Pages past — May 13

On this date ...

1976: Volunteers began preparing beans, cornbread, salads and desserts for those participating in the city-wide cleanup in Clovis.

Area businesses, service clubs and individuals were volunteering time and food for the cleanup.

1966: A Cannon Air Force Base pilot was being credited with the “sidewinder shot that downed a Communist Chinese MIG” in Vietnam.

Maj. Wilbur Dudley, 24, was assigned to Cannon’s 832nd Air Division.

A Chinese spokesman called the incident “an act of war provocation,” claiming it occurred inside the Chinese border.

U.S. officials said the air battle occurred in North Vietnam.

1956: Curry County voters approved a $45,000 bond issue for construction of a second floor to the courthouse.

The measured passed 2-to-1.

A branch of the state laboratory and public health offices would be located on the second floor.

1951: Portales High School was planning to graduate 106 seniors.

Valedictorian was Mary Ann South. Salutatorian was Norene Morgan.

Commencement exercises would be held in the junior high school auditorium.

Pages Past is compiled by Editor David Stevens. For more regional history, check out his weblog at:

www.highplainsyesterdays.com