Reflections from our Files

100 years ago

November 27, 1919

Good Times Coming

It has been many years since the streets of Saratoga have been so cluttered up with piles of brick, cement, lumber and other building materials as during the last few weeks, and the indications are indeed good for an era of unusual prosperity in this section of the county. If we may judge by the amount of building now in progress and contemplated, and the number of transfers of farm and city property during the past few months.

Practically every residence in town which could be bought has changed hands during the past few months, which has brought in many new families, and all buildings of the town are filled up to a greater degree than at any time for fifteen years or more. Many thousands of acres of ranch land have also changed hands during the past six months, which has perhaps had much to do with the spirit of press and improvement which is abroad in the land.

With the great amount of building and improvement now contemplated, it is altogether likely that 1920 will prove the banner year in the history of the Platte Valley.

75 years ago

Nov. 30, 1944

Denver Man Has Difficulty Keeping Out of Toils of Law

Eric G. Plath, Denver painter who had spent the last several months in Saratoga working at his trade, was arrested here Tuesday night, and taken before Justice of the Peace Frank Boyd at Encampment for a hearing, according to Deputy Game Warden Don S. Simpson. Plath, who had been in court two times previously within the last couple of weeks, was taken in custody on a violation of the fish and game regulations.

Born in Germany, and as yet not having taken the necessary steps to become an American citizen, he is an alien, and hence was arrested on two counts—illegal possession of a firearm, and false oath in connection with securing of a game license. He is said to have purchased a license and made several deer and antelope hunting trips while he had been residing in Saratoga. As an alien he is neither entitled to a hunting license or the privilege to possess a firearm.

After hearing the case Tuesday, Justice Boyd assessed a fine of $50 and committed Plath to 30 days in jail. The jail sentence was to be commuted, providing travel papers, allowing him to return to Denver, were received. These papers are necessary to all aliens in the nation who desire to travel from one community to another. Plath’s papers arrived, and he was released from the county jail at Rawlins yesterday. It is reported that he was allowed 24 hours after his release in which to return to his former home at Denver.

He returned to Saratoga yesterday, and in company of Mrs. Plath and children who had been residing with here recently, left for Denver. He had been a resident of Saratoga since July of this year.

Plath was first arrested Armistice night when he was taken in custody by local officials on a disturbance charge. He was assessed a small fine and released. However, a week later he was again taken in custody and charged with assault and disturbance, and was taken to Rawlins for preliminary hearing. The date of his regular hearing was set for Tuesday of this week. The hearing was held before Justice of Peace Jacob Waeckerlin of Rawlins, who is reported to have dismissed the case following testimony. His arrest by Deputy Simpson followed. He is also said to have had some difficulty over the license plates on a car he had been driving, but little information was available. Following the hearing at Encampment he was taken to Rawlins by Neil Boyd, highway patrolman for this district.

50 years ago

Nov. 27, 1969

Valley Folks To Give Thanks At Service

“Thanksgiving in the Platte Valley” is the theme of the fourth annual Community Thanksgiving Worship Service to be held in the Platte Valley gym in Saratoga Nov. 27. The service is being prepared and presented by clergy and laymen of several valley churches.

The Rev. John McClure, pastor of the Encampment Presbyterian church will deliver the sermon. The Rev. John Farren, Catholic priest, is in charge of this year’s program, and the Rev. Irwin Brandjord, pastor of the Saratoga Presbyterian church, will call the congregation to worship. Musical numbers will be given by the community choir under the direction of Mrs. Lewis Pennock. Several soloists will be featured.

Persons of all faiths are invited to gather at the gym to give thanks for the things the valley has to offer.

In the prelude to the service, the Rev. Mr. Farren writes:

As we are gathered here together today, what does Thanksgiving mean to our community this year?

It means the environment we live in, the snow covered mountains surrounding us, the forested lands beside us, the snow-fed streams, French Creek, the Encampment, Spring Creek, Willow Creek, Jack Creek, and on and on, names that are familiar and dear to us. Streams that swell the North Platte River that passes through our community, ever flowing, ever moving.

Thanksgiving means the anticipation of enjoyable college and professional football on our television screens, and if we are fortunate enough, maybe in color. The gathering in of family and friends in happy company, the sharing of a bounteous meal in joy and gait.

It means coming together this morning in the gymnasium of our school. To return thanks to God in prayer, song and sermon. To pour out our gratitude in spiritual joy and happiness to the One God of all. As fellow Christians and children of God, we pray, that the salvation of Jesus Christ may be a viable and meaningful force in our community, both for young and old.

Thanksgiving this year is the brief coffee break following our worship service, as we share the warmth of Christian fellowship together.

This is Thanksgiving, this year in our communities of Saratoga and Encampment. We thank God, through Our Savior, Jesus Christ, for the happiness, joy, and completeness of this day.

25 years ago

November 30, 1994

Fire Department Food Drive Soon

Several youth organizations and high school groups are joining the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department this year in its annual holiday food drive.

The door-to-drive to collect non-perishable food items and toys in good condition will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, starting at 4 p.m. and running through about 7 p.m., according to Chairman John Zeiger.

“We are going to try and get it all done in one night,” he said. Assisting the fire department in the effort will be the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts plus SADD, FFA, National Honor Society and Close Up from Saratoga High School, he said.

The groups will have chili and hot chocolate afterward at the Odd Fellows Hall.

Zeiger said the fire truck will be parked at Valley Super Value after Thanksgiving so residents can leave their contributions there as well.

Contributions can also be dropped off at Saratoga Auto Parts or New York Life. He said individuals can also call the fire department, 326-5333, to arrange pickup.

Food baskets will be delivered to needy families just before Christmas, he said.