Lumber Big Revenue.

550 Men Employed.

Scherer Reviews Fruit.

Farmers Prospered.

Industrial Future.

C. of C. Work Told.

Products Listed.

VOLUNTEERS GIVE FOOD TO HUNGRY THROUGH TICKETS
Contributed

GIRLS LEAGUE IN EFFORT TO HELP NEEDY FAMILIES

BREAD PRICE CUT BY CITY BAKERIES

COUNTY COURT PLANS AID FOR WORK SEEKERS
Operation of Rock Crushers During Winter Months to Help Situation--
300 Idle in City.

To Store Gravel

Christmas Dollar Goes Much Further This Year;
Wholesale Prices Are Lowest Since Spring of 1916

ASK COUNTY AID FOR PAIR AGED RUCH INDIGENTS
Woman's Actions Cause Trouble in Handling Case--
Court Has Index of Nomadic Souls.

Indigents Indexed

    Hungry, jobless, homeless, sleeping under the drab December skies, shaving under the grey morning light, washing in water flaked with ice--that is the fate of hundreds of unfortunate men this winter. An even twenty men were observed yesterday grouped around inadequate fires near the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company mill, and close to the railway tracks.
    Apparently, in spite of their misfortunes, the men desired to remain neat and clean, because several of them were washing. One was shaving a heavy beard. His barber shop was the wide expanse of territory; his mirror an old tin can.
    Only one of the unfortunate wanderers possessed an overcoat--the rest were insufficient garbed.
    The men were of all ages, ranking from time-worn unfortunates of sixty to youngsters that should be attending high school and turning out for sports. Instead, they are putting up a losing fight against life.
    The men were engaged in trying to cook very meager food over a fire. There was no protection from the icy December winds.
    The twenty did not represent all the unfortunates that passed the night in that locality. Many of them had drifted on south when morning gave a slight respite from the winter chill. Many more of depression's victims slept on hard bunks at the city jail. However, to them the jail is heaven after the cold ground.
    Medfordites having warm, comfortable homes and many blessings during the Christmas season can feel doubly fortunate in that they are not suffering as manifold thousands are in the United States this winter.
Medford Daily News, December 20, 1930, page 3




    The Active Club, in regular meeting last evening at the Hotel Holland, enjoyed as an unusual feature moving pictures of the prosperity parade, held here March 4, and sponsored by the club. Horace Bromley, through the courtesy of the California-Oregon Power Company, presented motion pictures of the line of march, a number of the floats and the burning of "General Depression."
    Leonard Hall of Medford took several hundred feet of pictures of the parade, and the films will be sent to different Active Clubs along the coast for showing, thus directly aiding a good will toward Medford and Southern Oregon.
    During the course of the evening, several new members were announced. Speeches by Pat Riley and Ralph Bailey were appropriate to St. Patrick's Day.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 18, 1931, page 2


    The city council last night ordered darkening of the Main and Riverside welcome sign as an economy measure, following recommendation of the citizens' budget committee. The sign, which cost $36.50 per month to illuminate, may be later replaced by a neon affair.
    The city council last night also started the ball rolling for a new lighting system for Main Street, voted to sell $46,000 worth of improvement bonds covering various street and sewer improvements, passed a number of ordinances relating to individual property settlements and to build a new trunk sewer on Siskiyou Heights, and transact much other business.
"New Light System Is Held Need," Medford Mail Tribune, March 18, 1931, page 3


    For the first time in many years receipts of the Medford post office for March, amounting to $7011.91, showed a 2 percent decrease over the receipts of the same month of a year ago, and consequently also made the receipts of the past quarter a little less than those of the corresponding period a year ago.
    This small monthly decrease breaks the bright and shining record of Medford since the general business depression began months ago, as notwithstanding many post offices in all parts of the country, including the Pacific Coast section, showed much decreased receipts in January and February, the local post office receipts continued to show an increase.
    Even now it is predicted that when the March returns are in from all the post offices, the Medford post office, with its 2 percent decrease, will continue to stand out conspicuously and show that business in this city is better than in most places in the far west or coast section.
    But Postmaster Warner is almost brokenhearted at this small crimp in the onward record of Medford post office receipts, and after several days close figuring finally gave up the job as a bad one this forenoon and reluctantly announced the news. However, he at the same time explained that the small decrease was due to acts of providence over which he had no control--and confidently declared that the break in the record would be amply made up by big increases from now on--barring local earthquakes, cyclones, floods and Kiwanians or other social service eruptions.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 2, 1931, page 8


    Male residents of the Rogue River district to the number of 30 have filed a petition with the county court asking "why men are brought from Central Point and Gold Hill to do work on the roads which we need ourselves." The county court will take the necessary steps to rectify the condition.
    The Rogue River workers hold that inasmuch as the work is in their district they should be given first opportunity. The petition sets forth that they need it as much as residents of other districts.
    The work extends from Rogue River to the Josephine County line and only a small number of men are employed.
    It has been the policy of the county court and county engineer, as far as possible to give work to those living in the districts where work is underway.
    Three rock crushers will be in operation next week, grinding out gravel for road projects the coming summer, and work has started on a number of special levy roads.
    Approval of the Williams Creek cut-off, by the state highway commission yesterday, fits in with the 1931 road plans of the county, calling for the expending of $5000 for the oiling of Big Applegate road from Ruch to Provolt this summer. It is a unit of the Williams Creek cut-off. Funds for the oiling were voted by the Ruch district in a special road levy.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 3, 1931, page 7


    Swaying beneath a load of papers, which reached from hip to armpit, a little boy of eight appeared at a west side door last night just before the clock struck nine.
    Introducing himself with a yawn, he leaned against the sill and inquired in a drowsy voice: "Want a paper?"
    Looking over his pack, devoted to the Portland press, the lady of the house replied: "We get them both."
    "Oh," he yawned again and rested one worn-out shoe upon the other in a renewed effort to brace himself against the sill. The lids were drooping over his large dark eyes.
    "What's the matter?" the lady of the house continued.
    "Just got tired feet," he answered with sleepy nonchalance, his mouth opening into still another yawn.
    "Why aren't you at home this time of night?"
    "Have to sell my papers," he clasped them to his side again. "Started out at 6 o'clock, walked about a thousand miles."
    "Where do you live?"
    He named a number in the outskirts of the east side.
    "Have you any brothers and sisters?"
    "Eight of us."
    "What does your father do?"
    "He doesn't do anything."
    "What do you do with your money?"
    "I put it in the bank and he buys grub with it. Guess I better be going on," he untangled his feet and steadied the papers on his hip.
    "I'll take one," the woman handed him the money.
    "Thanks," his smile grew into a yawn.
    "Do you know how to get home?"
    "When I get out where I can see," he blinked and resumed his shuffling down the street.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 10, 1931, page 6


    The United States department of immigration has filed a request with Jackson County for a survey of aliens, held in jails, poor farms, county hospitals, state prison or other public institutions, and indigents or otherwise public charges, to the end that in due time they may be deported to their native lands.
    Prompt action is urged, as the immigration department figures that a large item of tax expenses is due to aliens in public institutions.
    The federal ruling provides that if an alien indigent or criminal has become such within a five-year period or longer, he is subject to deportation.
    The survey is nationwide in extent and is part of a general plan to cut down undesirables of foreign extraction. The Jackson County list will be small.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 13, 1931, page 8


    Gazing about the four walls of his room with large brown eyes, whose expression never changes--Charles, 8-year-old son of a Medford couple--lies at the Sacred Heart Hospital worrying not about his bronchial pneumonia, nor the fever which is stealing still more pounds from his emaciated little body.
    For the same condition, which limits the expression of his eyes to one tired stare, also robs Charles of ability to realize danger. So he smiles on, with his lips, unmindful of the congested chest over which his skin is so tightly drawn.
    He folds his long, scrawny arms over the pneumonia jacket and rests his head on his pillow. The bed is comfortable and Charles was sleeping on a hard bed between mother and father when Dr. B. C. Wilson, county health officer, removed him from his home to the hospital last weekend.
    His six little brothers and sisters are sleeping in the attic and on the floor. For they are not ill and two of them, like Charles, would scarcely realize it if they were.
    When spoken to the little boy opens his mouth wider to mutter an undistinguishable word and to display another defect in his makeup--two rows of decayed teeth, worn to the gums.
    He used to have eight brothers and sisters; two of them have died. Charles may recover from the pneumonia and hunger which are threatening his life, and he may not, Dr. Wilson said this morning. But whether he does or doesn't, he will never worry about the job his father doesn't have, the barren walls of his home, nor the lack of food in the cupboard. Nature has seen to that.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 14, 1931, page 3


    The new state traffic law, effective June 6, providing that it shall be unlawful for any person to stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle, will have its drawbacks in enforcement. The law, passed by the last legislature to curb the practice of the small army of homeless transients picking up rides along the highway, is apt to result in quite an increase in jail population if arrests are made as soon as the law is effective, officers say.
    The principal burden of enforcement will devolve upon the shoulders of the new state police, to be organized in August, and until then it is likely local state traffic officers will carry on an educational program warning tramps and hitchhikers to forsake the habit of standing by the road and flagging motorists.
    A local driver, upon picking up a transient yesterday for a few miles' lift, told the hiker of the new law. The man said he was 77 years old and said the highway was his only means of transportation.
    "What next are they going to legislate against us on whom fortune has frowned. I used to be an iron moulder but advancing years caused me to be cast aside and now I'm trying to do any kind of work I can find," he said on commenting on the information.
    "I wish the law was in effect now so they would place me in jail with the assurance I would have two or three meals a day and a place to sleep. I have nobody in the world in the way of kin or friends," he continued, "and jail would be a good place for me. Many of the men looking in vain for work feel the same way about it as I do."
     He was told the law was passed as a protection for the motoring public against the type of tramps who accept rides and in many cases rob their good Samaritans. In other cases, stopping to pick up transients along the highway has caused serious accidents.
    In reply the white-haired transient, who appeared neat despite his ragged clothing, deplored the condition and condemned those men who made it hard for the respectable "tramps" to get along in the world. He carried no roll of blankets and had no topcoat. He said he spent most of his nights in the open by a camp fire and begged for his food, but was always in search of work.
    He did not know why he left Los Angeles, as he knew conditions were just as bad in the north but thought if he saw some small town this side of Portland he would just stop there and wait for something to turn up. Hiking does not agree with his 77 years. If the new anti-flagging law was in effect, he said, he could go to jail without committing any serious crime.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 22, 1931, page 1


    Despite announcements by the California Oregon Power Company that only local labor would be employed on their proposed power unit extension near Prospect, consisting of a canal between the north fork and the south fork of Rogue River, close to 200 transient laborers have gathered in that vicinity, in the hopes of securing work. Many are camping near Prospect.
    It will be two or three weeks before actual construction work is started, as there is a large amount of detail and engineering work to be completed.
    A number of motorists to the Prospect district over the weekend reported "you can find a car from almost every state in the union in the brush." A number of families are included.
    The labor is the usual transient "floater" type and flocked to the Prospect area with the news that construction work was soon to be under way. Many of the workers are from the Klamath and Portland districts, and some have wintered in Southern California.
    The California Oregon Power Company was averse to making any announcement of its plans for fear of attracting surplus labor, and specifically stated that in accordance with established custom it would give preference to Jackson County working men.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 11, 1931, page 2


    When Medford business men visit other parts of the state and are interviewed by reporters of whatever city they are in about conditions here, they are able to wax eloquent on the big building program of this city and vicinity, as witness the following:
    There is a great deal of building work going on in Medford, says L. Niedermeyer, of that city, who was in Eugene Wednesday. Two new school buildings are being erected and work will start this summer on a courthouse to cost a quarter of a million dollars. Other buildings are contemplated this year.--Eugene Register Guard.
    An extraordinary amount of construction work is providing payroll for Medford and its trade territory, according to Howard Scheffel, insurance man of the Jackson County city, who was at the Heathman Hotel yesterday. As a member of the school board, Mr. Scheffel is helping to direct the completion of the $350,000 building program of the Medford school system. Work on the new $265,000 courthouse is to be started July 1. Other projects mentioned by Mr. Scheffel were the enlargement of the hydroelectric plant of the California Oregon Power Company at Prospect and the construction of the Crater Lake rim road.--The Oregonian
Medford Mail Tribune, May 15, 1931, page 5


    Emergency relief work in Jackson County past winter--state and federal--entailed a total expenditure of $59,120.47. The state highway commission spent a total of $23,931.47. Of this amount, $19,113.46 was for labor, $3,523.18 for tool and rent of machinery, and $754.83 for material.
    The federal government expended $35,279, $13,020 of the amount being for labor and $22,709 for material, goods and equipment. The work was carried on in the forests and consisted chiefly of trail building and making ready for the summer work.
    The figures are contained in a report filed by Victor A. Tengwald, secretary to the county court.
    The work furnished employment for close to 2000 Medford and Jackson County residents last winter, and tided many of then over a period of stress.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 16, 1931, page 2


    The labor bureau is no longer located in the Chamber of Commerce building and Lee Garlock, district manager of the Oregon State Motor Association, wants people of Medford as well as those of other localities to remember the fact, he stated today after being interrupted by repeated inquiries concerning jobs.
    Each day he is bothered by an increasing number of persons seeking employment, he said this morning, and many of them are directed to him by local citizens who should know better.
    The labor bureau is now located on the second floor of the city hall at the corner of Sixth and Front streets.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 1, 1931, page 2


    Small signs of returning prosperity bloomed today around the courthouse in word and deed.
    The sheriff's office reported for the morning, applications for new 1931 licenses from county and city residents for three brand-new automobiles--two Fords and a Pontiac.
    County Judge Alex Sparrow made the prediction that the coming fall and spring would see more new colts in the pastures and the corrals than at any time in the past 10 years. He said this was a "drift away from gasoline on the farm and that the small farmer was beginning to realize that horse-power was better and cheaper that bull-tractor power."
    The county judge sees a decided increase in the horse population of the county the coming year.
    Another item was the fact the applications for county aid were less than in May, 1930 and that there were fewer transient indigents than a year ago this time. The county court assumes the latter class either have work, or remained at home this spring.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 2, 1931, page 4


    Herbert Smith was arrested last evening by city authorities for the alleged operation of a beer dispensary at 103 East Jackson Street.
    Smith has been unemployed for some time, and told the police, they say, that he was "in the beer game to feed his children."
    The authorities allege that Smith has been selling beer some time. Fifty-eight bottles of beer were seized.
    The residence has been under surveillance for ten days, and customers noted by the authorities.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 14, 1931, page 6




    Another batch of liquor law violation cases was disposed of in Judge Taylor's court this forenoon, arising from activities of undercover state policemen and their agents, and resulting in jail sentences and heavy fines in some cases, and suspension of jail sentences in others.
    A pitiable case was that of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Smith, who have five children, ranging from 1 to 18 years of age, who took to beer making and selling at their home on Riverside Avenue when he and their 18-year-old son were only able to find spasmodic employment since the father lost his position with a local woodyard, where he had been employed for nine years.
    Last June Smith was arrested on the same charge of selling beer on Jackson Street and was paroled.
    Both pleaded guilty today, the wife to selling and the husband to possession. The state police charge that they had been selling beer for some time past. How to punish them and yet not have that punishment fall on the children and have the latter minus a mother's care was a perplexing problem to both Judge Taylor and Assistant District Attorney Neilson, and the former after giving them a severe lecture imposed on each a sentence of 30 days, which he suspended, conditional on future good behavior.
    Both parents said the family was broke, had only seven cents in the house and no fuel to burn. While the court was lecturing them on their duty to their children, who by the beer-selling operations were not being given a fair chance in life, Mrs. Smith interrupted with: "What are you going to do when you're hungry?" and then said, "When you are unable to get work and your family are hungry, you are willing to do almost anything."
    Smith was behind three months in rent payment, which he and his 18-year-old son have been trying to work out for the house owner by cutting wood at Jacksonville, walking the entire distance back and forth daily.
    Not only were the sentences suspended, but Judge Taylor and Assistant District Attorney Neilson said they would endeavor to find steady employment for Smith, by which he could support his family.
    Oscar Warren, who made the mistake of taking an order from a state policeman Sunday for a half gallon of moonshine, which he delivered yesterday from the Wheeler apartments, pleaded guilty to selling and was fined $100 and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
    Glenn Linnie Bellows, 19, who has been making his living for months past by selling half pints around town, also made the mistake of selling to an undercover state policeman. He pleaded guilty and was given a 30-day jail sentence.
    C. O. Brooks changed his plea of not guilty, made yesterday, to guilty this forenoon of transporting liquor and drew a $100 fine and jail sentence of 30 days.
    Warren McDermott also changed his plea, made yesterday of not guilty, to guilty today of possession of a large quantity of moonshine and alcohol, found in a raid on his home on Park Street. A jail sentence of 30 days and a fine of $100 was imposed.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 3, 1931, page 5


