Days Gone By

Days Gone By: April 11, 2019

The Meeker Herald

125 years ago

-On Wednesday afternoon Freeman W. Fairfield met with an accident which will keep him indoors for a few months. He was on his way to Powell Park with a young, frisky team attached to a wagon, and in the neighborhood of the Bernstein ranch the animals took fright at a scraper or plow with which Luke Devlin was fixing the road there. The wagon-tongue broke and Mr. Fairfield was thrown out, landing on his hip. Mr. Devin brought the wounded man to town and medical aid summoned. The hip joint was found to be dislocated and also fractured. The patient is getting along as well as can be expected.

The Meeker Herald

100 years ago

Everyone remembers when he or she was a child how irritating it was to have our parents pick all our clothes without giving us any choice in the matter. In the Woman’s Home Companion a writer says: “Now, what I am asking for the boys Is this: Take your sons with you when you buy their clothing. Consult their tastes somewhat. Don’t let them select anything ridiculous, but give them a choice of half a dozen sensible coats or hats or whatever it may be. Don’t scold them too much if they come home with the straps on their bloomer trousers unhooked so the trouser legs are almost long. No doubt the captain of the baseball team and ’all the other fellows’ wear theirs that way. Or If your boy comes up the street with his cap over his right ear, while you are telling him that he looks ‘Just like a little street tough’ remember it was the style that you, yourself followed last winter, and that ’what all the fellows do’ means Just as much to Johnny as Paris notes do to you.”

The legislative, which adjourned this week, adopted a new county salary scale. Treasurer, Clerk and Recorder, Sheriff and Assessor, for this county, will each receive $1,800 per year. The County Judge Is raised from next to nothing to $1,200 per year. The county Superintendent’s salary remains as at present—$1,100. Commissioners also remain as at present—$700 per year. These salaries, under the law, do not go into effect till 1921.

Marshall Hopkins can now pose as the luckiest man in these parts. He won the fine auto which was disposed of by chance, at Alfred’s pool hall last week. This makes the third auto Marshall has pulled in the same way.

The Meeker Herald

50 years ago

The hungry appetite of some lucky family will be satisfied when they win the 6 and a half x 5 and a half x 3 ft. sack (which sets about as high as Mr. and Mrs. Tom Murray can reach) filled solid with groceries to be given away at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Tom Murray’s Market in Meeker. Wouldn’t you like to be that lucky person? This contest is part of Murray’s annual anniversary sale, celebrating 12 years in the grocery business.

At the Rio Blanco Course as of April 1, the current snow depth is 47.1 inches, with a water content of 16.4. The 20-year average here is 45.9 with water content of 16.5. Present water content is 99.4% of the 20-year average. On Burro Mountain, Bob Buckles of the Soil Conservation Service and Bill Jordan, who took these readings, report the snow depth is 50.9 inches with a water content of 19.4. The 20-year average here is 55.7 inches of snow with water content average of 18.3. This is 106% of the 20-year average water content.

Mrs. Sally Ryan of Meeker was the happy winner of “The World’s Largest Grocery Bag” given away by Tom Murray’s Market at the end of their two-day 12th anniversary sale Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Ryan’s guess at the total retail value of the grocery-laden bag was $212.67, only 10c more than the actual value, $212.57. Mrs. Ryan’s magic formula for her near accurate guess was to simply choose one of her previous month’s grocery bills. Dr. and Mrs. Ryan are the parents of six children ranging from two to 12 years of age.

The Meeker Herald

25 years ago

From the Meeker Herald, 25 years ago: Margie Wilber celebrating retirement from her duties as Deputy County Clerk.
HERALD TIMES PHOTO

Tomorrow, Friday, will be a big day for Margie Wilber as she will be retiring from her duties as Deputy County Clerk for Rio Blanco County. Coming to join Margie and husband Bob for the retirement festivities planned for Friday afternoon at the Courthouse and the retirement dinner party at Sleepy Cat that evening, are her daughter Pauline Stehle and granddaughter Anna of Denver.

Owner Wendy Kiser has announced the opening of her new women’s clothing store, Wendll’s Clothes & Collectibles at 574 Market St. next to the Meeker Hotel. The contemporary women’s clothing store and boutique carries a full line of very fashionable dresses, blouses, jeans, and shorts, while offering a collection of southwestern style jewelry and watches. Once a merchandise consignment outlet location, the new clothing store has been completely refurbished to reflect a contemporary style that lends itself to the nicely designed store that fits well with Kiser’s stock of clothing and jewelry. “It’s been a goal of life. Ever since moving here I’ve wanted to open a clothing store. It’s a good retail climate,” admits Kiser, who has waited for the location to open up for some time.

Rangely Times

50 years ago

WCO Lou Vidakovich of the Colorado Game, Fish and Parks Department was shown holding up a large bald eagle killed some 20 miles east of Rangely this week. The big bird, measuring over 81 inches in wing spread, was shot with a rifle by parties unknown. As bald eagles are protected by Federal law, the killer is subject to a fine up to $1,000 and imprisonment for six months in a Federal prison.

Sen. Gordon Allott wired Mayor B.F. Yaeger today that Rangely’s new post office would be located on the corner of Birch and Main Streets, on property purchased from John Comstock for $5,000. The site contains 15,269.2 sq. ft.

Dr. George Douglas was notified recently that he had been designated as an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner, which qualified him to give FAA qualified Class 2 and Class 3 physical examinations in all types of pilot programs, including private and commercial pilots. Individuals requiring such examinations will no longer be required to go to Grand Junction or other places to receive them.

Rangely Times

25 years ago

Once again the Cook brothers are hitting the highways for a breathtaking, heart stopping 27 weeks of motorcycle racing. On Saturday, March 26, the Cook Brothers Racing Team (riders Ryan and Rusty) and mechanic (Grandpa Bill) and, cheering section (the boy’s mom Lonnie and Vernon Powell) were on their way. After several hours of hazardous driving conditions and a not-so-relaxing trip, they arrived in Aurora to prepare for the next day’s races. After pizza for dinner and an exciting pillow fight, the boys went to bed, very unconcerned about the next day’s weather. Unfortunately, race day dawned on very adverse racing conditions. With a wind chill factor of 0 degrees and blowing snow at 25 miles per hour, the team arrived at the race track, only to find that the track was frozen. Even this did not discourage the young riders. They were determined to show the Eastern Slope riders what the Western Slope riders could do.

Natalie McBride was selected to play in the all-state concert band on April 7, 8, and 9 in Greeley, Colorado. One hundred and two students have been selected, representing 626 students from 133 high schools participated in the December all-state band auditions. Natalie is a sophomore in Rangely High School and plays the flute. She moved here from Texas and has been a great addition to the high school band. She is excited and looking forward to all of the activities the state has lined up. Congratulations Natalie and good luck at state!

On March 20, Amberlee McPhail played in the Colorado coaches of girls’ sports basketball game. It featured top players from 1A/2A north against the top 1A/2A south team. Amberlee played on the north team and did a super job.

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
9 hours ago
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1/9
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
10 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
16 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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