Pages past — April 29

On this date ...

1951: Clovis High School was preparing to graduate 126 students, according to Principal Dave St. Clair.

Gov. Edwin Mechem was the scheduled speaker for commencement at the Marshall Junior High gymnasium.

Sherman Williams was class president. Jackie Murphy was vice president.

1951: An Oklahoma City man was jailed “for safekeeping,” the Clovis News-Journal reported.

The man was “under the influence” and “flashing” his money, according to railroad officials who notified police.

The man was picked up about 4 a.m. and taken to the Clovis city jail where he was scheduled to remain until his train home arrived in the afternoon.

He was carrying $21.60.

1946: Funeral services were being planned for Jim White, the “first known white man to enter the Carlsbad Caverns,” The Associated Press reported.

White, 63, died from a coronary disease.

He began exploring the caverns as a 19-year-old in 1901. His promotional efforts led to the area becoming a national park in 1923.

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

www.highplainsyesterdays.com