We have seen many collections of curiosities in Oregon--many cabinets--but the last we looked upon is Wintjen & Helms' in the town of Jacksonville. In the cabinet there are many specimens which require study on the part of the naturalist--many to puzzle the historian--a great deal for the geologist to ponder over. We cannot catalogue the collection. We must content ourself with a passing notice of some of the main articles, and leave the remainder for the seek-after [of] the strange and unaccountable to gaze upon. And every visitor to Jacksonville will declare the collection to be the best in the state. In it we found beautiful stalactites from the Williams Creek cave [i.e., Oregon Caves], the point of interest in the county to the pleasure-seeker; a piece of the skull of the counterfeiter Moore who was strangely killed, a half inch in thickness; four-legged chickens, and double-headed turkeys; monte cards in buckskin with coins found in an Indian grave; spearheads of flint, measuring from eight to nine inches in length and differing from all but those in use by the South Sea islanders; pieces of petrified salmon and trout, the latter showing images photographed of the trees bordering the stream in which the fish once defied the skill of the angler; relics of Capt. Jack's camp; a collection of old and valuable coins; the tusk of the mastodon and mammoth; the head and horns, in fine state of preservation, of a greater ox than the world is now acquainted with--measuring eighteen inches in width across the smaller part of the skull--and showing a thickness of three inches through the bone; a hundred geological specimens, and among the rest a gold nugget found in the claim of Helms & Koster, on Foots Creek, valued at six or seven hundred. Only Prof. Condon can do the collection justice, and were he to the matter contained [illegible] subject, and deliver a public lecture, our people would enjoy a rare and instructive intellectual treat. As the proprietors are obliging gentlemen, and always willing to explain everything with which they are acquainted, an examination of the cabinet will always repay anyone for the trouble--Roseburg Independent.

    The Ed Helms bar in the quaint old city of Jacksonville will close its doors for the first time since 1852 next October 19, at which time its license expires. The place is owned and operated by Ed Helms, who fell heir to it upon the death of his father. The reason for closing the historic place is because Mr. Helms no longer wishes to operate it.
    When mining operations were in full swing in southern Oregon, the resort was widely popular.
    Although little known, during these years relics were placed away in the rear to afterwards mutely tell the tales of the pioneer days. The collection is now valued at $50,000.
    Upon entering the first thing to draw one's attention is an old English billiard and pool table that now stands where in the early days card tables and shell games stood. It was the first to be shipped to the coast. There are only two of its kind in the state, the other being in McCredie's billiard parlor in Portland. Relics of all description are to be seen there, and it behooves one to take a last look before the doors are closed.
    Occasionally old pioneers of the county seat gather at the saloon and sit around the roaring blaze and relate tales of the past and contribute valuable stories to the history of pioneer life. It is probable that on October 18 many will once more gather there and celebrate in memory of the historic building, whose walls, if they could speak, would tell many a tale.
Medford Sun, September 22, 1914

    Mrs. Alice Sargent, one of Jacksonville's public-spirited citizens, has become the proud owner of the old historic Brunner Building, located on Oregon Street.
    This building as erected in 1855 and was the first brick building built in Oregon and the first store in Jacksonville. Into the Brunner Building the women and children fled for safety when the Indians made their last raid on the white settlers in [1855].
    Mrs. Sargent will repair the old building and open an Oriental and Indian museum.

    Score one for Jacksonville, Ore., one of the early gold camps of Oregon, a camp which was lively and producing before the excitement of '49 was over in California. "Jacksonville," explained O. A. Gardner, judge of Jackson County, at the Imperial, "has a chamber of commerce which is planning a work in which all Oregon will be interested. It intends establishing a museum wherein will be preserved the early history records of Southern Oregon in particular and Oregon in general. I intend seeing George H. Himes of the Oregon Historical Society about it before I return home. Jacksonville has many interesting relics of the early days. Everyone who has visited Jacksonville has been struck by some of these. Jacksonville had the first billiard table in the Oregon country--a table twice as large as those manufactured today. The table was transported in sections on pack horses from Crescent City, Cal. There are scores of articles which recall pioneer times, and these are to be assembled. We have enough to start a good museum, and others will be added. Pioneer families will contribute articles. The chamber is thinking of using the old U.S. Hotel, a brick structure, and altering it for museum purposes, and an architect has volunteered to make the plans." Judge Gardner says that the road from Medford to Crater Lake will be all completed but half a dozen miles this year, and this gap will be graded but not surfaced. The section which was so dusty in the past that the county had to keep sprinkling wagons on it is now rock surfaced.--Portland Oregonian.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 16, 1923, page 6


