Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

LaVilla's Sunday buffet was $1.95

Jan. 8

On this date …

1955: Stagner and Sons had announced plans to build 78 new homes in Clovis, representing more than $500,000 in value. Homes were expected to sell for $7,000 to $10,000 each, plus the cost of the lots.

1956: Seven people had been arrested at the Garcia Pool Hall, 1001 W. Grand in Clovis, and charged with gambling.

Four pleaded guilty and were fined $15 each. The others pleaded not guilty and were released on $25 bond.

Augustine Urioste and Elijio Martinez pleaded guilty to allowing gambling in a public place and running a gambling game, respectively, and each paid a $50 fine.

1964: Guthals Co. at 1001 E. First in Clovis encouraged customers to “Get the jump on this year’s crabgrass” in a paid newspaper advertisement. Pest control products could control crabgrass for three years, the ad reported.

1967: The Copper Penny, a Clovis lounge, invited customers for a “relaxing evening of food and fun.” A newspaper ad asked, “Is your dishwasher worn out? If so ... We guarantee she’ll go home like new without replacing a single spare part.”

1970: Clovis city commissioners were considering bids for the city’s group health insurance program.

Occidental Life Insurance had submitted the low bid among seven companies that made proposals.

Occidental’s bid called for a $37.46 monthly premium for each city employee. That would go to $42.60 per month if the city opted to include disability income as part of the coverage.

1972: Hundreds of area residents crowded into the Yucca Junior High gymnasium in Clovis to celebrate the 60th anniversary of New Mexico's statehood.

1972: LaVilla Restaurant and Steak House, at 600 Pile in Clovis, offered a Sunday buffet for $1.95. It came with your choice of two meats, eight salads, four vegetables, a relish tray, Jello, dessert and hot rolls.

1976: Two Eastern New Mexico University students were arrested for narcotics possession. The students, both 19, were arrested at their home at 600 N. Ave. L in Portales, following a raid by police. The narcotic was hashish, a favorite of drug users in the Orient, Assistant District Attorney Fred Boone told reporters. Their bonds were set at $5,000 each.

2006: Portales had a new fire chief.

Raul Muniz had 23 years experience in firefighting.

He succeeded Jesse Mowrer, who retired.

Pages Past is compiled by David Stevens. Contact:

[email protected]

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