles between the Protection for Homes with Basements s United States and the Soviet Union. (1966), and In Time of Emergency: A 1960 The Bay of Pigs debacle occurred Citizen’s Handbook on Nuclear Attack Corporation was processing uranium houses a 1969 brochure created by between April 17th and April 19, 1961. and Natural Disasters (1968). Most used for research and weapons for the La Plata County Civil Defense The Berlin Wall went up on August of the advice given in these books the Manhattan Project in places like Agency. This brochure covers how 13, 1961. Just over a year later, the is obsolete given what we now know Los Alamos, New Mexico. As Cold to prepare your own fallout shelter Cuban Missile Crisis took center stage about the effects of radiation, but they War tensions increased after the end and how to travel to a public shelter. from October 16th to October 28th, helped instill a sense of preparedness of WWII, it became apparent the U.S. A map of public fallout shelters is 1962. With Communism spreading and for a public who felt under the was not going to stop making nuclear also included. Some of these public atomic bombs pointed everywhere, imminent threat of nuclear strikes. weapons. The Vanadium Corporation shelters were hospitals, public the 1960s brought along more than While it may come as a surprise, (VCA) of America began leasing the schools, many Fort Lewis College lava lamps and Big Macs. Durango was a considerable target uranium mill in 1948, but purchased buildings, and quite a few businesses While nuclear weapons helped the for foreign attack during the Cold the plant outright in 1953. The VCA on Main Avenue. With the publication U.S. win a decisive victory in WWII, the War. Though most traces have been became the area’s largest employer, of this sort of material, Durango technology now threatened the future gone for over twenty years, Smelter processing uranium and other residents could feel more prepared of human existence. The United States Mountain gets its name from the material that went on to fuel U.S. bomb for a nuclear strike. Yet, even Durango government soon began a campaign smelter that was located where production. The uranium processing was not immune to the international to calm the public. Durango Public the dog park is now. In Durango’s plant closed in 1963, but Durango’s war anxieties of the 1960s. School students had air raid safety early days, American Smelting and reputation persisted. drills, taking “shelter” under their Refining Company processed ore With this target painted over Amber Lark is Collections Manager at desks. Aside from bomb drills, the brought to Durango by train from Durango, more localized literature the Animas Museum. She has a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of mines in the San Juan Mountains. By on nuclear attack preparation was University of Oklahoma. Civil Defense published books to help WWII, the United States Vanadium produced. The Animas Museum

FROM THE ANIMAS MUSEUM’S PERMANENT COLLECTION THE LA PLATA COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY CREATED A BROCHURE IN 1969 WITH INFORMATION FOR CITIZENS. THIS PAGE PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEPS TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR ATTACK.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 10 May 2018 z Volume XXIV

The Willetto Collection: Snapshots By Amber Lark ofDurango ne of the largest donations housed Shock was assisted by photographer named, were the last owners of the at the Animas Museum is a photo W. Darrel Jarvis. San Juan Studio of Photography which O assemblage known as the Willetto In 1967, Bill and Kathi Conrad closed in 1972. Jeanne graciously Collection. The Willetto Collection is bought the Shock Studio and renamed donated these collected works to the the product of a photography studio it Camera San Juan. Bill was also a Animas Museum in 1986. Most of the that operated under various names photographer and photo editor for the information we have on the Willetto and owners from 1918 Durango Herald, an English professor Collection was compiled by Animas to 1972, first at 1045 at Fort Lewis College, an editor for the Museum researchers with financial Main Avenue and later Four Corners Magazine, and a writer support from the Institute of Museum at 803 Main Avenue. It for the KIUP radio station. In 1970, the and Library Services (IMLS). This consists of over 4,500 Conrads sold Camera San Juan to the grant-funded project was completed manila envelopes. Willetto family. The Conrads moved in 2015. Each envelope to Glenwood Springs, where ever contains some or industrious Bill became a managing Amber Lark is the Collections Manager all of the following: editor of the Grand Junction Sentinel. at the Animas Museum. She is too young to have a picture of herself in the 1960s. negatives, photo prints, Through the 1960s, Shock Studio Her family’s photo collection includes correspondence, and Camera San Juan captured the the photo accompanying this article. coupons, price lists, many stages of life for the average Three generations of her father’s family and processing Durango resident. The collection visited Pike’s Peak when her father was information. contains photos of babies at their a child in 1965. Altogether, the Willetto baptisms, teenagers posing Collection boasts for yearbook photos, couples over 56,400 individual on their wedding day, families items. For the purpose in their best attire sitting for of this article, we Christmas card photos, and will focus only on the the changing development of owners of the photo Durango businesses. The photos studio in the 1960s. reveal the true day-to-day lives COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES Paul Shock and his wife, Emma of Durango’s inhabitants during THE PIVONKA FAMILY IS DRESSED IN THEIR 60S Lewis first purchased the Fishback this pivotal decade. From FINEST FOR A SPECIAL PORTRAIT BY CAMERA Studio at 1045 Main Avenue in the hairstyles to clothing trends and SAN JUAN, DECEMBER 1969. 1940s. By 1958, they were once again longtime Durango institutions in possession of the photography to bustling new businesses, studio after taking a brief hiatus to run these photographers enshrined a dairy farm in the Animas Valley. The moments of Durango life for couple raised seven children in the future generations. Durango area. By 1963, Shock Studio Jeanne and Thomas Willetto, had moved to 803 Main Avenue. Paul for whom the collection is

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 11 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 12 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Caring for Photos – for Posterity’s Sake

hotos are a great way to items should be sent for professional writing on the back of photos, so the the photo, the date it was taken, and learn more about the past, conservation treatment or scanned for information isn’t separated from the where it was taken. You may also want P but they must be properly digital restoration. Do not undertake image. Hard lead pencils and ballpoint to note the occasion. People should be cared for and labeled. any emergency repairs and never use pens can leave indentions on the identified by name; “Jane Smith” not Handle prints and negatives along pressure sensitive adhesive tapes or image. Place the photo face down on a “Mom”. Store photos in a dry location, the edges. Dirt, dust, and oils from glues to mend photographs. clean, dry surface and write with light away from sunlight. With proper care, your fingers can cause permanent It is best to store your photos pressure. Unfortunately, pencils will and information your photo collection damage. Remove any paper clips separately in archival envelopes and not work on some photographs with could be a gift for posterity! or rubber bands. Old clippings, and to write any information about the coated backing. Use a waterproof soft- notes should be placed in envelopes photo on the envelope, not on the tip marker but be sure the notation Thanks to Gaylord Archival for these and stored separately. Newspaper picture itself. If that is not feasible, is completely dry before stacking or guidelines. For archival supplies or additional information visit their website clippings should be photocopied label photos in a safe, archival manner. storing the photo. Information on the at www.gaylord.com. onto archival paper. Badly damaged A soft lead pencil (HB or #2) is best for label should include names of those in

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 13 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata Say It

