By: Candy Maidens of Cedarville, CA
The Modoc Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce Florence Bordwell & Family as the 2024 Modoc District Fair Parade Grand Marshal. Florence Youngblood
Bordwell was born in Alturas and raised in Davis Creek, moving to Surprise Valley her 7th grade year. She went on to graduate from Surprise Valley High School in 1961. Florence met her life partner, Kenneth, during High School. They were married in 1961 and the rest as they say is history. Kenneth and Florence brought three children into the family: Bill, Donna and Julie. The trio has given Florence lots of grandchildren and even some great grandchildren.
The Bordwell family has been involved in raising cattle and sheep all these years and
have shown cattle at the Modoc District Fair. Their family was instrumental in starting the Novice Round Robin class where Florence remembers Landon Brown of Alturas was the first winner. Florence has been entering still (building) exhibits for over 50 years. She only entered 7 or 8 entries her first year and now has topped out at 150 plus. Florence enjoys photography, canning, produce, leather work, baking, floral and her two favorites now are crochet and collectibles. The family have been recipients of several awards over the years, including the Blue-Ribbon award for Outstanding Contributors Volunteers from the Modoc District Fair Board.
The Bordwell’s organized and were involved with the Surprise Valley Wool Pool for
Florence can also add to her credit over 25 years as a Modoc County 4-H leader.
The family sadly lost Kenneth a few years back, but Florence is still going strong. At 80 she helps with branding, vaccinating, moving cattle and irrigating. If you drive by the ranch, you will likely see her working in her garden. She says she will keep entering at the Modoc District Fair as long as she can.
Congratulations Florence and Family, Modoc County is blessed to have you!