    C. E. (Pop) Gates, ex-member of the state highway commission, is telling this one: "These people who croak about depression make me sick and they are making business sick. It's just like what Jonah told the whale. The whale had swallowed him and then got sick. Said Jonah to the whale, 'You old fool, if you'd had sense enough to keep your mouth shut this wouldn't have happened.' If more people would keep their mouths shut and tend to business this depression would be over before we realized." Mr. Gates was in Portland for the dinner tendered his former colleague on the highway commission, H. B. VanDuzer. He reports that conditions are good in Medford and that the pear growers are getting good prices for their fruit. The community chest campaign is about to start in the Southern Oregon city. Mr. Gates was at the Imperial Hotel.--Oregonian.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1931, page 4


    Work of the county budget committee yesterday marked time, due to the failure of the governor's tax committee, of which W. H. Gore is chairman, and Assessor J. B. Coleman and Fred C. Homes of Ashland, associate members, to file their recommendations, per schedule. The governor's committee is also acting with the chamber of commerce committee. The recommendations are due to be filed tomorrow.
    According to reports the governor's committee will recommend drastic cuts in the indigent funds of the county--urging that the fund for the care of the unlucky and unfortunate be cut 75 percent from last year, and the road fund cut to the bone, leaving the minimum amount for maintenance of established routes.
    Due to the times, the indigent fund is one of the most vital, and has been drained heavily. Certain portions, such as the widow's pension, are compulsory, under the state law, and must be provided for.
    Despite the purported recommendation for near abolishment of the road fund, three districts--Trail-Eagle Point, Butte Falls, and Prospect--have filed requests with the county court for the calling of special road elections to vote special levies, and daily requests are received for improvement of county roads, particularly routes over which school buses travel and fruit is hauled. The roads on the floor of the valley, radiating out of the cities, are in fair condition, but the rural roads are different. The recommendations also call for suspension of operations on the Dead Indian market and the Lake Creek market road, both of which would tap the Lake o' the Woods.
    The present attitude is a complete reverse of last year, when all but one of the county road districts called for special road levies, and a petition for the west side highway establishment was rejected by the county court, over objections of the backers. The west side highway, as proposed, would have extended from the top of Blackwell Hill to a point near the Hollywood orchards of the Jacksonville Highway. The road plan was rejected by the county court on the grounds that the terrain was already amply served by the Pacific Highway. It would have traversed some of the richest farm land in the valley, with a high cost for right-of-way.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1931, page 12


    A case is reported at Medford where a man and his wife took to making and selling beer in order to provide food for their family of five children ranging in ages from 1 to 18 years. It was the second time up for the man, Smith. When the court lectured him against violating the law because of bad example to the children the wife and mother interjected: "What are you going to do when you're hungry? When you are unable to get work and your family are hungry you are willing to do most anything."
    The man and his oldest son, it developed, were behind three months house rent and were trying to work out the bill by cutting wood for the owner at Jacksonville, walking the entire distance back and forth daily. When arrested Smith had seven cents and no fuel in the house. He had worked for nine years in a woodyard but lost his job several months ago.
    Now here is a concrete case which would excite the pity of the most stony-hearted. Even if the man had forfeited the respect of society either through law-breaking or downright worthlessness the plight of his family deserves consideration. The mere fact that he resorted to beer-making is only an incident. When men are desperate they resort even to crime to get relief. Jean Valjean’s theft of the loaves of bread is a classic in literature as it represents one of the occasional extremities of life.
    But there is no need or should be no need for men to violate laws, whether the prohibition law or the laws protecting property, that they may live. Medford for example is now raising a charity fund of some $21,000 which will take care of such needy cases as the Smiths. Bend started out to raise $6000 and expects now to raise $10,000; and that in a community which is chiefly dependent on one industry, lumber, whose ailment is well known. Other cities and towns are now engaged in similar projects. Salem will soon be raising its funds. There can be, there will be, no stint in giving.
    What happened to the Smiths at Medford? Well, the sentences were suspended and the judge and the assistant district attorney said they would set out to find employment for Smith so he could support his family decently. No one will condemn such administration of justice. As communities we have two duties: charity for those in immediate need; [and] provision for employment for those who are out of work.
Statesman Journal, Salem, November 5, 1931, page 4


    Initial steps towards the establishment of emergency relief work on roads of the county was started this week by the county court, with the dispatch of 15 workers to the Greenspring Mountain road, and the same number for maintenance work on the Crater Lake Highway in the Eagle Point-Trail district. The present small crews were sent out to make preliminary arrangements and prepare for the day when the work is under full swing.
    There will be a meeting of the state highway commission, also the county judges of the state, next Wednesday, November 12, when details of the emergency road work in the state will be considered, and the amounts of money each county will receive for emergency road work will be apportioned. Nothing definite will be known until after this meeting. No further workers will be sent out until after this decision is reached.
    Up to last night a total of 451 men in this county had registered with the clerk of the county court for employment on road work and the new courthouse. Each has a card which he must present ere employment is granted. This morning 25 men registered, and the grand total is expected to be between 500 and 600.
    This city leads the list of registrations with 289, Ashland 77, Gold Hill 6, Rogue River 3, Talent 17, Central Point 20, Jacksonville 11, Phoenix 14, Butte Falls 3, Beagle 1, Eagle Point and Trail 17, Prospect 1, Brownsboro 1.
    It is expected that the emergency road work will be under way early in December, so the workers will have money for Christmas cheer.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 5, 1931, page 5


    The city of Medford was still several thousand dollars short of her goal for this year's Community Chest drive when the Mail Tribune went to press this afternoon. The total was nearing the $16,000 mark, and the quota to be raised is $21,035. The enthusiasm of the more than 80 workers in the field, however, had not been dimmed, and all prospect cards will be rechecked and solicitations repeated if the goal is not accomplished tonight.
    The imperative need for accomplishing the goal this year is emphasized in the report received by Hamilton Patton, president of the local chest, from Will H. Hays. Unstinted generosity this fall and winter on the part of all who have either wages or wealth is demanded in the report.
    "If the job-holding rest of us do not tide friends, neighbors and friendless over the emergency," the report reads, "we must confess to even more frozen hearts than frozen assets in these United States.
    "Two persons out of three bleating about depression are wincing at wounds that their incomes have not yet received--adding pessimism to a condition which has not in the slightest encroached upon their standards of comfort, their means or their spending capacity. Money that isn't helping to produce goods, sustain trade or help a neighbor is a slacker and unfit to bear the mint-mark of the United States.
    "Borrowing a phrase from 1917, 'What answer will we be able to give our youngsters when they later ask about the part we played in this battle against despair and depression?'"
Medford Mail Tribune, November 7, 1931, page 1


    Medford Boy Scouts, in full uniform, today are calling at the homes in Medford, giving out little pamphlets which point out the necessity of cleaning up houses and yards. This campaign, sponsored by the Community Chest, is a drive to give local people in need of and deserving employment a chance to do odd jobs.
    Lawrence Pennington has been appointed in charge of the campaign, and assisted Scout Executive Oscar E. Hoover in organizing the scouts into groups with captains to see that all homes receive the circulars.
    People having odd jobs to be done about the premises are requested to call the central labor bureau, 104-J-3, where names of worthy people will be given out.
    As tomorrow is a holiday, when families will be together, they are asked by the committee in charge of the campaign to talk the matter over and come to a decision as to what work can be done.
    Boy Scouts who are aiding the chest are Frank Hull, Raymond Erickson, Robert Littrell, Robert Purucker, Dan Hull, Emerson Gould, Don Elliott, Lloyd Herron, Bud Thierolf, Ted Taylor, Earl Meiling, Jack Thompson, Ed Carter, Dorr Barrett, Hubert Santo, Clifford Clegg, Don Price, Elmer Wright, Bill Porter, Russell Jordan, Floyd Loomis, Robert Root, David Moore, Robert Hinman and George Cox.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 10, 1931, page 1


    In a cheery, well-lighted room finished in pale green, with shiny white oilcloth covering the tables, and attractive bouquets of fall garden flowers set here and there, hungry men in Medford receive food--if they are willing to work hard at the woodpile for 15 minutes.
    The kitchen, where substantial servings of meat and vegetable stew, bread and coffee are served every day, is located in the basement of the Salvation Army building on North Bartlett Street and is being sponsored by the Medford Lions' Club to rid the city of professional beggars. Meals are served from 7 to 9 in the mornings and from 4 to 6 in the evenings.
    Only those who will work for 15 minutes cutting, sawing and stacking wood, however, are fed. The project has been put into motion by the local service club to eliminate from the community beggars unwilling to work, according to George W. Newberry, club president.
    Several Lions' Club members have small books of 10 tickets, which have just been issued, and each one is good for an opportunity to earn a meal at the kitchen, which was opened the first of the month. The tickets are given "panhandlers" instead of coins.
    Reports have been made by Lions that fellows on the streets asking for money, who claimed they were hungry, refused to accept the tickets.
    One club member told of distributing 10 of these stubs, giving them to men who asked for money. A check made with the kitchen revealed that only three reported for work, in order to receive food.
    Police will be asked by the club to cooperate in the elimination of professional beggars in Medford, and those who will not split wood for desired aid.
    Plans will be perfected at a meeting this evening of the Lions' committee of aid for the working out of a plan to put in common use the tickets entitling men to work for meals. Carl Stuart is chairman of the group.
    Business men who have been told about the checks to be given, instead of money, Mr. Newberry said, seem convinced of the adaptability of the plan. However, it is not necessary for a man to have a ticket to earn food, it was pointed out.
    Ensign J. R. Pack of the Salvation Army is cooperating with the service group, and is in direct supervision of the project.
    Although the kitchen has been in operation for only a short time, it seems to be proving a success, Ensign Pack stated. An average of between eight and ten persons are fed daily. The woodpile, located directly in back of the Army headquarters, is kept in order by the workers. The wood is used to cook the food in the kitchen and is hauled to the grounds by the Salvation Army.
    President Newberry declared that "the purpose of the project is to help every person willing to work and show he is on the level, and to discourage the beggars. The woodpile gives him a chance to prove what he is."
Medford Mail Tribune, November 10, 1931, page 3


    As long as everything from heart disease to Eugenie hats are blamed on the depression, the defeat of the Tiller-Trail road tax might as well be included.
    At least it is difficult to conjure up any other explanation. Certainly two years ago the three-mill levy would have gone over with a bang.
    From the standpoint of the property owners in that district, there was everything to say in favor of the tax and nothing against. Construction of such a road would have placed this remote section, practically speaking, on the Pacific Highway, and diverted the heavy summer tourist travel past the doors of the hard-working ranchers in that district, with all its monetary benefits. Moreover, for every dollar the property owners spent on the highway they would have received three dollars, from Jackson County, the state and federal government. A more alluring bargain from the purely selfish standpoint of the Tiller-Trail district could scarcely be imagined.
    Yet the three-mill levy was not only defeated but snowed under two to one.
    The prevailing depression psychosis, stimulated by the statewide campaign against higher taxes, must be responsible. One could readily understand opposition to such an improvement outside of the Tiller-Trail section, particularly along the Pacific Highway from Gold Hill to Canyonville, which would have, figuratively speaking, been placed on a "branch line." Many residents in Medford opposed the project, on the theory this city would be deprived of considerable tourist travel to and from Crater Lake.
    Such a theory we regard as a mistaken one. For this road would have materially reduced the driving time from Medford to Portland and vice versa. It would have opened up a new trading territory, tributary to this community, and as is true of any "shortcut" would have increased the tourist travel in Southern Oregon, from which every section would have benefited.
    Yet such an attitude is UNDERSTANDABLE. But for the people of the Tiller-Trail district to themselves vote down the project ISN'T understandable--at least not understandable except on the theory that this overworked depression complex has so unsettled the normal public mind that even the old law of SELF-INTEREST refuses to function.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 10, 1931, page 4


    Plans have been made, by the Oregon-Washington Pear Bureau, for Northwest pears to be sold the coming winter in eastern cities by the unemployed as a means of increasing small sales, according to a report made this noon at the regular meeting of the Rogue River Traffic Association. Pears and apples are adaptable for this style of sale and find a ready response.
    Good results to date have been obtained from the pear advertising campaign now under way in the East, and the present condition of the pear market is attributed in a large measure to this drive. New York and Chicago have been liberally posted with large lithographs, setting forth the excellence of the Boscs. At the present time, pears are enjoying a strong sale, with apples and oranges showing "in the red."
    Raymond R. Reter, president of the traffic association, leaves today for Seattle where he will attend a meeting of the directors for the purpose of formally incorporating.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 12, 1931, page 1


    A total of 577 men have registered for county relief work this winter, according to figures given out by Victor Tengwald, secretary to the county court, yesterday.
    Forty men have been notified to report for work next week on the Greensprings and the Crater Lake highways. These men will work one week and others will be given a chance to work the following week. More men will be put to work as fast as money is received from the state for relief road work.
    Mr. Tengwald said that of the towns in the valley Gold Hill has 8 registered, Medford 361, Ashland 103, Central Point 26, Talent 19, Eagle Point 17, Phoenix 15, Jacksonville 14, Butte Falls 6, Rogue River 4 and Beagle Prospect and Brownsboro 4. More registrations are expected as the winter progresses, Mr. Tengwald said, but there is no rush about the registering. The work on the county court house will not start before December 1 at the very earliest, he said.
Gold Hill News, November 12, 1931, page 4


    Pledges to the Community Chest approximate $19,000 today, according to the latest report from Hamilton Patton, president, and contributions in the form of money, supplies and services are still coming in. Although the $21,035 goal has not yet been attained, anyone in distress can be cared for by applying at the Salvation Army, Red Cross headquarters or registering at the labor bureau. Anyone who knows of persons in dire need is asked to report the cases to Chest headquarters.
    The $19,000 estimate includes the quota from the schools which has not been received and $900 in pledges for supplies and service made by local doctors and merchants.
    There will not be a second drive for the unemployed, contrary to a report heard about town yesterday. All relief work will be carried on through the same agency.
    Two persons are continuing the re-checking of prospect cards today, and names of many people who contributed last year and have not this year are being found. Many of these people have not been called on but will be before the renewed drive is completed. Anyone who has not been solicited will be given the opportunity to contribute to this cause before the campaign is closed.
    The 10 percent tickets to be issued donors for direct charity work are being printed and will be ready for distribution as soon as the drive is over. Anyone interested in extending aid in this way is asked to call for tickets at headquarters. These tickets will be issued to the extent of 10 percent of the contribution to the Chest.
    The warehouse, where supplies will be received and distributed to the needy, will open Monday morning. All persons who could not give cash or pledges are asked to bring whatever they can contribute in the way of supplies or clothing to the warehouse.
    When the budgets are properly arranged for county and city, Mr. Patton also stated, there will be plenty of money available to care for any extra relief work which may arise.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 13, 1931, page 1


    Members of the Medford Rotary Club were up at an early hour this morning. Clad in overalls, they were busily engaged in unloading two big truckloads of potatoes for local relief work. The two truckloads constitute only a part of a total of 720 sacks of "spuds" purchased by the Medford Rotarians and donated to the Community Chest to help the needy this winter. This means a total of 72,000 pounds of potatoes to feed worthy families, and it is expected that this big donation will assist materially in relieving the local situation.
    The Rotarians enjoyed their work and handled the heavy sacks of spuds like professional longshoremen. Moving pictures and photographs of their activities were taken by Rotarians Horace Bromley and Bert Peasley for early showing here.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 14, 1931, page 7