FROM THE PERSONAL L COLLECTION OF oud! KATHY MCKENZIE TEENAGERS WHO WERE IN By Jeff Johnson THE GROOVE COLLECTED THE LATEST MUSIC IN THE FORM OF 45 (RPM) RECORDS. RECORDS well. However, we were far from all continue to FROM DURANGO MUSIC “tuning in and dropping out”; thank you enjoy the tunes STORE KEPT DURANGO Motown, The Righteous Brothers, Neil of the 60s! It’s TEENS DANCING TO THE Diamond, and even the patient stride of still cool!! MOST POPULAR SOUNDS. country music with Lorretta Lynn! And remember that “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Jeff Johnson is a member of the La Sinatra had a very good year in ’65. It Plata County Historical Society Board of Directors and is Vice President/General was a time unlike any other and we are Manager at Rail Events Inc. He plays much richer today with our music that fiddle, banjo, and guitar with The High came along in the era of the first moon Rollers, a Durango-based country band. landing. How wonderful that new fans t is always Then comes incomplete to study those pivotal sixties. I music expression of a It’s no wonder that we given era in a vacuum, and it seldom were primed for the Beatles tells much of a story without those by their 1964 landing on U.S. soil (at years that lead the way to these least for those under a certain age), special musical moments. but moreover, we were now cued-up With the end of WWII, the great for what would follow in the wake of days of the big bands took a hit a unique and thankfully edgier music with a mixture of economic impacts delivery; vocal honesty (with some (smaller and thus more affordable good rebellion), dissatisfaction for a band combos), and the natural society that seemed to be led by those musical expression development that who were out of touch, civil rights follows a culture’s progression. The angst, the psychedelically influenced FZA’s Management Team: Sidny Zink, CPA; Charles Fredrick, CPA, CGMA; Michelle Sainio, CPA, CGMA; and John Lopez, CPA, CGMA. 1950s brought on an occasionally “love-ins”, and the mess of a foreign directionless mixed bag of lyrics conflict set right down in the mix. In and melodies; it can be quizzical to a realm of the time honored protest reconcile Patty Page’s offering of “How songs, some of our favorite artists are At FZA, CPA not only stands for the talented Certified Public Accountants we have on our team, but for three very important Much is That Doggie in the Window” still remembered for songs of hope and values: Confidence • Performance • Accountability to Elvis’ gyrations on the Ed Sullivan reflection such as Pete Seeger and Bob show 4 years later! But it also speaks It is our job to instill confidence in our clients, help you Dylan. Memorable refrains that include outperform other businesses and prior tax years, and then be to an era that was primed for a music “We Shall Overcome” and “Blowin’ in accountable for how we assisted you with your success. renaissance, and it finally got a kick the Wind,” respectively, still resonate. CONFIDENCE. We do taxes and audits, but our commitment to you is so much start with the birth of Rock and Roll, With the collective youth in pop culture more. Call or email us for a business or personal consultation. complemented by a resurgence and feeling a new freedom of expression, PERFORMANCE. new versions of Doo Wop and all the music was the soul of it all. With ACCOUNTABILITY.™ accoutrements that came along with messages from free love to righteous being…plugged in! indignation, the sixties had it covered 954 East 2nd Avenue | Durango, CO 81301 | 970-247-0506 | durangocpas.com

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North Iowa Band Festival attracted many popular performers and The Music Man Marching such as Chad and Jeremy, Harper’s Band Competition in Mason Bizarre, Al Hirt and the Bourbon City, Iowa. There were 121 Street Jazz, The Grassroots, and The bands from 30 states in the Serendipity Singers. Rock and Roll had festival. At the same time a huge impact on those who grew up Music the movie “The Music Man” in our area with its social and political premiered there. Then in June viewpoints. Locally everyone looked of 1965 the DHS band marched forward to going out on Friday and in the Portland, Oregon Rose Saturday nights to dance. One popular Festival Parade. Band director spot was the ETC (Every Teen’s Club) Notes Eugene Moeny played an which was located in the alley east of By Kathy McKenzie important role in the success Main Street in the 700 block. No one can of the program due to his forget Durango’s popular local band positive influence on his called the Lords of London. The band Music had a major influence on the residents of La music students. Fort Lewis members included Gerry Jimerfield, Plata County. Durango’s American Legion Drum & College hosted a Hootenanny IMAGE COURTESY OF SID LEAVELL Tommy Beuten, Sid Leavell, and Rodger Bugle Corps won a number of state championships competition where various THE LORDS OF LONDON: (STANDING) Jones. Later several players were and placed high nationally in the 1950s and 1960s groups would perform folk TOMMY BEUTEN, (LEFT TO RIGHT) GERRY drafted during the Vietnam War and which made them the pride of the community. JIMERFIELD, SID LEAVELL (ON DRUMS) songs of artists like Peter, AND RODGER JONES. were replaced by Jerry Schoenfeld and Locals will remember them leading the annual Fiesta Paul and Mary and Bob Ernie McElwain. They released several parades. During the 1960s, the Durango High School Dylan. Many concerts were held at the Fort. The 45s and toured the west coast playing in various had an outstanding music program which included Community Concert series included performances lounges. Whether it was singing along, performing, an award winning marching band. Colorado was by the Denver and Utah Symphonies, The U.S. or just sitting back and enjoying, music in the ‘60s represented by the DHS band in June of 1962 at the Army Band plus numerous others. The college made a life-long impression on people of all ages.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 15 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata Fun, Fast, & Furious By George Johnson

1965. 11:00 PM. Red light on Main Street, Everytown, USA. Two cars, side by 1973, the OPEC embargo began, and PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY MCKENZIE side. Hurst 4-speed manual transmission. 400 cubic inch engines revving. the price of gasoline nearly doubled KATHY MCKENZIE POSES ELEGANTLY BY A The chassis’ trembling with anticipation. Light turns green. Exhausts roar and from 38 cents a gallon to 55 cents a 1964 VOLKSWAGEN BUS. WHILE LACKING THE POWER OF A MUSCLE CAR, IT COULD HOLD A smoke billows out from under burning tires. A quarter mile later and in less gallon almost overnight. Lines were CROWD OF TEENAGERS. than 15 seconds, the cars slow and the winner nods. Drag racing in America! long at the stations and the waits were counted into the hours. It became Muscle cars: lightweight, Detroit- small and the engines became more uneconomical to feed those big engines made, sleek bodied, and massively powerful. They were popularized in premium gas. Americans demanded powerful. Even the names were movies and TV shows like “Bullitt” fuel efficiency in their engines and synonymous with power, speed, and with Steve McQueen, “Gone in 60 the government set standards for fuel beauty: Pontiac GTO (Grand Turismo Seconds”, and the “Dukes of Hazard”. economy. The age of the muscle car Omologato), Ford Shelby Mustang, This love of muscle cars carried faded. But the thirst for speed lives on Chevrolet Camaro SS, Pontiac Trans forward into the 2000s with the “Fast in all of us from those days. Today the Am, Dodge Charger, Pontiac Firebird. and Furious” series of movies. Nissan twin turbocharged 370Z with At the end of World War II and into the And they could be owned by just up to 350 horsepower and the Subaru 50s, it was a time of prosperity and a about anyone because they were WRX with up to 305 horsepower can fill sudden demand for faster cars. Detroit relatively inexpensive. A 1964 Pontiac the need for speed. Witness the Ford auto manufacturers complied and saw Tempest GTO retailed at $3,200 with a Mustang with up to 425 horsepower. sales skyrocket. Drag racing these 389 cubic-inch engine (equivalent to a These cars now are safer, more fuel powerful cars became a hallmark 5.4-liter engine today). Even affordable efficient, and still fun to drive. Are they of growing up in the late Fifties and to young people, Pontiac exceeded the new Muscle Car? throughout the Sixties. their sales projection by six times The first muscle car was the 1949 that year. Some production models 1968. My brother at the wheel of a Camaro SS with 4-speed Hurst shifter on a gravel Oldsmobile Rocket 88 which defined boasted even larger displacement road leading us up to our parent’s home. The speed is beyond posted and we are a muscle car as a lightweight chassis and thus greater horsepower. In headed into a hard left 90 degree corner. He simultaneously cranks the steering propelled by a large, very powerful 1964 as well, Ford came out with wheel to the left and taps the brakes. We are now in a 4-wheel drift towards a cliff engine. From there, the trend couldn’t the Thunderbolt with a 427 cubic- drop-off. He downshifts, hits the throttle, the tires bite into the gravel, and we shoot be stopped, and the Rocket 88 had inch engine. It was perceived as too straight ahead out of the corner, spewing rocks and dirt behind us. We look at each competition going into the 1950s dangerous and Ford made less than other and smile nervously. We survived, and what a thrill!! when Chrysler developed the Hemi 150 of that model. V8 and Chevrolet came out with Near the end of the 1960s, the market George Johnson is a member of the their signature small block V8. And became saturated and sales slowed. La Plata County Historical Society the 1960s became the Decade of the New government standards for safety Board of Directors and volunteers Muscle Car when the cars stayed entered into the equation. In May at the Animas Museum.

