Pages past — March 8

On this date …link

1957: Traffic signals were removed from the intersection at First and Main streets in Portales to accommodate Highway 70 construction. Lights on Second Street were expected to be removed soon. In the interim, police advised that traffic on First and Second streets had the right of way, but suggested it would be best to “look at what’s coming” before crossing the uncontrolled intersections, the Portales News-Tribune reported.

1957: The Floyd Fire Department was sponsoring Cliff Dunham’s Donkey Ball Show. The event featured donkey races and other sporting competitions starring the donkeys from Crescent, Oklahoma. Games were held in the Floyd Gym. Admission ranged from 35 cents to 75 cents.

1955: Portales Rotarians “and their ladies” celebrated the 20th anniversary of the club at the Cal Boykin hotel in Portales, The Portales Daily News reported. The club had 75 members, including eight charter members. The club began on Feb. 24, 1935, with 25 members. Former Eastern New Mexico University President Donald MacKay was the club’s first president.

That’s entertainment …

1960: Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth and Tab Hunter were starring in “They Came to Cordura,” playing at the Tower theater in Portales. Shows started at 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Transitions …

1955: The Roosevelt County School Board authorized purchase of a 36-passenger school bus for one of Dora’s 11 routes. The new bus would replace a 30-passenger bus, officials said.

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

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