Sunday, September 03, 2006 Looking Back is a regular feature of the Modoc County record, published weekly in Alturas, California. The following is transcribed from the August 31, 2006 issue. Looking Back 116 Years Ago – 1890 THE ROAD between Alturas and Canby needs attention daily. There are lots of rocks that could be thrown to one side and never be missed. Besides several old bridges that ought to be fixed up a little bit right away. Everyone should take it upon themselves to work on this road when traveling between towns….Bob Sloss and Fred Smith returned from Surprise Valley Thursday and will take charge of the Independent newspaper. 92 Years Ago – 1914 THERE WAS a carnival in town this week that had a merry-go-round for the kids; and some big snakes and some other animals that attracted attention. In the several booths you could spend more money and get less for it than any place this side of Monte Carlo….Dr. E. F. Auble has received the nomination for state senator from this district…. Temperatures have ranged from a high of 102 to 34degrees in Alturas during August. 72 Years Ago – 1934 MODOC UNION High School will open August 27 with the following staff: L.J. Austin, L.C. Elliot, Elizabeth Fisher, Margaret McKnown, Leon B. Lewis, Ross Stephens and Mable Stollar…. The Big Valley Lumber Company at Nubieber was destroyed by fire…. The Auble Motor Company has a new sign that spells the word “Plymouth” in color, blue…. Mrs. Bertha Robinson and sons, Paul and Donald have renewed the lease on the Boy Scout cabin in Canyon Creek from Red River Lumber Company as a memorial to the late E.C. Robinson. 52 Years Ago – 1954 FIVE YOUNG Likely hunters are among the first to complete the Jr. Hunter Safety course. The little fellows are: Johnny Flournoy, Bobbie Howard, Robert Vance, Sidney Howard and Lyle McKee…. Curley Scranton of the Brass Rail claims he was robbed of $750 this morning…. The Alturas Grammar School had an opening day enrollment of 954 and Modoc High School was 270. 32 Years Ago – 1974 1974 MODOC FAIR Queen hopefuls are Michelle Tierney, Joann Stevenson, Lu Flournoy, Toni Lee Page, Susan Laxague and Roberta Peek…. A simple ceremony conducted by Governor Ronald Reagan at the main gate at 2 p.m. Thursday opens the annual Modoc District Fair this year to salute the 100th birthday of the founding of Modoc County. They will land his jet aircraft at the Cedarville airport to officiate the opening at the fairground….Motion picture and world champion stunt driver Dusty Russell will be featured when the famous Errol DeBock Auto Daredevils appear at the Modoc District Fair Friday night. Doc Auble was a very merry chubby man. He was a dentist. He never wore dress shirts with long sleeves. When he would purchase a new shirt, his wife would cut off the sleeve just above the elbow and then hem it. The Doc was quite a cook and did all of the grocery shopping. He loved to make, and can, ketchup and mustard. He taught my dad how to make hot mustard, also mayonnaise from mineral oil (ugh). He was an inveterate hunter and an excellent wing shot. When I started high school there were still on the staff Mr. Austin, Miss Fisher, (probably the best teacher of English any place anytime), Leon B. Lewis and just the year before Coach Elliot left as did Miss Stollar resigned. There were still about 270 student then as in 1934. Hope to see you all again next week. Ron Morgan