Those were the days

5 years ago — Week of July 1, 2004

A front page story titled “When the circus is in town” detailed how Eagle was coping with the media invasion resulting from the Kobe Bryant trial.

Approximately 70 people showed up at an Eagle Town Board hearing concerning what uses would be allowed through the town's open space. Motorized vehicle users were among the most vocal attendees. They were reacting to a proposal that prohibited motorized access through town open space parcels.

Members of First Lutheran Church in Gypsum hosted a farewell dinner for Pastor Jeff Hanson and his family. The Hansons were moving from Gypsum to Burlington.

The Wild West Woman of the Red Hat Society of Eagle County won the grand prize for the Flight Days parade. The town of Eagle float featured a surfing eagle.

10 years ago — Week of July 1, 1999

Traffic consultants suggested that roundabouts might be the solution to congestion in Eagle. An influx of ground squirrels at the Eagle Commercial Park were causing headaches for property owners.

The Eagle and Gypsum fire departments were planning a joint fireworks show at the Eagle County Airport.

McCoy residents Michael and Bobbie Parks were the proud parents of a new baby boy, born somewhere near mile marker 162 on U.S. Highway 6 between Wolcott and Edwards. Baby Ethan was impatient to make his arrival and he couldn't wait for his parents to get to the hospital.

20 years ago — Week of July 6, 1989

Two brush fires in western Eagle County charred 26 acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management property. The fires were fueled by extremely hot, dry conditions throughout western Colorado. According to Water Resources Engineer Orlyn J. Bell, drought conditions in Eagle County and other Colorado River Basin areas were the worst since 1977.

Shelly Harvey, a 19-year-old woman convicted in connection with the child abuse death of her 2-year-old nephew, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Rep. Danny Williams (R-Edwards) was one of two Colorado legislators to receive the 1989 Colorado Ski Country USA Legislator of the Year Award.

The Don and Jean Price home at 625 Broadway was honored with the “Yard of the Week” award.

30 years ago — Week of July 5, 1979

The Eagle Town Board appointed Trustee Pat Carlow as mayor. The town had been mayor-less since the June 1 resignation of K. Don Thompson.

The pilot who made an unauthorized landing at the Avon STOL-port made a sneak exit. He flew away when chains locking down the plane were removed so repairs could be made to the aircraft. The vice president of STOL-port operator Rocky Mountain Airways called the pilot's actions a “dastardly deed.”

Four local woman — Virginia Rose, Jeanie Adams, Rose-Marie Faulkner and Kandy Gollihue — received high school degrees during a special Eagle County School Board ceremony. The four were enrolled in an adult high school program sponsored by the school district and Colorado Mountain College.

Colorado upped its driver's license fee from $2.25 to $5.50. It was the first fee adjustment made by the Colorado Legislature since 1954.

40 years ago — Week of July 3, 1969

Organizers reported a record crowd at the Eagle Flight Days celebration. The Rebekahs of Gypsum float won first place honors in the parade, followed by the Eagle Dandylions entry and the First National Bank of Eagle County entry. In the children's division, a circus group comprised of Sherry, Tony, Victor, Timmy and Debbie Satterfield won first place.

Twenty campers vacationing in the Deep Lake area were marooned when unseasonable rain turned to snow at high elevations. The low temperature recorded in Eagle on June 27 was 31 degrees.

The First National Bank of Eagle County advertised some good bargains on repossessed airplanes including a 1959 Cessna for $4,995.

Under the heading “Pet Peeves” Enterprise editor Marilla McCain campaigned to have grass laid at the dusty ball park downtown. She also noted that “one of the greatest things to come along for a spell” was the town park basketball court established and built by the Eagle Lions Club members and the Eagle Volunteer Fire Department. “It is apparently appreciated by younger citizens for it is occupied and in use at all hours every day.”

50 years ago — Week of July 2, 1959

50 years ago

Week of July 2, 1959

Ninety adults and children showed up for polio shots during an hour-long clinic in Eagle. The immunizations were administered by Dr. L.W. Simmons and nurses Marguerite Knott and Mrs. Donald Webb. The charge was $1.60.

The American Legion Post 150 of Gypsum announced it would host a July 4 dance.

The Eagle Theater announced a special four-day engagement of Cecil B. DeMille's “The Ten Commandments” starring Charleton Heston and Yul Brynner.

Pierce's Cafe in Gypsum advertised “Just so you will know, we serve good ice cream.”

60 years ago — Week of July 1, 1949

The Fulford home of Mable Colerick was destroyed by fire. Colerick and Mary Dubach of Denver were at the cabin when the blaze broke out and were unsuccessful when they tried to stop the fire's spread. The cabin owner lived in Los Angeles during the winter and Fulford during the summer.

D.J. Dufphey was hired as Eagle schools superintendent. He replaced J.F. Brenton, who accepted a position with the Vanadium Corp. at Rifle. Dufphey's staff included Laurene Knupp, fifth and sixth grade teacher; and Ella Hoaglund, primary grades teacher.

The Minturn community planned a big July 4 celebration with a dance at Minturn High School featuring music by the Eddy Lucas Orchestra, a baseball contest against Red Cliff, a parade down Main Street and a rodeo.

Allen's Club at the former Morgan Pool Hall advertised something for everyone. The list included “beer, confections, tobacco and ice cream.”

70 years ago — Week of June 30, 1939

Residents of Eagle County prepared for the 12th annual Mount of the Holy Cross Pilgrimage. The event chairman, O.W. Randall, announced that the event would begin with “the encouragement before our eyes of actual highway construction work in process in three separate areas between Wheller and Gore Creek.” Randall predicted that following the completion of the Holy Cross Highway from Denver to Red Cliff, the pilgrimage association would build a great cathedral shrine at the best location for a perfect view of the great cross.

Vern L. Howard resigned as principal of Eagle County High School to take a position as director of industrial education in Reno, Nev. The resignation came as a surprise to the county high school board members and they announced that there was no immediate prospective candidates for the job.

There were reports that labor treatment complaints, and frequent firings of local workers on the Gore Creek highway project, were drawing attention from state labor relations representatives at the Colorado Highway Department.

Weekly specials at the Eagle Market included a quart jar of peanut butter for 29 cents and Fels Naptha soap chips for 23 cents a package.

“Good music” was assured at the Ria Theater Dance in Minturn. Admission was $1.