Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
On this date …
1940: A man known “from the Pecos River to the Texas line as a character of the old days of the West,” died in a Clovis hospital at age 75.
The Clovis News-Journal reported that Frank H. “Doctor” Childs died from injuries suffered when he was “slugged and robbed” in El Paso a few days earlier.
Childs, who homesteaded near Melrose in 1908, was easily recognized throughout the region because he was always “well dressed ... with a cane slung over his arm,” CN-J reported.
1946: Movies playing in local theaters included “No Time for Comedy,” starring James Stewart and Rosalind Russell and “Under Nevada Skies,” starring Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes and Trigger the horse.
1954: Clovis pet owners were urged to keep them confined and vaccinated to protect against rabies.
A child had recently been bitten by a rabid dog and officials were reminding residents that 22 animals had died from rabies in February 1954.
Rabies shots were effective for one year, said Veterinarian E.E. Kraus.
1956: An unmasked bandit held up Tom Finley’s service station about 3 a.m. in Texico.
Authorities said he took the cash register and escaped with about $400.
The cash register was recovered behind the Texico High School gymnasium. It still contained almost $50 in coins.
Pop Spurlin, who was on duty at the time of the robbery, said the robber’s gun “sure looked big.”
Spurlin told authorities the bandit ordered him to open the register; but Spurlin said he was on temporary duty and did not have a key.
When the robber threatened to shoot him, Spurlin said he “backed up ... into the restroom” and locked the door behind him before climbing out a window and running for help.
1969: Four Curry County 4-Hers received awards for outstanding leadership abilities: Karen Locknane, Terry Leatherwood, Connie Stagner and Alvin Brown.
1972: An early morning fire caused close to $10,000 in damage at the Thunderbird No. 2 restaurant at 221 Prince in Clovis.
A police officer reported smelling smoke in the area about 1:30 a.m., but was unable to locate signs of a fire. The fire was located about 2 a.m. and police officers battled the blaze with fire extinguishers until firefighters arrived, the Clovis News-Journal reported.
Fire Chief Joe Maddox said the fire started near deep fryers in the building’s north side.
He said the fire was concentrated in that area, but smoke and heat extensively damaged equipment throughout the restaurant.
1975: The 67-year-old Barry Hardware building at 405 Main in Clovis caught fire after a heater malfunctioned.
Officials said 39 firefighters battled the blaze for more than five hours, limiting the major damage to the roof and second-floor ceiling.
Water damage, however, was extensive throughout.
Hundreds of shoppers and merchants gathered in the street to watch the blaze.
No injuries were reported.
1975: The site for a new Clovis hospital was announced. The facility would be located at the northwest corner of 21st and Thomas streets.
Twenty acres of land was donated by Albert and Dr. Jackson Dillon to Presbyterian Hospital Center.
The Dillons were sons of pioneer Clovis Dr. A.L. Dillon.
In addition to the donated land, Presbyterian had agreed to purchase 20 more acres from the Dillon family at $2,000 per acre.
1979: Walgreens, located at 100 W. 14th St. in Clovis, promoted itself in a newspaper ad as “The Liquor Center.”
A six pack of Coors or Budweiser beer was $1.89. A case of 12-ounce cans went for $7.56.
Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon was $5.29 for a quart.
Walgreens was planning to be open Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sale prices were good through Saturday after the holiday.
Pages Past is compiled by David Stevens and Betty Williamson. Contact:
