100 years ago
Taken from SUN files of
August 7, 1925
On Wednesday afternoon of last week, Frank McMillan of Allison, while driving a four-horse team pulling a wagon-load of coal across the Piedra river bridge near Arboles, was precipitated into the river with team, wagon, coal and all when one of the bridge spans collapsed. Fortunately, the man nor team were injured seriously. Another wagon-load of coal had just crossed ahead of Mr. McMillan, and it is thought that the vibrations created hurried the collapse of the bridge, which was not in very good shape but not considered dangerous.
Commissioner John E. Walker, who resides at Arboles, got busy and a temporary structure was erected, thus again permitting passage across the river. At the meeting of the county commissioners here Wednesday, arrangements were started for a new steel bridge at that point, plans to be submitted soon and bids to be advertised for.
75 years ago
Taken from SUN files of
August 4, 1950
The Chamber of Commerce folders secured from the SUN are now completed and are available to tourist court operators, hotels, filling stations, garages, restaurants and others in daily contact with the traveling public. They may be obtained by calling at the Town Hall or at the SUN office. The folders are handsome six-page brochures, printed in two colors and containing much information regarding the county.
The Tacky Dance given by the Grange Saturday night was a big success. Martin Swanemyr and Mariana Procarione won the prize for the tackiest couple. The judges were Lawrence Wiseman, Richard Albrecht and a lady whose name I did not get.
Mrs. Herbert Thompson entertained at a picnic supper Saturday night for Joanne Gass and her daughter, Jeanette. The guests were Patsy Day, Essie Mari Jackson, Maureen Lynch, Donna Chambers, Mary Dean Morehart and Karen Poma.
The Pagosa Rod and Gun Club held one of their famous fish frys this past Sunday at their Rifle Range on the Piedra road. There were about two hundred people in attendance and more than enough fish. In attendance at the meeting in addition to the members and their guests were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Welsh of Antonito. Mr. Welsh is in charge of fish production and planting for this area.
50 years ago
Taken from SUN files of
August 7, 1975
The possibilities in the current program to beautify the San Juan River area through town are almost limitless. Such things as historical signs on the parking fill near the hot water fountain, a new name for that area, trees and a nature trail along the river, leveling the parking area, making more picnic tables for the park, doing something to pretty up the bridge, and approaches, repairing the rock wall, erecting the new signs at the Chamber of Commerce building, shrubs along the banks, thinning out the willow, making a picnic area between the medical center and the river, landscaping the medical center grounds, and other such programs could be completed. The area in back of the court house certainly needs cleaning up but that is private land and the funds must be spent on public property.
The Archuleta County Fair is set to go August 15, 16 and 17. It will feature all types of exhibits, displays, entertainment, a barbecue, fat stock sale, junior rodeo, parade of champions and a dance at the high school gym.
25 years ago
Taken from SUN files of
August 3, 2000
It’s an event that has occurred only once before in the history of Pagosa Springs.
The installation of a traffic signal.
Crews began work Wednesday to install three light poles, mast arms and signal lights at the intersection of U.S. 160 with Lewis and South 5th streets, in downtown Pagosa Springs. Work on the poles was to be complete by week’s end with signal lights due for delivery and installation by Aug. 11.
Cost of the project is being shared by the Town of Pagosa Springs and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT contributed $90,000 to the project, with the town providing the balance of $280,000. The overall project included recent reconstruction of the three-way intersection of U.S. 160 and Lewis and 5th streets on the north side of the highway.
Timing of signal lights will be controlled by video sensors. The presence of traffic on Lewis Street and 5th Street south of the highway will key a signal change. A left-turn arrow will be in place for eastbound highway traffic turning on to Lewis Street.
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