STORIES FROM THE PAST

50 years ago

Construction of the new $900,000 Sears Store on North Imperial Avenue, El Centro, is expected to start shortly.

According to the building permit issue by the city to Robert Clement and Associates, the Los Angeles architectural firm for Sears, two buildings of steel and tilt-up concrete are to be erected.

One building with 24,000 square feet will comprise the major retail store facilities. The second building with 66,500 square feet will include an automotive accessory store and car repair facilities.

Jackson Bros. of Los Angeles is the prime contractor.

The building permit, however, is subject to final approval by the City Council of a zoning map to be submitted by the builders which will guarantee payment for some $80,000 worth of street, lighting, water and sewage facilities.

30 years ago

BANNING — The Imperial High School mens tennis team returned to full strength for the first time in two weeks to soundly defeat the Banning Broncos 16-2, here Monday.

A suspension and sickness had depleted the already limited Tiger squad from eight to six players.

The victory was the Tigers’ sixth of the season against two losses.

Doug Enders, the Tigers’ number one seed in singles play, won all three sets in impressive fashion by scores of 6-3, 6-0, 6-0.

Tim Duggins did not show the signs of inactivity as he won three straight sets by scores of 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.

Imperial’s third singles player, Andy Platt, dropped his first game 4-6 before rebounding to take the final two sets 6-4, 6-0.

Imperial won eight of nine sets in doubles action with the only loss coming from the Tigers’ number one team of Richie Escobar and Rod Hendrickson.