Peek at the Past

100 Years Ago

August 11, 1920

The Sheridan Post says that Bert Waddell and George Lytle, of Sundance, who was formerly of the Sundance Times, have purchased the Moorcroft Democrat from Charles McKee, the former editor, and state that they intend to run an independent newspaper. The deal will be completed within a few days.

For two hours Sunday morning the main streets of Sundance had the appearance of an auto parade on fast time. An unusual number of tourists were heading west and hundreds of cars were passing through filled with berry pickers and fishermen.

While on the Basin side of the Big Horn mountains recently and about 22 miles from Hayattville, more than 1000 head of dead cattle were seen by H.C. Taylor of the big Horn Mountain Diamond complain. These cattle were victims of larkspur, said Mr. Taylor.

75 Years Ago

August 16, 1945

Peace once more as Japan quits With thankful hearts all America heard late Tuesday afternoon these words of President Truman, the announcement that has been awaited since allied surrender terms were transmitted thru Switzerland to Japan last Saturday, August 11.

Special services were held in Sundance Tuesday evening at the church which was attended by many. Rev. Clayton announces that for those who missed this, there will be the regular Wednesday afternoon prayer services at the church also. Almost all business firms are closing in Sundance today. Bon-fires in the downtown streets, almost the continuous ringing of the bells and siren, snake dances by the younger children marked the riotous celebration here which followed the victory announcement. An impromptu dance was also held at the hall.

50 Years Ago

August 13, 1970

Dr. William Rust, president of the United States International University, will accept the deed to the cantonment area of the former Sundance Air Force Station at the “Welcome to Sundance” banquet here Friday night. During the program, Dr. Rust will outline the university’s plans for the college to be located at the former Air Force Station site.

Crook county voters will head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in Wyoming’s primary election. Democrats running for county offices are current County Treasurer Karen Glover; Richard J. Macy county attorney: Eddie Ray Chatfield, county assessor; and Ambrose Ryan and Ralph Humes, county commissioner. County Republicans have a choice of candidates for four county offices. There race for county sheriff involves three candidates – Charles R. Bunney, present undersheriff; County Brand Inspector John Peterson; and Lyle Crosby, county weed and pest inspector. In the county clerk contest, Francis Hejde, who has served since 1936, is running for reelection and is opposed by Mrs. Leona Geis, Aladdin. County Assessor Rose Zella Proctor is opposed in the primary by Vic Cole, Sundance, county road foreman. Four men are seeking the Republican nomination for county commissioner. They are Joseph Svodba, Alva; Harry J. Berger, Oshoto; Stewart Ensign, Moorcroft and Neal Garman, Sundance. Alan Roberts is the candidate for county coroner.

25 Years Ago

August 10, 1995

The sleepy little town of Beulah has one more thing to brag about. A beautiful granite Biker’s Memorial has been installed right in the middle of town. The dedication of the memorial will be Thursday. Brad Drake, a biker from eastern SD will be Master of Ceremonies. The memorial was donated by the Watertown Granite Center, the Sand Creek Trading Post & Saloon 333 and Gregg Forsberg. After the program, free tap beer will be served until 6 p.m. and later that night there will be a free fireworks show to help celebrate its unveiling.

After a long career doing an excellent job as general manager of the First American Title Guaranty Agency of Crook County, Pauline Kanode retired on Friday. Pauline was first hired in 1947 by Roger Thomas, the owner of the Security Trust and Title Company. She began work there as an abstractor.