Photo courtesy John M. MotterWhisperings of a change in public attitude toward one of the Old West’s most venerated institutions — saloons — appeared in the columns of the News in March of 1897.
Editor Daniel Egger reported: “Some citizens are advocating a higher license fee for saloons in the town — some because they desire to drive them out of business, and others from a selfish motive. They probably have never considered the matter from a financial standpoint. It is now six years since Pagosa Springs was incorporated and the taxpayers have never been called on to contribute a cent towards the town government, all of the revenues being derived from the license paid by saloons. Without the money derived from the saloons a levy of from ten to twenty mills would be required to meet current expenses. The News is of the opinion that no change for the better can be made for the town from the present system in vogue.”
Whether Egger wanted to pay a tax or not, a new wave of anti-saloon sentiment was growing across the country and would sweep Pagosa Springs into its path. By 1911, Archuleta County was dry. Another reason to levy taxes was rearing its head. The need for community water, electricity, sewage collection and treatment, and other services was being felt. Saloon license fees were not sufficient to cover the anticipated expenses. Pagosa Springs was moving into the 20th century.
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