Pages past — Aug. 8

On this date ...

1969: A “large glowing ball of fire” was seen crossing the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico, United Press International reported. State police in Clovis said they received a report of the object at 10:15 p.m. A Texas farmer in Lubbock County was among other witnesses. “It got about 50 feet from the ground and there was a big white flash,” Fred L. Sloan claimed. Law officers investigated the fireball, said to be blue to greenish in color and trailing fire, but found nothing.

1940: Jack Holt The Clothier, an exclusive men’s and boys’ clothing store, held an open house, but didn’t offer anything for sale. Holt, whose business was at 308 Main Street, said he simply wanted a “get acquainted night,” to “meet the people of Clovis and the area.” Bottled soft drinks were provided and 100 prizes were awarded inside the newly remodeled building. The store opened the next day.

1934: Pluma Mackechnie and her children, Lillian Mae and Elvira, all suffering from ptomaine poisoning, were reported “much better” while five orphans from the Portales children’s home were scheduled

to enter the hospital to have their tonsils removed. The reports came in the “personal and local” section of the Clovis Evening News-Journal’s society page.

Just a rumor …

The Bottomless Lakes in Southeastern New Mexico are not really bottomless. The sinkholes range from 7 to 90 feet; it’s the greenish-blue color of the water that gives the illusion of depth.

Price check …

1934: Clovis’ Green Lantern Café, owned by “Shorty Hornbuckle” and Eddie Miller, was serving Frigidaire-cooled beer. Plate lunches were 25 cents.

Pages Past is compiled by Editor David Stevens. Contact him at: [email protected]m