Pages past — March 30

On this date ...

1971: A notice announcing a “proposed discontinuance” of passenger train service had been posted at Clovis’ Santa Fe Railway’s ticket office.

The notice read that the San Francisco Chief could end service on May 1.

Santa Fe officials pointed out the notice was only a proposal, but it soon became reality.

The last regular passenger train passed through Clovis on May 1, 1971.

1971: New Mexico Gov. Bruce King issued a news release stating 12 draft board offices across the state would be closed by April 16.

The release said offices in Portales and Tucumcari would be combined with the Clovis office.

The move was part of a national reorganization and cutback ordered by the Selective Service System.

1961: Actress Debbie Reynolds had been reunited with an uncle from Clovis on an episode of the television show “This is Your Life.”

Wally Harmon, 32, of 2817 Gidding in Clovis, had not seen his niece for 10 years before the show brought them together, along with other family members.

“We had rooms in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel,” Harmon said.

“One night the relatives visited with Debbie at her home. Another night we dined out and toured the nightclub circuit. It’s the best way to visit Hollywood — expense free.”

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

www.highplainsyesterdays.com