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THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: The Navajo Trail, Tourism and Durango in the 1960s By Mona Charles

merica during the 1960s was a mixed bag of discordant emotions. War efforts escalated A in Vietnam. President John Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, followed by the assassinations of Malcolm X, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Junior. The music scene was a cacophony of Rock-and-Roll, Motown, Rhythm and Blues, Psychedelic and Protest songs, and the British Invasion. But to many American families, the 1960s may be remembered through Polaroid photographs in countless family vacation albums. The photos have long since faded but the images they represent conjure up an “Americana” where families hit the pavement hoping for adventure and recreation - a much-needed respite from the conflict and uncertainty that otherwise defined much of the 60s. U.S. Route 66, also called the Will Rogers Highway and the Main Street of America opened the doors to the American West. From its eastern terminus in Chicago to its western terminus at the Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 became a sea of station wagons and Airstream campers seeking the Great Adventure. Tourism boomed along Route 66 with tacky tee-pee shaped souvenir shops, roadside diners with flashing neon lights, Stuckey’s roadside convenience stores, and mom-and-pop motor inns advertising air-conditioned rooms, which would be a welcome sight after a long, hot day’s drive across the American West. Of course, Route 66 does not pass through Durango or even Colorado, but IMAGE COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PERMANENT COLLECTION U.S. Route 160 does and just like Route 66, THIS MAP WAS PART OF THE HANDBILL, “DURANGO, COLORADO 4 SEASONS OF FUN” GUIDING Route 160 witnessed its share of tourists TOURISTS TO THE AREA AND PROVIDING INFORMATION ON LOCAL ATTRACTIONS, PRINTED CA. 1965.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 17 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata funneling through southern Colorado. For much “The opening of Navajoland and the Four Corners “Durango, someone once said, sounds like a of its length, it parallels Route 66, which is south to cross-county traffic will see more and more town at the end of the rainbow, but when you of Durango about 175 miles and runs through the visitors leaving the hot and crowded Route 66 to take go there it’s a late show re-run of a grade-B entirety of neighboring New Mexico. Route 160 the more scenic and cooler route through an area Western. Today the people of Durango dress begins at Popular Bluff, Missouri, that theretofore was listed on the maps like cowboys for comfort and not the saddle, and ends just west of Tuba City, as remote, unpaved and sometime try hard to ignore their celebrated railroad, Arizona, a length of 1,460 miles. To Route 160 unwise to travel unless accompanied and have no time for sentiment. Instead they the more adventurous, 160 may have by a guide.” are absorbed in how to make more money seemed more like the real West. witnessed Spurred by the buying power of a from the native industry of tourism…After The last segment of the highway post-WWII middle-class America and the a spin up the Animas Canyon, legions of across the Navajo Reservation was its share completion of the newly paved Navajo summer visitors revive themselves in raucous paved in the mid-1960s. The route of tourists Trail, Durango quickly evolved from a bars, stomp their feet at the melodrama, eat through Arizona, Colorado, and farming, ranching, mining, and railroad Chinese food at the Western Steak House, and Utah was aptly called “The Navajo funneling town to a tourist destination replete with buy Indian souvenirs often made by laborers Trail”. Route 160 promised off-the- a successful narrow-gauge train trip to who have never been west of Chicago. Local beaten-path tours to places like Mesa through. the remote mining town of Silverton. citizens haven’t had such easy pickin’s since Verde National Park in Colorado, Restaurants, motels, gift shops, dude 1889 when the Dawson gang left a trail of and Monument Valley in Arizona. ranches, and the like geared wares, scattered greenbacks as they rode out of town The vacationer yearning for authentic “cowboys” services, and epicurean palates to the expectations on the run”. and “Indians”, might find the Navajo Trail was just of the tourists. Durango gained notoriety as a tourist Really? One thing for sure, Ms. Wood’s article did the right ticket. And its higher latitude promised destination, but the growing pains of the 1960s tourist not change the trajectory of Durango that was set in a more relaxing drive. As one advertisement industry did not go unnoticed. Often the notoriety was motion in the 1960s via the Navajo Trail. suggested, those who choose Route 160, the less not so complimentary. In 1965 Nancy Wood wrote the traveled route, will find both adventure following about “Durango Iron Horse of the West” for Mona Charles, Independent Consultant, Powderhorn and comfort: the tourist magazine Colorful Colorado: Research LLC and 30-year Durango resident. Her first car was a 1967 white Ford Mustang.

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i m a s m u s e This year’s Culinary Heritage Dinner A n u m STEAKHOUSE will deliver a gastronomic salute to EST. 2016 the Swinging Sixties by resurrecting IN favorite dishes of some long-lost Durango Culinary Durango culinary landmarks. (970) 247-5707 OrEhOuSeDuRaNgO.CoM Heritage Sample faithful recreations of D r delicious menu items from popular OpEn 5Pm DaIlY 147 EaSt CoLlEgE DrIvE i n n e spots like the Red Barn BBQ, the Silver Spur, the Terrace at the Strater and Chez Louis. ReSeRvAtIoNs AdViSeD Call (970) 259-2402 Today for Reservations as Seats are Limited

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History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 18 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Wheels, Reels, & Meals By Charles DiFerdinando

