Pages past — Dec. 4

On this date …

1974: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held the first in a series of meetings in Clovis, officially launching a study intended to alleviate flood problems in the city. Area residents attended the meeting to relate their experience with flood waters, primarily along First and Second streets, on West Grand Avenue and at the Marshall Junior High School football field.

1954: High winds and dirt turned regional skies reddish brown. Winds whipped up to 64 mph and visibility was reported at less than two miles in Fort Sumner.

1948: Paul and Dizzy Dean became owners of the Clovis Pioneers baseball team. Paul, whose nine-year Major League career had ended in 1943, would be player-manager for the Class C West Texas-New Mexico League team. Dizzy Dean, who would be elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953, said he would be active in the team behind the scenes.

Scoreboard …

1972: Eastern New Mexico University whipped Western New Mexico, 70-64, despite a five-minute scoring drought late in the game. Lon Sprayberry, ENMU’s 7-foot center, led the Pack with 16 points and 16 rebounds.

Gift ideas …

1968: Zales jewelers in Clovis was suggesting watches for holiday gifts. For “faster time-telling,” the Omega Chronostop was worn “at the 3 o’clock position,” or under the wrist. It cost $87.50. The Speidel band, for $11.95, included a monthly calendar feature.

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