A Look Back, April 22, 2020

100 Years Ago
April 22, 1920
Snow Storm Rages for Three Days: The most remarkable storm that has ever been recorded in this part of the country began Friday and lasted until Monday, during which time snow fell to a depth estimated at from one to four feet, the amount varying in different localities. The government weather observer at Wheatland reports that the fall at that place was 38 inches and was equal to three and eight tenths inches of water. Had this amount come in the form of rain, it would have been a serious flood.

Purchase Fire Truck: The town has placed an order with Bryant & Lawless for a Chevrolet one-ton truck, equipped with fire fighting apparatus. This is for the new fire department. The price is $2,800, including painting and lettering. The fire equipment on the truck includes a forty gallon chemical tank, hose rack, ladders and other small equipment.

Another Side of the Overall Proposition: The fad which started in the east a few weeks ago and is gradually working west of wearing overalls and jumpers as regulation dress has reached Torrington. The purpose of this move is to force a reduction in the price of clothing. The result of a wide-spread movement of this kind may be somewhat different than what is intended or anticipated.

75 Years Ago
April 18, 1945
Damage From Storm Great: Damage from last Thursday night’s 16-inch downfall of snow has run into many thousands of dollars, according to officials estimates on the loss. Over thirty-five miles of rural electric lines and many lines and posts within the city limits were damaged. Many lines will need to be restrung and it will be weeks before service has been restored to normalcy. Several thousands of dollars worth of damage was also reported to ornamental and shade trees within the city.

Plans Complete For Minstrel Show: Plans have nearly been completed for one of the biggest old-time minstrel shows ever to be staged in Torrington. This minstrel show is being sponsored by the Torrington Lions Club and proceeds will be used for the welfare and civic improvement campaigns of this organization. Rehearsals have been held the past few weeks in anticipation of giving the reisdents of this area something they can tell their grandchildren about.

Newly Remodeled Zephyr Grill To Open Here Friday: The Zephyr Grill and Café will hold its grand opening Friday morning at 10 o’clock, it was announced this week by Mr. and Mrs. Glen L. Carter, proprietors. Practically all remodeling and redecorating have been completed, the remaining details to be completed while the café is in operation. Although the opening was planned for a later date, it was deemed advisable to open Friday during the music and academic festival here in order to take care of the large number of extra persons in town for the occasion.

50 Years Ago
April 20, 1970
Central Business District In Need Of More Parking Spaces: About twenty-five downtown businessmen were on hand early Friday morning to hear a preliminary report on the Central Business District as presented by members of the City Planning Commission. Without exception, planners and businessmen agreed that parking is vital to the health and growth of the central business district and that the Parking Evaluation table presented to them showed a current deficiency of 130 parking spaces.

31/2 In. Snow Hits Area: April snowstorms continued to plague the Torrington area and most of Wyoming and Eastern Nebraska as three and one-half inches fell Friday. The snow, which was heavy with water content, caused many meetings and other events to be postponed. Mr. Weatherman reports that the area will have snow flurries later today also.

Elected To CYO Office: Ernie Martinez, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucio Martinez, Henry, was elected treasurer of the State Catholic Youth Organization during the state convention held in Rawlins recently. Fr. Campbell of St. Louis was the guest speaker at the convention attended by over 350 youths.

25 Years Ago
April 21, 1995
Fire halls, water, sewer tapped as town priorities: Town and county officials are making lists and checking them twice. The group of officials met about a month ago to discuss the needs of each community and the county for a possible one-cent capital facilities tax. Council officials returned with their wish list for the possible tax. Three town officials cited new fire halls as their main needs for their towns.

Environment is key on Earth Day: When it comes to ecological and environmental holidays and observances, April is the month for it. From Earth Day to Arbor Day, conservation is the keyword of the month. And in recognition of its importance, Torrington Mayor E.T. Jolovich signed a proclamation declaring April Natural Resources Conservation Month. Bud Raber and Nancy Borton of the North Platte Valley Conservation District and Tom Watson of the Natural Resources Conservation Service joined the mayor in the signing.

Committee enticing travelers to visit county: Tourism is alive and growing in Goshen County and county officials would like to keep it that way. Gene Woolwine, a representative of the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee said that tourism has been in the county for years. Whatever the reason the tourist have for traveling, they spend a lot of money, which benefits the economy in Goshen County, Woolwine said.