Boxing, believe it or not, A Bar A sold, and taxes

100 years ago

January 2, 1918

Boxing Contest

The boxing contest pulled off here last night was a good clean 10 round go. The contest was between Jess Boche, of Lander, and Young Martin, of Encampment, with H.L. Groninger as referee. The contest was fast in the beginning and closing rounds and was well worth the price of admission. Referee Groninger decided it a draw and it met with satisfaction to the crowd.

A preliminary 3 round go was put on by Joe Harden and Kid Curtis and was much appreciated by those present. Referee Harvey called it a draw. The main event was only allowed to go 10 rounds instead of the 15 as advertised as it had to be staged at the Fair Grounds and the weather was so cold that all were anxious to get it over. They were compelled to take fight out of the corporate limits of the town on account of injuring the morals of Saratoga.

W.C. Earp, who had charge of the affair, states he will back Mr. Boche against Martin for any number of rounds. A return contest between these boys would bring out a good crowd.

75 years ago

January 6, 1938

Local woman “makes” believe it or not

Saratoga was brought to the attention of thousands of people over the United States early this week, when a local phenomenon received publicity through Robert Ripley’s cartoon, “Believe It or Not.” A part of the cartoon was given over to a drawing of a gold fish bowl, which pictured a fish swimming “up-side-down.” The drawing was titled, “Goldfish Swims on Its Back. Owned by Merle Herring, Saratoga, Wyo.”

50 years ago

January 3, 1963

Famous A Bar A Ranch Sold To Denver, Colo. Man

In a letter to the Saratoga Sun this week Andrew Anderson of La Jolla, Calif., announced that the A Bar A, long famous dude and cattle ranch near Encampment has been sold to Charles C. Gates, Jr., of Denver, Colo.

Mr. Anderson said, “I deeply regret the culmination of my activities in the valley. At the same time I consider myself fortunate to have had so many wonderful years of association with the friendly valley people.”

The ranch was founded by Andrew Anderson, a graduate of Princeton University in the early twenties. After serving as a naval aviator in the First World War, Mr. Anderson came West and purchased a section of land on the North Platte river near Encampment. This modest acreage expanded over the years to an 18,000 acre unit and at one time included two other ranches of 25,000 additional acres.

A Bar A has become a name synonymous with dude ranching as well as for fine cattle breeding. As a dude ranch the fame of its hospitality spread far and wide. It has entertained guests from the four corners of the globe …

25 years ago

January 6, 1988

Council takes no action ... to repeal utility tax

Town council members present at Monday night’s council meeting took no action on several requests from citizens to repeal the $3 per connection tax imposed on Saratoga utility companies …

Different areas in the town’s budget were questioned by several members of the standing room only crowd attending the meeting, with council members and town employees providing answers with what figures were available. Prior to discussing the town budget, Mayor Glode told the residents attending the meeting that council members would “tell you what we know as of today, and what we think is going to happen” but said the discussion would be ended when all available information had been given. He said the council will review the budget in two weeks, and take appropriate action then ...