June 19, 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 9, 2005 issue. Looking Back 111 Years Ago 1894 ABOUT 20 residents have signed their willingness to join a gun club that is proposed for Alturas . Clark and Brooks claim they have a 100 foot tunnel into Sugar Hill and are pretty close to the ledge they are seeking and either riches or labor in vain . A pistol shot in Alturas saloon last Monday night caused several people to rush over there to find out that a pistol had fallen on the floor out of A. Schefens pocket and had gone off accidentally. 91 Years Ago 1914 HORSE buyers from the Red River Lumber Company have been in the county securing horses for construction of a big mill at Westwood . Charles Peterson, the showman from Cedarville, is taking his picture machine around the county to give interesting lectures . The Adin Baseballers were hitting like Fitzsimmons at his best and beat the Alturas team 11-5 last Sunday. The winners claimed all of the gate receipts. 71 Years Ago 1934 MUHS graduation speakers are Ruth French (valedictorian), Paul Baker, Laura Van Horn, Betty Williams, Dorothy Vernon, John Gloster, Reginald Leonard, Ivorine Hamilin and Beatrice Ehrman were first in the county typing contest and Josephine Pratt and Dorothya Timmons were first and second in Typing II . Death has claimed Col. Wm Thompson, pioneer, author, gunfighter, and founder of the Alturas Plaindealer at the age of 88 . The road development plan into Jess Valley will someday make this a popular recreation area. Not too many of the 1934 graduates of Modoc Union High School are still around. Ruth French moved from Alturas after her brother killed Mr. McCracken, and I do not know her history. Paul Baker returned to Alturas after WW Ii, and as a graduate of Stanford University set his shingle out as an attorney. He later became District Attorney, and had several children, most of who remained in Alturas. I believe that Stephen is the only one left in the Alturas area today. Laura Van Horn now lives in Sacramento, I believe. Betty Williams married and stayed in Alturas and taught in the local elementary school for many years. Bea Ehrman retired as the executive Secretary to the Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. I have no idea what became of the others mentioned in the article. Maybe somebody can add to their history. The prediction that Jess Valley area would become a favorite recreation area came true. One of the old ranches in that area, the Walter Cantrall Ranch, has just recently become a Dude Ranch under the supervision of Walters grandson, Randy Christensen. There are many summer cabins in the area usually owned by Modoc County residents. A beautiful area to visit, kick back and enjoy the beauty. See you all again next week. Ron Morgan .