enry Ford is credited with starting of Durango. It opened with a double America’s love affair with the feature; “To Hell and Back” starring automobile, changing America’s way Audie Murphy, and “Gun Slinger”. H of life forever. People began to spend Managed by Jack Scales, the Rocket more and more time in their cars, and could accommodate 450 cars. businesses were created to cater to Eating in your auto led to the the auto loving public. opening of drive-in restaurants. The The drive-in theatre was created to Lucky Drive Inn opened in August provide entertainment to the public 1947 in Animas City at what is now in the convenience of their autos. the northwest corner of Main Avenue Durango was no exception. The Basin and 32nd Street. It was operated by Drive-In Theatre opened at 2300 Main Elwin C. Smith, a WW II Army Air Avenue on June 23, 1950 with the Corps veteran. The building was feature film, “Oh, You Beautiful Doll”. constructed by George Horther The Basin Drive-In changed ownership and leased to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. in 1956 and became the Knox Drive-In The Smiths put the business up for Theatre. It was operated by Denver’s sale in December 1950 with three Rodney Knox, who had married a years left on their lease. There was local girl, Donna Marie Periman. a succession of operators through Durango’s Basin Star newspaper of the years including: Fred Forbidussi March 19, 1958 announced “The Bell and Frank Orrecchio; Joe Conway Drive-In formerly the Knox Drive-In is and Clarence Beebe; Vernon L. “Jack” under new management, watch for the Sadahiro; George S. “Steve” Connor opening.” St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Jim Connor. In 1965 a cabaret held Easter Sunrise Services at the Bell license was obtained and reopened in 1958, 1959, and 1960. The Bell Drive- featuring a 100-seat dining room, In operated until 1964. The property coffee shop and curb service. It PHOTO COURTESY RANI HOLT was purchased by School District 9-R was open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to THIS UNDATED PHOTO SHOWS THE WAYSIDE DRIVE INN, LOCATED AT 8TH AVENUE to become part of the site for the new midnight offering full course meals, AND 6TH STREET (COLLEGE DR.). IT WAS A POPULAR HANGOUT FOR FORT LEWIS high school. steaks, shrimp, burgers, fountain COLLEGE STUDENTS AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESSMEN. On March 10, 1957 the Durango service, and 3.2 beer. Herald-News announced the opening Durango’s first drive-in restaurant of Durango’s newest drive-in theatre, was the Poor Boy Drive In built the Rocket Drive In, 3 miles south in 1948 at 1444 Main Ave. by C.W.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 19 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

“Stubby” O’Brien and Mike “Froggy” Vandenberg. In the spring of 1967 burger. Roy’s specialty was “The Big School or Fort Lewis College has still Valent. Stubby O’Brien was an army Vandenberg built a second A&W at 9th Hamburger with 3 extra bites”. Both enjoys memories of nights dragging veteran, serving in the Pacific theatre Street and Camino Del Rio (SE corner), establishments closed when the Main Avenue in an old car, fueled with in WWII. He operated the drive-in and both locations were popular high 1963 Highway 550 realignment cheap gas and getting refreshment at from 1948 to 1978. He died in 1997. school hangouts. The North Main bypassed them. one of these establishments. The Poor Boy Drive In was a popular location was famous for its “Burger As the 1960s ended, Durango’s Charles DiFerdinando is a local historian hangout for Fort Lewis College Family” fiberglass statues atop the tastes changed. Drive-ins began to fade into history, but anyone who grew and member of the La Plata County students in the 1960s because it drive-in canopy. Historical Society Board of Directors. served 3.2 beer. In May 1952 John Person and Art up in Durango, attended Durango High There was a short-lived drive-in Wyatt broke ground at the corner of at 1221 Main Ave. in the early 1950s 8th Avenue and 6th Street (College called “Frosty Mountain”. With the Drive) for the Wayside Drive Inn. oil and gas boom came a shortage of Wyatt supervised construction of the office space in the Durango area and $25,000 building, and John Person Frosty Mountain was displaced by an operated the restaurant. Person had office building. Then the Malt Shoppe come to Durango and managed the at 18th Street and Main Avenue (SE Strater Hotel food service for several corner) opened in May 1953. The Malt years prior. At that time, 8th Avenue Shoppe was owned and operated by was the Highway 550/160 entrance to Jim and Dorothy Hinsley Durango from the south for 20 years and was and east. John and Betty a popular high school Durango’s Ann Person operated the hangout until it closed Wayside Drive Inn until in 1973. first 1975 when they sold the In 1956 Mr. and Mrs. business to Herman and K.K. Moore moved to drive-in Carol Robinson. The Durango from Texas restaurant Wayside was popular and opened the Red with Fort Lewis College Chalet at 1737 Main was the students and local Avenue across from businessmen who had the Malt Shoppe. It was Poor Boy a morning coffee club a bar-b-que takeout there. “Tacos” were this shop, which was the Drive In hot spot’s new taste forerunner of the Red sensation in 1959. Barn restaurant, a local built in 1948. In May 1955 another landmark in the 1960s. drive-in was under Ralph Baughman’s construction west Dairy Crème Drive-In opened at 29th of Durango on Highway 160 West. Street and Main Avenue in May 1953 Richard and Mary Birtz opened (location of today’s Taco Bell). The Richard’s Drive In and Richard’s Dairy Crème building was moved Motel, later the Durango Inn. It was to the 1400 block of E. 2nd Ave and the first motel in Durango to have a became Griego Drive-In after 1969. swimming pool. Richard’s Drive In The Dairy Crème had a succession was famous for its Sunday Dinner of owners over the years who added Special, turkey and trimmings for different menu items in an attempt to $1.25. Richard’s remained a local compete with other drive-ins. favorite through the 1960s. It was one A&W Root Beer Drive In opened of the first local places to offer “pizza in Durango at 2603 Main Avenue in pie” on the menu. June 1957, operated by Laurel and In 1958 two drive-ins opened Mary Harmon. Advertised as the on the north end of Durango on nation’s leading root beer, a 10 oz. old Highway 550 (Animas View mug was 5¢, jumbo mug 10¢ and 65¢ Drive), Honest John’s Drive-Inn for a gallon. They also featured chili and Roy’s Handout. Honest John’s dogs and burgers. In 1963 the A&W advertised the “Best Hamburgers was purchased by Jim Wells and Wes on Earth” and also featured a pizza

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 20 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Let’s go to Bolivia... or Durango? By Bruce Spining

“ he next time I say let’s go to Bolivia elsewhere. At the time, the local T let’s go to Bolivia” is one of the society column, Girl About Town, oft-quoted lines from the iconic kept a running tally of reported western movie, Butch Cassidy and star sightings. the Sundance Kid. Well, in the fall of Paul Newman even dropped in 1968, Hollywood didn’t exactly go to unannounced on a small group of Bolivia. Tinseltown came to Durango Fort Lewis College theatre students and to La Plata County to film a large and spent the better part of an hour portion of this classic American film. in an informal interview. During the Fifty years later this movie month or so that the film crew were remains a powerful presence in in the area, quite a number of locals American popular culture. Not were drawn into the magic of movie only did this movie feature Paul making and there are still a number Newman and Robert Redford as of people in the area who were in the the proto-typical counter-culture film as extras. Locals also worked anti-heroes, it transformed these behind the scenes in a variety of two actors and their roles into the jobs, including wranglers. Even now, iconoclastic image of the perfect it is a kind of ‘badge of honor’ for ‘buddy’ characters. So powerful an area local to say they worked on was this connection, that Newman (or know someone who worked on) and Redford made several other Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. ‘buddy’ pictures together (The Sting, That said, part of the magic of Mickybo and Me). the many movies that have been Back in ’68, the Newman/Redford made in and around our area has duo also made quite a splash in been their capacity to convince the local area—not to mention us that the heroes of these films the famous ‘jump’ off of the cliff at could do amazing feats. In our Baker’s Bridge. Locally the ‘splash’ imaginations—and in the lore of included many reported sightings many a local person who worked COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE or encounters with one or more of on these films—the antics of Butch, PAUL NEWMAN (CENTER) SPOKE AT THE FORT LEWIS DRAMA DEPARTMENT IN THE FALL OF 1968, WHEN HE WAS IN DURANGO TO FILM “BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID”. NEWMAN’S the film’s high-profile personalities Sundance, Etta, and a host of others APPEARANCE ON CAMPUS WAS NOT PUBLICIZED, AS HE WISHED TO AVOID CROWDS OF FANS. on the streets of Durango or like Wil Andresen (John Wayne,

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 21 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

