Looking Back

100 years ago

Some time ago we offered our plant for sale at a bargain – better than $200.00 less than cost, but so far no one has dug up any cash, so we think it proper to keep the paper going until a good man comes along who has the nerve to tackle to proposition. Als we have been told that other parties expected to step in with a plant as soon as we got out. The other party may put in a plant anyway and as there is only a fair field for one paper in Pine Bluffs and we have given the said party a fair and square price on the Post plant we will stay and make life as burdensome for the new man as possible. We remain because we still have work that is unfinished – that of enforcement of law in regard to running of a certain business.

Be it Ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Pine Bluffs: That all snow shall be removed from sidewalk within a period of 48 hours after the same has fallen by the owner or lessee of the property abutting said walks. Failure to comply with this ordinance shall subject said owner or lessee to a fine of not less than $1.00 nor more than $5.00 and costs.

75 years ago

Theodore Jamison, who recently purchased the Standard hotel and bar and the Pastime theatre of C.M. Enloe, has completely remodeled the bar and has made a number of noticeable improvements in the theatre and hotel and will have a big grand opening and free show Saturday, Feb. 18. There is to be a continuous matinee at the Pastime from 1:30 to 5 o’clock and Mr. Jamison wants everyone to come in and be his guest on that day.

The undefeated Hillsdale five is still leading the conference basketball teams with a win for every game played this season. Their seventh victory, won Friday at Albin by a score of 36-14, placed them at the head of the teams in the Laramie county sub district tournament to be held the first week in March at Wheatland or Cheyenne. The Pine Bluffs Hornets completed their conference schedule Friday evening at Burns with a 33-16 win from the Burns Bulldogs. Friday’s win was their sixth and cinched them in second place.

One of the season’s delightful parties was held at the G.M. and Louis Mason home Monday evening when Clarence and Buddy Mason celebrated their sixteenth birthdays. Thirty young people enjoyed an evening of games and at the close of the party a dainty lunch was served in which the valentine motif was carried out. Clarence is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mason and Buddy is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. G.M. Mason. It is also interesting to note that these boys’ birthdays occur on the birthdays of their mothers, who are twins.

50 years ago

Fire of undetermined origin Wednesday morning about 4:30 destroyed the Wilhelm Ready-mix plant on First Street between Pine and Elm and for a time threatened a nearby building used by the company for parking their cement trucks. The blaze was believed to have started from electric wiring or from a propane heater used to heat the water at the plant. Charles A. Wilhelm, co-owner with his son, R. W. Wilhelm of the company, estimated loss to the building and equipment at $25,000. The fire was discovered by a paper carrier, Terry Fisher, who had come to the nearby bus stop on Second Street to pick up his papers. Volunteer firefighters fought the blaze about an hour, but were unable to save the building or its contents.

George Armjo and Robert Hayes who began their seven weeks of practice teaching last Friday. Armjo, a Cheyenne young man, is teaching music under guidance of Robert Marr. Hayes, of Midland, Mich., is teaching physical education under Edward Stevens and Don Rounds, and general science under William Parsons. Both young men are senior student at the University of Wyoming and both are married. Armjo has one child.

25 years ago

Trying to arrange a school calendar that will satisfy everyone, or even a majority, has been a thorny issue for School District No. 2. And it looks like next year’s schedule is not going to be any easier to arrange than past calendars. School will start August 28 and end May 24. But from there on some board members had problems because there are no snow days built into the two and a half months of school past President’s Day.

A Pine Bluffs man Rob Stevens of Bluffs Insurance Agency, has been singled out by American Agrinsurance as one of the top 30 of 12,000 of their agents in the United States and was designated recently at Top Premium Producer for crop, hail and multiple peril crop insurance supplier for 1988.

10 years ago

Trustees of the Laramie County School District No. 2 (LCSD #2) renewed the contract for Superintendent Margie Simineo at Monday night’s regular meeting held in Carpenter.

Texas Trail Market Manager Bill Cushing presented Dema Gilbert with a 32” television for winning the final round of the Texas Trail Market football pool. With a 1:04 left in the Superbowl, a field goal locked in Gilbert as the winner of the grand prize. Based on the halftime score, Lowell Klassy was awarded $150 cash from the Texas Trail Market.

The Pawnee School Board is currently looking into the option of having a four-day week scheduled for next year. Much discussion has taken place in school board meetings, as well as with faculty, staff, and students. The community has also been asked to input on the idea.

Looking for a unique gift for someone that is hard to find, but not hard on the wallet? Then look no further than 202 Main Street for the newest store to embrace Pine Bluffs. Pine Country Store recently opened Tuesday, Feb. 3, to cater to the surrounding area. Although a small shop, it boasts cute knickknacks, antiques and many country gifts perfect for the area.