    At the same tables where black and white, worthy and unworthy, constituting the great army of unemployed, each day rub elbows before a bowl of beef stew, members of the local Lions Club met for luncheon today noon.
    The green-and-white relief kitchen, recently opened on North Bartlett, resounded to a hearty roar as they expressed their appreciation of the effort Ensign J. R. Pack and other members of the Salvation Army have exerted to make the club project a success.
    The same menu which greets the eyes of the hungry weaving in and out of the army headquarters was prepared for the roaring Lions. The Salvation Army lassies served the meal and the club members agreed it was well worth working for.
    During the early part of the luncheon period the Lions were entertained with singing and whistling solos by Miss Ellow Mae Wilson, broadcast on the Littrell radio hour. The radio at which Floyd Rush officiated in the kitchen was furnished for the occasion by Clayton Isaacs. Miss Wilson was accompanied by Mrs. George Andrews at the piano.
    A report made to the club by Ensign Pack showed that 372 meals have been served through the kitchen since it opened October 29. A view of the kitchen during meal time, he told the club members, offers a wonderful cross-section of life. The diners range from college men to beggars, but all except cripples are forced to work for the food they receive. Many of them are on the tramp, but glad to work for some stew. They range in ages from 'teens to nineties, one of the oldest to call this week being a colored man nearing the 100 mark. One of two negro boys who called after working hours last night and promised to return to work for rations this morning "became very ill when he visualized the woodpile," and Ensign Pack quoted his pardner as saying, "decided he didn't want any breakfast."
    Meals are served at the relief kitchen from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. Mrs. McKeene, who exhibits a motherly smile for all, does the cooking. Mr. McKeene
supervises the work and Ensign and Mrs. Pack and other members of the Salvation Army care for other needs.
    The Lions Club committee, headed by Lion Stewart, was congratulated by Ensign Pack for the splendid work done preparatory to opening of the kitchen and the following firms and individuals thanked for donations: Medford Furniture and Hardware, Davis Transfer, Dr. B. R. Elliott, Peerless Meat Market, Rogue River Meat Market, Pay 'N Takit, Gates and Lydiard, MacMarr, Mrs. Alice Applegate Sargent, J. C. Penney and Co., McCrady's and Pacific Fruit and Produce.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 18, 1931, page 1


   Hamilton Patton, chairman of the Community Chest, today issued a second urgent appeal to the people of Medford and Jackson County to assist in giving worthy people work--particularly in the matter of odd jobs around the homes in the direction of an emergency cleanup campaign.
    "Our latest survey," said Mr. Patton, "shows there are approximately 1000 men in the county now out of work. Two-thirds of them have families to support. Up to date, in answer to our first appeal, the people have only given about 25 hours of steady work."
    "I don't believe the people realize the seriousness of the situation. The drain upon our Community Chest is tremendous. We must have outside help. So I again appeal, to all residents, to have cleanup work done now. If they will call up the Central Labor Bureau, phone 104 J-3, they can get good workmen at once--they can have necessary work well done and at the same time give relief to worthy families who must have it--not at some future time, but now!"
Medford Mail Tribune, November 19, 1931, page 1


    Up to last night, the unemployment registration in Jackson County reached a total of 991 men, apportioned by city and districts as follows:
    The registration this week has been the heaviest of the year, with more than 200 applicants.
    Emergency relief work in this county will not get under way until the county court ascertains definitely how much state highway funds will be apportioned. The sum is now placed at $25,000, which will be inadequate to provide work for even those in dire need and with dependents.
    Twenty-five men were dispatched this week to work on the Greenspring Mountain road and 15 on the Crater Lake Highway. In every instance, the workers were fathers with three or more minor dependents. The work will be rotated among this class, in order that the meager available funds will be spread far, and necessarily thin.
    The county court, in dispensing relief work, will check closely on each case. Some of the registrants are known to have ample shelter and full cupboards, but seeking work. A ban has also been placed on high school boys willing to work to escape school routine; men with pensions or private incomes, and those seeking work to "kill time." This list is not large, and a high percentage of the cases are worthy.
    The state highway commission is expected to take action next week, relative to the allotment of funds for emergency work.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 19, 1931, page 7


    Figures compiled by the clerk of Jackson County court show that 712 men have registered for employment on the new Jackson County courthouse at Medford and the proposed emergency road relief work.
    Forty men are now employed on the Pacific Highway in the Siskiyou Mountains, and more are expected to start work soon.
    Excavating for the new courthouse will start this week.
Gold Hill News, November 19, 1931, page 1


    The Jackson County budget, as framed by the budget committee at a session this morning, calls for a total levy of $412,870.14, which includes an estimated state tax of $100,000. It represents a reduction of $35,347.41, or ten percent less than last year.
    The amount for county levy last year was $348,217.55, with a state levy of $102,211.96.
    The budget as it now stands makes no levy for the general or market road fund, but anticipates that their maintenance will come from receipts from gasoline and license fees.
    Twenty thousand dollars is allowed for unemployment relief, with legal technicalities to be adjusted relative to its immediate use and designation on the budget. $15,000 is provided in the emergency fund for road needs.
    The budget committee, Ben Harder chairman, will meet with the chamber of commerce tax committee today to further discuss the budget, and any changes ordered.
    Much of the morning session was devoted to discussion of the legal phases of the budget and its appropriations, some of which are securely hedged about by state laws.
    Some of the budget committee felt that the 10 percent slash was not enough, and others declared it was more than expected.
    A public hearing will be held on the budget the first week in December as required by state law.
    After the public hearing, the next step will be the formal signing of the budget, which promises to be a moot point.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 25, 1931, page 1


    "It seems that the dire situation for the remainder of the winter and next spring, and even now, must be blasted into a portion of the general public to enable them to realize that much more money must be raised to relieve the local unemployment and misery situation," said Hamilton Patton, president of the Community Chest fund, who, flanked by Jack Thompson, chairman of the Chest drive fund and also of the Red Cross, attended the city council meeting last night to plead with the councilmen to make sure that that body's contribution of $1000 placed in the city budget for next year will be forthcoming for the fund.
    "While some Medford people have given or pledged liberally, and the general run of those employed or otherwise able to do so have pledged what they can afford, yet there are many slackers," continued Mr. Patton, who also not only asked that the city council's $1000 be paid in cash as soon as available, but that the council make use of its $12,000 fund for streets and roads in the budget for next year this winter.
    "The Chest needs cash and lots of it. You can readily see this when you consider that the bulk of the Chest money is to be paid monthly, or quarterly, thus stringing along for a year, but the absolutely necessary relief work is going on now and will greatly increase. We can't get away from this. It must be met.
    "The cash now on hand, or that which is beginning to come in slowly during the next twelve months from the monthly or quarterly payments, will soon be exhausted.
    "Unless we have much more ready cash the needs for relief of actual misery and poverty will soon outstrip the available cash on hand for the purpose. Thus it may happen in a few weeks hence that because of lack of money immediately available the Chest may have to shut down relief work entirely in several important features until more of the subscribed Chest fund comes in."
    Mr. Hamilton stressed the point that the city council by expenditure of the $12,000 item placed in the budget for streets and roads next year, as soon as possible this winter, will greatly aid in the Chest work by this money giving employment or partial employment to many men, thus enabling the Chest to have more money available for relief.
    Both Mr. Patton and Mr. Thompson assured the city officials that if they so desired, not a cent of the $1000 given by the city to the Chest would go to the character-building organizations. The council could stipulate, they said, that the $1000 be paid in for the Salvation Army or the Red Cross, which is a charity semi-relief agent for the city government, or to be divided between them. Any way to make sure that the $1000 be left in the budget and made available as soon as possible.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 25, 1931, page 2


    The unemployment registration in Jackson County is growing by leaps and bounds. Two hundred more men registered for relief work last week, bringing the total number to 991. Of this number 30 are from Gold Hill and Rogue River.
"Local Happenings," Gold Hill News, November 26, 1931, page 4


To the Editor:
    What can we do for our boys? No work, no money, and no place to go to spend an evening without money.
    There is a bunch of boys wandering around in town, not bad boys, but full of energy. Boys of parents who are not affiliated with any church.
    If the boy could find a little recreation at times. Why not a junior community chest?
    Food kitchens and all are fine, but oh for a place of amusement for our boys.
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune, November 29, 1931, page 8


    The county budget committee yesterday completed its preparations for the coming year, and the first publication of the budget as prepared will be tomorrow. The date for the public hearing with Ben E. Harder, chairman, presiding, has been fixed for Saturday, December 21. The budget will be ready for turning over to the county assessor early in January.
    The budget calls for a reduction of $36,572.05 over last year. The reduction in the state tax is estimated at $100,000 less than last year, or $92,211.96, making the total reduction, state and county, $128,784.01.
    The total amount for the 1930 budget was $348,383.15; and this year $301,811.10. The total state apportionment last year was $198,211.96. It has not been compiled for the present year, but is estimated at close to $100,000.
    The total state and county amount last year was $540,595.11; this year $411,811.10.
    The county reduction amounts to 10.1 percent less than last year. The chamber of commerce budget committee, headed by W. H. Gore, urged a 40 percent cut.
    The budget committee followed closely the recommendations, but found in many cases like school funds they encountered rigid state laws. In the funds for the care of the poor, the chamber committee recommended a cut, and the budget committee allowed a slight increase, holding that the time augured more needy.
    The levy for the county library fund was cut in two, to .2 of a mill. A petition was filed with the county court yesterday by Jacksonville citizens protesting against the cut as too drastic, and letters were received from taxpayers protesting the decrease. The county library slash is scheduled to be an issue at the public hearing.
    County districts, now reached or tapped by the proposed market road, for which no levy was budgeted, also plan to protest against the action, it is understood.
    The budget committee provided for a .6 of a mill levy for general roads, which will raise about $20,000, which will be used for emergency relief work on the roads.
    The first of the city, school and road levies for the year have arrived at the assessor's office for extension on the tax rolls and will be added to the state and county levies. According to Assessor J. B. Coleman, they will be about the same as last year. The budgets show that some of the districts have reduced their school allowance, increased their road budgets and vice versa, and that when all added up will total little, if any, less than last year.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 29, 1931, page 9


    The county court expects to take action the coming week, looking towards the launching of emergency relief work in this county, with county funds and financial aid assured by the state highway commission. The amount is problematical, but Jackson County expects to be apportioned $20,000 from the state funds, and will raise a similar amount by .06 of a mill levy in the new budget.
    About 40 men are now employed on preliminary emergency road work on the Crater Lake Highway and the Green Springs Mountain road. These men all have three or four dependents and are among the most urgent cases.
    In dispensing the emergency road work, the county court will do so, as far as possible, in accordance with the need of the applicants and the number of dependents. A checkup of the 1000 or more applicants will be made. County officials said that in a cursory examination of the application blanks they had found many, who while possibly lacking finances, had a full cupboard and shelter, and were able to weather the stress far better than others, who paid rent, and by force of circumstances had been unable to lay by a store of food.
    A policy will be worked out within the next few days, whereby the relief will be apportioned equitably, under the same rotation as last winter. It is hoped to have the work under way in time for the workers to have a measure of Christmas cheer.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 29, 1931, page 12


    Forty-five men were sent out this morning on emergency relief work on the Crater Lake Highway and the Green Springs Mountain road, and the two gangs will work until Saturday. All the men sent out today have dependents and were given work after a close check. No work is granted unless the applicant has a card.
    The county is now giving as much work as possible, with the limited funds at hand, and expending every dollar where it will do the most good.
    The $20,000 for emergency relief work included in the budget will not be available until after the first of the year. No money has been received from the state highway commission, Jackson County's share being estimated at $25,000. When the state highway fund will be available is unknown.
    Preliminary work of the excavation for the new courthouse started this morning, two steam shovels being on the job. This work will not take over two weeks, including the installation of drainage pipe.
    It is expected that work on the main construction will start shortly after the first of the year. The county court and citizens' advisory committee will hold sessions at an early date to decide on the alternative bids.
    The courthouse work is expected to employ between 50 and 75 men regularly, chiefly skilled labor until completed in six months.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 30, 1931, page 3


    Letters voicing a vigorous protest against the county budget cutting the levy for the county library fund from .02 of a mill to .01 of a mill continued to reach the county court today. All the protests came from residents of country districts, and Gold Hill, Butte Falls, Eagle Point, Rogue River, Jacksonville and outlying settlements.
    The matter of restoring the levy to its original .02 of a mill will probably be aired at the public hearing on the budget to be held Saturday, December 21. Any change rests with the budget committee. The Medford Chamber of Commerce tax committee, W. H. Gore, chairman, in its recommendations asked that the county library levy be eliminated entirely. The budget committee split the difference. The .02 of a mill levy raised $7,929.
    Proponents of the county library levy, in their letters and petitions, set forth that the branch libraries maintained throughout the county are a source of enjoyment and instruction to residents, and mean as much to the rural areas as the movies do to the cities, and that they are liberally patronized the year around by young and old, and are a part of the rural school system.
    Letters protesting the slash have been received from the Parent-Teacher Council, the Gold Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, business men and heavy property owners and prominent women of the county.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 1, 1931, page 5


    In accordance with the suggestion of J. M. Devers, attorney for the state highway commission, the county court at an early date will appoint a "willing-to-aid" committee. The object of the committee is to give advice to wage-earners who by reason of the stress of the time are temporarily unable to meet payments on their homes and articles bought on the installment plan. The county court is considering the personnel of the committee. An effort is being made to secure men versed in the ways of the law, business and finance.
    The Devers letter explains that at present there are many residents of the state who, by reason of unemployment, are unable to make any payments and are in danger of losing their homes. Attorney Devers holds that in many instances advice and sound help will enable the homeowners to tide over their difficulty. The letter sets forth that "the home owner is potentially the best type of citizen, and should be assisted, as an integral part of the social fabric."
    "Willing-to aid" committees will be named in all the counties of the state and are expected to be in operation at an early date.    
Medford Mail Tribune, December 1, 1931, page 5


    The county highway crews have been doing considerable work in this district this week, in line with their program for unemployment relief, with several local men receiving work here.
    The construction work includes widening of shoulders, clearing of ditches and culverts, and considerable filling of holes and patching.
    The city has also done considerable similar work, which has brought needed improvement to our streets.
Gold Hill News, December 3, 1931, page 1


    A miner by the name of Ross, a recent arrival in these parts with his family of three children, was detained Friday by game authorities, charged with possession of venison out of season. He abided in an abandoned upper Applegate cabin, and all the food in the larder was the illegal deer meat. The officers came upon Ross and his flock by accident, while investigation a stock killing case.
    District Attorney Codding, after hearing the facts in the case, directed that Ross be allowed possession of the deer meat--even if it was out of season--and through the Red Cross, he was given other food to go with the venison. Then he was taken back to the cabin, to resume his pocket-hunting and panning for gold.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 6, 1931, page 12


    The chamber of commerce tax reduction committee, William H. Gore, chairman, and members of the county library board met at the chamber of commerce last night and discussed the slash in the county library levy in the budget from .02 of a mill to .01 of a mill. Rural districts of the county protested the cut. As a result of the session, it is understood that the chamber of commerce committee will recommend that the library fund levy be restored, but that it be deducted from other levies.
    The chamber of commerce-Gore committee, at the public hearing on the budget set for Monday, December 21, will urge that the budget be left as advertised, and that the state law allowing for a 10 percent additional levy be unused. The budget is advertised at approximately $311,000, so it could be raised approximately $11,000.
    At the public hearing, each item of the budget will be read separately and discussed. It is anticipated that practical abolishments of the market road fund will be the storm center. Sentiment is reported as increasing in the county districts and Ashland that this is too drastic action. The Dead Indian road, out of Ashland, and the Lake Creek market road, in the east portion of the county, and the Sams Valley road on the floor of the valley, are the chief routes affected. It also cuts into a source of employment in the summer and fall for the menfolk of the rural areas, and they have felt it heavily this year.
    One of the arguments advanced is that Medford now has all the roads paved and otherwise desired, and is therefore not solicitous for other sections.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 8, 1931, page 5


    According to statistics compiled by Victor Tengwald, secretary of the county clerk, 1300 residents of Jackson County have registered for work on the new county courthouse and the emergency relief work. This is more than a 200 increase over the number registered two weeks ago. The present figure is expected to be increased.
    Since the last compilation of figures, the Ashland total mounted from 117 to 317, an increase of 200. In the other districts and this city the number remains practically the same, and are as follows:
    Medford……………………….687
    Ashland……………………….317
    Central Point…………………60
    Eagle Point-Trail…………….55
    Gold Hill………………………40
    Jacksonville………………….31
    Talent………………………….33
    Phoenix……………………….23
    Miscellaneous………………..27
    Assignment of men for next week's emergency road work on the Crater Lake and Greensprings routes and the Gold Hill district have been completed. Fifty-five men, all with three or more minor children, will start next week, the same number as now employed. This is all that can be assisted because of the limited county funds available. When the state highway commission will make available funds recently voted is not known, but they will probably not be released until after the budget-making throughout the state has been completed, January 1.
    A check of the financial and food conditions of all applicants are made by county and civic agencies before any of the present small amount of labor is granted.
    Work on the new county courthouse is expected to be in full swing by February 1. It is expected the number of employees on this job will range from 50 to 75 men, chiefly skilled workmen.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 10, 1931, page 12


    When the Jackson County unemployment relief work is completed, Gold Hill will find that it has received many improvements to the highway here, under the plan. This last week the men have graded the shoulders in the blocks past the old dance hall here, widening the roadbed considerably, and bringing the entire width of the road to a uniform grade. This work is to be continued along the entire highway, making the road much safer than formerly. Local men are doing the work as much as possible, and the city in general appreciates the efforts of the county court in making these improvements a part of their winter's program.
"Local Happenings," Gold Hill News, December 10, 1931, page 4


