Pages past - June 29

On this date ...

1972: Gov. Bruce King appointed several new members of the New Mexico American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, including Frances Olsen, president of the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce.

Last week, the National Bicentennial Commission announced a $45,000 grant to the state to begin setting up programs to mark the country’s 200th anniversary in 1976.

One plan, which hinges on congressional funding, calls for a permanent Centennial Park to be built in each state. Proposals for such a park in New Mexico have been submitted for Las Cruces, Conchas Lake and Ute Lake.

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 decision the death penalty is unconstitutional, calling it “cruel and unusual punishment.” That spares the life of 600 men on death row. The Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty four years later.

• The Tucumcari Jaycees will hold a courtesy rest stop from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4 near the state police office on the city’s west side. They will serve coffee and cookies to motorists.

• Photos were printed in the newspaper of the Corvette, Shell Truckers, Young Republicans and Kiwanis teams in Little League baseball.

• The Odeon Theatre was screening a double-feature of “Patton” and “M*A*S*H.” The Canal Drive-In was showing “Billy Jack” and “Cool Hand Luke.”