Big tractor demo in Torrington
While the less fortunate citizens of other sections of the county were huddle indoors to keep away from the wintry blasts, the people Torrington and Goshen County have been out-of-doors, enjoying the warm sunshine and balmy Wyoming breezes while in attendance at Torrington’s first tractor show.
The competitive demonstration was arranged for on very short notice, but six tractors were exhibited. Dealers and tractors represented included: W. O. Eaton, International Titan; Edquest Hardware Co., International Mogul; John A. Carson, Waterloo Boy; R. J. Koontz, Wallis Cub, and; Carlson and Scott, Moline Universal and Parrot.
A large number of ranchers and farmers were in attendance, many from a distance and much interest was shown. All made excellent showings but, as there were no official judges, it is not for us to give a decision here as to their special merits.

75 Years Ago
Feb. 18, 1943

Local man watched Torrington from infancy
The man who has seen Torrington grow from a blacksmith shop, grocery store and two other business houses to what it is today retired this week from the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad.
He is J. K. Vandel of this city.
Mr. vandal, who turned 65 years old on Saturday, was firing through here in 1902 when Torrington was little more than a wide spot in the road and Guernsey was the end of the line. Most of Torrington, he said, was a vast expanse of prairie, with a few alfalfa fields.
He and Mrs. Vandel have lived here for the past 25 years. The Vandels, living in a neat little house in South Torrington, mentioned they hoped to buy a trailer house and “see the country” when his retirement became effective, but that present war conditions have made that impossible. At least for the present time.
“But we have 160 acres of land near Bayard,” Mr. Vandel said, with a smile. “And a hundred chicks in the basement waiting for a brooder, along with a small orchard and our garden. They will keep us busy for a while.”

50 Years Ago
Feb. 19, 1968

Heinz Cattle buys Plum Creek Hereford herd
A major transaction involving two prominent Hereford firms was announced last week. John and Jeanne Paulk, operators of Plum Creek Ranch at Larkspur, Colo., and Hurd Creek Ranch of Fraser, Colo., sold the bulk of their registered cow herd and one-half interest in two bull herds to Heinz Cattle Co., of Henry, Neb.
Involved in the sale were 100 registered Hereford females, half interest in PC Colorado Domino 104C by Colorado Domino 224A and half interest in Winrock A6. Purchase price of the half interest in the 104C bull was $10,000.
The Plum Creek herd, strong in Colorado Domino bloodlines, is widely known. Herd bulls from the herd have been sold into Nevada, Iowa, Montana, Colorado, Nebraska, California, Idaho, Georgia, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota.
The Paulks have retained a select group of heifer calves and a few of the older cows, in addition to the interest in the other two herd bulls. They will continue to operate both ranches with greater emphasis on the commercial end.
The Heinz Cattle Co., formerly known as George M. Heinz and Son, is now operated by a third-generation member of the family, Bryan Heinz. Bryan’s grandfather, John Heinz, established a registered herd of Herefords shortly after the turn of the century with foundation stock purchased in the Marshall Fields Stock Farm dispersion at Stanton, Neb.

25 Years Ago
Feb. 17, 1993

Torrington fuel prices falling
Gas prices at many Torrington fuel retailers have fallen below 89-cents a gallon for the first time in several years, according to area merchants.
Scottsbluff, Neb., resident Ron Meeker, found fueling up at the Gas-A-Mat in Torrington, says it’s been a long, long time since he has seen fuel prices this low.
“In Scottsbluff, I’m having to pay $1.19 for unleaded,” he said. “This is great.”
Prices at most major service stations and some independents in Torrington are still in the mid-90s but, according to 7-11 Store employee Barbara Farrington, their regular gas is at 88.9-cents per gallon.
“I’ve worked at the store off and on since 1980 and I don’t remember when gas prices have been this low,” Farrington said.