On February 17, 1874 the County of Modoc was created from the eastern section of Siskiyou County. It should be noted that in 1864, Lassen County laid claim to Surprise Valley, that is a story for another time.

On Saturday, July 6, is Fandango Days in Alturas, and they plan on celebrating Modoc County’s 150th birthday. I was delighted to hear this years’ Grand Marshall is Maxine Madison. Maxine and I go way back, and I first met her, she was working as Superior Court Clerk. When Iris Turner retired Modoc County Clerk, Maxine ran for that office and won! There was a time when I made numerous research trips to Modoc, and most of that time was spent in the Modoc County Clerk’s Office. Of course, Maxine and I had many an entertaining discussions whether it was the board of supervisors, elections or the courts. So congratulations to Maxine and Modoc County.

Tim