The Cowboys); Grant McLaine (James promote the social justice, political, Stewart, Night Passage); Lina Patch and cultural ideas that were at odds (Janet Leigh, Naked Spur); Phineas with the mainstream society. Fogg (David Niven, Around the World Somehow, the Butch and Sundance in 80 Days); and dancing girl, Clara of George Roy Hill’s direction seemed (Marilyn Monroe, Ticket to Tomahawk) to embody those counter-culture all found in the inspirational beauty qualities that were so relevant to those of southwestern Colorado, the grit to times. Again, notwithstanding the real achieve the seemingly impossible. history of the two Hole-in-the-Wall Never mind that in the famous outlaws, the characters of the film Baker’s Bridge scene, the film makers made them both understandable and actually placed some blocks into the even loveable. The movie’s characters river to make the rapids look even were thumbing their noses at the more powerful and ominous. When a ‘establishment’ and the audience of movie (or a large part of it) gets shot in the time loved it. our area, we all embrace the fantasy. Yet despite a complete reversal of There was no problem with Redford’s cultural attitudes since then, the film ‘Sundance’ jumping on to the top of a has kept its audience. The understated moving train near Rockwood. In what wry humor that permeates the entire became an infamous scene, Newman’s movie, and our empathy for and with ‘Butch’ completely obliterated a balsa the characters Newman and Redford wood replica of a railroad mail car created, remain the core reasons this because the movie’s stunt planners film stands an as enduring classic miscalculated how much explosive of American cinema. We embrace would be needed to blow it up. There these loveable outlaws who are both is even a cryptic line in the film when tragic and comic; who shared the Redford’s character asks “Think you girl, Etta (Katharine Ross); and whose used enough dynamite there, Butch?” camaraderie seemed to survive even A key element in why this film their violent deaths in Bolivia. captured the American imagination It didn’t hurt that the movie used came from the late 1960s itself. our area to set the stage and frame Arguably, the years 1968-69 were the the story. Because of that, we can peak of a counter-culture movement well expect both the film and our that challenged established social and community’s role in making it will easily cultural norms and supported many endure for another 50 or more years. anti-establishment critics like Martin Luther King, Jr., Timothy Leary, and In 1968 Bruce Spining spent most of his Abbie Hoffman (Steal This Book), time trying to escape his chronic nerd- ism by disguising himself as a local who risked jail and public censure to version of 60s radical Tom Hayden.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 22 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Rio Grande Land – Wins & Losses for Our Cultural Heritage

By Robert McDaniel

hange was in the air as the 1960s the most visible symbol of Durango’s investments in both the Silverton train dawned in Durango. The old economic storied past. The city’s charming late and Durango real estate in an effort C mainstays – mining, smelting, 1800s - early 1900s architecture also to make Durango “one of the state’s agriculture and railroading – were spoke to its unique identity as an major tourist attractions.” either in decline or on the verge authentic western town. The railroad had purchased all of disappearing altogether. New As the decade dawned, Durango the property south of 6th Street and economic ventures began to emerge, was in danger of losing its railroad. east to the alley between Main and but what effect would these changes The D&RGW Railroad had applied for Second Avenues for $800,000. Thayer have on Durango’s cultural identity? permission to abandon its Silverton Tutt, President of Colorado Springs’ The railroad, with its 19th century branch in 1959. Fortunately, the Broadmoor and a D&RGW director, narrow gauge trains, was perhaps Interstate Commerce Commission explained that “the old buildings will denied permission to be rehabilitated and restored to their abandon in April 1962, original appearance” in an effort to and the railroad began produce an ambience of “Durango’s to re-think the profit bustling youth.” potential of a narrow Business leaders and history gauge “journey to buffs alike applauded the plan. yesterday.” “Hurrah for the railroad” wrote vocal In the wake of preservationist Ella Birkheimer. these developments, “Time for the city and county to Durango’s architectural get together and save all the old heritage didn’t fare buildings . . .” In her letter to the nearly as well. During editor she referred specifically to the a few months in old courthouse and the old city hall, 1963-64, more historic both of which awaited their final fates buildings were lost than as new replacement buildings were at any time since the being finished. devastating fire of 1889 Acknowledging that “people burned nearly seven [in the U.S.] are concerned with blocks of the city. preservation of authentic visible ties Ironically, the events with [the] beginnings of the West,” that presaged this railroad officials deemed the property mass destruction immediately adjacent to the depot to seemed promising be “ideally suited to this purpose.” COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES enough. In the second By early summer the first new THESE BUILDINGS, LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE 400 BLOCK OF MAIN AVENUE ACROSS FROM THE week of January 1963, D&RGW businesses appeared. The former RAILROAD DEPOT, WERE RAZED IN EARLY APRIL 1964. THE SANDSTONE TELLURIDE IRON WORKS BUILDING officials announced plans for major Durango and Linmore hotels at the (TO THE RIGHT IN THE DISTANCE) WAS DEMOLISHED A FEW YEARS LATER.

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northeast corner of 5th St. and Main In May, Rio Grande became the Rio Grande Hotel; a new Land director Alexis “Victorian bar” called the Full House McKinney announced replaced the Oasis; and plans were at a Cortez Chamber of afoot to convert two buildings on Commerce luncheon the west side of Main to the General that one-third of the Palmer House and the Grande Palace buildings the railroad Restaurant. had purchased in It was the dawn of a new age in Durango had been tourism. Train ridership, which had razed. The Herald increased from 3,400 passengers reported that “they in 1947 to 39,000 in 1962, leaped to were no longer usable.” new highs with the railroad’s new What had promotional efforts. Tourism became happened to the a vital element of Durango’s economy. “authentic visible ties” The new prosperity, however, came philosophy? Despite with a price. vague statements On October 27, 1963 railroad officials that the old buildings announced the opening of bids to raze stood in the way of two brick buildings along the railroad “future development,” tracks in the 500 block of Main. Within the railroad never a month the buildings were gone. built anything in their The demolition crews continued in place. The old 400 block COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES earnest the following spring. During of Main remained vacant until a visible ties” to our past. The sacrifices of the Sixties, though, will always A BULLDOZER LEVELS THREE the first week of April three classic subsequent landowner built western HISTORIC BRICK BUILDINGS IN 1890s brick buildings were leveled in themed wood-frame buildings there serve as a reminder of the need to THE 400 BLOCK OF MAIN AVENUE the 400 block of Main “to make way about ten years later. Sadly, the real preserve our cherished heritage. “TO MAKE WAY FOR FUTURE for future development of the area.” thing was not good enough in 1964. DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.” Robert McDaniel is a former director of ALMOST 10 YEARS LATER, THE A month earlier, the Durango City Fortunately, much of Durango’s the Animas Museum and was a charter GASLIGHT THEATER AND OTHER Council had voted to vacate Main Ave. architectural heritage remains to member of the City of Durango’s Historic “REPLICA” WESTERN BUILDINGS WERE south of 5th Street. provide those all-important “authentic Preservation Board. CONSTRUCTED AT THIS LOCATION.

