Reflections from the files of the Saratoga Sun

100 Years Ago

May 13, 1920

State Orders “T” Brand for Tuberculous Cattle

By a recent order of the New York commissioner of agriculture, all practicing veterinarians in that state are required to brand cattle found by then to be affected with tuberculosis. The order specifies that the brand shall be the letter “T” not less than 2 or more than 3 inches high and on the left jaw.

The new regulation, which became effective in March, was issued by commissioner Charles S. Wilson under authority of the agricultural law. The order applies to all bovine animals within the limits of the state. Veterinary experts of the United States department of agriculture consider it will be of great value to live-stock breeds of New York and also an important step for any state to take in the progress of tuberculosis eradication. Reactors are permanently marked by the branding process and in case where they are not slaughtered the possibility fo their being disposed of or losing their identity is greatly lessened, if not entirely eliminated.

75 Years Ago

May 10, 1945

Several Buildings Burned at Up-River Ranch Last Saturday

Fire of uncertain origin destroyed the bunkhouse, coal house, ice house and several other smaller buildings, and a cellar, at the former Al. Enberg ranch up the river about midnight Saturday. The ranch is now owned by Joseph Hewitt of Trenton, N.J., who purchased the property only a short time ago.

Origin of the fire is still a mystery, according to Clyde Wiant, manager at the ranch who had spent Saturday working on the place. He said he came to town Saturday night, and the fire was discovered by R. M. Baldwin, recently owner of the place, who was returning home about midnight after a business trip to Denver. Mr. Baldwin called Kenneth Day, and with several assistants they went to the ranch, where with the aid of buckets only they saved the house and chicken house. Mr. Wiant, who was called later, and rushed to the ranch, said both building got “pretty warm” but did not take fire. The barn was not endangered.

He said little serious damage resulted, as most of the buildings burned were in poor condition and were to be razed to make way for new structures. Mr. Hewitt is contemplating a considerable number of improvements.

Mr. Wiant just recently took over the job as manager of the ranch, and his family is still living in Saratoga. He said he will move to the place to reside soon after the close of the local schools this week.

50 Years Ago

May 14, 1970

Snowmobiler Survives Fall Over 20-ft. Cliff

Spring Creek rancher Jim Berger was inured Saturday when the snowmobile he was riding plunged over a 20 foot cliff onto the ice over Reservoir Lake in the Snowy Range.

Mr. Berger was taken to a local physician and required 20 stitches in his lower lip, treatment of other cuts and bruises on his face and chest, and bandaging of his left thumb which was stripped of its flesh.

The mishap occurred while Mr. Berger, Don Gilman and Dr. R. W. Taylor of Cheyenne were riding snow machines in the Medicine Bow Peak area Saturday.

During a “white out”, a time when the snowmobiler is unable to see for only a short distance and cannot distinguish distance or depth of drop-offs. Mr. Berger plunged over the cliff. when he hit the ice, the impact threw him over the front of the machine, breaking off the steering column and shearing the windshield. Injuries to his face, chest and hand apparently happened at that time.

Mr. Gilman and Dr. Taylor were able to avoid the cliff and went down to the drop-off to the lake where the found Mr. Berger in a state of semi-consciousness. The two men brought the local rancher to Saratoga where he was treated and sent home to recuperate.

Sunday, Mr. Gilman and Dr. Taylor returned to Reservoir Lake to repair and bring in Mr. Berger’s machine.

25 Years Ago

May 10, 1995

Moulton Wins Writing Award

The Wyoming Media Professionals honored members of outstanding achievement during the past year at its annual awards luncheon in Cheyenne recently.

Among the winners was Encampment resident, Candy Moulton.

Moulton, who is the outgoing WMP president and a corespondent for the Casper Star Tribune, will represent Wyoming in the 1995 Communicator of Achievement contest in Jackson, Miss.

This year, Moulton’s state entries received two first places, five seconds, and three third places, with an honorable mention for her historical book, “Legacy of the Tetons”.

Winners at the sate level will go on to compete in the National Federation of Press Women’s contest this summer in Jackson, Miss.