    Horace Pelton and wife of Sams Valley, pioneers of Jackson County, spent many years in collecting a large assortment of curios, Indian relics, old guns, flint arrows, stone cooking utensils, etc.
    Recently Mr. Pelton died and Mrs. Pelton, having learned that the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce desired to obtain a collection of such relics, notified Mayor Britt that she would be glad to turn them over to this city for exhibition purposes if an exhibit room were prepared so that proper care could be taken of them.
    Wednesday Mr. Britt and G. W. Godward drove over and brought back the collection, which for the present is on exhibition in the Godward store windows and is attracting much interest.
    Later on it is the intention of the C. of C. to prepare an exhibit room in the old U.S. Hotel building, where everybody will be given an opportunity to contribute to the collection.
    The C. of C. takes this means of thanking Mrs. Pelton most kindly for this gift, which will stand as a pretty little monument to her enterprise and generosity.
Jacksonville Post, April 18, 1924, page 1


    A special meeting of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce was held Monday evening for the purpose of discussing the matter of restoring the U.S. Hotel on California Street, which in its present state of neglect is far from being a credit to the city. The plan is to restore the structure and make of it a museum in which may be housed the many interesting and valuable collections the owners of which are only waiting for such a place.
    The meeting was adjourned until Monday night, September 1, when definite plans for the work to be done will be made.
    The U.S. Hotel was built by George H. Holt in the year 1880. Its first guests were President Hayes and party, who were touring the West, traveling by stage. The hotel was not completed when the exciting news came that the presidential party would visit Jacksonville. True to traditional Western hospitality, Madame Holt hastily fitted up rooms and the distinguished visitors were entertained. Some Jacksonville folks remember this visit and that President Hayes spoke to the people from the veranda which ran the full length of the hotel front and which has since been torn away.
Jacksonville Post, August 29, 1924, page 1

    Mrs. H. H. Sargent of Jacksonville has bought an old brick building in Jacksonville which she intends to convert into a museum where she will place on exhibit the fine collection of curios which she and Colonel Sargent collected on their extensive travels. One or two other collectors intend to add their treasures, thus making a valuable display which will be quite complete in some departments, particularly in Indian curios. Some interest attaches to the old building that Mrs. Sargent has bought. It is a brick structure [the Brunner Building] that dates back to 1853. The early settlers were at one time fortified in this building as a safeguard against the Indians. It is definitely known that the building is one of the earliest ones in Jacksonville, and it is said to be one of the earliest brick structures in the state. Mrs. Sargent deserves much credit in this matter, as she has given liberally of her time and money to preserve this landmark and expects to become custodian of the collection, keeping it open two days out of the week for the inspection of the public. Too much cannot be said in praise of such work as this in our pioneer communities, as the pioneer ranks are growing thin and our youths should be taught respect for the beginnings which have grown into our magnificent state. It is particularly fitting that this collection should be thrown open to the public during the pioneer reunion which occurs on October 16th at Jacksonville.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 6, 1924, page 2


    Mrs. Alice Sargent announces that her museum in the historic Brunner building will be closed during the balance of the winter.--Jacksonville Post.
Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, December 13, 1924, page 2


