Peaks of the Past: A Valley Retrospect

(Information was gleaned from copies of the Wet Mountain Tribune, all from the first week in April.) 

105 Years Ago – 1918 

Quite a gathering of the cattle men of Custer and Fremont counties took place here last Saturday and organized a Cattlemen’s Association with the following elected as directors: President William Kettle and officers L.C. Newport, William Murray, W.H. Smith and B.A. Nelson. The territorial limits embrace all of Custer County and all that portion of Fremont County lying south of the Arkansas River. The association will meet twice a year, alternatively, in Westcliffe in June and in South Cañon in December. All persons having stock within the territory are eligible to membership. The stockgrowers are a lively, energetic bunch and we expect to see them make a rousing success of their organization. 

It was “23” for the candidates of Westcliffe’s town ticket at the election on Tuesday, that being the full number of votes cast and every candidate getting that number. Up in Silver Cliff, where no ticket was nominated, the people turned out and elected a new ticket throughout–J.T. Stroehlke for mayor, and Dr. Preston, A.H. Henning and Henry Hanssen, trustees. 

The last draft quota from Custer County was one man. The call was answered by Albert Wobst of Ilse who left on Saturday 

last for Camp Funston. A little collection was taken up here for the young man and given to him on his departure for pin money. 

Send your soldier boy a box of the finest candy. Already wrapped and ready for the mail. $1.25 per box at Dieckman’s pool hall. 

The low price of potatoes that has pre- vailed here for the 1917 crop has rather discouraged growers here, many of whom will plant a smaller acreage this season. How- ever, there are some who will make another effort and plant more ground than usual. 

The Easter services at the Presbyterian church were the most largely attended in a year, according to Miss Doebler, Pastor. 

The Easter ball by the Woodmen of the World on Monday evening was the usual big social success. 

55 Years Ago – 1968 

The Westcliffe and Bigelow Divide snow courses show much above average snow deposit and water contest at the present time. Snow levels at Bigelow Divide are 155 per- cent of average, according to District Conservationist Barney Barnes. The Westcliffe course has 190 percent of average snow. Bob Parker, Mark Quick, Bozer Bartley and Ed Baldwin, students at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, are spending their spring vacation here and skiing at Silver Hills and Monarch. They are staying at Trails End Ranch.