    The county court and budget committee, with the citizens' advisory committee, and a delegation of citizens from the Ashland chamber of commerce in attendance, in session yesterday afternoon, approved changes in the county budget as first printed, which permit the use of Indiana limestone and Ashland granite in the construction of the new county courthouse.
    A levy of .04 of a mill was approved to provide approximately $14,200 for construction, and at the same time the county library fund, previously slashed in two, was restored to the original levy of .02 of a mill. The cut brought protests from the rural districts and towns benefited by the county library work.
    Ashland granite, under the new conditions, will be used in steps, buttresses, pier bases, rails, caps and in the five entrances to the structure. The Indiana limestone will be used in the entire building, instead of the pastel brick, at a cost of only $10,000. This was regarded by the court, the advisory committee and all concerned as a good bargain. Indiana limestone, according to builders and architects, will stand to the ages, and is a stone of dignity and beauty. Many taxpayers voice their approval of the use of limestone.
   The county court and advisory committee were in session this morning, considering alternate bids for vaults and vault linings.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 11, 1931, page 6


    First steps in a program for re-establishment of payrolls by certain local industries to relieve the present unemployment problem confronting Medford were launched by the Chamber of Commerce board of directors at the regular session last night.
    A group of men was selected, following extensive discussion of the matter, to devise such a program. The group includes W. H. Gore, B. E. Harder, C. W. McDonald, Earl Fehl, Earl Gaddis, O. C. Boggs, A. C. Hubbard and O. O. Alenderfer, president of the chamber.
    The first move of the committee will be to contact and confer with some interests in the community that might produce payrolls.
    Proposed inclusion of Diamond Lake in the Crater Lake National Park was also discussed. The chamber of commerce has been asked to oppose such a movement, but the board of directors decided in view of the fact that no legislation promoting the move has been introduced that it would be profitable to consider both side of the question before taking a stand in the matter.
    A committee was appointed to make this investigation. It is made up of J. C. Thompson, A. P. Johnsen and H. S. Deuel.
    Two referenda presented by the national chamber of commerce received endorsement of the local board. No. 58, concerning continuity of business and employment, was presented with recommendation of the local committee, headed by W. W. Allen, and the 10 recommendations endorsed.
    The recommendations read:
    "The anti-trust laws should be modified so as to make clear that the laws permit agreements increasing the possibilities of keeping production related to consumption.
    Modification of the anti-trust laws should include provision for governmental supervision in order that agreements which are not in the public interest in stabilization of business operations and employment may be nullified.
    Business desiring to combine should have opportunity to ascertain from a suitable government authority whether or not the proposed combination will be in violation of the anti-trust laws.
    The principles of a national economic council should be placed in effect. For each field of business a representative trade association should perform the functions of an economic council.
    Aided by increased opportunity for stability of operations, each employer should so plan operations as to assure the greatest possible number of employees there will be work for the greatest possible number of weeks in the year.
    Aided by increased opportunity for stabilization, employers individually and collectively should provide adequate reserves for unemployment and other benefits for their employees.
    Through trade associations employers should make such reserves and benefits uniform throughout each field of business, in all states.
    Unemployment, which now exists and may presently occur, should be dealt with upon an individual basis, locally, through organizations to that end.
    Needed relief should be provided through private contributions supplemented by state and local governments, and without any federal appropriations for such purposes.
    Referendum No. 59, presented by the special committee, headed by Mr. Johnsen, asks that a tribunal of officials of the federal government, familiar with national resource industries, coal, oil and timber, be authorized to permit agreements for curtailment of production in such industries during the continuance of a condition of overproduction. The recommendation involves amendment to the Sherman Anti-Trust Law to allow curtailment of production.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 16, 1931, page 11


    According to word from the county seat thirteen hundred residents of Jackson County have registered for work on the new county court house and emergency relief jobs. Of this number 40 are from Gold Hill. Forty-five men were assigned work this week on the Crater Lake and Greensprings roads and on the Pacific Highway through Gold Hill. This is all that can be assisted by funds available in the county. However, the state highway commission is expected to make available funds to carry on more relief work soon after the first of the year. Work on the courthouse will be in full swing about the first of February.
"Local Happenings," Gold Hill News, December 17, 1931, page 4


    Persons with names of needy families, to whom Christmas baskets are to be sent, are urged to turn them in to the Salvation Army at once, Ensign J. R. Pack stated last night.
    This year's list will be a long one and relief organizations will need more time than usual for preparing and distributing the baskets.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 20, 1931, page 12


    The Department of Agriculture report on the economic survey conducted in the Medford and Talent irrigation districts last November is expected to be filed early in January, and shortly thereafter, according to Olen Arnspiger, manager of the irrigation district, a meeting will be held with the representatives of the bondholders to discuss readjustment matters. The two irrigation districts a month ago announced a heavy cut in their water rates for the coming season.
    Survey experts of the government spent a month making a survey of the two irrigation districts this fall, covering every angle, and the report will be basis for the negotiations.
    Manager Arnspiger Saturday described the irrigation water situation of the valley for next year as "far better than last year, but still nothing to brag about." Snowfall and rain the balance of this month and in January are still to come. To date more snow has fallen in the mountains than all last winter.
    The warm wind and sun of the past two days has caused the snow at Fish Lake to drop from 32 inches depth to 22 inches, but the melting water is still held in the snow, and subject to future freezing. There has been no runoff. All streams of the county are carrying a fair flow of water.
    After the first of the year, the county watermaster department will start taking measurements of snow. Retrenchment this year limits the measuring to January and February. The county records, however, will be augmented by the records of the California-Oregon Power Company, which keeps a record of the snowfall through its line patrolmen.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 20, 1931, page 12




    Another week and Old Man 1931 will depart forever, to the great relief of a harassed and groggy world. "Good riddance to bad rubbish'' will be the popular verdict.
    But like most popular verdicts it isn't entirely true. The law of compensation works with years, as it does with other things. And if it isn't generally recognized now, it will be eventually, that the dark year of 1931 had its rays of sunshine.
    Like a major operation the deflation of 1931 was painful, but the patient has survived, the maladjustments have been corrected, the poisons eliminated, and a period of better health, greater happiness and prosperity is just ahead.
    The present situation of the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company provides an excellent example in the local field. As a result of the depression, it now appears likely that this company will resume operations, under more favorable conditions than ever before.
    It took the body-blow of 1931 to bring this about. The closing down of the mill brought home to the people of this community what it meant to THEM.
    As a result the local support and assistance that were lacking in the golden days of '29 will not be lacking in 1932. An excessive tax burden will be reduced. Local consumption of Owen-Oregon products will be increased. And even more important the quality of lumber in Medford and Southern Oregon will be raised--the cost to the consumer lowered.
    Mr. Owen declares Medford lumber dealers have shipped in inferior grades, and maintained an excessive scale of prices. This statement has been publicly confirmed by a member of the Chamber of Commerce committee named to investigate the situation.
    This is a serious charge. If true, it not only worked a great injustice upon the Owen-Oregon company; but upon the people of Southern Oregon.
    Whatever the final outcome, this much is certain--thanks to the black year of 1931, such a condition will not exist again.
    What is true here is true in general, all over the world. The destructive forces of 1931 were terrible. But sunshine always follows the storm, thunder and lightning deal death, but they also clear the atmosphere for new life.
    Nineteen thirty-one marked a period of critical illness for the economic world, but in the economic as in the physical realm, such a period, when not fatal, marks the triumph of health over disease.
    This may not be so apparent now. But it will be in the future, when a true perspective of the year 1931 is attained.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 24, 1931, page 4


    The state highway commission is scheduled to hold sessions tomorrow and Friday, when it is expected and hoped that action will be taken, according to promise, to release funds for emergency relief work on the highways. To date, much has been said but nothing done, while a discussion continued over which road into Portland should be widened.
    Jackson County has tentatively been promised between $20,000 and $25,000 as its share of the emergency fund. It is thought that the money will be received early in January, and that plans will be formulated for the proposed widening of the Pacific Highway over the Siskiyous, so that local labor can secure work.
    The county at present is carrying on emergency work through a depleted emergency fund which will be exhausted by December 31. This sum, totaling $8,800, also takes care of the bounties on wild animals and provides for the poor and the operation of the county woodpile at Jacksonville. Twenty thousand dollars is included in the 1932 budget for relief work and care of poor not otherwise provided for, but it will be spread over 365 days.    
    Storm conditions prevented work this week on the Green Springs road. It affected 25 men. Clearing of the weather will bring a resumption. No further authorizations for emergency relief work will be issued until next Wednesday, Victor Tengwald, clerk of the county court, has announced.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 30, 1931, page 8


    The most significant fact of 1931, from the standpoint of this valley, was:
    HIGHER AVERAGE PRICES WERE PAID FOR PEARS THAN FOR ANY OTHER PRODUCT OF THE SOIL IN THIS COUNTRY.
    With agricultural and horticultural products in general falling far below 1930, in many cases reaching new record lows for the present decade--
    Prices secured for local pears in 1931 were 100 percent better than in 1930, and returned profits comparing favorably with the best years in recent history.
    The precise cause for this gratifying and surprising situation has, as far as we know, not been determined. The explanation most generally accepted is the short crop. Yet statistics show that in the New York market, which determines the national price, the average daily sales in November of 1931 were only two cars less than in the year before.
    Perhaps the inauguration of the eastern pear advertising campaign had something to do with it; perhaps a shortage in other competing fruits, during the peak of the season,  was an important factor.
    Whatever the exact cause, the fact remains that during the depression year of 1931, good prices for pears were not only established at the outset, but in spite of declines in all other food products, were consistently maintained.
    For all of which let us be duly thankful, and let us hope that in the coming year of 1932, our most important industry may do as well.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1932, page 4


    Thirteen workers of the city and valley have been assigned by the county court to employment on the county woodpile at Jacksonville, the detachment starting Saturday morning. The pay is 25 cents per hour.
    No authorization for work on emergency road projects will be made until Wednesday of the coming week. Storm conditions on the Green Springs Mountain road caused suspension of labor. Twenty-five men reported for work Monday and Tuesday but were forced to return.
    It is expected that early in the month the state highway commission will take steps towards putting crews to work on the Pacific Highway widening work, but this is not certain as a disagreement has arisen over which road to widen into Portland. An early adjustment of the argument is expected.
    It is also anticipated that in the early spring the Forest Service will employ crews of men repairing trails and making new ones. Nothing definite about this will be known for several weeks, however.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 3, 1932, page 3


    The committee from the Medford Chamber of Commerce, having in charge the readjustment of local conditions, for re-operation of the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company plant in this city, will confer the coming week with James H. Owen, general manager of the company, on future plans. The committee includes W. H. Gore, L. E. Wakefield, O. C. Boggs, Ben Harder, Earl C. Gaddis and Earl H. Fehl. They expect to iron out all difficulties within the month.
    The plans are still in a highly formative stage, but good progress has been made. There are still a number of details to be arranged. Community cooperation is being sought, and it is hoped that the mill will be able to resume early in the spring. It is probable that a start will be made with a small force and increase if conditions justify.
    It is understood that assurances have been received from state and county levying bodies that consideration will be shown the lumber company in 1933 in the matter of valuation and assessments. It is too late to do anything this year, as the valuation and assessments have been fixed.
    Papers for the reorganization of the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company are expected to be filed at Salem at an early date.
    Upstate and Northwest reports show that there is a healthier tone in the lumber market at present than noted for several months, due to a demand in depleted yard stocks and a curtailing of production by the mills the past 18 months.
    W. H. Gore, one of the committee leaders, holds that the re-establishment of mills' payroll is of basic importance to the city and county, as it would provide one avenue of money circulation. Most of the mill employees are small homeowners.
    The general sentiment of the people of the city and county is that consideration should be shown the industry in any way that will aid its operation in the future.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 4, 1932, page 10


    A ray of sunshine came yesterday to the financial affairs of Jackson County and the industrial prospects of this city, with the forwarding of a check for $10,000 to the tax collecting department, to be applied to the taxes of the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company. The payment was made through James H. Owen, general manager of the timber company. Payment of the balance of the tax, amounting to approximately $17,000, is anticipated at an early date.
    Yesterday's tax contribution was the largest since last November and will substantially reduce the anticipated tax delinquency for the coming year.
    The payment by the Owen-Oregon company indicates a willingness to meet conditions, and that eastern representatives and bondholders find a pleasing spirit of cooperation here.
    The Owen-Oregon company has not designated as yet what land they desire the $10,000 to apply upon, but is expected to reach a decision soon. It is understood that the company views some of its holdings as not worth paying taxes upon and will act accordingly.
    The mill company delayed making tax payments while readjustments were under way, as they still are.
    William H. Gore, chairman of the Medford Chamber of Commerce; Ben Harder, chairman of the budget committee, and Earl H. Fehl met with the county court this morning and discussed in a general way plans for the granting of tax leniency to property holders.
    They asked that the county court abolish the item in the 1932 budget calling for a levy for $24,880.57, to cover the anticipated tax delinquency. This would reduce the millage and furnish relief to many able to pay but hesitant because of the delinquency. Chairman Harder broached the matter and said that waiver of the delinquency claims in whole or part would provide a source of county cheer and needed aid in a period of readjustment.
    W. H. Gore held that the "times demand something be done, and that the county should accept part payments when the taxpayer was unable to pay more." He further said such a step would encourage agricultural and horticultural interests, and favored the working out of a plan whereby some form of relief could be extended. He held that the anticipated delinquency levy appropriation was in the nature of a double tax. Gore said now was the time to strive for action that would benefit one and all and tend to curb the wave of discouragement by cooperation.
    The county court held that it was willing to extend whatever aid was legal, but that tax collection had been complicated by the "eight percent delinquency penalty law," which halted instead of encouraging tax payments. There is a tendency to grant concessions in tax payments, if within the state law, and would not react favorably in coming years.
    Any tax relief move adopted will be embodied in the 1932 budget, which will be under consideration today for certification to the county assessor, for extension on the tax rolls.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 5, 1932, page 1


    The county court this morning gave consideration to a plan submitted by Dr. J. F. Reddy and G. I. Maxwell, both experienced mining men, whereby between 300 and 500 unemployed of this county would be given employment, placer mining on county-owned land in Jacksonville and adjacent territory. The county court promised to view a demonstration, and take whatever steps were necessary.
    The plan is substantially as follows:
    There is gold-bearing land in the vicinity of Jacksonville. On five lots in that city, men are now placer mining, netting from $3 to $12 per day, by use of pick and shovel and "rocker."
    The county to furnish $125 for the purchase of lumber to make "rockers," and incidental minor expenses.
    To provide "intelligent direction" for the unemployed in their mining, and to give them the proceeds of their pans.
    To use county machinery, now idle, in the operations of the county to furnish shovels and picks when needed, and food to last until the first cleanup.
    Dr. Reddy and Mr. Maxwell both said that the plan would furnish work for weeks, that it would make the workers independent of charity, reduce the ranks of the jobless. Mr. Maxwell said that it had been demonstrated by the operations now under way by individuals that "at least a living wage could be earned and maybe more."
    Maxwell said there was sufficient placer land to care for all who desired to work and that after the first instructions "there was no great trick that anybody could not learn."
    For several [omission] Jacksonville residents have been operating on a small scale on town lots and averaging more than the average worker's wage in these days.
    The county court viewed the plan favorably, and felt that it was a humanitarian plan, besides furnishing much-needed employment on a wholesale scale.
    Dr. Reddy and Mr. Maxwell thought that plenty of expert advice on placer mining would be available on call, and that they would submit their position to the Medford chamber of commerce and other civic organizations.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 6, 1932, page 1


    J. M. Devers, attorney for the state highway commission, has advised the county court that recent developments have made it highly probable that most of the burden of relief employment will fall upon the counties of the state, and that they should act accordingly in mapping labor plans for the balance of the winter and spring.
    Attorney Devers in his letter sets forth that the "$1,000,000 in bonds voted by the state highway commission will be inadequate to take care of the estimated 40,000 unemployed in the state." Expected financial aid from the federal government will not be forthcoming to match the state funds, Washington, D.C., has announced.
    The apportionment of the state highway funds will be made next Wednesday and Thursday at a meeting of the county judges and the state highway commission, when it is expected a definite plan will be adopted.
    The unemployment measures to date have been delayed by waiting for action by federal agencies, and for the state highway commission to come to a decision on what road into Portland they intended to widen.
    It is estimated that the counties of the state by the use of emergency funds and balances in roads funds, and the small amount received from the state highway fund, have furnished part-time work to 10,000 men, or one-fourth of the total unemployed.
    It is urged that each county do as much public work as possible to relieve the situation and to aid wherever possible the awakening of industry. In Douglas County, the county court has appropriated sums for the work on the Tiller-Trail road, which will be matched with federal funds. This work will start in the spring. A special levy, for the carrying on of similar work in this county, was overwhelmingly defeated. No road project of any importance is planned in the 1932 budget, as the road funds were slashed to the bone by retrenchment and reduction.
    The Jackson County court, the county engineer, and a delegation of citizens will attend the state highway commission meeting in the interests of the county.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 14, 1932, page 8


