Serving the High Plains

Pages past - Aug. 19

On this date ...

1970: The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce discussed fencing around the Fountain of Tranquility at Damon Kvols Park. Officials said tourists had asked “embarrassing” questions about the fence around the fountain, such as whether it was a snake pit. They said the answer — fencing was erected to keep adults and children from “molesting” the fountain — also was embarrassing. Another official said of the fountain: “It looks like hell!” The chamber decided to sent a letter to the Tucumcari City Commission, requesting removal of the fence or a more attractive setup.

• The chamber announced this year’s Piñata Festival parade would be dedicated to the early west of New Mexico. Officials asked that parade floats depict the dress, customs and history of the early settlers. The festival was set for Sept. 11-13.

• Tucumcari will be the setting of a film shoot in early September. The crew, which would arrive in town about Aug. 28, would stay at the Pow Wow Inn.