Newspaper editors, Ryan Park skiing and retro-fashion

100 years ago

October 7, 1915

Editing a Newspaper

Editing a newspaper is a pleasing business — if you can stand it.

If subscribers want to bawl about anybody the editor’s the goat.

If the town is lagging behind and people won’t get out and make things hum — its because the town paper is on the bum.

If business is bad—it’s because the editor wants too much money for his advertising space.

If business is good — advertising hasn’t anything to do with it, but conditions are right.

If we print what pleases people — that is our duty and we deserve no credit.

If we print what is displeasing we are a grouch and a crepehanger.

If we print the news as it is actually — people call us over the phone and tell us to stop their paper.

If we garble it — they tell us we are subsidized by the corporate interests.

Editing a newspaper is a pleasing business — is it not!

75 Years Ago

October 10, 1940

Many Improvements planned for Ryan Park Ski Area

Ryan Park Ski Club members report considerable improvement work on the Barrett Ridge hill will probably be under way within the next week or ten days.

Supervisor J.S. Veeder of Laramie was in the valley Saturday and in company with Project Superintendent Neil Hamilton of the Ryan Park CCC camp, Dr. R. A. Corbett and J. Earle Moore, ski club members, made an inspection trip to the hill. Dr. Corbett said that Supervisor Veeder agreed to assist in placing an adequate bridge across Barrett creek at the foot of the hill to smooth out the area, to clear and level up to grade a trail for a contemplated new and extended ski lift, clear and smooth out a new beginners’ or practice hill south of the present lift, and otherwise improve the area for the coming season.

Assistant Ranger W.A. Winkler of Brush creek station has already started survey work on the hill, and CCC enrollees will soon have the work under way. Ski club members are hoping to install a new endless rope lift at the hill this fall, to replace the sled lift used last year. The new lift would be extended down the hill a considerable distance toward the shelter house to accommodate beginners and children, and would also be extended on up the hill several hundred feet above the end of the present lift.

50 Years Ago

October 7, 1965

Fashions of Yesteryear

The latest example of Fashions of Yesteryears to be seen in the window at Hall’s Western Store is a gown that belonged to Mrs. George Kuntzman. She wore it in 1903 or 1904, at the pinnacle of social activity in Grand Encampment. The dress was distinctive because of its relative simplicity during a period that knew no limits in elaborate decoration. Made of China silk, the style features a wide, feminine collar, leg o’ mutton sleeves, and a train.

When Mrs. Kuntzman came to Wyoming as a bride, from Iowa, her sisters warned her that she would be living among the barbarians. They were completely mistaken! The refinements that she and her friends enjoyed here were equal to those anywhere. Entertaining was done on a grand scale. At least a dozen large white linen tableclothes were necessary to keep up with the parties. Haviland china, goblets and decanters of cut glass, hand painted dishes, and fine sterling graced the tables. Napkin holders and calling cards were standard equipment. Even the cook cooks reflected the spirit of the times with their great assortment of recipes for fancy dishes. In spite of all difficulties, the first citizens of Grand Encampment were able to transplant and maintain the highest level of culture.

25 Years Ago

October 10, 1990

Federal budget to have no sudden effect on local forest service

Forest rangers say there won’t be any immediate effect on local federal employees as a result of the failure by Congress and President George Bush to approve a new federal budget.

The U.S. Forest Service is able to carry funds over from one fiscal year to the next and as a result local anger districts have money on which to operate at least through this week, Brush Creek Ranger Don Carroll and Hayden District Ranger Mike Murphy said.

But the long-term picture is not clear and the rangers said they expect budget reductions which could lead to staff layoffs or reduction in services.

Monday night the rangers said they don’t know yet what might happen to their budgets, although both expect cuts. If Graham-Rudman is implemented the local budgets will be cut 32 perfect, which will mean a reduction in staff at both offices. The primary cuts could be in the area of timber management, Carroll said.

Both Murphy and Carroll said there would be no layoffs this week because they have the carry-over funds from last year. If a continuing resolution is approved by Congress and signed my Bush federal operations will then continue with “business as usual,” Murphy said.