    A record crowd is expected to fill the circuit court room here tomorrow afternoon when the open meeting of county school officers and rural teachers will be held to consider resolutions recently adopted by the committee from the Jackson County School Officers Association, recommending a 15 to 25 percent cut in teachers' salaries and dismissal of married teachers in secondary schools of the county.
    If the courtroom, as upon a previous occasion, proves too small for the crowd, members will progress to the Armory to hear the "onslaught" upon married teachers and salaries, scheduled to be led by C. C. Hoover of Jacksonville and E. T. Newbry of Phoenix.
    Although the teachers of rural districts have so far failed to make an organized attempt to retaliate, much opposition to the move is reported among residents of county districts, and it is believed that both sides of the question will be represented when the crowd gathers in this city Saturday afternoon.
    Two members of the committee, according to the report, have been contacting board members in various districts, preparatory to the meeting, and will have an organized delegation present when the questions are presented for discussion at the open forum.
    Rural teachers, it is pointed out by the opposition, are already securing much less than teachers in first-class schools of Southern Oregon, even considering cuts recently made in the budgets of Medford, Ashland and Klamath Falls.
    An additional cut in the salaries now paid the county school teachers would result in increased discrimination, the parents claim, against county children. The city schools are already attracting the best qualified teachers, because of salary differences and more desirable conditions under which to work. The need to save money, emphasized by the committee and considered the inspiration for the entire move, fails, many feel, to equal the need for well-qualified teachers in the rural districts, where the bulk of responsibility is placed upon the teacher, who has no principal or superintendent to consult each day regarding conduct of the school.
    It is also reported that a 10 percent cut in salaries would amount to a saving of only .0001 or 10 cents on a $1000.
    "The school system is not a dole system," another answers the committee's desire to dismiss the married teachers and give the jobs to single girls more in need of them. Teachers are hired because of ability and character on an individual basis, regardless of married status, and should continue to be hired on that basis in the future, is the opinion advanced.
    Numerous other theories are expected to flow from the mouths of participants in the discussion tomorrow afternoon if weather conditions do not force the farmers to stay by their own firesides.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 15, 1932, page 5


    An erroneous impression seems to have been gained in some quarters that the Humane Society is going out of business due to financial stress, which false rumor probably arose through representatives of the society appearing before the city council last Tuesday evening and asking that the city government contribute to the operation of the dog pound and license collecting which the society has been operating for the city for the past year or so, else because of lack of funds for this purpose the society could no longer shoulder the city's dog problem after this month.
    The Humane Society is well established in its humanitarian work, is here to stay, and is doing a wonderful work in relieving suffering among needy and distressed children and adults. It is only the city pound and dog license collection feature that it asks the city government to support, and it feels justified in so doing because of taking all this necessary work off of the city's hands.
    The directors of the organization do far more for the relief of human suffering in dollars and cents that they do for animal suffering, Mrs. Richardson, the secretary of the society, points out, and adds: "And if these so-called howlers about the pitiful shelters for humans would get out and work for better ones they could do it 100 times easier than the animal shelter was built, because there isn't a human being but who is not interested in children and human relief.
    "The Humane Society is well established and at present is adding an isolation ward in the shelter to care for further human suffering. We have in connection with our humane officer's home a room, perfectly appointed for any human cruelly treated, or in distress.
    "In going before the city council the society only asked the city officials to permit us to assist them in the performance of one of the city's civic duties, which we cannot perform for nothing.
    "The humane idea does not enter our appearing before the city council, and the only reason the city has hired us in the past to take care of its dog problems is due to the fact that we can do it for less money than the city can do it, itself.
    "The city council was approached to do something for the city of Medford, not the Humane Society, and the garden lovers within the city certainly insist that dogs be controlled, according to the city ordinance requiring them being locked up or held in leash for three months after April 1st."
    The Humane Society, besides its other humane work of the past week, provided for three different destitute families and assisted in getting jobs for needy unemployed. The society in its animal relief department does not receive over $30 a month in private contributions.    
Medford Mail Tribune, January 24, 1932, page 3


    In the way of relieving the local unemployment situation in the city of Medford, through City Superintendent Fred Scheffel, the latter provides employment, in shifts, of about 20 men a week--at least it averaged that last month and so far this month--in putting them at work at extra common municipal labor, in stretches of three days each, at 35 cents an hour pay.
    For instance, eight men were placed at work yesterday morning at cleaning out gutters and the like, and after they have worked three days they are replaced by eight other unemployed men for three days, and so on. Of course, only local men are so employed, heads of needy families being given preference.
    One peculiar feature about the city's providing this extra labor in the way of unemployment relief is that quite a number of citizens who lack money with which to pay delinquent assessments owed to the city beseech to be given employment at this extra work, they volunteering that all the money thus earned be retained by the city to be applied on whatever delinquent sum [is] owed. A number of such have been given brief employment during the last two months.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 24, 1932, page 5


    The city council at a meeting on Saturday took steps to aid the unemployment situation in this city at once by appropriating $5000 from the street and road fund and the emergency fund. This money will be expended at once, instead of waiting for summer construction.
    Employees of the city voluntarily offered to contribute $2000 of their pay within the next four months, which will also be used in the furnishing of employment to the city jobless.
    This will furnish $7000 for employment at once and will be used as a unit of the "Muncie plan," now getting under way in this city.
    The employment will be rotated and furnished through the various civic relief organizations. Cards will be issued for labor on much the same basis as the county does.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 24, 1932, page 1


    In furtherance of the unemployed relief work now being carried on by the City of Medford, and in promotion of purely relief work, Olen Arnspiger, chairman of the Medford Water Commission, announced today that fund will be made available immediately, in the amount of approximately $7,000, which, coupled with a like appropriation made by the city council last Saturday, will bring the funds available for unemployment work to approximately $14,000, all of which will be available within the next two months.
    The water commission's work, a major portion of which will be spent directly in the employment of labor, will be largely directed toward replacement of the old wooden pipe line between the city reservoir and the city water mains. A policy of paying $2.00 per 8-hour day for labor on this work has been determined upon.
    In accordance with plans already adopted by city employees of accepting wage cuts of from 10 percent to 15 percent, proceeds of which will be devoted to unemployment work, employees of the city water department have also agreed to a similar plan, providing a part of the sum mentioned above as being available for this purpose.
    In order that the rotation of employment among those in need of relief may be established on a methodical basis, all workers will be registered at the city employment bureau under the direction of Chris Gottlieb, and a committee composed of C. T. Baker, Robert Duff, Fred Scheffel, Vic Tengwald and Mr. Gottlieb has been designated to have charge of this portion of the work.
    The most needy cases will have first consideration, according to the information released by the committee, and the lists of those being  supported by the relief agencies in the community are being taken as a basis for first call on city and water commission work.
    It is expected that, through this fund made available by the city and the water commission, plus the private work which will be done through the "Muncie Plan," that a large portion of the unemployed in Medford can be taken care of for the next three months. Workers on the Muncie Plan, under the direction of Colonel W. H. Paine, started active solicitation today and the first reports of their activities will be available tomorrow.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 26, 1932, page 1


    Following their informal conference of last Saturday in the mayor's office, to accept the voluntary offer of the city employees to donate $2000 to the city to expend for municipal work, and the tentative decision reached then in addition to spend $5000 of city funds to aid in relieving local unemployment at once, the city council held another special meeting in the city clerk's office yesterday, at which they ratified the action of Saturday's conference.
    It was decided at this meeting that the $5000 should come eventually from the revolving fund sum, but not to directly touch the revolving fund until next fall when all the city's share of tax receipts is collected, and the exact amount is known.
    To avoid tapping the revolving fund directly now,  $5000 worth of revolving fund bonds will be issued and sold for the purpose, so as to make the sum available at once for use as fast as needed. Local business concerns will probably buy all these bonds, as several have already volunteered to buy $1000 each. By this method the cash in local banks will not be distributed all at once.
    The city officials were loath to issue $5000 in city warrants now, for such procedure would take precedence over all other warrants issued after that, and they did not want to burden the banks further with carrying city warrants and run the risk of having them protested.
    It is the plan to begin spending the $7000 at once, by setting unemployed needy local men to work at 25 cents per hour in straightening street corners, cleaning drains and doing other necessary city work inexperienced men can do under experienced supervision.
   So that the employment can take in as many needy men as possible, they will be rotated in groups, each working a few days at a time.
    The voluntary contribution of the $2000 from employees, from the city treasurer and city recorder down to the lowest regularly employed laborer of the city, and including among others the fire and police chiefs, will be raised by taking so much per month out of each man's pay, amounting in all to $500 per month for the next five months.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 26, 1932, page 1


    Sheriff Ralph Jennings of Jackson County reported Saturday a decline in roistering in Medford and Jackson County the past month, also a decline in attendance at dances--country and city. The law aide figures that the "people are too hard up to buy moonshine." An alleged bootlegger nabbed last week with three gallons of whiskey retorted: "You people might as well have it--you can't sell the stuff anymore."
    Federal Prohibition Agent L. I. Moon last week also reported a drop in liquor activity with few, if any, rum cars coming over the Siskiyous. He said "the boys are scary, and the public broke."
    Only a few arrests for minor infractions of the liquor laws have been made the past three weeks.
Gold Hill News, January 28, 1932, page 1


    After only a week of work on the county lots at Jacksonville which had been turned over to the unemployed for an opportunity to placer mine and perhaps eke out a dollar now and then, the plan has been abandoned. This announcement was made Monday by George Maxwell, who had introduced the plan, and offered his instruction to the men who came to the county's property to mine.
    In contrast to this is the Josephine County case.
    That county has taken over some old abandoned claims for the taxes. They are located about three miles up the river from Grants Pass near the old Ament dam, and lately a tiny community has sprung up, with its members eking out a living of 50¢ or 75¢ a day--often a day 10 to 14 hours long.
    County officials who learned of the newcomers thought that the land was being dug up too much, so the sheriff haled the men to the courthouse.
    "If we can't dig gold, you'll have to feed us," one of the prospectors pointed out, and the judge finally sent them back to their diggings, where they are still located, and the county considers this phase of their unemployment problem well taken care of.
    At Jacksonville, of course, the problem of caring for the workers who were drifting to the town, many unskilled and unprepared in any way to feed and shelter themselves until they secured a little gold on the county property, is a situation with which the town is unable to cope. Another angle which developed through the publicity given the project was that some men came ready to buy likely lots, which brought a new angle into the case.
Gold Hill News, January 28, 1932, page 1


    An important change in the labor program for the city's unemployed was announced today following a meeting of the committee for placing the jobless, held at the chamber of commerce this morning. The three-day work period, originally adopted, has been extended to one week. Workmen who entered the city's employ Monday will continue through Saturday, with a new group of 32 men going to work Monday.
    The rotation plan will be continued with one week the basis of employment rather than three days, as first planned. Such a change was requested by 75 workers in meeting in Medford Saturday.
    There are 32 men now employed on city projects, and the county and state are employing approximately 80 men on highway and other relief programs.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 2, 1932, page 10


    Seventeen thousand, seven hundred dollars and fifty cents--that's the total announced yesterday for the Muncie drive to relieve unemployed in Medford. Work valued at that figure has been promised the jobless by local property owners, and other pledges are yet to be received.
    All but a small portion of the city has been covered by solicitors, and it is believed that workers have now been secured and some of them already started on all of the remaining area. It is believed that some work has been done that has not been reported. However, officials stated yesterday that reports received do account for the major parts of the city.
    The record established by the East Side in the drive has been the subject of much comment. This area, canvass of which was led by E. C. Gaddis, contributed $10,577.50 to the total for relief. Mr. Gaddis was assisted by members of the American Legion Auxiliary, who stand at the head of the list of amounts turned in as a result of the canvass. The total brought in from this action is cited as convincing proof that many thousands of dollars will be expended by the citizens at the time when the amount will do the most good.
    Frank Applegate and members of the local labor organization are also to be congratulated upon the active participation and interest taken in the drive. Two sections of the city, Colonel W. H. Paine stated yesterday, were especially benefited by the work of the labor group.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 7, 1932, page 7


    An organization known as the Talent Community Service for relief work in this community has been formed by representatives from various organizations, namely, the town council, business men, the Grange, the Baptist ladies' auxiliary, M.E. Aid Society, Rebekah club, schools and community club. There has been considerable progress made in focusing the efforts of various organizations for relief.
    Anyone knowing of people in the Talent community needing help is asked to report same to any one of the following: J. J. Tryon, W. E. Boyd, R. F. Parks, Mrs. W. H. Higgins, Mrs. Ed Borg, Mrs. Ida French, Mrs. Ormie Goddard, L. W. Tame and Professor Bowman.
    Donations of food, clean clothing or shoes for children will be gratefully received and placed by this organization where most needed. Any food or clothing brought in can be left at Tryon's store. Anyone having donations to make and cannot deliver to Mr. Tryon, same will be picked up if any of the committee is notified.
    The earnest cooperation of the community is solicited in taking care of the unemployed. Anyone having work of any kind should notify any of the above committee.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 15, 1932, page 8


    The city, under its relief plan, has so far employed altogether about 47 men and provided an average weekly wage of those employed of $12, is spending $40 daily and so far has spent $715.41 for this purpose, according to a report made to the city council last Friday night by City Superintendent Fred Scheffel.
    He listed the work being done by these men as follows:
    Cleaning of Bear Creek north of the Jackson Street bridge; cleaned up debris and hauled same away along the banks of Bear Creek between the Cottage Street and the Main Street bridges.
    Cut down shoulders of road on Columbus Avenue on both sides of the street from West Main to West Jackson; cleaned out gutters on the following dirt streets: Elm Street from Main to West Tenth; Benson from West Tenth to Prune Street; Austin Street from Riverside to Pine; Summit from Palm to West Fourth Street.
    Partially constructed 24-inch reinforced concrete drain pipe across West Fourth Street between Summit Avenue and Rose Avenue. Graded about 200 feet of roadway from the garage at airport to the main road.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 17, 1932, page 3


    Labor conditions in the Rogue River Valley have brightened somewhat the past ten days, with the coming of better weather.
    There are 115 men employed this week on county and state relief road work. This is the highest number yet engaged in this work. According to Victor Tengwald, secretary of the county court, this number will kept at work, probably for the next month or six weeks. The funds are from the general road money and made possible by a brisker payment of taxes than last year.
    Practically every section of the county is benefiting from the emergency with crews of men at Rogue River, Central Point, Trail, Talent, Phoenix, south of Ashland and in the Butte Falls district.
    It is hoped that the state highway commission will allot some road work to this county.
    Some men are finding employment in the orchards, but not as many as in previous years.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 25, 1932, page 7


    The Methodist Episcopal church, one of Medford's largest and most beautiful edifices, constructed in 1924 at a cost of approximately $100,000, will be sold under execution by Sheriff Jennings, March 31, it was announced today. Papers have been filed by Porter J. Neff, attorney for the Mercantile Commerce Bank and Trust Company, which has taken it over as trustee for the bondholders, against the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Board of Home Missions.
    The judgment against the church amounts to $28,000. One year is allowed for redemption. It is understood that several interests are ready to present bids at the sale. Among them will be the bondholders.
    No plans were announced today by the church board when interviewed regarding the future, although it has been rumored that the congregation will be moved back to the little white edifice on North Bartlett Street, which is now housing the Salvation Army.
    E. C. Koppen, chairman, stated, "We have no plans; we are financially incapacitated and there is nothing we can do but await the outcome."
    Financing of the church, interested parties believe, would have continued without difficulty in normal times. The sudden removal of money from circulation has brought about a condition which the supporters find it impossible to combat. Leniencies necessary to the carrying on of such a burden have not been forthcoming because of the general financial conditions existing throughout the country, it is stated.
    Several postponements have been made since the first announcement of the sale of the church. Until definite action is taken, the congregation will continue to meet there for services, led by Rev. Alexander G. Bennett, pastor.    
Medford Mail Tribune, March 1, 1932, page 1


