Pages past - Oct. 5

On this date ...

1952: Stockholders of the Roosevelt County War Memorial Association had voted to build a community building in Portales as a war memorial.

The stockholders agreed that work on the building should begin as soon as possible. The association had $18,902 in a projects fund, and estimated the completed building would cost around $25,000.

"Means will be taken to raise an additional $10,000 after construction is under way," according to the Clovis News-Journal.

1947: Two new National Guard batteries — Battery A and Battery C, 804th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion — were organized in eastern New Mexico as part of an enthusiastic campaign by the New Mexico National Guard to establish 52 new units.

Battery C of Clovis was the 34th battery to be established, and Battery A of Portales was the 35th, marking the completion of two-thirds of the campaign.

The 804th Battalion staff included Lt. Col. William C. Wells of Tucumcari, commanding officer; Maj. Charles R. Smith of Clovis, executive officer; and Capt. Don Strickland of Tucumcari.

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