1974: Area communities were preparing for the 198th birthday of the United States.

The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce was requesting donations to defray the $1,210 cost of the annual fireworks display.

Tucumcari also was hosting a roping contest and a barbecue on July 4.

The Tucumcari Recreation Department was sponsoring a teen dance at the recreation center on July 4 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with the Young Raiders as the band.

Logan was planning a parade, dinner, fireworks display and other activities.

-- Lahquanna Stone, 11, of San Jon was named Miss 4-H Quay County and will represent that region in the New Mexico 4-H Rodeo later in the month.

-- Just 0.34 inches of rain fell in the month of June, compared to the normal of 1.82 inches. For the past 11 months, just 4.83 inches had fallen, compared to the normal of 13.19 inches, making it the driest period since 1934.

-- The Odeon Theatre was screening the drama "Where the Lilies Bloom," which produced the previous year's well-loved "Sounder" film.