September 5, 1855
6:00 AM PST

"So, Doc," Marty said, as soon as the DeLorean broke the time barrier, "we're in the year 1855, now? You know, this is the farthest we went back in time so far. This just seems so fitting that we can actually celebrate our anniversary like this."

"It will seem quite strange to see what Hill Valley was like," Doc said, smiling, "thirty years before I was sent back to 1885. It will also really seem strange to not actually see Seamus and Maggie McFly. I can remember how close I was to these folks."

"Well, you know what will really seem strange to me?" Marty asked. "Not seeing the courthouse in downtown Hill Valley. Gee, just think, exactly thirty years from today, the clock will start running for the very first time. I really love that clock, you know. To be honest, though, I kind of would like to see that clock start running again."

"Yeah, I see what you mean," Doc replied, as he landed the DeLorean safely on the ground. "As much as I adore clocks, I'm not quite that much of a pack rat - where I would keep every clock, even if it was no longer working. Although, I try hard to fix them - if it's at all possible. On the other hand, though, the lightning storm sure was a huge event in the history of Hill Valley. Granted, I guess I'm partial to that date."

"That was the day you sent me back to 1985," Marty replied, "and then we returned to that day to pick up this sport's almanac from Biff. You then ended up getting sent way back to 1885. That day was eventful for both of us, and I almost do think there is some sort of cosmic significance to that date - like you said a little while back."

"Well, let's head to downtown Hill Valley right away," Doc said, as he stepped out of the DeLorean. "Gee, there just aren't as many trees around here. Let's go cover up the DeLorean. Then, we'll see what there is, once we head to downtown."

"I'm sure it will be a sight to be," Marty commented, as he helped Doc cover up the DeLorean. "In a way, it will be so nice to see Hill Valley - from before my ancestors had settled here. Say, wasn't this the same year that Clara was born?"

"That's right," Doc said, smiling. "She was thirty years old, when we saved her from falling into the ravine. She was born in New Jersey, which is on the other side of the country. She told me she didn't really enjoy living on the east side of the country as much. People there tended to not treat women in such a respectful manner."

"That isn't quite right," Marty said, as the of them began leaving the park. Just then, the two of them ran into a young man who appeared to be about Marty's age. Marty felt a little nervous, as he hoped he didn't stick out like a sore thumb.

"It's very nice to meet you, gentlemen," the young man said, in a friendly voice. "My name's Chester Carruthers - and our family moved here, two years ago. Today could be the big day. Mr. Hill is really hoping to make this place an actual town. What might your name be? Are the two of you some new settlers to this town, by any chance?"

"Uh, no, we're just visiting," Doc replied nervously. "My name is, uh, Jim Ignatowski - and we wanted to witness the birth of a new town. I heard how the place had grown, within these last few years. It's been five years, since California joined the union."

"I'm Alex P Keaton," Marty added, as he stretched out his hand. "It's simply nice to be able to meet you, Chester. We were just about to head downtown. Would there be a nice restaurants for us to eat at? We're both, uh, feeling quite hungry."

"Yeah, Mr. Holt sure owns a nice restaurant," Chester replied. "If you both would like to, I can show you around town." Just then, he beckoned two other young men over, and he said, "These are two of my friends, Joe Statler and Adam Jones. Both of their fathers own a business in town. I believe there is a promising future for this town."

You have no idea, Marty thought to himself, as he smiled at Chester. "Yeah, I really have a good feeling about this town, too. It's real great, getting to meet all of you fine people. I'm certainly glad that we decided to visit this town, Chester."

"Thank you plenty," Chester said, smiling. Turning to Joe and Adam, he said, "Joe and Adam, we do have a couple of visitors here. Their names are Jim Ignatowski and Alex P Keaton. I figured that we... could maybe show these fine gentlemen around town."

"It's so great to meet you, Mr. Ignatowski and Mr. Keaton," Joe said, smiling. "My pa owns a wagon and horse business. I quite hope to carry on the business, when I get a little older. I daresay, you gentleman have actually picked a fine day to visit us."

"My father is in the manure business," Adam said, blushing a little. "It's quite a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. Anyway, the people from the town really appreciate our business. Aside from Beauregard Tannen and his thugs, everyone here is so nice."

"How old is Beauregard Tannen?" Marty asked, with curiosity. "We really heard a little bit about him - and I'm under the impression that he isn't, well, a very nice fellow."

