Pages past, Oct. 28: Radio contest, spider bikes, and liquor

On this date …

1980: Installation of an FM antenna atop the 360-foot tower of KENM radio in Portales was nearing completion. The station was expected to begin broadcast over FM airwaves by Nov. 15.

“More people age 30 to 65 have FM receivers now, so it makes sense to install it here,” said KENM Manager Johnny Goff. “Our listeners will enjoy better reception now.”

The FM transmitter and antenna cost $40,000, Goff said.

Format for the FM band had not been decided. Goff said the new channel might play rock music to compete with KTQM and KKQQ in Clovis. Its AM station played country/western music

1960: The initial groundwork for an ordinance regulating and taxing the legal sale of liquor in Clovis had been completed by the Clovis city commission.

After lengthy discussion, commissioners had set liquor license fees at $2,000 for licensed dispensers, $3,000 for licensed package stores and $1,000 for “bona-fide” clubs.

City Attorney Harry Patton said a club was defined by the state as “a fraternal order in good standing with a national order which has been recognized and chartered for at least 15 years.” Examples of clubs in Clovis meeting the standard were Clovis Country Club, Elks Club, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.”

Time to shape up ...

1970: Clovis Health Club told potential customers “Now's the time to start that shape-up program,” in a newspaper ad.

“Golf season is over, swim season is over, Daylight Saving Time is past, ski season is near … Clovis Health Club can help you.”

The first 40 new members could receive 20 visits in 30 days for $20.

Clovis Health Club was located at 1121 Thornton.

Holiday price check …

1965: Clovis' Sears store, located at 701 Main St., was open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and reminding customers they could “layaway for Christmas” with as little as 50 cents down.

Spider bikes were $39.88.

Bright red wagons “built to last” were $5.99.

AM clock radios, regularly priced $27.95, were on sale for $19.99. They included snooze alarms.

Pages Past is compiled by David Stevens. Contact:

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