Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
On this date …
1941: The region was recovering from “the worst duster since the Black blizzard days of January 1935,” the Clovis News-Journal reported.
A teenage Clovis newspaper delivery boy rode his bicycle into the side of a moving freight train, but was not seriously injured. Billy Martin had his head down, trying to avoid the sand blowing in a 50-mph wind when the accident occurred. Skid marks on the road suggested Billy heard the train just before impact. His bike, demolished, was found a half mile from the crossing.
Officials said visibility was “a scant few feet” at the height of the storm. Traffic moved “at a snail's pace,” the newspaper reported, with most motorists turning on their lights in mid-afternoon to avoid collisions.
1961: Clovis city commissioners had adopted a new dancing ordinance.
It required public dance halls - where dancing was permitted regularly and not less than twice a week - to pay a $260 annual fee.
Liquor establishments and charity organizations were exempt from the fee but required to apply for a license.
Organizations not exempt that hosted “one-night stand” dances were required to pay a $10 fee.
Clovis police were charged with processing applications, while the city clerk was to issue licenses.
1961: Jack Lacy, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce manager, told Bovina Chamber members that the United States needed more unity.
“We are fighting the battle against the organized masses and the disorganized classes,” the guest speaker told 175 people who gathered in the Bovina High School cafeteria.
Lacy said Chambers of Commerce could provide a means to achieve progress and a place to discuss common problems.
School ag instructor Roy Crawford was named the Bovina Outstanding Citizen.
Easter parade of values …
1956: Levine's department store was advertising a “parade of Easter values.”
Boys and girls Easter shoes were $2.98 and $3.98 a pair.
Men's Easter sport coats were $19.98.
Girls' Easter hats and purses were $1.
Boys' Easter suits were $7.98.
Time for the Opry …
1971: Organizers were preparing for the 20th annual Grand Ole Opry at Floyd.
As always, the “pickin' and strummin'” show was sponsored by the 10-member Floyd Lions Club with proceeds benefiting local youth projects.
Pages Past is compiled by David Stevens. Contact:
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