Mine a wreck, woman writer

100 years ago

Feb. 17, 1916

Mine Becoming Wreck

The Union Pacific Coal company is taking the final steps in the abandonment of its No. 1 mine at Rock Springs, once the greatest and yet the deepest colliery in the west. The machinery is being removed from the surface plant and that portion which it is not advisable to move is being broken to pieces with dynamite that the metal which it contains may be utilized. The workings of old No. 1 mine, which was abandoned because it became too deep for its product to be hoisted at a profit, are being used at a training ground for first aid classes, the members of which are sent into its gas-filled chambers to accustom them to the use of oxygen helmet apparatus.

75 years ago

Feb. 6, 1941

Out-of-state visitors spent $20,700,000 in state in four months of 1940

Out of state visitors spent an estimated $20,752,041 in Wyoming in June, July, August and September of 1940, George Houser, director of the State Department of Commerce and Industry reports.

This was an approximate one-half million dollars increase when compared with the 1939 figure of $20,225,502.48.

Mr. Houser said that according to counts made at Wyoming ports of entry, 192,827 out-of-state cars came into Wyoming in the four months in 1940, an all-time high. the 1939 count showed 185,487 cars.

Surveys made by the department show that each of the tourist parties of 1940 spent an average of $107.62 while in the state. A similar survey of the 1939 tourist showed that each party spent $109.04 while in Wyoming.

“This is big business for Wyoming,” Houser said. “It is new money–cash money in the state. It does not deplete any resource of the state. We can use our scenery over and over again.

50 years ago

Feb. 10. 1966

Local Woman Writes Article for Magazine

An Article by a Saratoga housewife is featured jointly with another written by a Minnesota housewife in the February issue of Wyoming Wildlife, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s official publication. Editor Andy Ruskanen felt the two stories, which at first glance presented apparently opposite viewpoints, were closely interrelated and published them under the joint title, “Two Housewives Look at Wyoming”. Subtitles are “More Industry for Wyoming” and “The Secret of Tranquility”.

Mrs. Jerry (Teevie) Welch wrote the first article and takes a firm stand against promoting more industry in Wyoming on the grounds that commercialism and expanded population would destroy the “spacious freedom” for which the state is famous.

“The secret of Tranquility” was written by Mrs. Violet Opdahl of Alden, Minn., who came to Wyoming last fall on a hunting trip with her husband. She vividly describes the peace and beauty of the state’s remote areas, stressing the very qualities that Mrs. Welsh fears will be lost if the industry-seeking trend continues.

Mr. Ruskanen said, “We feel the observations of both women are valid.”

25 years ago

Feb. 13, 1991

SMS grapplers take fifth place at Wind River Tournament

The Saratoga Middle School wrestlers traveled to Wind River to compete in a meet there and finished in fifth place although they were in 11th place after the first round.

Coach Mark Gaines said the wrestlers in the lighter weight categories did not do as well as he had hoped they would. However, a strong second round by some of the heavier weight grapplers put the SMS wrestlers in fifth place at the end of the meet.

Capturing first place in their weight divisions were Hunter Buck and Ty Jacobsen. Coley Shadrick, Erick Christensen and Ryan Bjork finished in second place; Chad Howe and Brandon Gray finished in third place and Matt Gaines placed fourth.