Pages past — Jan. 6

On this date …

1973: Col. Richard E. Little, commander of the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, was scheduled to be the guest speaker at the annual Melrose Chamber of Commerce banquet. Darrell Crenshaw was set to become the chamber’s new president.

1955: An 8-month-old baby died and two other children were hospitalized in serious condition after being overcome by smoke from a smoldering mattress. Leo Martinez, who lived at 205 West St., was dead on arrival at Clovis Memorial Hospital. The children, all younger than 5, had been left alone while their mother went to a laundry, Police Chief Ollie Damron reported. Officials speculated one of the children was playing with matches.

1948: A gasoline tank exploded and the resulting fire gutted the interior of the garage at Petty Service Station at 1321 W. Seventh. The kitchen of the living quarters was also extensively damaged. G.W. Gunnels, of 517 Hull, an employee in the garage, suffered burns on his hands and face and was treated at Osteopathic Hospital. Firefighters needed 30 minutes to get the blaze under control.

Price check …

1969: Bob’s Supermarket at 820 W. Seventh in Clovis was open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Buccaneer Stamps were issued with every purchase of $2.50 or more. Wednesday was double-stamps day. The grocery offered T-bone steak for 95 cents a pound. Bacon was 87 cents a pound. A one-pound box of Shurfresh crackers was 19 cents.

Something new …

1962: Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Clovis’ new city hall. Completion was expected by mid-summer.

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

[email protected]