July 9, 2005 Looking Back is a regular feature of the Modoc County Record, a weekly newspaper, published in Alturas, CA. The following is transcribed from the June 30, 2005 issue. Looking Back 111 Years Ago 1894 THE GRANGER sawmill eight miles south of Alturas was destroyed by fire. All of the equipment and lumber stored there went up in flames and should cost the owner, Mr. Stanley, $2,000 in damages . Miss Anna Williams closed the school at Madeline and it was with fearful eyes that residents there surrendered her to her home at Likely . Alturas is already thundering with the noise of firecrackers set off by young boys who seem not to realize that such noise making is reserved specifically for the Fourth of July. That day is still several days away and it appears that the town must suffer the noise of a thousand explosions every hour until the celebration is over. 91 Years Ago 1914 THE ALTURAS Fire ladies have taken over the plans for the July 4 celebration and it promises to he the best ever. Shooting galleries and booths for street attractions have been erected and its from these galleries that expenses for the event will be defrayed . Republicans outnumber Democrats 1,151 to 986 in Modoc County . The petition to acquire a new Post Office and Forest Service building now has 400 signatures and 1.000 are required before it can be sent to Congressman Raker. Modoc is only asking $25,000 for the building and towns no larger than Alturas are getting much more . D. H. Lighty is now 89 years old, but he still rides his horse into town (Cedarville) every week or so . J. U. Gentry has organized a baseball team in New Pine Creek. In their first game with Davis Creek they lost, 16 to 15. When the Carnegie Free Library was built in Alturas, Miss Anna Williams became the librarian. She lived just a vacant field across from our house (in those days there were many vacant fields or lots that we kids used extensively) and she owned the most beautiful Model T Ford that you have ever seen. When she could no longer drive, One of the Dubois boys bought it about 1939 or so, and it quickly deteriorated into a little runabout, that did not last very long. Miss Annie arranged for most Alturas kids to read what she selected for them and we liked it too, there was no other choice. She was a tall, spare lady, and was the gentlest, most kind person that you could ever find. She was a fixture in that town until she passed away shortly after WWII began. Hoe to see you all again next week. Ron Morgan .