Pages past - Nov. 20

On this date ...

1956: An unmasked bandit held up Tom Finley’s service station about 3 a.m. in Texico.

Authorities said he took the cash register and escaped with about $400.

The cash register was recovered behind the Texico High School gymnasium. It still contained almost $50 in coins.

Pop Spurlin, who was on duty at the time of the robbery, said the robber’s gun “sure looked big.”

Spurlin told authorities the bandit ordered him to open the register; but Spurlin said he was on temporary duty and did not have a key.

When the robber threatened to shoot him, Spurlin said he “backed up ... into the restroom” and locked the door behind him before climbing out a window and running for help.

1946: Movies playing in local theaters included “No Time for Comedy,” starring James Stewart and Rosalind Russell and “Under Nevada Skies,” starring Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes and Trigger the horse.

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

http://www.highplainsyesterdays.com