Friday, April 07, 2006 Looking back is a regular feature of the Modoc County Record, a weekly newspaper, published in Alturas, California. The following is transcribed from the March 23, 2006 issue. Looking Back 92 Years Ago 1914 ANYONE WISHING to have dental work done should write to Dr. E.F. Auble. He is now traveling about the country and will stop at your place if you let him know .The Ladies Improvement Club of New Pine Creek has furnished signs to identify every street in town. They also plan a huge sign on State Line announcing that this is the California-Oregon state line. A waterfall will be installed there for the thirsty traveler . Automobiles are a familiar sight to everyone in Alturas. It seems however, that every time a team of horses comes in from outside the town, they frighten at the first sight of an auto. Three runaways were noted in Alturas this past week . The mask ball in fort Bidwell wasnt a mask ball, as only about 15 people wore masks, but everyone had a fine time with dancing until daylight. 72 Years Ago 1934 WILLIAM C. HART of Red Bluff has purchased Macs Variety from Charles Fitzpatrick and has announced plans to turn it into a five, and ten cent store . Mayor W.L. Keene and George Fitzpatrick were opposed by O.D. Morgan and George T. Cline on the Alturas City Council . Several ranchers in Surprise Valley have banded together to buy Tulelake barley and oat seed to plant on Cow Head Lake . Fire has destroyed the landmark Hess home three miles below Canby. Tom Hess escaped with only the clothes he was wearing. 52 Years Ago 1954 MIKE MIKSCHE has taken over management of KCNO radio from Bill Good . Ken McGarva and Guy Fender fought to a draw in the 130 lbs. feature bout of the Block M Scamper Friday. Other bouts included: Red Methvin decided(sic) Dick Caldwell; Chick Keeney decisioned George McKee; Ernie Hess split decision over John Derner; John Olsen-John Callaghan, draw; Perry Porter-Albert Sears, draw; Howard Jacobsen decisioned Gene McManus; David Smith decisioned Jack McGarva; Jesse Saucedo decisioned Alan Delbrook. 32 Years Ago 1974 MORE THAN 300 elementary age school musicians will arrive in Alturas Saturday to participate in the annual Alturas Spring Music festival to be held in the old MHS gymnasium for a full day of music get-together . Shinny Yamagata received the Junior Citizen of the Year award, Grace Sweeney the countys Woman of the year award and Buster Spicer the Senior Citizen of the Year award during the Modoc Chamber of Commerce second annual awards. I fought in the Scamper several times. The one that I remember the most was a bout with Rollin Hardin. To put it politely, he beat the living hell out of me. My dad then thought it wise to teach me the manly art. With new boxing gloves he set about his lesson. Unfortunately he had to go to the doctor because I broke his nose. This was a lesson in how not to satisfy your dad. I continued boxing in the army, Joe Lewis was the coach at my Cavalry station in Kansas; I beat the 135 lb. Filipino champ in Luzon, he was way over the hill then; and then I went on to box several years at UC Berkeley. My wife said that all of this fighting was to compensate for not being too large. I dont know though, it was sort of fun to hit some guy that was trying to destroy you. I went to the hospital last Thursday morning about 3:00 am with another heart attack. I was released Sunday and am taking it easy for a few days to get my strength back. Between the two of us, my wife and I can barely do what has to be done. However, I have already explained to you that I am a fighter and so is she. See you all again next week. Ron Morgan