    The city government is still providing employment for 25 men each week in emergency relief work, the personnel changing weekly. The work being done this week involves the construction of a drain in the alley between Rose and Summit avenues and West Main and Fourth streets, and of cleaning Bear Creek north of the Jackson Street bridge. Emergency relief workers recently completed the grading of gutters along Cedar Creek between Jackson and Clark streets.
    When the drain is finished in the alley immediately east of Rose Avenue, between West Fourth Street and Main Street, an improvement contemplated for years past, it will be of much importance to the west side of the city, as it is expected to put a stop to the flow of water during heavy rains in the south gutter of West Main, between Laurel and the west end.
    This improvement is expected to be completed by the end of the week. The ditch has already been dug as far as West Main Street, and the laying of pipe will begin today or tomorrow.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 2, 1932, page 7


    In an effort to conserve all surplus food by canning and drying, for relief work in the county next winter, is the purpose of the plan outlined by the home economics committees of eight Granges at their meeting in the Phoenix Grange hall.
    The food will be turned over to the county relief agencies for distribution, according to Mrs. Ray Ward, Pomona home economics chairman. The canning will be done by community groups when large quantities of fruits and vegetables are available, and smaller amounts will be canned in the homes.
    The Grange women will ask the cooperation of various merchants in contributing sugar and all Grangers will be solicited for fruit jars, as well as various organizations, Mrs. Ward said.
    Mabel Mack, county home demonstration agent, attended the meeting and announced that she would be willing to give canning demonstrations at the various Grange halls when women were preparing the food for preservation.
    Suggestion was made that each lady plant a little more this year, especially tomatoes, in order that the surplus could be turned over to charity. Plans were also arranged to can fruits and vegetables for use of the Grange.
    Mrs. Ward said arrangements were under way to conduct a vegetable exchange among Grangers of the various sections of the county.
    The women also voted to push the campaign to mark the Grange halls in the county in order that they might be readily located by visitors.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 9, 1932, page 5


    Startling figures regarding the cost of living in Medford revealed by questionnaires answered by instructors in the local school system, were released today by the city school superintendent's office. The figures show that the average teacher in the Medford schools is paying more for board and room this year than during either of the two preceding years. The average cost this year for all teachers who secure room and board together (at the same place) is $41.15. Last year the average was $37.50, while the year before it was $37.43. The cost to individual teachers this year ranges from $30 to $60.
    The average cost for room alone in 1929-30 was $17.43. In 1930-31 it was $18.25. this year it is $18.86. Board (three meals per day) cost $29.19 in 1929-30. It cost $27.77 in 1930-31, while this year the average cost is $30.13.
    Supt. E. H. Hedrick, when interviewed regarding the questionnaires, expressed great surprise at the condition they reveal, stating that while he was aware of no general reduction, he could not understand an increase, and is at a loss to explain it. The only possible explanation, he said, might be a movement on the part of the teachers into better living quarters. The returns do not indicate whether this has or has not been the case.
    A considerable number of the teachers do not pay board, but either own their own homes or rent houses and board themselves. In answering the questionnaires sent them by the school office, a large majority list a decided decrease in the price of groceries and a slight reduction in house rent. A great difference of opinion is expressed regarding the clothing situation, the consensus of opinion being that clothing of a certain standard is lower, but women's clothing of finer and higher quality practically unchanged in price.
    Most of the other living costs are listed as unchanged. Among the items where no reduction is noted are electric bills, water bills, medical and dental services, drugs, fuel, telephone, laundry, garbage disposal, newspapers, magazines, books, taxes and insurance.
   The amount teachers expended for charity, despite these figures, more than doubled between 1929-30 and 1930-31. This year the amount is approximately 40 percent more than in 1930-31.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 10, 1932, page 5


    When the work on widening of the intersection at North Oakdale and Eleventh streets is completed it will have finished all the emergency relief employment municipal work contemplated by the city at this time. The number of emergency relief employees has been decreased by last Wednesday to 15 from the average of about 20 to 25 in recent weeks. The demands for urgent relief employment from the city have gradually decreased since the orchard and other outside work has begun to open up, according to City Superintendent Scheffel.
    There has been expended from the city's emergency relief work fund to last Wednesday the sum of $2,203.12, leaving a balance of about $1300.
    The emergency relief employment crew of the city have completed the following work since March 1st:
    Storm drain from West Fourth St. to West Main St., between Quince St. and Rose Ave.
    Excavation of the parking and sidewalk areas on East Main St., near the James Owens property.
    Continued the cleaning of Bear Creek north of the Jackson Street bridge.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 17, 1932, page 5


    Hope for federal unemployment aid for this section was dimmed somewhat today by the receipt by the county court of a telegram from Senator Charles L. McNary, at Washington, D.C., conveying the information [that] no federal funds were now available. The message from Senator McNary was in response to one from the county court, and reads as follows:
    "Wire received. There exists no federal fund for unemployment relief. However, the House has passed an expanded road building program which is now on the Senate calendar, and which is thought will partially relieve the unemployment situation and will have my support. Recently Congress authorized the Red Cross to distribute a large quantity of government-owned wheat. I want to be of assistance if possible and would be glad to have you specify the manner in which I can be helpful."
Medford Mail Tribune, March 24, 1932, page 3


    Officers of the Timber Products Co. today announced that within the next ten days the company will open its saw mill for a regular two-shift run throughout the spring and, if conditions justify, throughout the summer and fall.
    This will be good news to the people of Medford. The Timber Products Co. (formerly the Tomlin Box Co.) has never shut down the box factory, but did shut down the mill yard and saw mill several months ago.
    This reopening of the saw mill and continuation of the box factory operation will give employment to 100 men and assures a steady payroll to former employees who have been laid off for a long time. The official announcement stressed the fact that one of their chief considerations in reopening now was to supply work for these loyal employees, and therefore no new men are wanted and should not apply.
    Another local prosperity note was sounded today when officers of the Southern Building and Loan Association announced they declared their regular 6 percent dividend today which will distribute considerable cash in the community, as the stockholders are practically all local residents.
    In spite of the country-wide depression, officers of this company declare the concern has enjoyed a normally good business, and an increase in business is anticipated, as Medford people with money to invest are coming to realize more and more that under prevailing conditions the best and safest place to invest money is at home.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 1, 1932, page 1


    This weekend marked the completion of the city water commission's relief work, by which 146 heads of families have been furnished with at least one week's work This project was started at the peak of the unemployment situation in Medford, as pointed out to the commission by the Unemployment Relief Committee. The work, starting when it did, was of immense value in relieving the tremendous load placed on the shoulders of the local relief organizations. Close cooperation was maintained with these organizations.
    The work consisted of replacing thirty-two hundred (3200) lineal feet of old 16-inch wood stave pipe with the same diameter welded steel pipe. The wood line was the last section of this trunk main to be replaced. It was constructed in 1910 and was in a very decayed condition. This project was budgeted for last fall.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 10, 1932, page 7


    A report of activities of the Lions' relief kitchen given by Lion Stewart showed a total of 5853 meals served at the kitchen this season.
    The Lions will continue operation of the kitchen through the next two months at least and are now serving 30 meals each day, he announced.
"Lions See Reels of Crater," Medford Mail Tribune, April 20, 1932, page 5


    The shrinkage in values since the stock market crash in 1929 is so great that in recent months no statistician has had the heart to announce it. Astronomical, rather than mathematical, is the way J. M. Keynes expresses it.
    It occurs to us [that] another shrinkage has been suffered which, to our knowledge, has never been mentioned. Yet in actual loss to the human race we wonder if this total is not greater than the total in dollars and cents!
   We refer to the loss in good will, in kindness, in tolerance--the qualities of human friendliness.
   We may be unduly pessimistic--but it does seem to the present writer that since this depression started--the growth in ill will, suspicion, and unfriendliness, in everyday human intercourse, has increased appallingly.
    One finds it on all sides. Not in the realm of intimate contacts so much, for the depression, like all catastrophes, has tended to bind the family and true friends closer together.
    But in the outside world so to speak--the relations between men as men, rather than as individuals. In this realm we should say the stock of good will has suffered a far greater fall from the bull market of 1929 than U.S. Steel, for example.
    The most striking evidence lies in the political campaign--even though the fireworks have not really started. The change has not been in the candidates--that hardy perennial, the professional mud slinger, we have always had with us.
    The change we have observed is in the people--the appalling numbers so willing to fall for this malicious poison, so ready to believe the WORST of their fellow man.
    Too bad. Perhaps it would help if more of us would remember:
            It's easy enough to be happy,
            When life goes by like a smile.
            But the man worth while
            Is the man who can smile.
            When everything goes--
            DEAD WRONG!
    The saddest feature of this collapse in friendliness is that it is unnecessary. Under present conditions the collapse of fortunes can't be prevented, but with a different attitude of mind, the collapse in friendships could be.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 25, 1932, page 4


    We believe that the success of the fruit industry in this valley rests in the honest effort of the entire community. Our future lies in our own hands. The grower is bending every effort to adjust production costs to present economic conditions and yet produce the quality of fruit for which our district is justly famous. We are ready to contribute our full share. . . . We pledge ourselves to furnish Valley growers our high standard of pack, our best service and our improved box for forty-five cents (includes carloading charges). It is generally acknowledged in New York that the keeping quality and storage condition of our pears excel. We will reduce precooling for our growers' fruit to ten cents. Seasonal charges will be reduced to twenty-two cents. We will continue important transportation savings. These result from five years of our intensive study. The reduction in costs from this source alone varies from six to twenty-one cents per box (depending upon date of shipment). . . . These economies total from thirty to forty cents. We are in a position to offer these savings to the progressive growers of our Valley by virtue of the efficiency of our plant and the determination of our directors to fulfill the purpose which led to the founding of Southern Oregon Sales, Inc.: "Better facilities, better service and reduced costs". . . . To the steadfast loyalty of many growers who have shipped with us since 1926 we are deeply indebted. Additional support from a wider group of producers will enable us to reach higher levels of achievement. We solicit your friendship, support and patronage.
                Southern Oregon Sales, Inc.
Advertisement, Medford Mail Tribune, May 1, 1932, page 3


    Cabbages, radishes, corn, turnips and hosts of other vegetables will soon be growing in splendor in the yards of Jackson County's unemployed, who will greet next winter with pantries filled, Mrs. Lillian Roberts of the Jackson County Red Cross chapter has announced. For seeds have been distributed through the Red Cross to people who are unable to pay for them but [are] anxious to grow gardens.
    One hundred  boxes, filled with Lilly's garden seeds, released by the American Red Cross, were received by this county. Most of them have already been given to needy and worthy families. A few remain, and Miss Roberts invites anyone in need of seeds, unable to buy them, to call at her office.
   Although the American Red Cross has distributed seeds for several years through the drought areas, this is the first time packages have reached the Pacific Coast. The seeds shipped to Medford are from Lilly's plant in Seattle. The many envelopes are packed in a neat box, bearing the Red Cross seal and in the bottom is a message from the organization, expressing an earnest hope that the seeds will supply the recipient with green vegetables during the coming months. It concludes with "Plant your garden so as to provide yourself with a free supply of fresh food and to keep your family in good health."
    The seeds are being planted on homesteads in towns, in cities, in all sections of Jackson County, and a check on the gardens will be made by the local Red Cross office later in the season to determine the results realized from the seeds.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 6, 1932, page 7


    In line with the movement to improve and beautify the Pacific Highway before the 1932 tourist season, several public-spirited firms have cooperated in improving the appearance of the Sparta building at the corner of Main and Riverside.
    Through cleaning up and decorating of the windows and installation of modern lighting fixtures on the vacant main floor, an attractive appearance by night as well as day has been ensured. Window displays will be changed frequently, and an effort made to keep this important corner looking presentable throughout the tourist season, or until the space is again rented. Those responsible for the improvement are J. C. Thompson, division manager of the California Oregon Power Company; C. J. Toy, Southern Oregon representative for Del Monte food products and Robert Boyl, representative for Carnation milk.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 29, 1932, page 3


    At a meeting of Medford's unemployed yesterday afternoon in the Labor Hall, a ways and means committee was selected to head activities for the group, in order that a constructive program might be worked out whereby the group of 150 would be able to live this winter, in case they were unable to find work.
    Those appointed as the committee, which was scheduled to meet this afternoon, were G. L. Ray, chairman; W. H. Germain, Frank L. Applegate, H. G. Wilson and K. J. Knutson.
    J. C. Barnes, local realtor, was the speaker for the gathering, and the men endorsed the sales tax plan which includes exemption of homes. The tax plan was perfected by Barnes.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 8, 1932, page 3


    In line with the campaign to bring immediate relief to "Medford's own unemployed" through a program of work, launched last week by the unemployed themselves, an open meeting has been called by Mayor E. M. Wilson for next Monday night at the county courthouse for discussion of the solution offered by the unemployed committee.
    A call has been issued for representation at the meeting from all service clubs of the city, the county court, city council, health unit, the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the Community Chest, the Fruit Growers League, the Rogue River Traffic Association, Talent Irrigation District, California Oregon Power Company, Owen-Oregon Lumber Company, the Medford sheriff's office, water commission, banks and all building and loan associations.
    Announcement of the meeting was made at Kiwanis Club luncheon at the Hotel Medford today by J. C. Barnes, who asked the cooperation of the club in facing the unemployed problem.
    The committee appointed to represent the Kiwanians at the meeting is composed of J. C. Mann, C. C. Lemmon and R. G. Fowler. Presenting a request for cooperation, Mr. Barnes emphasized the growing need for work to stabilize the living conditions in Medford, pointing out that if people do not obtain work in the very near future they will be forced to move from their homes into shacks or tents. Many of them, he added, have already come to him seeking shacks in which they may exist, escaping the various assessments attached to proper living, until the depression period is ended. The ill effects such an out-of-home movement would have upon the city at large were stressed by Mr. Barnes, who declared that now is the time to build better homes for our people, to raise the standard of living, not to abolish it by seeking lower levels of habitation.
    Introducing a tax conservation program, which he described as closely associated with aims to decrease unemployment, Hamilton Patton addressed the club and asked for the signatures of all members on the two petitions he is circulating to get placed on the November ballot bills providing for regulation of taxes.
    He repeatedly informed his audience that signing the petition does not obligate any individual to vote for the bills but enables the committee to get them placed upon the ballot and submitted to the people. The petitions are available at all banks in the city, at the Chamber of Commerce building and at Mr. Patton's office, the Southern Building and Loan Association on West Main Street.
    Victor Bursell of the county court, a guest at the luncheon, asked his opinion of the two bills, stated that he agreed with their content but feared they would meet with opposition through the people's idea that they are too bureaucratic.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 13, 1932, page 1


    Recommendations of the ways and means committee of the Medford Association of the Unemployed, aimed to solve the present problems of subsistence, will be presented tonight at the Presbyterian church in an open meeting at 8 o'clock. Representatives of all service clubs of the city, the Jackson County court, the city council, chamber of commerce board and directors and financial and industrial institutions will be in attendance.
    The meeting has been called by Mayor E. M. Wilson to give consideration to the plan, worked out by the unemployed themselves, following several weeks of study of their situation, which is one of the city's most demanding problems.
    The plan outlined involves the "acquisition of shelter, food, fuel, water and light through cooperation efforts until the wheels of industry are made to turn again."
Medford Mail Tribune, June 20, 1932, page 1


