Pages of the Past

100 years ago

July 16, 1925

The census recently taken by County Assessor J.S. Atherly and his deputies, as provided for by the late session of the legislature, shows the population of the leading towns of the county to be as follows: Greybull 2,040, Lovell 1,560, Basin 1,011. The total population of the county is reported as 10,511, Mr. Atherly was unable to give us the population of the town of Cowley as the figures had been sent away, and the above figures are given from memory.

Basin has again done her part in taking care of the roads leading into the county seat. On Friday last a committee from the Chamber of Commerce met with the county commissioners and agreed that if the county commissioners would furnish $100 cash and fix the culvert at Dead Man’s Gulch where the bridge went out last week, the Chamber of Commerce would undertake the rest of the program. The commissioners agreed to this plan and the work is now being done. The road will be open in about a week. 

75 years ago

July 13, 1950

John B. Wesnitzer, Jr., was the guest of honor Sunday at a fried chicken dinner given at their home by Mrs. Wesnitzer in celebration of her husband’s birthday anniversary. Other guests included Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Pepper, Miss Louise Davis, Stanley A. Paumer and Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Russell and family. 

Funeral services were held in Cody Wednesday for Tobias John Borner, 73, nephew of the famous Martha (Calamity Jane) Canary. He had lived in the Shell area and worked with the Shell Creek Cattle Association and later was employed by the government as a forest ranger. 

50 years ago

July 17, 1975

The State 4-H Horse Judging was held in Worland on July 8. Big Horn County was represented by 4-H members Julie Rech, Timmie Hinkley, Lynn Kraft, Shana Spragg, Lisa Loveland, Jackie Wardell, and Shawna Mangus. 

The Basin Jadettes women’s softball team are in the midst of an active season again this year. Recent games completed include a victory over Greybull in a high-scoring game July 7. Mary Raffl is coaching the Jadettes again this year with Bobby Hallcroft working as coach on the bases. Team members include Jill Eckerdt, Jeri Black, Rhonda Hallcroft, Sandy Coronado, Robyn Herzog, Lori Nelson, Lynelle Galasso, Joyce Eckerdt, Janice Shimogaki, Becky Batenhorst, Cindy Werner, Troy Estes, Wendy Black Sherri Curtiss, and Mary Raffl as player coach. 

25 years ago

July 13, 2000

The Basin Town Council began consideration of a new ordinance at their July meeting Wednesday night. In response to several requests from residents, Mayor Phil Juillard presented an ordinance to allow the use of golf carts on the town’s streets. 

Kathy Arnold of Basin, riding FH Axiim, finished first overall and first lightweight in competition at the Red Hills 50 mile ride held in Otto June 24. Arnold completed the course in five hours and 51 minutes. Her husband, Bud, finished first heavyweight and his horse FH Marah, received the Best Condition award.