Peek at the Past

100 Years Ago

August 30, 1923

Leveled, plumbed and squared by the implements of operative masonry, as applied to the high standards of speculative Masonry; consecrated with corn, the Masonic emblem of plenty, with wine, the emblem of joy and gladness, and with oil, the emblem of peace, the corner stone of the new Crook County High School building was laid at 4 p.m. on Saturday by the Wyoming Grand Lodge, A.F. & A. M., in special session at Sundance. The corner stone, itself a striking example of the mason's handicraft, is from the living rock of the Devils Tower structure. The basalt is a peculiarly tough rock which takes a high polish, and the finished product is a most beautiful piece for Crook County's foremost educational institution.

County Agent Lewis attended the harvest festival and fair at Lightning Flat Saturday and reports a large attendance and a wonderful exhibit. He says it is a revelation to see what the farmers have raised in that country this year and predicts a prosperous era for that section.

75 Years Ago

August 26, 1948

After what looked like a quick left hook smashing square center on his face, Chief Reuben Ward hit the canvas in the first round, leaving Bill Durfee the winner of what was to have been a three-round boxing match between two experienced heavyweight fighters. For an eye opener, three boys from Sundance, Larry Mclaughlin, Russell Tracy and Ralph Altizer staged a free-for-all, which came out a draw, no victor. The curtain raiser was a bantam weight fight between Larry Beagle and Carl Schulze of Sundance, also termed a draw. Two lightweight matches followed. The first two boys were Don Roadifer and Earl Gray of Sundance who went three rounds to a decision favoring Gray. The second lightweights were 140 pounders, Fred Schulze of Sundance against the Simms boy from Upton. Schulze got the decision at the end.

In the middle of Saturday's rodeo performance, girls competing for the title of rodeo queen rode in review before the judges and Mrs. Grace Nussbaum was chosen, with Carolyn Breitwieser, Edna Zimmerscheid and Marie Williams runners-up.

50 Years Ago

August 23, 1973

Sundance Mayor Ray Buckman said some Sundance and Crook County residents decided to go ahead with establishment off the Sundance – Crook County Ambulance Service. Buckman said the ambulance will be based in Sundance but will be used all over the county in a manner similar to the Sundance fire trucks. He said a 1973 Dodge Astro Van costing $8700 will be purchased for the service. The completely equipped unit, which hauls four patients, will be available in 30 days. Nine Sundance people are certified to operate the ambulance, he said, and the state will hold a school on first aid and certify people to drive the ambulance. Roberts Mortuary had indicated previously it did not wish to continue ambulance service, thus creating an immediate need for ambulance service.

The First United Church of Christ in Spearfish was decorated with gladioli and daisies Aug. 4 for the wedding of Wendy Courchaine, Beulah and James F. Long, Spearfish.

Death Friday claimed longtime Beulah cowboy and rancher W.E. (Ed) Mathews, last of the Seth Bullock cowboys who rode in President Theodore Roosevelt's Washington inaugural parade. Mathews died Friday morning in the Dorsett home at Spearfish. He was 90.