Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
On this date ...
1973: Tucumcari and the surrounding region were thawing out from a winter blast that left motorists stranded for several hours until state police removed a westbound roadblock onto Interstate 40.
The storm dumped about three inches of snow, compounding already icy streets and highways.
About 40 to 50 vehicles stayed at the National Guard Armory in Tucumcari until roads were reopened in the afternoon. Some decided to stay all night and leave the next morning. The armory opened its doors when it became clear the city’s motels didn’t have enough rooms to accommodate all the stranded travelers.
• Construction in the city of Tucumcari was the third-most in its history in 1972, totaling $1.59 million, according to city engineer Bill Curry. The all-time record was nearly $2.4 million in 1964, and the runner-up was $2.27 million in 1969.
• The Tourism Information Center that opened in Tucumcari in March was declared a success. More than 20,700 people from all 50 states and 31 countries visited the center since its opening. Most of the visitors were from Texas, with California, Illinois, Oklahoma and New Mexico making up the rest of the rankings.
• A couple from Topeka, Kansas, died on U.S. 54 five miles northeast of Tucumcari. Their vehicle topped a hill and collided with the back of a large truck partially parked on the roadway.