Pages past — Sept. 15

On this date ...

1990: Voters prepared to decide whether Eastern New Mexico University-Clovis campus should become an independent community college.

Cost to the average home owner would be about $20 per year, the Clovis News Journal reported.

State Sen. Walter Bradley, R-Clovis, was among those opposed to the measure.

“The more I looked at the facts, I’m not so sure it’s the best thing for us,” he said.

“The bottom line, as I understand it, is that we will increase our taxes and receive no more (state) funding than what we’re already getting.”

The vote was 2,417 to 2,375 in favor of separation. Officials said 36 percent of Clovis’ eligible voters participated in the election.

1915: Area drug stores advertised Doan’s Kidney Pills, a “tested and proven remedy” for kidney and bladder problems.

They were 50 cents per bottle.

Transitions ...

1999: Actress Lila Leeds, who grew up in Clovis, died in Los Angeles at age 71.

Her movie credits include “Lady in the Lake” and “She Shoulda Said ‘No’!”

1963: Longtime U.S. Sen. Carl Hatch, an attorney who lived in Clovis from 1916 to 1949, died in Albuquerque at age 73.

President Theodore Roosevelt in 1939 signed his Hatch Act, which prohibited civil service employees from taking an active part in political campaigns.

It remains law today.

Pages Past is compiled by Editor David Stevens. For more regional history, check out his weblog at:

www.highplainsyesterdays.com