Pages past — Nov. 4

On this date ...

1967: The New Mexico Savings and Loan League was urging voters to approve a constitutional amendment to allow state government to deposit state funds in savings and loan associations. Proponents claimed approval would “keep more money in New Mexico” and “provide more money for homebuilding inside” New Mexico. Voters approved the measure.

1954: Two airmen stationed at Clovis Air Force Base were killed in a crash on Seventh Street. State police said the airmen, both teenagers, were riding a motorcycle when a truck turned in front of them. Willie Morrison attempted to lay down the cycle to avoid the collision, but it skidded under the truck’s trailer, hitting the spare tire carrier. Morrison and his passenger, Eugene Kramer, were killed instantly. The truck driver was hospitalized from “emotional shock,” officials said.

1942: Military authorities were asking all persons willing to build apartments or houses in the Clovis-Portales area make themselves known. Officials said there was a need for military housing in the area, but “an inventory must be taken of those willing to build before the materials can possibly be made available through government or military authorities.”

Price check …

1971: Cooks, at 21st and Mitchell streets in Clovis, offered men’s “classic” leather shoes for $4.66 a pair. Crystal chandeliers went for $36.96. Flannel sleeping bags were $8.87. The store was open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and from noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Go figure …

24: dollars a Clovis man needed to get out of jail after he failed to report to court to answer for a speeding ticket. The ticket was issued May 28, 1954, and the man was arrested on Nov. 4, 1954, after promising multiple times that he would “be right down,” to address the allegation. The normal bond was $25 for such an infraction, but officials accepted $24 because he said that was all he had. He was instructed to report to court the next day to pay the fine for speeding.

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

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