From our files: Schmidt takes reins of Chronicle in 1975

100 years ago, July 11, 1925

The Cowley Progress

Residents of this part of the Rocky Mountain district need not be apprehensive of severe earthquakes, state geologist Albert B. Bartlett stated in Cheyenne while commenting on the fact that slight earth tremors were felt at several points in Wyoming last week. Although the formation at places in Wyoming is of such character that slight earth tremors frequently are felt, there is no indication of geological conditions which might result in a severe readjustment of strata broken by faults, he said. Bartlett said earth tremors frequently had been felt in the Atlantic City-South Pass mining district of this state, where there is a crevice filled with metal-bearing minerals.

75 years ago, July 13, 1950

The Lovell Chronicle

Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Clark of Byron suffered a loss estimated at more than $50,000 Sunday when the Byron Mercantile store was completely destroyed by fire. Of unknown origin, the fire started in the afternoon and had spread over the entire interior of the store before it was noticed.

Mr. Clark stated he had been in the store a few moments before the fire was reported. He had entered from his residence in the rear and turned on the large compressor which handles the locker plant, which had been shut off for defrosting. Without any fire fighting equipment, neighbors did a remarkable job of preventing the residence, which is only a few feet from the store, from igniting.

The entire contents of the general merchandise store was a complete loss, as was the locker plant. In addition to the stock of goods and building, they sustained a cash loss of approximately $800, which was in the store on Sunday. The loss was only partially covered by insurance.

The Byron store was one of the earlier landmarks of the community, being built by John Jensen and operated by the family for many years.

50 years ago, July 10, 1975

The Lovell Chronicle

Pat Schmidt will assume the duties of publisher of the Lovell Chronicle effective August 1. He replaces Ron Lytle, who will become the publisher of the Hardin (Montana) Herald on the same date. The change in publishers does not represent a change in ownership of the Lovell Chronicle. The Chronicle is owned by Bob and Roy Peck of Riverton and Lytle. 

Schmidt, 30, was born in Lovell and lived here until his father, Bill, moved to a farm near Greybull. He is a graduate of Greybull High. Following graduation from the University of Wyoming in journalism, Schmidt worked as a reporter, then sports editor of the Riverton Ranger. During the past year, he served as advertising manager of the Powell Tribune, also handling various other duties while publisher Dave Bonner attended Stanford on a fellowship.