One black-and-white photograph shows a man looking through a fence at a herd of cattle on the 1920s Vagneur Ranch.
Photo courtesy of Aspen Historical Society
“Pitkin County is now in a secondary drought area,” The Aspen Times reported on July 26, 1934.
“Pitkin County recently found out here as it was announced in The Times last week. There are few details available at this time as to what this means for the county. Relief Committee members understand that secondary drought counties are in the same status as primary emergency counties, with the exception that secondary drought counties do not have a cattle purchase program in place. It is our understanding that farmers who need feed for their cattle can apply for drought relief. Unlike other current relief, it is understood that this relief will be in the form of cash, which can be used to purchase feed, seed or food for their family if absolutely necessary. Farmers are expected to receive a note in exchange for drought relief. The drought relief program will be implemented by the Relief Office. Every effort is being made to determine the exact nature of the drought relief efforts, compile details, and ensure that the program is clearly understood and can be implemented immediately in this county.”