    Joseph B. Wetterer is custodian of the museum at Jacksonville, Ore. A few days ago I dropped in at the museum to renew my acquaintance with Mr. Wetterer. As I looked at some of the old-time mementos I said, "If I am not mistaken, I saw some of these same curios in the Table Rock Saloon here in Jacksonville 30 years or more ago," says Fred Lockley in the Portland Journal.
    "You are right," replied Mr. Wetterer. "A good many of these old guns and other early-day relics were owned by Mr. Helms, proprietor of the Table Rock Saloon. I myself saw them there 35 years ago. I was born here in Jacksonville, March 20, 1875. My father, whose name was Joseph B. Wetterer, and for whom I am named, was born in Baden, Germany. He came to the United States in 1850, going direct to California. He mined on Scotts Bar and at various other camps in Northern California. He came to Jacksonville in 1853.
    "Father had learned the brewing business in Germany, so when he came to Jacksonville he started the Eagle Brewery and ran it till his death in 1879. Father was married here in Jacksonville in 1862. He married Regina Sage. Her father crossed the plains in 1853, settling at first at Brownsville and later in Albany. I live in the house in which I was born. There were seven children in our family. Five of us are still living. Two of my sisters live in Portland and two here in Jacksonville. After graduating from the high school here I taught for a while at Forest Creek. I received $35 a month and boarded myself. After teaching for two years I moved to Portland and for three years worked as a tailor in the Columbus building."
Medford Mail Tribune, November 8, 1930, page 3  Reprinted from the Oregon Journal of November 6, on page 12.


    A few weeks ago a prominent business man from Chicago paid his first visit to Medford and was taken on a motor trip around the valley.
    He was much impressed by the natural beauties of the valley, the attractive homes, the well-kept orchards, the airport and the golf course, but the ONE thing that gave him the biggest "kick" was the pioneer museum in Jacksonville. It was difficult to get him away from this museum, and when he left for the East, he said that when--and if--he returned he would bring his family and spend an entire day in the quaint and historic old town of Jacksonville.
    According to all reports, the visiting Grangers, on their recent tour of the valley, showed the same keen interest in the former county seat, and many expressed regret they were not allowed more time to wander around the quaint village, visit the old saloon, and get better acquainted with the interesting relics of the early days.
    Apparently those of us who have lived here a long time, and to whom Jacksonville is an "old story,'' fail to appreciate what a tourist attraction we have in our post-bellum metropolis and county seat.
    Under the circumstances we believe that our local Chamber of Commerce would do well, in its publicity, and in its tourist service, to lay greater emphasis upon the importance of Jacksonville, and in all valley tours provide for a longer stop there than has been customary in the past.
    One thing is CERTAIN, if the Oregon Historical Society should again attempt to have the Jacksonville museum moved away on the ground that its exhibits could be given better care and shown to better advantage elsewhere, such an effort should be resisted with every resource at our command.
    As a living reminder of the old days, Jacksonville is unique in the entire state. The museum, which the people of Jacksonville have established and maintained, should remain JUST WHERE IT IS.
    Moreover, the responsibility of maintaining this museum, and increasing its attractiveness, should not rest entirely upon the people of Jacksonville, but should be a responsibility of Medford and the entire county, for its benefits extend, directly or indirectly, to every section of the valley.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 12, 1931, page 12


To the Editor:
    Thanks to you, Mr. Editor, for your fine editorial on Jacksonville's museum. In this editorial, which appeared in last Friday's issue of the Mail Tribune, you voiced the sentiment of Jacksonville's residents when you said the museum should remain "just where it is" [in the U.S. Hotel.]
    The Pelton collection of Indian relics is very fine and was a gift to the city of Jacksonville as was also the Helms collection. We have two museums, however; the historic Brunner building is also a museum. This building was built by the Brunner Brothers in 1855 and is the second-oldest brick building in Oregon. Into this building the women and children of Jacksonville fled for refuge when the Indians made their last raid on the white settlers in 1856. [There was no "raid" on Jacksonville.] This building, with its contents, is now the property of "The Native Daughters of Jacksonville," an organization which has been kept up by these same Native Daughters for many years. It is open every Wednesday from two o'clock until five and visitors are always made welcome. Upon request the building will be opened to visitors at other times. In one of the windows of the Brunner building can be seen the old gold scales which were used at the Sterling mines, and on which were weighed over two million dollars worth of gold. We feel that our museums are in their proper setting right here in the historic old town. In 1859 Jacksonville was the richest town in Oregon, while Jackson County was the richest and most populous county in the state.
    The old U.S. Hotel sheltered for one memorable night no less a personage than the President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, who had with him at his side General W. T. Sherman, who you know "marched down to the sea" and who gave us that most comprehensive definition of war. The room on the second floor of the hotel, directly above the museum, is "the President's room" and right across the hall is "the General Sherman room."
    Across the street, west of the hotel, is the old Beekman bank building. Shortly before his death I visited the venerable banker in this building, and was granted an interview in which he gave me the history of Jacksonville. Nothing can take from Jacksonville the historic past. Nothing can banish the memories of the olden, golden days when this town was the richest town in Oregon.
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune, June 16, 1931, page 11


