Sunday, July 22, 2007 “Looking Back” is a regular feature of the Modoc County Record, published weekly in Alturas, California. The following is transcribed from the July 5, 2007 issue. Looking Back 99 Years Ago – 1908 The Glorious Fourth of July has come and gone once more and was properly celebrated in Alturas. Every detail was carried out to the letter and each committee that worked so faithfully deserve much credit. The day opened with the usual salute at sunrise. The procession formed in front of the court house square at 10 a.m. It was headed by the Alturas brass band, which furnished the music for the day. Next came the beautifully decorated float carrying little Audrey Rachford and Vincent Kemble, representing George and Martha Washington, drawn by Jeff Harrow, who represented American progress. Next came president of the day F.M. Jameson, poetess Miss Fannie Laird and reader, Miss Grace Estes. Following was the liberty car, with Goddess of Liberty, Miss Irma Williams. Miss Williams was beautifully attired and made a charming goddess. The thirteen larger girls represented the thirteen original states; the next size girls represented the states that were admitted from the time of the Revolutionary War to the Civil War; the next size girls representing the states admitted since the Civil War to the present time; two little girls represented the two territories and two represented Hawaii and the Philippines, one little girl represented Alturas and one represented California. 53 Years Ago – 1954 THE MODOC Chamber has initiated action to request the Modoc Supervisors to change their mind about slicing the county library budget and close all the branch libraries in the county….Mike Morgan has been acclaimed the top rider of the Likely Roping Club Rodeo….A small tornado whipped the metal roof off the Alturas Building Material Company this week….Ray Brennan has been awarded the city garbage contract….Lee Hyde has resigned as manager of the Alturas Tigers in order to devote more time to his Little League “Mr. Lily Willies”….Temperatures reached 97 in Alturas this week with a low of 44. I got behind again but I am catching up. Ron Morgan