1913 a 'big' year, an essay first, Valley dials direct and passing post-paving ordinances

100 years ago

March 27, 1913

Looks Like Big Year

Judging from all indications this valley will be more prosperous this year than for several years. We are not handing out a bunch of hot air, either. There is certain matters taking place that lead us to believe that we are going to have a better business than is usual. While things have been a little quiet as a whole, this town and valley have suffered less than nearly every community that we have had reports from. Business has been good, although we would like to have seen twice as many men employed in the different business, as has been. We are candid in saying that we consider that this year will be better from a good many natural causes, than some of the previous years.

75 years ago

March 24, 1938

Encampment Youth Wins First in Essay Contest

David Peryam of Encampment, attending the University at Laramie, was the winner of the James Orr Willets Memorial scholarship. He won an award of $60.00. Robert McVicar, former Saratoga boy, and University of Wyoming senior, tied with a student from New York for second place. The $30.00 second place award was divided between them. The scholarship, offered for an essay in the field of ethics, comes from income from a $3,000 gift provided in the will of Mr. Willets. Peryam is a major in psychology and philosophy.

50 years ago

March 28, 1963

Valley to Get Direct

Distance Dialing

Better limber up your dialing finger before fall so it will be in shape when DDD arrives in the Saratoga and Encampment areas.

According to announcement made this week by the Rawlins office of the Mountain States Telephone Co., direct distance dialing of long distance telephone calls will go into effect in the valley in 1963, possibly in October.

The direct distance dialing conversation in this area is included in the 1963 construction budget recently concurred by the Wyoming Board of Advisors for the Mountain States Telephone Co. …

The 1963 construction budget is being used to furnish the necessary facilities for Wyoming communication needs. Growth and expansion of business within the state and additional residence requirements are the prime factors which have made a budget of this size necessary, according to Mr. Walters …

Although salaries are not part of the construction budget, it is of interest to note that Mountain States employees in Wyoming were paid more than $6,680,000 in wages last year …

25 years ago

March 23, 1988

Ordinances on water and street repairs passed on first reading

At Monday’s meeting, the Saratoga Town Council approved an ordinance on first reading wich outlines guidelines for the repair of water and sewer lines and subsequent street repair. Saratoga Mayor Joe Glode said the ordinance is a “housekeeping item” which has become necessary after street paving projects have been completed.

An excavation permit signed by the Department of Public Works foreman will be required before any repairs may be done. A list of pre-approved contractors will be on hand at the DPW shop after town officials have had a chance to meet with local contractors to explain the new guidelines for repairs. Guidelines will include compaction specs, and insurance and bonding requirements …