Pages past - Sept. 2

On this date ...

1977: In a front-page photo in the Clovis News-Journal, Betty Philley of the New Mexico Outdoor Drama Association showed a model of a proposed amphitheater for the Caprock canyons to Carl Jones and Dave Barth of the Clovis Evening Lions Club.

The Lions Club had plans to display the tabletop diorama in its booth at the Curry County Fair, encouraging locals to come by to "learn more about the association's plans to boost the area's economy."

1947: Doors opened for the new James Bickley Elementary School in Clovis.

The school's namesake, 65-year-old veteran educator James Bickley, had been critically ill for several months at the Clovis Memorial Hospital. But Bickley was driven by ambulance to 14th and Meriwether "for a glimpse of the modern new building which bears his name," the Clovis News-Journal reported.

Officials said 76 first graders had registered at the new school which had been expecting only 30. Las Casitas teacher Mrs. Jerry Maple had been moved to James Bickley to help with the overflow.

Pages Past is compiled by Betty Williamson. Contact her at: [email protected]