Pages of the Past

100 years ago

December 10, 1925

Mrs. Zela Murphy this week will cease to be county clerk of Big Horn County, voluntarily. She has resigned because the state of her husband’s health requires that the family shall reside in a milder climate. Mrs. Murphy’s disassociation from Big Horn County’s officialdom will be almost like the passing of an institution. She has been clerk of the county so long that the memory of perhaps the majority of the inhabitants runneth not to the contrary. A Democrat in a nominally Republican community, she was re-elected to term after term until it came to be accepted that she was unbeatable at the polls and the Republican nomination for county clerk went begging. 

75 years ago

December 7, 1950

Fifty-eight members of the district bar association and their guests honored retiring judge P.W. Metz with a testimonial banquet in Worland Saturday night. The judge, who will leave the bench Jan. 1, after nearly 38 years of continual service, was presented with a glass fishing rod by the association, which honored Mrs. Metz with a large bouquet of roses. 

The problem of a disagreeable taste and odor which has characterized Basin water for the last five weeks was believed solved this week, only to break out anew. According to Town Clerk R.W. Russell, city officials were advised early this week that the source of the phenol substance had been located and introduction into the Big Horn river had been stopped. Mitcheo Sato, employed at the town water plant, advised Mr. Russell Tuesday morning, however, that the substance has again shown itself in the river. Despite advice that its source had been eliminated. 

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Neves are rejoicing over the arrival of a son at the Lovell hospital recently. Mrs. Neves is the former Irma Wardell. 

50 years ago

December 11, 1975

Hopkin’s Exxon service station at South Fourth and Myrtle Avenue was broken into and burglarized sometime last Thursday night. Terry Hopkin, the proprietor, said Monday that entrance was gained through the read doors which were pried open. 

A Basin man, Randy Royal, is one of three seniors from Wyoming who have been tapped for membership in Blue Key National Honor Fraternity at Chadron State College. Blue Key membership is based on leadership, character and scholarship. It is regarded as the highest honor a male student may receive at the Nebraska college. 

25 years ago

December 7, 2000

Residents of south Big Horn County who have gone without the presence of a hospital and emergency room in their community for the past seven-and-one-half years will finally see that time come to an end next week. The new, six-bed facility is scheduled to open for business on Tuesday December 12. 

Richie Robbins of Basin will make a repeat appearance in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 1999-2000.” Robbins was nominated for his academic achievements, athletics and extracurricular activities at Riverside High School. Richie is the son of Deb Robins and the grandson of Shirley and Bill Davis, all of Basin.