Postcard from the Past – Wet Weather Continues

“Million Dollar Spring Storm Benefits Colorado Crops; Blizzard Blasts Wyoming”

Thus read a headline in an early 1900 issue of the “Denver Post.” The article that followed described how beneficial the heavy, wet snow was to the northeastern Colorado plains, yet how detrimental it was to travel, just across the state line in southern Wyoming.

As the old farmer reflects, “It just depends on whose land is being watered.”

Last week’s “Postcard” noted a major storm reported in the April 1, 1897 issue of “The Saratoga Sun.” Here’s more of that story:

Will Lose Few Sheep

Harry Blydenburgh, the resident manager of the Jack Creek Land and Cattle Company, was in the city Monday. He says his sheep, which have been wintering out on the Red Desert, have done remarkably well, the loss not being up to this time above three percent. He accounts for this small percent by the fact that nearly all of the company’s sheep are young and able to rough it.

Mr. Blydenburgh says it will not pay to run old sheep in this country any longer. He says his experience in the sheep business warrants him in getting rid of his old sheep during the fall at almost any price rather than to undertake to carry them through the winter. Experience demonstrates that it is almost impossible to winter sheep that have to be fed hay to carry them through the rough weather.

Saratoga Chips

Scribner’s Short Line stage put in its appearance last night. It has to be a cold day when “Scrib” don’t get there.

On account of the storm Rev. Robinson will not go to Collins on Sunday, April 4. On this account, there will be services in the Presbyterian Church next Sunday as usual.

The river is entirely free from old ice at this place and has risen slightly from the thawing of snow in the foothills. The indications at this time point to an early spring and high water.

We have been informed that school will continue on through this month. This will be good news to the many people who are loath to dispense with the valuable services of Prof. and Mrs. Rollman.

A light snow fell Sunday night, which quickly disappeared Monday morning, though the entire day remained muggy and cloudy, reminding one of days common to more humid climates. Looks very much now as though spring was here.

The author of “Beautiful Snow” was in town the first of the week and offered us an “Ode to Spring.” We didn’t do a thing to him but jam his hat down over his eyes, rip his coat up the back and help him to get out of the front door as quick as we could.

And for those who might be snowed in the paper offered this advertisement:

Try the Gold Hill House when in town. Board and lodging only one dollar per day. – W. C. Lemon, Proprietor