    In line with the program adopted last night at the meeting of townspeople and representatives of the unemployed ranks, a meeting for the unemployed was announced today for Thursday evening. At this session organization plans will be completed.
    Registration of the unemployed will be received each day at the labor hall over the Medford pharmacy, where the Thursday night meeting will be conducted. All members of the city's jobless population are urged to register as soon as possible.
    Citizens of Medford, numbering more than 500, inspired by the desire to aid the city's unemployed ranks in their own solution of their own problem, crowded the Presbyterian church last night for the open meeting called by Mayor E. M. Wilson and adopted by the relief program outlined by the ways and means committee of the Medford Association of Unemployed. A ways and means committee, representing the city, was authorized to cooperate with the committee from the unemployed in putting the plan into immediate action. The two groups will act as a board of control to promote the relief program.
    The meeting was the largest and most enthusiastic held since Medford and Jackson County as a whole have come to realize the existence of the unemployed problem. Representatives of all service clubs, the county court, city council, city health unit, secretary and board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Community Chest officials, officers of the Fruit Growers' League, Traffic Association, financial institutions and industries, as well as the unemployed population, were in attendance.
    The program developed by the jobless through weeks of earnest consideration of the situation was traced by J. C. Barnes, their spokesman. Through the use of charts and the written recommendations of the association he explained in detail the demands and operation of the program, which through cooperative effort will supply food, shelter, lights and water to the unfortunate ranks who are anxiously awaiting the day when the wheels of industry will be turning again.
   Before introducing the plan, which provides for an exchange of labor for supplies and services, Mr. Barnes traced the history of Medford to impress upon his audience the seriousness of the present-day problem and the obligation owed the ranks who have participated in the progress of the city, only to find themselves today with all "the work finished."
    "Many families are without milk, many others are unable to pay for the mountain spring water of which Medford has boasted. Many more are unable to pay for their lights," Mr. Barnes pointed out.
   "They have been builders and spenders," he declared, "and certainly deserve to remain workers. That is all they are asking. They can no longer pay for these services in cash. So we have devised a plan whereby they may pay for them in labor."
    Under the program advanced a business agent's office will be provided by the city council, without extra burden upon the taxpayer.
    The unemployed association will issue labor agreements, which will be exchanged for services and in turn sold and the funds derived placed in care of the city treasury. The man no longer able to pay for the water supply in his home, for example, will join the association, which acts as a responsible agent to the city. He will sign an individual labor agreement for the amount of water to be used. He will in turn receive an order for the water and a labor agreement, endorsed by the unemployed to the amount of the order, which the city will accept for water payment in lieu of cash.
    Provision of lights and other products necessary to subsistence would be supplied under the same general plan.
    The eligibility of applicants under the program will depend upon county citizenship and ruling by a committee.
    Another feature of the recommendations, adopted at the open meeting, provides for the creation of a storehouse in which supplies can be stored for distribution. Steps will be taken to trade with farmers for fruits and vegetables.
    Provision will also be made for the city's unemployed youth through organization of a club for work and study. Recreation camps are suggested as a further development along this line.
    Stressing the need to keep Medford people within their homes, Mr. Barnes called attention to the fact that of the unemployed ranks registered in the recent call, nine out of ten expressed the desire to "return to the soil, to get back to the land."
    "We want these men to stay within their houses," he stated in refutation of such a program, "and we want the unemployed of other regions to stay out of here. The influence of previous advertising of Medford Mr. Barnes cited as the cause of the probable gathering here of many transients.
    Following presentation of the recommendations, Mayor Wilson called for open discussion. W. A. Gates in response introduced a proposal for equal division of unemployment as a solution, stating that he would willingly add to the staff of his stores if other merchants and business men would do the same. Under his suggestion the socialistic plan of dividing the work among the workers would be adopted. The suggestion was followed by spirited applause from the unemployed ranks, but no action was taken regarding the matter.
    O. O. Alenderfer voiced his approval of the recommendations presented. A repeated call for discussion brought no more comment from the floor and the resolution was presented and adopted.
    A meeting of the joint committee will be called in the near future with the following group continuing to represent the unemployed: Guy L. Ray, Frank L. Applegate, K. J. Knutson, H. G. Wilson and W. H. Jarmin.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 21, 1932, page 1


    Members of the city council, undaunted by the heat, transacted much important business in a short period at their regular meeting at the city hall last night. Salaries of all city employees paid through the general fund were cut; the California Oregon Power Company franchise ordinances passed at the third and final reading, the resignation of Councilman W. W. Allen accepted, and a meeting called for next Tuesday evening to select his successor.
    The reduction in city salaries, to become effective July, include a 10 percent cut for all employees receiving $100 or less a month and 15 percent for those receiving salaries in excess of $100.
    A cut in mileage expenses of the city milk inspector was also agreed upon. It will bring the present allowance of eight cents a mile down to six cents.
    Recommendations asking for similar decreases in salaries will be presented the Medford water commission and the library commission, this clause being a part of the motion presented by Councilman Allen and accepted by unanimous vote of the council.
    The necessity for reduction of city employees' salaries was emphasized by the councilmen through a review of business conditions, which have forced all private concerns to retrench. The city government stated they should and must be operated as any other business. The city employees were complimented upon their splendid attitude of cooperation, expressed during the past several months through the acceptance of reductions to aid the solution of the unemployment problem.
    A vote of appreciation was extended the staff of workmen, and City Recorder M. L. Alford was instructed to include the vote in the city records.
    W. W. Allen, who recommended the salary cuts, then presented his own resignation from the council, necessitated by his moving from the first ward, which he was elected to represent.
    He assured the city dads that he had no desire to sever connections with the "gang" and had enjoyed the months of work with the city officials, in spite of the trying times. Since he has changed his residence, however, he pointed out, he will be unable to continue as a servant of the city.
    The resignation was accepted with the regrets of the council, voiced by J. O. Gray and Mayor Wilson, who announced a meeting of residents of the first ward for next Tuesday night, at which a nominating committee will be appointed to recommend two candidates to the city council, one to be elected to succeed Mr. Allen.
    Passage of the power company ordinance by unanimous vote of the council was accepted with appreciation by J. C. Boyle, who assured the city dads that the written acceptance would be received within the required time. The ordinance was amended to carry a clause, designating that the city will reserve all rights granted by the state law as to regulation of rates.
    A request from the gun club for a rent reduction was referred to a committee of investigation, as were problems of the fire department, relative to the coverage granted by the Industrial Accident Commission. Sale of a lot on East Jackson to the government for a Forest Service warehouse was authorized and the council informed by City Superintendent Fred Scheffel that the report of Samuel Greeley, sanitary engineer, regarding the survey for Medford' sewage system, will be received early next month.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 22, 1932, page 1


    To the Editor:
    I am giving below a copy of a statement made by the Hon. Wiliam N. Doak, Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor. It seems to me that it is worth publication for benefit of the boys and girls of our county, and I trust you will find place for it in your columns:
    "As the school year closes, teachers and parents should make every effort to keep their boys and girls of working age at home, unless they have funds for travel or definite assurance of employment elsewhere. To wander from city to city and from state to state in search of work leads to nothing but physical suffering, discouragement and demoralization. Parents, schools, and communities should cooperate in providing training and interests for their own boys and girls that will keep them from idleness at home and from swelling the ranks of the homeless and transient.
    "I am strongly of the opinion that careful consideration should be given to urging the young people to stay at home during the vacation period, rather than to wander about without funds in search of work. It also seems clear that the problem of extending school terms will have to receive serious public consideration at a not far distant period. In other words, with increased mechanization of industry and decreasing opportunities for employment, proper consideration must be given to keeping the girls and boys in school for a longer period."
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune, June 23, 1932, page 6


    I like the depression. No more prosperity for me.
    I have had more fun since the depression started than I ever had in my life. I had forgotten how to live, what it meant to have real friends, what it was like to eat common, everyday food. Fact is, I was getting just a little high-hat.
    Three years ago only one man of the News-Globe organization could be out of town at a time, and he had to leave at the last minute and get back as soon as possible. Many times I've driven 100 miles to a banquet, sat through three hours of bunk in order to make a five-minute speech, then drive the 100 miles back so as to be ready for work the next morning.
    Nowadays as many News-Globe employees are invited to make these trips and we stay as long as we want to. The whole outfit could leave the office and it wouldn't make any difference.
    I like the depression. I have time to visit my friends, to make new ones. Two years ago when I went to a neighboring town, I always stayed at the hotel. Now I go home with my friends and enjoy home cooking. I have even spent the weekend with some of the boys who have been kind enough to invite me.
   It's great to drop into a store and feel that you can spend an hour or two or three or half a day just visiting and not feel that you are wasting valuable time. I like the depression.
    I am getting acquainted with my neighbors. In the last six months I have become acquainted with folks who have been living next door to me for three years. I am following the biblical admonition, "Love your neighbors." One of the neighbors has one of the best-looking wives I have ever seen. She is a dandy. I am getting acquainted with my neighbors and learning to love them.
    Three years ago I ordered my clothes from a merchant tailor--two and three suits at a time. All my clothes were good ones. I was always dressed up. But now I haven't bought a suit in two years. I am mighty proud of my Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. When I am dressed up I am dressed up, and I don't mean maybe. I like the depression.
    Three years ago I was so busy and my wife was so busy that we didn't see much of each other, consequently we sort of lost interest in each other. I never went home to lunch. About twice a week I went home to dinner--at 6:30 o'clock. I never had time to go anywhere with her. If I did go to a party, I could never locate her; since there was always a "blonde" or a "redhead" available, I didn't worry much about it.
    My wife belonged to all the clubs in town. She even joined the young mothers' club. We didn't have any children, but she was studying--and between playing bridge and going to clubs, she was never at home.
    We got stuck up and hifalutin. We even took down the old family bed and bought a set of twin beds--on the installment plan.
    When I would come home at night if my wife was at home, she would always be in bed and I would crawl in mine. If I came in first, it was vice versa.
    We like the depression. We have come down off the pedestal and are really living at my house now. The twin beds are stored in the garage and the old family affair is being used. We are enjoying life instead of taking a hot-water bottle to bed these cold nights; she sticks her heels in my back like she did before Hoover was elected.
    I haven't been out on a party in 18 months. I have lost my book of telephone numbers. My wife has dropped all the clubs. I believe we are falling in love all over again. I am pretty well satisfied with my wife. Think I shall keep her, at least until she is 40, and then if I feel like I do now, I may trade her for two twenties.
    I am feeling better since the depression. I take more exercise. I walk to town, and a lot of folks who used to drive Cadillacs are walking with me. I like the depression.
    My digestion is better. I have not been to see a doctor in a year. I can eat anything I want to.
    I am getting real-honest-to-goodness food. Three years ago we had filet mignon once a week, now we have round steak with flour gravy. Then we had roast breast of guinea hen, now we are glad to get sow-bosom with the buttons on it.
    I like the depression. My salary has been cut to where I can't afford to buy lettuce and spinach and parsley and we can't afford to have sandwiches and frozen desserts and all that darn foolishness which has killed more good men than the world war.
    I like the depression. Three years ago I played golf all day Sunday, and besides I was so darned smart that there wasn't a preacher in West Texas who could tell me anything.
    Now I am going to church regularly--never miss a Sunday. And if this depression keeps on, I shall be going to prayer meeting before long. I like the depression.--Henry Ashley in the Amarillo Globe.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 3, 1932, page 3


    The ways and means committee of the local unemployed association and the county court have agreed that in the dispensation of work, the applicant shall use the eligible labor card, issued during the past year. Frank L. Applegate headed the committee which waited Saturday upon the county court. New labor cards will be issued by the unemployment committee, with headquarters at Labor Hall.
     By use of the current labor cards, it is felt that confusion will be eliminated and a closer check kept on transient labor.
    Cooperation of business concerns and local employers will be sought, with especial stress on granting no work to an applicant unless he is able to present a labor card, signifying that he is a bona fide resident. Many of the orchards, including the Bear Creek orchards, require local labor cards before granting jobs.
    Packers of the city and valley have indicated that they will hire local labor as far as possible and have requested that all local experienced packers register with them. Other industrial activities in this county are adhering to the system.
    The unemployment committee will also act with the county and the state in making preparations for next winter.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 3, 1932, page 5


    The unemployed of Medford have announced a dance for Saturday evening at K.P. hall, the funds being used for the needy in the city. Distribution of the proceeds will go through the Four-Square Gospel, according to present plans.
    Although the orchestra has not been selected, old-time music will be played during the evening.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 7, 1932, page 8


    Request that the city finance employment of a manager, provided in the relief program of the Medford Association of the Unemployed, was presented to the city council last evening by J. C. Barnes, spokesman for the organization, at an informal meeting at the city hall.
    The plan, as presented the local population at an open meeting at the Presbyterian church a short time ago, requires hiring of a manager to contact members of the unemployed desiring labor, and citizens and firms with produce to exchange for labor. The committee asks that the council appropriate $100 a month for five months as salary for the person chosen to fill this capacity. No action was taken by the council in the matter last night. It will probably be taken up at the next regular meeting of the city dads.
    The manager under the plan, proposed by the city's jobless as means of returning themselves to work, would act as an agent, cooperating with the city and the unemployed ranks.
    He would be held responsible for the laborers' fulfillment of all labor certificates given in exchange for produce and services and would head practically all elements of the working plan.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 8, 1932, page 1


    A number of complaints were registered Saturday night with the authorities that groceries had been stolen from parked autos in this city while the owners were attending to other business. Most of the losers were country people on a weekend trip to this city, who purchased a week's supply of foodstuffs and deposited them in their cars before leaving for home.
    Most of this petty thieving is attributed to transients, but a search of the "jungles" along Bear Creek failed to reveal any clues. Pilfering from autos has become quite a practice. Car owners are urged to lock their autos.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 11, 1932, page 3


    Making a survey of the state of Oregon in contemplation of the distribution of funds from the $2,122,000,000 federal relief for unemployment measure, three members of the Oregon council for unemployment relief met with the Jackson County court, the local executive committee and all women interested in food conservation and other elements of the program to be carried out in their division, at the county court house this morning. The gathering was the most representative and enthusiastic one, dealing with the unemployment problem, held here since realization of the period of stress.
    Judge Victor P. Moses, judge of Benton County and representative of the county courts of the state, presided at the meeting at the invitation of Judge C. B. Lamkin.
    Other members of the council present were Mrs. W. W. Gabriel, chairman of the women's division, and Paul V. Maris, director of extension service at Oregon State College. Miss Claribel Nye of the extension service was also present in the interests of food conservation.
    Information listing the needs of Jackson County and portraying a realistic picture of present conditions here was presented the council by members of the county court, Miss Lillian Roberts, executive secretary of the Jackson County Red Cross chapter, Mrs. Mabel Mack, home demonstration agent, and Mrs. A. E. Reames, newly appointed county chairman of the women's division in the state work.
   Following three hours of intensive consideration and discussion of the plans present by members of the state council, a motion introduced by Mrs. Edwin L. Knapp was passed delegating to the local executive committee power to set up working committees and a program to deal with the various phases of the problem involved.
    The committees will be appointed at an early date to enable immediate operation of the relief program in this locality.
   The positive need for outside relief in this county was emphasized by County Commissioner Victor Bursell, who stated that "The people are unable to carry the burden any longer. We are unable to care for the unemployment emergency without outside assistance. We are living in hope of aid by federal appropriation."
    Victor Tengwald, secretary to the county judge, was then called upon to list the number of unemployed in the county and placed the total for family heads at over 1000 who are absolutely in need of work.
    The number dependent upon part-time labor reached 2317 last winter, Mr. Tengwald stated. There are now 1100 dependent upon part-time work.
    An increase for the coming winter was estimated at 20 percent over the present figures by Judge Lamkin.
    The amount of money required in Klamath County to care for the same number of persons over a six months period, Judge Moses informed the organization, was listed at $330,000. The amount required in Jackson County, he stated, would probably be slightly lower in view of the fact that conditions in general are a little better here through diversified farming.
    The problem today, Mr. Maris stated, in presenting the program of work involving issuance of labor scrip in trade for produce, is "What shall we eat. What shall we drink. Where withal shall we be clothed."
    The population today, he added, is chiefly composed of people with a desire to earn their livelihood. The objective of the tour, he described, is to get a true and accurate picture of conditions in each county and to organize the state to care for the existing situation. The federal government will work through the states in the disbursement of the relief fund and the states through the counties. For this reason, he pointed out, it is necessary that a committee be appointed within the county to present its needs.
    Unemployment in the 13 counties of the state, where the unemployed are registered, totals 30,500. The maximum number in this same area last winter reached the 40,000 mark. The number of dependents of these heads of families totaled 79,000.
    People are now confronted with the necessity of caring for the situation one way or another, and the sooner they are educated to a working program, which will allow an exchange of produce between counties, as well as individuals, the better will be the welfare of the state, Mr. Maris contended, citing instances about the state where berries have been exchanged for fish and so on down the line.
    Klamath County, it was stated, is anxious to trade Jackson County potatoes for tomatoes or other fruits.
    Mrs. Gabriel, as chairman of the women's division, stressed the need for considering the women in this depression period and for cooperation of men and women in reaching the solution. Food conservation she emphasized as one of the major necessities, also asking for formation of a committee for distribution of clothing, provision of shelter and the other necessities of life.
    All women's organizations of the state, she informed her audience, are uniting on this problem.
    In conjunction with food conservation, Miss Nye devoted her talk to the child, "the first to suffer in times of stress." To save money, she explained, people first cut off the foods most necessary to child health. In order to get them to use less expensive foods which are equally nutritive, an extensive educational program is needed. Toward this end Miss Nye said demonstrations are being planned throughout the state.
    Miss Roberts of the Red Cross explained the operation of relief work in her department and the constant check made with other members of the allied welfare organization here to avoid duplications.
    Necessity for limiting work in fruit packing houses to home labor, to the exclusion of Californians, was stressed by County Commissioner Barneburg, who devoted his talk to the "positive need for action" to prevent local jobs going to California labor.
    Mrs. Mack, home demonstration agent, described the work being carried on in rural communities to adjust living to reduced budgets.
    As the most demanding need for action to relieve unemployment and to assure people a reasonable happiness, Judge Moses referred to the dependence of the nation's solidarity upon return of better conditions. The government is in greater danger today than during the wartime period, he declared.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 18, 1932, page 1