Durango Native Circles the Moon Gay Kiene

tuart Allen Roosa was Force in 1953, he served as a pilot. In story is that a Texas friend offered to get delivered by Dr. O.B. Rensch 1966 he was chosen to be an astronaut. Stuart here in exchange for two cases of at Mercy Hospital on August He served as the Capsule Communicator Coors. Ceremonies naming Roosa Park S 16, 1933. Stuart was born to of the 1969 Apollo 9 Mission. During the and Roosa Avenue in his honor occurred Dewey and Lorine Roosa while Dewey Apollo 14 Lunar Landing he circled the during this visit. Stuart Roosa left the had a short assignment to the Bureau of moon alone as Alan Shepard and Edgar military in 1976 and entered private Reclamation in Durango. Stuart was raised Mitchell walked on the lunar surface. After business. He died December 12, 1994. At in Claremore, Oklahoma. He received a this famous flight, Roosa, his wife, their the time of his death he was owner and Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering four children and his parents returned for president of a Coors beer distributing COURTESY OF NASA from CU Boulder in 1960. Joining the Air a visit to his hometown in July 1971. The company in Gulfport, Mississippi. STUART ROOSA’S OFFICIAL NASA PORTRAIT

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News In of the Day 1968 By Carolyn Bowra

he 1960s was a tumultuous decade. citizens learned of these well as the current The country was enmeshed in a events in The Durango Herald. news of the day. T controversial war. Politics and As a local paper, coverage An examination assassinations roiled the nation. leaned toward local news, of 1968 Herald news Protests, some peaceful, some not, community events, school shows that Vietnam rocked campuses. In La Plata County activities, area sports and War coverage was society happenings. National thorough and and international news detailed, with news from specific were reported via stories military campaigns and casualty from the Associated figures. The local connection to the Press wire service. war was seen through bulletins noting While the news military awards, assignments and coverage in the Herald transfers for area servicemembers. was perhaps typical for Feature stories about families with the era, the newspaper a member in the service brought staff was not. Arthur the war home to Durango. As the and Morley C. Ballantine peace talks in Paris stalled, without came to Durango agreement on the shape of the table from Minneapolis in for the delegates, a MCB editorial 1952, purchasing and noted; “If soldiers weren’t continuing combining the Herald- to die as the negotiators dally in Paris, Democrat and the News. the spectacle of grown men arguing The Herald-News became over the shape of their conference The Durango Herald in table would be hilarious.” 1960. As co-publishers The 1968 election coverage launched the Ballantines were the in April, with the stunning news that primary editorial voice, President Johnson would not seek both writing opinion re-election. The Herald covered the pieces about the news. In story and published a survey of the the 1960s women in the editorial reactions around the state. newsroom were a rarity, It was a foregone conclusion that and a woman’s editorial Robert F. Kennedy would become the voice was rarer still. Democratic nominee. The nation was Editorials by Mr. Ballantine stunned when he was assassinated were signed with an AB, in June. Mrs. Ballantine reported while those authored by that downtown Durango was quiet Mrs. Ballantine carried as residents stayed home to watch her initials, MCB. Her news of the assassination and as COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES editorials could be about people around the world watched MORLEY C. AND ARTHUR BALLANTINE OVERLOOKING DURANGO IN NOVEMBER 1967. THE PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN BY CAMERA SAN JUAN AND IS PART OF THE ANIMAS MUSEUM’S WILLETTO COLLECTION. food, travel or family as the televised funeral, technology

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 25 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata had created a global village. When and reasonably with other races and the Democratic National Convention peoples the future is bleak. Man’s was rocked by violence in the streets accomplishment can be turned against of Chicago, the Herald provided his very existence.” 1960s Slang extensive coverage. Mr. Ballantine At the end of 1968 the Herald editorialized that some of the students reviewed the top local stories of the ere are a few slang terms to introduce you to the era as well as the police were responsible; year. The #1 story for the year was the (or refresh your memory). Some expressions from the “…representatives of organized signing of the Colorado River Basin 1960s have remained popular, while others come and go society have an especial obligation Project Act by President Johnson. The from fashion. Can you dig it? to see that disturbances be handled legislation made possible the eventual H well” and “people with legitimate construction of the Animas-La Plata A gas - having a fun time Don’t flip your wig - don’t be grievances are playing with fire.” project. Other top stories were the upset All show and no go - looks good When Richard Nixon defeated Hubert completion of the new Kroeger’s on the surface, but was lacking Fab Four - The Beatles Humphrey in November’s general and Montgomery-Ward stores at substance, particularly a car Groovy - outstanding, nice, cool that looked good, but lacked election, Mrs. Ballantine wrote, the Town Plaza, and the remodeling or neat “Governing this country of the intersection at power Hep - in full agreement at all is a feat and Camino del Rio and Ape - crazy or mad, often used Nixon will be assured 6th Street, the first with go. As in: “Those cats went Hip - very cool While ape for the new song from the a place in history if step toward rerouting Rat fink - someone who tells on Fab Four.” he can do it well. The Highways 160 and someone else the news Be there or be square - the cool scope of the problems 550. Other key stories Shotgun - passenger seat he faces demand that included the opening people will be gathering at a coverage in certain place Sock it to me - Let me have it or he do his utmost as a of the new student say what you need to say national leader, not as a the Herald center at Fort Lewis Blast - good time Threads - clothes politician.” College, construction Cat - guy Morley was was perhaps of a new water filtration particularly concerned typical for plant, and whether about student protests the Hermosa drainage on campuses. While the era, the should be used for visiting New York she logging or conservation. covered a student newspaper Other topics appearing protest on the staff was not. in the pages of the 1968 Columbia University Herald still resonate 949 Main Avenue campus. Stating that today. Residents were near-anarchy was unhappy with having Durango, Colorado 81301 not the answer to grievances, she to rely on Albuquerque TV news, 970.247.4066 called for students to return to particularly vexing in an election year. mountainbikespecialists.com class with representative leaders, The pros and cons of shopping in faculty and administration meeting Farmington were examined; “money Top 100 Bike Shops in America to communicate. Of the younger spent at home is never far away.” 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 generation she wrote, “By and large The difficulty of air travel into the college students today are a serious county was noted, while tourists who group…What they have to offer had received parking tickets sought should be listened to. They know by amnesty, based on their contributions and large what they’re after. They to the downtown economy. Editorials want to help govern their society.” called for increasing the availability of She acknowledged the protests were low income housing and a November unlikely to affect change but praised headline reported the “Changing Flu Think of us for all stages of your life! the students’ “streaks of idealism”. Virus Complicates Fight”. Although 50 We’ve been serving the residents of Arthur Ballantine took a years in the past, the issues of 1968 philosophical tone when the U.S. space were not too different from the issues Southwest Colorado for 59 years. program prepared for man to leave the of our own tumultuous times. We are a full financial institution offering planet, noting; “The question today you a fresh alternative to your bank! is whether man’s emotions can cope Carolyn Bowra is descended from with what his intellect has created. area newspapermen and is an Animas 15 Bodo Drive, Durango, CO 81303 Museum volunteer. Unless he can learn to live peacefully www.swcolocu.coop | 970.247.5204

