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4A – Daily News – Friday, June 18, 2010 Opinion Turning back the pages of time D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer’s home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 I’ve spent a significant amount of time looking through very old editions of the Daily News in recent weeks in anticipation of a spe- cial publication we have planned celebrating the paper’s 125th anniversary. What I’ve come across has been curious, meaningful, powerful and, often, hilarious. Newspapers have evolved a great deal in the last centu- ry-and-a-quarter, which makes me wonder about all those who believe we are doomed. But that’s another column. Here are a few of the highlights I’ve found from the 20th century’s second decade in publications that include The Evening Sentinel, Peo- ple’s Daily Cause and your Daily News. Five Aces Break Up Poker Party — from The Evening Sentinel July 25, 1912. “Barring the fact that five men trifled with in that way. The movement was an unfortunate one, though, for another ace flew out of his sleeve." Thus began the breaking of furniture and gunshots. Took Four Shots to Stop Thief – From The Evening Sentinel, Sept. 17, 1913. “Under Sheriff C. A. Lange had an exciting chase after a bicycle thief Tuesday forenoon. “The thief took the wheel from Chip were wounded, all the furniture was broken up and bullets flew like hail, Victor Berreas’ little poker party at his road- house…last night was a decided success. All those present had good hands. “Moreover, two players seemed to have the happy faculty for having the best when there were many good hands dealt. James Phillips, a lanky Kentucky visitor, noticed another pecu- liarity of the game. “One of the ‘lucky’ players had opened a pot and drawn three cards. Phillips drew one card and filled a flush. He bet half of his pile of chips and to his consternation was raised by the ‘lucky’ stranger. “’Let’s see what you’ve got,’ said Phillips. “’Four aces,’ said the ‘lucky’ stranger, exhibiting his hand. “’Got any more aces?, ‘ asked Phillips, dryly. “The possessor of the four aces angrily waved his arms to show that he could not be Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. the alley in the rear of Paul Stoll Company’s store and rode it as far as the Lewis ranch, east of Proberta, where he hid it in a haystack. He was in the Lewis orchard afoot while Lange first caught sight of him. When he saw that he was fol- lowed, the young man began to run, and Lange did likewise, calling for the youth to stop. “This command was unheeded and the Under Sheriff fired a shot in the air. He paid no attention to that or the second or third shots, which were a little lower each time. “The fourth shot was about ten feet over the youth’s head and he halted, although Mr. Lange had fired his last cartridge and his pistol was empty, but the youth did not know that.” Fred Dustin’s Awful Blunder – From The Evening Sentinel, July 27, 1912. “Fred Dustin, well remembered in Redding as a merchant, has made an awful mistake in Stockton, where he has lived for several years and where he is the leader of a band. “The following dispatch explains: The Manteca Band, composed of local talent and having a country-wide reputation for its picnic music, is in bad with the religious folk on the south side. Band Master Fred Dustin has tried hard to heal the breach, but it is said his apolo- gies have been spurned. “It all came about, so the leader says, as the result of a misunderstanding at a recent out- door function given by the church people. After several literary selections had been pulled off in a superb manner, the Chairman, who chanced to be a woman, announced that The Rev. M. Hester would pray. “Now, Dustin, who was anxious to work off some surplus harmony, thought the presi- dent had said the band would play, and just as the clergyman raised his hand and the crowd assumed a reverent attitude, he gave the signal and the band struck up ‘Yankee Doodle.’ “The religious folk thought it was a put-up job for sacrilegious purpose and in order to show their displeasure they remained standing with bowed heads until the last note had arisen gleefully into the sultry air of the afternoon. Then they sat down and gave Dustin the famous ten-pound look.” Would-that-it-were-true, the surprises even came on the national front. Lobbying is Killed Off – From the July 1, 1913 People’s Daily Cause. “President Wilson is greatly pleased over the latest lobby developments. He told the newspapermen today (June 30) that the lobby is out of business, so far as national legislation is concerned. He says it has ceased to embar- rass his administration. When the present investigation ends, lobbying as a profession will be extinct.” Finally, for those speedsters out there, wel- come to a slower pace. Motorcyclists Make Quick Time From Corning – From the June 27, 1913 Daily News. “Ray Hanna and Maurice Eaton from Corn- ing to this city on a motorcycle in forty-two minutes last night. After staying a short time while here, they returned to the Colony town.” Chip Thompson can be reached at 527- 2151, Ext. 112 or by e-mail at editor@redbluffdailynews.com. Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. Reenactors thank the community Commentary On behalf of the 300 mem- bers of the Reenactors of the American Civil War (RACW), We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Red Bluff community for their con- tinued support of Civil War Days. We have just finished our sixth "Battle at Dog Island," and there are so many who have contributed to make this living history experience, the premier event on our schedule. First our thanks to the won- derful people at the City of Red Bluff Parks and Recreation Department. They have been supportive of our use of the under-utilized Dog Island Park which has helped to reintroduce many in the city to this natural venue in the middle of down- town. While other parks in the city and county have shown to be too small or studded with picnic tables or playground equipment, Samuel Ayers/Dog Island with its large meadow, thick vegetation, and towering Cottonwood trees provides a location hidden from the sights of modem society, even though we're in the heart of the city within an easy walk for many of our audience. Indeed this park is a beautiful and photogenic little piece of Civil War Vir- ginia right here in Red Bluff, and the only local site we have found which allows both the audience and the reenactors to be transported back in time. We are proud of the part that Civil War Days plays each year in reacquainting the public with this "gem" of nature in their midst. In addition to our two-day weekend encampments which are open to the general public, each Friday before an event we host upwards of 800 students from area schools. During these "school days," students move among various stations hosted by our club members to gain a first hand appreciation of the trials and tribulations of the Civil War soldier; giving them a chance to bring history to life, instead of some lifeless black and white picture from a dusty text book. With attendees from both Shasta and Butte County along with local schools. Vista, Berrendos, and Sacred Heart, Dog Island and Red Bluff is a great "central location" for such an event to which students and their teachers look forward each year. We are also grateful to the many local merchants who have chosen to support Civil War Days-Red Bluff financially. This support helps to defray costs and keep our admission prices to a low $5 for adults, now cheaper than a movie matinee. It is of course nice to hear of local busi- nesses located near the park who report an upsurge in business on the weekend of Civil War Days, helped no doubt by the increase in traffic from our visitors. We are also excited by the prospect of more visitors attending the event from outside the area thanks to another of our spon- sors, Durango RV Resorts, which has placed Civil War Days-Red Bluff on their "events" website. Thanks to this exposure, individuals as well as touring groups are already mak- ing plans to attend the 2011 Civil War Days, making Red Bluff a destination location. One of our most steadfast partners has been the Central Tehama Kiwanis Club. Having been there since day one, the partnership with the Kiwanis has benefited both groups. The Kiwanians work our gate, and in exchange provide food, drinks and snacks to our visi- Guest View Craig Poundstone tors from their portable food trailer. Civil War Days is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club that allows them to continue in their good works. And finally our thanks to the thou- sands of folks who have supported Civil War Days-Red Bluff through their encouragement and continued attendance. While we believe there are only a few opportunities available for experiencing history the way it can be through an event like ours, we do acknowledge that all the sights, sounds, and smells of army camp and battle may not be to everyone's taste. So for those people who none- the-less in the past have also embraced the whine of the boat drags, the roar of the monster trucks, the whoop n' holler of Red Bluff Roundup, and the boom of the Fourth of July fire- works, we thank you for allow- ing Civil War Days to be the truly American experience it is and will be for years to come. Editor’s note: Craig Pound- stone is president of Reenactors of the American Civil War.