On this date ...
1973: Construction began this week on the main security vault for the new First National Bank building on First Street in Tucumcari, across from the post office.
The walls of the vault are 18 inches thick, using 87,000 pounds of No. 5 steel on the walls and floor as well as 187 yards of concrete.
A 7-inch-thick steel door will control the entrance to the main vault, which is about 700 square feet. The main vault will be complemented by two other secondary vaults with approximately 900 square feet.
— The regular monthly Tucumcari School Board meeting was the last for its board president, Dr. Kenneth Vinall, who declined to run for re-election. Vinall was thanked for his tenure, and Dr. George Evetts presented him a plaque on behalf of the board and school administration. Bob McClelland was elected to replace Vinall.
— The Rattlers wrestling team won its final match of the regular season by defeating West Las Vegas 35-20. Steve Ortiz, Raymond Montoya, Jerry Brush, Scott Lair, Jesse Davis and Mason Warren scored victories on the mat for Tucumcari.
— The Odeon Theatre was showing two Disney films, “Snowball Express” and “The Magic of Walt Disney World.” It was scheduled to show a western, “Boot Hill,” the following week.