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By Robert McDaniel PurgatoryFounded on Oil Man’s Vision

ay Duncan was one of many oil men The story has its roots in the local who moved to Durango in the 1950s. By ski scene more than 20 years before R the time the local “oil boom” subsided, Duncan came to Durango. The rise however, Duncan had created a of recreational skiing in the U.S. legacy none of his peers could match. had begun in earnest in the 1930s. Ironically, that legacy had nothing to do The 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake with the oil business. Placid changed the way Americans regarded winter - millions learned you could have fun in the snow. The first rope tow” in the U.S. was built in Vermont in 1934, and equipment COURTESY ANIMAS MUSEUM improvements like skis with metal PHOTO ARCHIVES edges, cable bindings and stiff leather CHET ANDERSON WORKED boots made skiing more enjoyable. HAND-IN-HAND WITH RAY DUNCAN TO DEVELOP Local ski enthusiasts caught the PURGATORY SKI AREA. bug and formed the San Juan Basin Ski HE LOCATED THE SITE, and Winter Sports Association (later MASTERMINDED THE ORIGINAL renamed the Durango Ski Club). They TRAIL SYSTEM, SUPERVISED ALL forged an agreement with the San Juan THE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, AND SERVED AS THE National Forest to install the area’s AREA’S GENERAL MANAGER FOR first rope tow. Walt Balliger, Jack Lee, OVER 20 YEARS Bill Crawley, Gerry & Dick Yeager and Fred Klatt, Sr. were among those who built and installed that first tow in Cascade Meadows on the flanks of Engineer Mountain in 1937. Two years later, club members moved the “tow back to Lechner Field (later known as Chipmunk Hill). With the onset of World War II, many of the ski club’s active members joined the war effort. Club membership FROM THE ANIMAS MUSEUM PERMANENT COLLECTION dropped from 75 to 42 members by THE ORIGINAL LIFT AND PURGY’S ARE PICTURED IN November 1942. As the war deepened, THIS POSTCARD FROM THE EARLIEST DAYS OF PURGATORY, CA. 1965. A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 27 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata gasoline and tire rationing compelled the Durango Ski Club to transfer ownership of its tow to the City of Friends of the Animas Museum Durango in 1943 for use at the Third Avenue Ski Course (now Chapman Hill). As the war dragged on, the club Helen Ruth Aspaas Gable House Bed Jeanne Parks finally disbanded. and Breakfast In 1948, Vernon Bodo, Arvo Matis, R. Michael and Barb Bell Maxine Peterson Gary and Kathy Gibson Dick Yeager and others reorganized Tonia Clark Bennett John and Diane Poer the ski club. It was an auspicious move Les Goldman that paved the way for Durango’s Bernice and Jim Bowra Megan Reid Mary Jane Hood future as a ski town. Rope tows Carolyn Bowra Robert Dwyer, seemed to pop up all over southwest Ed and Sue Horvat Durango Marshal, 1881 JoAnne Bruton Colorado in the decade that followed. George R. Johnson Ray and Carol Schmudde Meanwhile, Dolph Kuss had moved Cheryl Bryant Jeff Johnson Maureen and Bob to Durango in 1954 to take a job Carl and Teri Craig Sievers as the La Plata County Recreation Sandy Jones For the Kerr Supervisor. Besides wrangling a new Diane L. Skinner rope tow for Third Avenue, Kuss & Burnham Family Lou and Gay Kiene Bruce D. Spining started Nordic and alpine youth ski Charles DiFerdinando In honor of Kathy and racing programs. In the process, Cheryl Kathy Szelag Gail Downs he met Ray Duncan, a local ski Derrill and Nancy Macho George and Mary enthusiast and community-minded Durango Craft Spirits Thompson Barbara and Greg Martin citizen who was especially interested In memory of Dick Marilee Jantzer White in youth programs. and Josephine Yeager Jill Seyfarth The Nordic program occupied much and Robert McDaniel Charles and Joyce Erickson of Kuss’s time, so the ski club, which Janet Williams Kathy McKenzie actively supported the junior racing Sheri Rochford Figgs Dennis and Karen Young programs, needed an alpine coach. In Suzanne Murray Duncan’s words, “Dolph helped locate Jeremy Foote a coach, and the coach was Chet Old Colorado Vintage Anderson.” Chet had grown up in Steamboat In January 1965, the pieces started Supporting this year’s History La Plata Springs and skied with top falling into place. Under difficult competitors like Gordy Wren and circumstances, Purgatory ski area Buddy Werner. Along with other forest was developed in less than a year’s service employees, he time. Support from local had studied different businessmen, many of sites in southwest Purgatory whom had been active Colorado for their ski in the Durango Ski Club, area potential. Driving ski area was proved critical to the back from a race at success of the project. Crested Butte, Duncan developed in Just as importantly, famously remarked to Chet Anderson, with Anderson, “Isn’t it a less than a his skills, background shame that we don’t year’s time. and leadership, willed have a bigger hill than the project through to Hesperus to train on.” completion. Most of all, Chet, of course, replied Ray Duncan’s vision and that there was such a place – an area courage in taking the risk to create known as Purgatory between Durango Purgatory resulted in a turning point in and Silverton. In fact, as a result of Durango’s history. the studies he had participated in, Robert McDaniel (above) got his first pair the Forest Service had designated of skis for Christmas in 1961 and worked ANIMAS MUSEUM PHOTO ARCHIVES Purgatory as a winter sports site. on the Purgatory Ski Patrol for 38 years. 1962-63 SECOND GRADERS POSE ON THE STEPS OF THE ANIMAS CITY SCHOOL, THE BUILDING WHICH IS THE HOME OF THE ANIMAS MUSEUM TODAY.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 28 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Fort Lewis: 1960s Scrapbook By Megan Reid

Fort Lewis College (FLC) grew from an 1880 military post near Hesperus, to an Indian boarding school, high school, and junior college. In 1950 President Dale Rae felt a move to Durango would decrease costs and increase enrollment. Some citizens feared police would be short-handed, and families would have to lock up their daughters. Nevertheless, the college moved in 1956. Enrollment quadrupled by 1961, and plans were made to develop it to a four-year liberal arts college. Durango’s Chamber of Commerce raised $10,000 for businessmen Nick Turner and Jackson Clark to lobby legislators, which succeeded in 1962. Efforts were made to increase enrollment of military veterans, Native American and other minority students. FROM ANIMAS MUSEUM PERMANENT COLLECTION

Southwest history curriculum received a boost in 1964 with donations of $10,000 from Arthur and Morley Ballentine, The Durango Herald’s publishers, and $1,500 from A.M. Camp, First National Bank’s president, establishing the Center of Southwest Studies. Dr. Robert Delaney was appointed Director, and Homer Root cared for the growing collections housed in the library. A new library was constructed in 1967. Director Graham Sadler got help from students, staff, faculty, and townspeople to move the 35,000 books. Nearly 1,000 volunteers took part, forming a continuous line with each person carrying one box of books at a time to the new library. Project Book Binge Native American students created the Shalako Club in 1960 was completed in just 3 ½ hours. to promote the understanding of American Indian cultures, Musicians Chad and Jeremy, in send delegates to Indian Youth Council meetings, and develop Durango for a concert, and Miss tutoring programs. Special events like Hohzoni Days featured Indian America, Wahleah Lujan Indian speakers, choirs and dances. The 1966-67 speaker was also assisted. FLC student Miss Indian America Wahleah Lujan. Billy Mills, COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST 1964 Olympic track Gold Medalist, spoke the following year. STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 29 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

FLC sports teams included football, basketball, and wrestling. Gymnastics and skiing were added in the sixties. Gymnasts received national recognition, reaching the podium at national tournaments. Nat Boyer (pictured) was honored as an NAIA All-American. COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

Dolph Kuss started the ski team in the 1964-65 school year, and local skier Mike Elliott brought FLC an NCAA National Championship in cross country. The 1966 ski team is pictured. In 1967-68 Jim Miller, Mike Devecka, and Barney Peet were named NCAA All Americans. Mike Elliott, Jim Miller and Jack Lufkin participated in the 1968 U.S. Winter Olympics. COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