"He really isn't," Adam replied, shaking his head. "He's eighteen years old, and he has been bullying James Strickland into doing things for him. Jimmy is a nice young man - but he's incredibly shy, and he's... He's a little too afraid to stand up for himself."

"He reminds me of someone that I know," Marty replied. "He's probably been taught to 'turn the other cheek' and all that, but it doesn't quite mean that you have to take abuse from other people. It's good to have respect for yourself, and to not be afraid to take a stand to the people who... try to bully you around. Know what I mean?"

"That's probably about it," Chester replied. "His parents are both pacifists, and they haven't exactly encouraged him to stand up to Beauregard. They tell him it's best to do whatever Beauregard tells him to do, or else he might end up... getting hurt."

"I'm sure that his parents really mean well," Marty replied, softly. "Still, I think they're wrong. There's quite a difference between being a nice person, and just letting other people push you around. In fact, I think it's important to stand up for yourself. I sure feel... Well, if you just let people push you around... and take advantage of you..."

"You rather have a point, Alex," replied Adam, nodding. "I just don't know what to do, though. I mean, if you've seen Beauregard... Well, he's really someone who you don't want to cross. I can't blame poor Jimmy for being frightened of that miserable oaf."

"The best we can do is be his friends," Joe explained, "and to encourage him to have more respect for himself. I know how, in Sunday School, we get told that we have to honour our parents - but what if what your parents teach you are... quite wrong?"

"Well, there's a difference between honouring our parents," Adam pointed out, "and really agreeing with everything they tell us. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be blessed with loving parents, who'd give them the encouragement and nurturing that they need. As Alex said, I quite reckon that Jimmy's parents meant well. It's just..."

"What about kids who are hurt by their parents, though?" Joe countered. "I mean, I used to know this girl who had bruises everywhere - because her father would beat her up on, a daily basis. My parents were so horrified - but, unfortunately, there are no laws to protect the children. I mean, we would simply be accused of meddling."

"It's so unfortunate," Chester said, sadly, "but parents really do have a right to treat their offspring any way they see fit. The law doesn't quite recognize how children are people, too - and that they are just as capable of feeling pain, as the adults are."

"So what happened to the little girl?" Marty asked, as he had tears streaming down his cheeks. "Hearing such stories about child abuse greatly upsets me. I mean, it's just so sad to think of the poor kids being hurt by those... who are supposed to protect them from harm. After all, kids are supposed to be able to have full trust in their parents."

"The story, fortunately, does have a happy ending," Joe replied, as he reached for a handkerchief, and used it to wipe the tears from Marty's cheeks. "His uncle and aunt did intervene - and her father was only too happy to get rid of her. So that's that."

"Well, that's great to hear," Marty said, sighing. "I guess not as many children are as lucky as she was, however. Of course, there are some people who are being kept as slaves in some of the states. Do you agree that it's a great injustice to humanity?"

"Oh, absolutely!" Chester replied, as his face turned red with anger. "It makes me feel so angry, how we actually accept this sense of atrocity in this country! They've been abducted from their countries, and forced here just to do labour for others! I really do hope to see slavery become abolished one of these days, don't you?"

"Most definitely," Marty replied, as he suddenly became angry. "I'm quite glad you all agree with me that this is quite unjust. I really can't see any logic to this whole thing, whatsoever! It's sure not their fault that... God made their skin a different colour!"

"It really isn't," Joe replied, shaking his head. "Well, why don't head downtown for a little while? We could stop by the swimming hole, later on today. The weather's very nice out, and the sun is nice and warm. It'd feel so nice to jump into the water."

"Mar... Alex and I didn't bring any swimming trunks along," Doc explained, "so I'm not sure if that'd be a good idea." Turning to Chester, he added, "That is, unless, you do have a few extra pairs for us. My swimming skills are actually a little rusty, though."

"I'm sure I can scrounge one up somewhere," Chester replied. "So, Mr. Ignatowski, are you and Alex kin to each other? The two of you quite seem like nice gentleman, and I'm sure that my folks wouldn't really mind having the two of you stay with us."

"Well, it certainly would give us a nice place to stay," Doc said, smiling. "Yeah, Alex is my nephew. Both of his parents passed away, so he went to live with me. We rather don't plan on spending the night, though."

"Aw, I'm quite sorry to hear that, Alex," Adam said, as he placed his hands on Marty's shoulders. "I can't even begin to imagine how that'd feel. Well, it's a great pleasure to meet you. Let's head to Holt's Diner, now."

Marty smiled at his new friends, and he and Doc followed them to downtown. He had a feeling that this was going to be one exciting day.