April 1, 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 March 24, 2005 issue. Looking Back 97 Years Ago � 1908 ARMY OFFICERS will be in Alturas to buy cavalry horses this week and any mare or gelding is said to be desirable except grays. The prices paid, $115 and up�. A strange new sight in Alturas is the erection of telephone poles that will be used by the franchised phone system of F.A. Yates and O.R. Finch�. The cornerstone of the new Modoc High School will be laid May 9. 87 Years Ago � 1918 THE STATE of California is taking extreme measures this year to fight the war of ground squirrels. It�s estimated that $30 million annually is lost in state farm products by this rodent and a statewide extermination plan is in the making�. A foot of snow fell at Goose Lake, while Alturas received only a light drizzle this week�. Many Modoc boys are shamefully volunteering for shipyard work to become exempt. 67 Years Ago � 1938 THREE ALTURAS bar owners appeared before town council to argue for another night watchmen, declaring police protection in Alturas is inadequate. George McCulley was hired to assist Ray Hanks in that capacity�. A new bridge over Pit River will be built this year at a cost of $30,000. 42 Years Ago � 1963 DON HICKS WAS NAMED MANAGER OF surprise Valley electric to replace the late C.J. Hunter�. Shirley Oxley, Modoc High School band instructor, has announced a series of concerts to raise money for new band uniforms�. Superintendent of Schools has announced a meeting to explain school unification. That is about it for this week. Hope to see you all again next week. Ron Morgan