Pages Past — July 29

On this date ...

July 27, 1975: An explosion rocked a San Jon home and killed its elderly residents.

Erman and Thelma Waller, both 67, were killed. They’d lived in the area since 1937.

Officials said a leaky butane line caused the explosion, which was so forceful it forced the home’s floors through its roof.

Debris was scattered a block away.

July 29, 1965: Heavy rains had pounded Quay County and the region in recent days.

The Otho Smith farm at Hudson recorded 5 inches of moisture the past two days, the Tucumcari Daily News reported.

Randal’s Ranch at Montoya received 3.28 inches over the same two days.

Conchas Lake levels had climbed almost a quarter-foot in 24 hours, to an elevation of 4,201 feet.

July 23, 1950: Tucumcari police “swooped down” on Northside Park to nab three men and three juveniles for gambling.

The adults were fined $10 each. The boys were released to the custody of their parents.

Police said the six were engaged in a dice game.

In national pastime news ...

July 25, 1955: Major League Baseball inducted six of the game’s all-time greats into its Hall of Fame: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Lyons, Dazzy Vance, Gabby Hartnett, Frank “Home Run” Baker and Ray Schalk.

It’s their business ...

July 26, 1945: New Mexico Furniture Co., at 105 E. Main in Tucumcari, offered a six-piece living room ensemble for $109.95.

The package featured a divan, rocker, “occasional chair,” cocktail table, end table and table lamp.

A four-piece bedroom suite went for $79.95.

The store also sold toys and dolls.

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