Pages past — Sept. 4

On this date …

1959: Cannon Air Force Base was in the midst of $2 million worth of construction. One project included a new mess hall for non-commissioned officers.

1957: Tucumcari police were keeping a close eye on motorists ignoring stop signs on Chenault Street from First Street to the Mountain View School. Police said they’d received several complaints from area residents concerned with the safety of children and were planning to step up patrols.

1941: Portales city officials made plans for a Sept. 12 statewide blackout. About 80 “special police” were appointed to help organize the civilian defense drill in which all lights were to be shut off and windows covered. The drill was mandatory across New Mexico because military leaders considered border states “of strategic importance from the standpoint of an invasion possibility” as the nation braced for war.

Advertising slogan …

1959: Bryson’s furniture store at 516 Main in Clovis encouraged customers to “First … furnish your home. It reflects you … and your way of life.”

At the movies …

1975: “Jaws” — “The picture your neighbors are talking about” — was in its seventh week showing at the Hilltop 2 in Clovis. Adult admission was $2.25. Brave children could watch for a buck.

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

[email protected]