Pages past - July 22

On this date ...

1934: Notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot dead in Chicago.

"He swaggered from a neighborhood theatre ... into the raking fire of government guns," The Associated Press reported. "Too late he saw the gleaming steel of the trap set for him. His hand went for his gun. Too late. Three bullets tore into his body ... He staggered, fell. It was the end of John Dillinger."

1941: Four juveniles confessed to stealing 18 cartons of cigarettes and other tobacco products from a pickup parked in Clovis. Curry County Sheriff Bill Collins said the boys had been released to the custody of their parents and "reliable persons," and that A.B. Fleming of Ruth would be reimbursed for the stolen merchandise.

1950: Roads were closed around the region after heavy rainfall in brief intervals left them impassable. Melrose reported 2 inches of rain in 30 minutes, which left water running 3 and 4 feet deep across roads. Portales had recorded 2.5 inches of rain in 24 hours.

1975: Border Town Days in Farwell-Texico was kicking off a three-day celebration on a Thursday with its annual parade through both communities. Other activities included three rodeo performances, a queen contest, a barbecue in Farwell's City Park and the official dedication of the Parmer County Law Enforcement Center.

In sports ...

1969: The upstart Texas Football League had signed the leading rusher in the history of the Southwest Conference and was taking aim at other stars.

Chris Gilbert, a second-string all-American at the University of Texas, had a contract to play for the Fort Worth Braves, United Press International reported.

The San Antonio Toros were recruiting O.J. Simpson, offering him $15,000 per game.

The semi-pro league started with six teams in 1966, but was down to four when it folded after the 1971 summer season.

Simpson did not accept the Toros' offer.

Price check ...

1968: Poor Boy's Butcher Shop, located at 801 Prince in Clovis, offered the following mid-week prices:

n Sirloin steaks - 89 cents per pound

n Bar-S all-meat franks - 39 cents per package

n Hamburger - 4 pounds for $1.

Poor Boy's slogan: "Meat is our business, not a sideline."

At the movies ...

1963: "Donovan's Reef," starring John Wayne and Lee Marvin, was promoted as a "subtle comedy" addressing bigotry and, corporate greed.

Pages Past is compiled by David Stevens. Contact him at:

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