The year 1964 must seem like a long time ago to some, but for others of us it feels like yesterday. As I have looked at that year, I'm surprised how many memories it digs up.

Wednesday evening, lightning struck a barn owned by Harry Halls and completely destroyed the barn and an estimated 75-80 tons of hay. Harry and son Fred were doctoring a sick cow and narrowly escaped the bolt.

A group of friends got together Saturday night and gave Moeita Bauer and Jimmy Cook a surprise birthday party.

Van and Selma Willis will leave next week for a business trip to San Antonio.

The staff for the school year 1964-1965 will include Willis Smith, Principal, Edna Robb, Grade 1, Mrs Bircher, Grade 2, Julio Archuleta, Principal, Dominic Aspromonte, Guidance, and Arthur Adcock, Shop.

Mr. and Mrs. Don McNeil and Lloyd went to Show Low, Arizona for the big annual McNeil family reunion.

The Columbine Cafe is open under new management after being closed for a week. The new operators are Mrs. Kenny Bauer and Mrs. Sylvan Brown.

Tom Dillahunty is spending time in town attempting to set up a railroad tie mill.

Ted Willden passed away in Cortez at the age of 63.

The Mancos Chamber of Commerce hosted about 40 people to consider a proposal continuation of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad from Durango to Cortez.

Mr. and Mrs. Art Towne left Monday to take their son Gary to Provo, where he is enrolled at BYU.

Mr. and Mrs. John Elliss, Jr. have announced the arrival of a grandson. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Elliss are the proud parents.

Bob Bement has returned to his Fort Collins home after a visit with the Clay Baders.

Darrel Ellis is a longtime historian of the Mancos Valley. Email him at dnrls@q.com.