    To the Editor: First, let us  recall some of the firsts. Since Jacksonville is the oldest town in Southern Oregon and second in all the state, let us look no further for a location.
    Since the historic county court house in Jacksonville has been vacant many years and was so well known to pioneers and those of later times, let us concentrate on it for a museum building and forget all other suggested building sites.
    The person or group who originated the idea of a museum is unknown to the writer. However, the efforts and collections of the late Mrs. Alice Applegate Sargent, who represented the first family (Applegates) in Southern Oregon, should always be kept in mind, and the first place in a museum should be given to that family. After them should come the valley pioneers who are today, as always, represented by the organization known as the Southern Oregon Pioneers; for it is upon these families and their descendants that most relics of pioneer and historical nature are dependent.
    For many years many people throughout this county and the state have made public efforts towards the establishment of a museum. Many types of articles have been offered.
    Mrs. Sargent’s collection and the Helms collection were exhibited in Jacksonville for many years, and the town has maintained a small public museum in the old U.S. Hotel building.
    When the county court was moved to Medford a large number of public-spirited citizens of the county felt that the old building deserted in Jacksonville would make a good museum building.
    During the Gold Rush Jubilee of August, 1933, many fine collections were displayed in Jacksonville, including the large collection then owned by the late Frank Zell.
    During the Diamond Jubilee held in Medford in 1934 about 20 people, mostly grandchildren of valley pioneers, filled the lower store space in the Sparta building with hundreds of relics from their homes. Many other pioneer collections were displayed in store windows in Medford and Jacksonville, and the late Hector Catey, with the help of the Miners Club, gathered and exhibited the then largest mineral collection in the state, all consisting of Southern Oregon minerals. Those large collections of 1934 convinced everyone that there was materials enough here for a large, permanent museum.
    In 1935, the Southern Oregon Artists Association exhibits proved there was local material enough for an art museum, and members of that association worked towards one. The late Dr. Robinson, whose daughter, Dorland, was an early Jacksonville artist of national recognition, offered that association his daughter's paintings whenever proper housing facilities could be obtained. A. H. Banwell, the then secretary of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, became active in the effort of obtaining a museum with that group.
    In 1937-38 members of the Southern [Oregon] Gem and Mineral Society, with Banwell, worked hard for a museum to house the pioneer relics, art and mineral specimens of this county. Several valuable Indian rock relics and mineral collections were offered them for museum use. That organization met the members of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and its speakers talked before the Medford city council in an effort to gain a public museum. Several sites were considered including the old court house in Jacksonville.
    The greatest effort was made when the late Governor Earl Snell, Sons of the American Revolution, Pioneers and other honored guests met at a dinner in the Jacksonville court house for the purpose of establishing interest in the project.
    The last effort has been the forming of a Southern Oregon Historical Society, headed by the late Mayor C. A. Meeker of Medford, whose interests concentrated on the museum plans.
    In the past few years antique collecting hit the valley and hundreds of relics have been sold and disposed of by individuals who no longer had a place to keep them.
    Year after year the Southern Oregon Pioneers meet alternately in Ashland and in the old court house in Jacksonville, planning a museum, watching the building slowly crumble into neglected ruins and anxiously hoping there is still time for repairs, protection and care for all articles left for museum purposes.
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune, March 8, 1948, page 4