Pages past - Sept. 23

On this date ...

1972: President Richard Nixon proclaimed this date as "National Hunting and Fishing Day." To celebrate the occasion, the Cannon Rod and Gun Club hosted a junior fishing derby at Greene Acres Park Lake.

Thirty-six young anglers entered the competition.

Jake Velarde, 15, won the fishing reel in the overall competition by catching the first fish, and finishing second in the most and biggest fish categories for the older age group.

His brother, Dave, 12, hooked the most and biggest fish in that division.

In the "small fry" group, 10-year-old Judy Minar caught the biggest fish, and Susanne Hunsaker, 5, caught the most fish.

The "most unusual catch" was an unfortunate duck reeled in by 9-year-old Norman Clark. The captured quacker was reportedly released with "only a few of its tail feathers ruffled," and young Norman got a trophy for the effort.

1952: Bi-monthly speech and hearing clinics open to residents of Roosevelt County began at Eastern New Mexico University, thanks to the efforts of a group of local citizens.

Portales businessman John Burroughs was credited for a generous donation to underwrite the cost of the clinics.

Others who were involved included P.M. Bailey, associate professor of speech at ENMU; Dr. H.T. Brasell, university physician; Robert Burkhalter, consultant for the New Mexico Crippled Children's Society; Martin Cole, ENMU academic dean; Floyd Golden, ENMU president; M.G. Hunt, Portales High School superintendent; Billie Nicholson, executive secretary for the Crippled Children's Society; Wayne Owen, Roosevelt County school superintendent; Jane Rosin, university nurse; and E. Debs Smith, associate professor of English at ENMU.

Pages Past is compiled by Betty Williamson. Contact her at: [email protected]