Good deeds also abounded, leading President John Reed to say FLC students had a sense of responsibility, in contrast to their constantly dissatisfied peers. Memorials were held after the assassinations of John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. Students decorated the campus at Christmas and held parties for underprivileged children. Concerts, dances, and rope pulls were highlights of charity fundraisers. For those who felt exempt from harm, there were bed races. Each team had a bed on wheels, a bed rider, and people to guide the bed down the front road of College Hill. Prizes were awarded for the winning time and comedic categories. COURTESY OF CENTER OF SOUTHWEST STUDIES, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

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Taste of the 60s Jeremy Foote Culinary Heritage Dinner 2018

ver the past few years, the former employees of these eateries, who Culinary Heritage Dinner gave us some insights into what made O has taken diners back in these establishments so special. So, for time, to the beginning of this year’s Culinary Heritage Dinner, we the 20th century in 2016 and the World are going to give our gastronomic salute War I era in 2017. As in previous years, to the Swinging Sixties by resurrecting we began crafting this year’s menu with favorite dishes of some long-lost historical research to determine what Durango culinary landmarks. flavors, ingredients and dishes really Our menu this year will recreate represent the era. In keeping with the some dishes from popular spots like Animas Museum’s 2018 theme of the the Red Barn BBQ, the Silver Spur, the 1960’s we dug into menus from across Terrace at the Strater and Chez Louis. the decade and volunteer researchers So, save the date, Saturday, August 25 at the Museum located copies of at the Historic Strater Hotel. Tickets menus and recipes from many of the will be $85 for LPCHS members and remarkable restaurants of the area. $100 for non-members. As with last After reviewing this treasure trove year, we have limited seats available, so FROM THE ANIMAS MUSEUM PERMANENT COLLECTION of information, we were lucky enough please make your reservations early. BBQ SMOKE MINGLES WITH LOCOMOTIVE SMOKE IN THIS POSTCARD SHOWING THE RED BARN, AN ANIMAS to have some discussions with lifelong VALLEY ICON. THE 2018 CULINARY HERITAGE DINNER WILL RECAPTURE SOME OF THE CLASSIC FLAVORS Durango residents, many of them FROM LEGENDARY 1960S DURANGO EATERIES.

At the Museum istory is always happening of a community. The Joy Cabin, one z Saturday, December 1. Kick at the Animas Museum, of the oldest buildings in Durango, is of the holiday season at the H where exhibits tell our furnished to tell the story of pioneer Museum’s Old-Fashioned stories. Wish You Were Here serves life in 1876. The Museum continues to Christmas Bazaar. Local as a broad history of the area through commemorate the centennial of World artists and crafters will the perspective of travel, while Forged War I with a special exhibit which will offer unique gift items sure by Flame examines how fire shaped close in November. to please everyone on your list. Events are always being added to our surroundings. Law & Disorder Special events are also on tap the Museum’s calendar so check our z Friday evening, November 30. tells of local outlaws and the brave at the Museum website, www.animasmuseum.org or lawmen who brought stability to the Enjoy early-bird shopping. z  follow us on Facebook for the very Saturday, August 25. Plan to attend The historic Joy Cabin on county. The Native American Gallery latest listings. The Museum is located the annual Culinary Heritage the Museum grounds will be features Durango Basketmakers; A at 3065 W. 2nd Avenue. It is open 10-5 Dinner (details on page **). decorated for Christmas. Stop in Sheltered Life, as well as Navajo and Monday-Saturday (May-October) and  for refreshments by candlelight Ute artifacts. The Museum’s 1905 z Saturday, September 8. The 10-4 Tuesday-Saturday (November and experience the charm of classroom brings turn-of-the-century Museum will welcome all through April). For more information an old-fashioned holiday in a education to life. This summer a new alumni who attended the Animas call 970-259-2402. historic setting. exhibit in the classroom will explore City School. See you at the Museum! the importance of schools as the heart

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG Volume XXIV v May 2018 31 The 1960s: Snapshots in Time z History La Plata

Vintage THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS

e encourage you to support these businesses who enable us recipes to maintain and operate the Animas Museum and publish History La Plata he 1960s saw an increase in the use of mixes and convenience foods. W While the intention was to make meal preparation easier, many A & L Coors, Inc. Kroegers Ace Hardware cooks couldn’t resist “gussying up” a prepared mix. For a taste of T the 60s, experiment with these vintage recipes. Basin Printing & Imaging La Plata Electric Association, Inc. Brennan Oil Mac’s Liquor Store Durango Antique Market Maria’s Bookshop The Durango Herald Mountain Bike Specialists HARVEY WALLBANGER CAKE Durango Magazine Ore House 1 box orange cake mix 4 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate Durango Rivertrippers Rochester Hotel & Leland House 3 ¾ oz. pkg instant vanilla pudding 4 eggs Durango & Silverton Southwest Colorado ½ cup vegetable oil 2 oz. Galliano liqueur Narrow Gauge Railroad Federal Credit Union 4 oz. water 1 oz. vodka Fetch’s Mining and Mercantile Strater Hotel Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer for 5 minutes. First National Bank of Durango Toh-Atin Gallery Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube or bundt pan. Bake at 350 FredrickZink & Associates degrees for 45-55 minutes or until the cake center springs back when lightly touched. Cool 15 minutes in the pan. Turn out onto cake plate and drizzle with glaze made from one cup powdered sugar and one tablespoon each of orange juice and vegetable oil.

“BROKEN GLASS” SALAD 1 box lime Jello (3 oz.) 1 box cherry Jello (3 oz) 1 box orange Jello (3 oz)

Mix each flavor with 1 cup hot water and 1/2 cup cold water and congeal separately. Dice into small cubes when firm. Bring 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar to a boil. Add 1 box lemon Jello (3 oz.) and mix well. Congeal to egg white consistency. In a medium bowl, mix Cool Whip into the lemon mixture. Gently fold the diced Jello into the lemon and Cool Whip mixture. Pour into a dish or mold and chill until firm.

FILMED IN DURANGO Ticket to Tomahawk (1950) Viva Zapata! (1952) The Maverick Queen (1956) Butch Cassidy and the National Lampoon’s Sundance Kid (1968) Vacation (1973) Across the Wide The Naked Spur (1953) Night Passage (1957) Missouri (1951) Downhill Racer (1969) City Slickers (1991) Around the World in How the West was Won (1962) Denver & Rio Grande (1952) Eighty Days (1956) Avalanche (1978) The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY z WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG History La Plata v The 1960s: Snapshots in Time 32 May 2018 z Volume XXIV Help Assure the Future of the Past

ur area is fortunate In 1960 he noted “We celebrate the offers entertaining and educational provides. If you are already a member, to have a rich and past to awaken the future”. He was programming, often at no charge to please consider upgrading your O fascinating history; from referring to the anniversary of the the public. The historical society membership. its formation as glacial moraine, Social Security Act but he could receives no government support, We also invite you to volunteer. through the people and cultures have been talking about anyone who relying on memberships and the Whether you volunteer on a long-term who have made it their home. As the loves history. Local organizations generous donations from the basis or for the occasional project, we La Plata County Historical Society are preserving our collective past community to survive. By joining need your help to fulfill our mission spends the next year examining the and sharing the stories that can the society your membership dues to keep La Plata County history and more recent history of the 1960s, help guide our future. The LPCHS support the Animas Museum and the culture alive for present and future the words John F. Kennedy resonate. operates the Animas Museum and educational programming the society generations.

A PUBLICATION OF THE LA PLATA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY  WWW.ANIMASMUSEUM.ORG