Peek at the Past

100 Years Ago

Dec. 2, 1920

The spirit of Christmas is already pervading the air and toyland is exhibited in all its glory, both at the Busy Corner and the Furniture Store. Counters are lined with all sorts of attractions for juveniles, as well as utility gifts for grown-ups. There has been some talk that maybe Santa Claus would not show up this Christmas on account of his reindeer being frozen last winter, but we understand he will use elk this year and will be on time.

Developments of the last few days tend to the conclusion that Sundance will soon enjoy a portion of the oil boom that has been spreading over northeastern Wyoming. About ten days ago the geologist in charge made a favorable report on the Black’s Flat structure, where Messrs. Hosfeld and Newbill hold leases on the property of Steve and A.O. Banks and others. After spending some time in the field, these gentlemen were satisfied that commercial oil underlies the flat. They have extensive interests on the Pacific coast, and returned to Seattle in July to close up their affairs there, with the intention of returning to the Crook County project this fall.

75 Years Ago

Nov. 29, 1945

The heirs of Henry & Lena Mathwig, 19th century emigrants from Germany have been left an estate of $150,000 by a relative. This may mean something to some former Crook County resident or their children recent developments show. The family disappeared from Ripon, Wis. in the 1870s to go, reportedly, “into the northwest”, and search for its living members is being necessarily made from the Dakotas through Utah, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington. A new development in the case comes in the form of a communication from Mrs. Jessie C. Weeks, of the US land office at Buffalo who writes that “By referring to the index in the this office, I find the name of William M. Mathwig, of Seely, Wyoming and William McKinley Mathwig, of Hulett, Wyoming, who had a homestead back in 1928 and 1930.” County Treasurer Binney reports that there is now on the tax rolls of Crook County a Dick Mathwig who now lives in Spearfish.

50 Years Ago

Dec. 3, 1970

The proposed Crook County Airport was discussed Tuesday when the Crook County Rural Development Committee met with the Board of County Commissioners. As a result of the session, the commissioners agreed to proceed with the application to the Federal Aviation Administration. The application will ultimately result in determining whether the county airport can qualify for federal aid and what the county’s role in airport will be. Site of the proposed county airport is between Sundance and Moorcroft on the Meritt Barton ranch.

The annual Christmas tree sale of Sundance Boy Scout Troop No. 62 will start Monday with the trees being on display at Boyd’s Super Market. Members of the troop will cut the trees Sunday in the South Dakota Black Hills east of the Hardy Ranger Station. The trees are sold every year by the troop.

25 Years Ago

Nov. 30, 1995

Vic Worthington reported to the Sundance Chamber of Commerce on the internet and how it works. The chamber voted to sponsor a “gateway” page for Sundance on the internet which can be accessed worldwide. There is also the capability to know how many users accessed the Sundance page.

Nichol Dorcas, a senior at Hulett High School, has been selected a Wyoming finalist for the 1995 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.