    In line with the recently adopted city program, aimed to adjust expenditures to a depression budget, report of the citizens' committee recommending a saving of $1,062.75 a month in the administration of city government, through reductions of salaries and elimination of several names from the payroll, was presented at the meeting of the city council last night and adopted with a few revisions. The reductions will become effective August 1.
    The recommendations provide additional and almost drastic economies in view of the fact that reductions of 10 and 15 percent in salaries of city employees were adopted by the council a short time ago.
    Under the new schedule the chief of the fire department, formerly receiving $170 a month, will receive $150. The complete saving through reductions in his department will amount to $98.
    In the police department the chief's salary will be reduced from $170 to $150, and all other policeman's salaries will be placed at $100. In addition to this decrease, the committee recommended elimination of the janitor and Officer Bloom, effecting a saving in the department of $239.25. The council decided to shift the working hours to provide part-time employment for all the officers, in preference to putting one off the payroll.
    Payment of city funds to the office of police judge was also decreased from $45 a month to $25.
    In the building and light department elimination of Frank Rogers was recommended by the citizens' committee, but action was taken by the council to retain Mr. Rogers at a salary of $85. He has been receiving $170.
    Other savings in this department, amounting to $190.25, were recommended by the committee. In the street department the superintendent's salary was cut from $238.75 a month to $200. Foreman Leslie Scheffel was eliminated, and all other salaries reduced to amount to a saving of $416.25.
    In the legal department the salary of the city attorney was not reduced but stenographic service eliminated at a saving of $45.
    A saving of $42.50 in the city treasurer's office, to be accomplished by reducing the treasurers' salary from $192.50 to $150, was approved, and a reduction in the recorder's office, cutting the salary of that officer from $201.50 to $170.
    The committee submitting the report is composed of the following men: B. E. Harder, chairman, O. C. Boggs, J. C. Collins, Harvey Fields, W. A. Gates, M. N. Hogan, Asahel Hubbard, J. C. Mann and A. W. Pipes.
    Recommendations of similar reductions in the water board are expected from the committee at an early date, it was stated last night.
    The councilmen in adopting recommendations of the citizens' committee stressed the fact that action was taken through the demands of necessity.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 20, 1932, page 1


    The city council in regular meeting last night voted to appropriate to the Medford Association of the Unemployed $75 a month, for a period not to extend beyond December 31 of this year, for hiring of an executive to act as leader of the plan, recently outlined by the unemployed in an attempt to create employment for themselves.
    The executive will act as an agent through which all labor scrip will pass. He will be held responsible for the laborer's fulfillment of his contract between the would-be workers and firms and producers from whom they anticipate receipt of products and services such as light and water.
    J. C. Barnes, spokesperson of the unemployed association, was present and thanked the council for the appropriation and the understanding attitude of the group. It is probable that funds will be solicited from other sources to bring the salary offered the manager of the plan to a sum to be considered by an experienced man.
    John F. Lawrence, local jeweler, appeared before the city dads to ask that some action be taken to prevent wood salesmen obstructing the view of his and other shops and thus interfering with trade on Fir Street. The matter had already been considered by the council and referred to the license and public safety committee.
    No action was taken regarding the resignation of Olen Arnspiger from the water board. The resignation was held until next meeting of the council when, the mayor stated, a successor will be named.
    A communication from Capt. C. Y. Tengwald, asking that the city appropriate $1000 a year to the upkeep of the armory, was presented and referred to the budget committee.
    Ensign James R. Pack of the Salvation Army, who leaves soon to occupy another post, expressed regret at leaving Medford and thanked the council and all departments of city government, especially the fire and police departments, for the cooperation he has received here in his work.
    Councilman C. C. Darby reported complaints from residents of the east side regarding a surplus of rats evolving from the garbage dump and making a general nuisance of themselves. Mr. Darby also informed the council that he had interviewed the keeper and was informed that the "rats come to the garbage dump from elsewhere." Action is, however, being taken and the rats dying in great numbers from poisoning.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 20, 1932, page 1


    "Bending all their energies to the important work of relief for the unemployed, food conservation and other measures to cope with the suffering caused by worldwide economic conditions, members of the statewide women's organization are undertaking various forms of necessary relief work as their major projects for the coming club year" is the message left in Medford by Mrs. W. W. Gabriel of Portland, president of the State Federation of Women's Clubs and member of Governor Meier's state executive committee for relief of the unemployed. Mrs. Gabriel, with other members of the committee, met with the county court and a representative group of local women here Monday.
    "Woman's share in carrying responsibility in civic and community needs in the time of emergency has been officially recognized and enlisted by the action of Governor Meier in the formation of a women's division of relief work," Mrs. Gabriel also stated.
    Other members of the executive committee are: Raymond B. Wilcox, chairman of the Community Chest, Portland; Judge Victor Moses of Benton County; Ray W. Hill, head of the State Grange; Paul V. Maris, director of extension, Oregon State College; Alex G. Barry, state commander of the American Legion; Ben Osborn, president of the State Federation of Labor.
    The county leaders of the recently formed women's division will be members of the executive committee formed under the chairmanship of the county judges, and in addition will be the general chairmen for women's relief work in the county.
    The work of the women's committees will be divided under the following suggested headings:
    Food conservation, hot lunches for school children; collection and distribution of clothing, men's, women's and children; sewing of new garments, remodeling and mending; cooperation on housing problems; employment for women on cash basis or commodity exchange; sick visiting and cooperation with city, county and school nurses; committee on milk distribution; recreation; motor corps--this committee would be available for the various chairmen of committees in the conduct of their various activities; press and publicity. Realizing the great importance of publicity in any undertaking of so serious nature, it is recommended that each women's division of county, city or rural organization shall enlist the attention and sympathy of the local press, Mrs. Gabriel further stated.
    The women's division will in many cases work closely with the men's organized relief agencies, whose assistance will be most valuable in the carrying out of all plans.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 20, 1932, page 3


    With only one hundred dollars in its treasury, three thousand dollars in delinquent pledges and twelve hundred dollars necessary to carry on the work for August, the Community Chest is faced with the question of what to do. This question is not simple, since all of the charity organizations for which funds are collected by the chest are run on budgets and the very necessary work of relief cannot be carried on except through the money pledged by firms and individuals.
    "The critical condition in the financing of further relief work through Red Cross, Salvation Army and Health Association is the question which the directors of the Community Chest will consider at the meeting called for next Monday night," said one of the directors of the chest today.
    "There is a growing list of delinquent pledges which neither letters nor personal calls seem able to reduce. Since the publicity given to the Medford Association of the Unemployed there has not been a single cent collected by the chest, which makes us believe that in some way contributors to the chest have made up their minds that this new plan is going to solve the need for further relief work.
    "There is absolutely no parallel between the two organizations since one is an attempt to relieve unemployment directly while the other is charity and character building work purely and simply and is with us year in and year our through prosperity and depression.
    "It is incredible to us to have to believe that the citizens of Medford who have made these pledges to their own Community Chest are now going to welsh on them. There is no compulsion for anyone to give to any charity, but once a pledge has been made there is the strongest necessity that everyone, without a single exception, live up to his promise. If the city of Medford and citizens thereof wish in the future to cut down or to do away with charity within these gates it is certainly within their rights to do so, but it is not just to their chest directors or to the workers in the affiliated organizations or to their fellow citizens who have lived up to their pledges, to refuse to honor their promise.
    "The monthly reports of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the County Health Association show the huge amount of necessary work which these three organizations carry on. The money pledged last fall has been carefully expended and every dollar has helped directly to relieve hunger, sickness or some similar distress. The character-building clubs have already taken a twenty percent cut in their proposed budgets and are willing to cut even further in the interest of those in dire need.
    "Congress has passed legislation which in time may help this community, but there is no knowing how long before that help will arrive, nor in what form it will come. Neither are we certain that it will take the place of such self-helps as the Community Chest. But of one thing we are certain, and that is that even if were certain of help in the future that does not mitigate our present suffering nor does it excuse those whose pledges are unpaid and uncollectable. The good name of this community is at stake, and the directors of your Community Chest propose to allow the citizens themselves to settle the question."
Medford Mail Tribune, July 24, 1932, page 1


    R. G. Fowler, county agent, Mrs. A. E. Reames, head of the women's division of Governor Meier's committee for relief of unemployment and Clyde Applewhite, Ashland, district commander of the American Legion, were appointed yesterday morning by Judge C. B. Lamkin as a committee of three to name committees in all districts to head the extensive relief program to be undertaken in Jackson County.
    The appointment was made at a meeting of the Jackson County committee of the governor's council, held at the county courthouse following discussion of the various phases of the problem to be met to centralize relief work and eliminate all dangers of duplication.
    The committee of three will meet early next week to formulate plans for immediate action in this county, inspired by the arrival last week of representatives of the state committee, who are making a survey of all regions of Oregon.
    The need for immediate and extensive preservation of foods, for which there will be great need next winter, was emphasized by Mrs. Reames, who informed the group that members of the women's division are ready to lend every effort to the cause. She suggested that the work be carried on through cooperation of the Granges through all county precincts, neighboring Jackson County towns, and asked that a move be made in the very near future for obtaining a central warehouse, through which the products will be distributed to the needy.
    It was suggested that store buildings on Sixth Street, owned by the Odd Fellows lodge, might be obtained for this purpose until permanent quarters can be secured. The committee anticipates obtaining quarters in the courthouse building, when it is taken over by the city, following removal of county officials to the new construction on South Oakdale and Main.
    C. A. Meeker, of the city council and a member of the committee, stressed the inability of the city and its residents to donate further funds to charity. It is absolutely a county problem, he pointed out, and one which must be handled on a cooperative basis. He complained of too much work by individuals and units in the past and voiced a demand for a countywide movement.
    The program now being carried on at Merrill, Ore., where many people in the Tule Lake region have been left practically destitute, was described by Mr. Applewhite, who stated that all housewives are canning fruit and utilizing every possible means of feeding families during the coming season. Jars of canned foods are exchanged at a commissary, he stated, and the program is progressing satisfactorily.
    Mayor C. D. Thornton of Ashland stated that his city was able to care for its own poor last winter and expected to do the same during the coming season. He also stated that he failed to see the necessity for a county organization and that each community should be able to care for its own dependents in the manner Ashland has. He described the projects featured in Ashland and added that he thought the greatest need of the day is one for re-education of the people, who are living far beyond their means.
    Mrs. Reames in answer suggested that Ashland, being a residential city, probably has fewer unemployed than the other sections of the county and for that reason is better equipped to care for her own problem. She stressed the need for cooperation and a spirit of helpfulness from all regions, emphasizing again that society's first responsibility is care of the poor and that people, regardless of how unwise they have been in the past, cannot be permitted to starve or freeze in a Christian country. She also referred to labor uprisings, which may result if people are permitted to go hungry. She discouraged private donations, mentioning numerous cases of the past year in which some families were helped by numerous individuals and others not at all.
    County Agent Fowler, also voicing the demand for a county program, informed the group that every shack in the county is inhabited and that when winter comes on the occupants will be facing severe cold as well as hunger unless foods are conserved for the coming seasons.
    County Commissioner Victor Bursell expressed the willingness of Grange leaders to cooperate in the program and their ability to sense the needs of their respective communities.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 24, 1932, page 1


    The Jackson County court today took preliminary steps for the securing of financial relief, as provided by the unemployment relief act as passed by the last Congress and approved by the President.
    The county court will seek knowledge on the extent of its legal rights in the question and the procedure necessary for filing of a formal application for the funds. Copies of the unemployment relief bill are expected to arrive this week from Washington, D.C., from Senator Steiwer, and the district attorney has been instructed to point out the Oregon law bearing upon the subject.
    Under the Oregon law, it is said, the county courts cannot obligate the county in any sum in excess of $5000, except when an emergency exists. The county court holds the present situation comes under this heading and that federal funds for road work are needed for early action, and during the coming winter to relieve the local unemployment. Under the relief law, Oregon will receive close to $3,000,000 for road work.
    The county court is also desirous of knowing whether or not a vote of the people is required on the subject, and to have a legal ruling if such is the case in ample time to have it placed upon the November ballot.
    The unemployment relief act provides that the federal funds be disbursed to states and counties for road work, and not to individuals, a few presume.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 25, 1932, page 3


    MEDFORD, Ore. (UP)--Hard-pressed farmers and business men of the Rogue River Valley are using hay as a medium of exchange in place of money. Many farmers are paying workers in hay, priced at $6 the ton in shock.
Oswego Palladium-Times, Oswego, New York, July 27, 1932, page 7


    A preliminary conference, looking toward a more complete cooperation between the various factors in the local fruit industry with the unemployed of the district, was held this morning at the Chamber of Commerce with Harry Moore, business agent of the unemployed and the shippers' committee, consisting of H. W. Hamlin, Harry Rosenberg and G. R. Green participating. Plans are now being worked out to effect the desired cooperation and will be presented to a meeting of all shippers which will be held at the Jackson Hotel next Monday noon.
    As a result of this morning's meeting, all packing houses and many of the larger orchards of the district will be supplied with placards bearing the legend, "All applicants for labor at the plant must hold membership cards in the Medford Association of the Unemployed. Cards may be obtained from the Unemployed Relief Association office, Medford city hall." It is expected that these cards will be prominently displayed at all plants in the district employing labor.
    A new feature will be presented to the shippers at Monday's meeting involving the recommendation of the committee that each packing plant employ approximately 10 percent new packers, using local help exclusively. It was brought out that this method will enable new packers to obtain the experience necessary to hold a situation in future years, as well as increase the supply of experienced packers in the district. Two packing schools are now being conducted in Medford, and graduates of these schools will undoubtedly be given consideration in placing new employees.
    It was emphasized that all residents of Medford and the surrounding communities should register at the Unemployment Relief Association headquarters in the Medford city hall in order that they obtain the membership cards necessary to secure employment during the coming months. There is no charge for registration, and the office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to H. G. Moore, in charge of the office.
    Mr. Moore reported this morning that the office was swamped with registrants. E. R. Cobb was assisting him in filing the names and the list was believed to include over 100 names at noon.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 29, 1932, page 1


    The workers of the Foursquare commissary wish hereby to extend their thanks and appreciation for the splendid cooperation in supplying food for the many hungry ones in Medford. We especially thank the grocers for giving space in their stores for the commissary boxes, the Medford press in calling attention to these boxes, and to all who have so generously contributed.
    We would call attention to one case of a large family of small children fed last Tuesday evening from these boxes.
    A box generously filled with food was delivered to that home where the seven children were actually suffering with hunger. No food in the house except a little cornbread and some pears a neighbor had given. But that night those children had a good meal--bread, cheese, vegetables--and went to bed happy, thanks to some liberal donors.
    This need in Medford is surely pressing. Hungry children will still be hungry tomorrow, unless someone comes to their rescue. Your gifts of food will be eagerly devoured by hungry children. Every article you contribute goes directly to the needy ones in Medford. You will see the commissary boxes at your grocery. We thank you most heartily for your contributions.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 29, 1932, page 4


    Meeting for consideration of the possible cooperation between the Central Civic Council and the Medford Association of the Unemployed in solving the existing relief problem will be held at the chamber of commerce Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock, the session having been called by Larry Schade, president of the council.
    The latter organization, which has not been functioning for some time, was originally formed to consider all problems of sufficient importance to warrant the attention of all civic organizations. It includes the president, secretary and one other member of each of the service clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, the Realty Board, the Medford Post, American Legion, the city council and planning commission.
    The present unemployment situation is considered one of the most important problems confronting the city in many years, and for this reason the cooperation of the Central Civic Council is solicited.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 31, 1932, page 3


    Complete cooperation between the fruit industry and those in charge of the employment relief work in Medford and Jackson County was promised today at a conference between growers and packers, and heads of relief organizations. Practically all packing houses and a majority of the larger orchards have agreed to use only local labor in the harvesting of this current fruit crop, and labor cards issued by the Medford Association of the Unemployed and the Jackson County court will be required before employment can be secured.
   The only difficulty apparent at today's meeting was that it might not be possible to secure a sufficient quantity of local packers to take care of the anticipated rush incidental to packing the pear crop, and all qualified workers are requested to register at once with Harry G. Moore, labor agent for the unemployed, at the city hall. Several packing house managers indicated that a full packing crew has already been engaged, while others reported difficulty in securing a sufficient number of qualified packers.
    Cards were distributed today to all packing house managers bearing the notation that all applicants for labor must exhibit either a card from the Medford Association of the Unemployed, or from the Jackson County court. It was pointed out that those who registered last winter at the county court, with Victor Tengwald, need not re-register this year, as cards issued last year will be honored by all growers and packing house managers.
    The question of installing a five-day week in packing houses was discussed, and some of the managers favored the installation of this system at once, but others thought it would not be necessary until the peak of the season arrives, or after August 15th. The decision was made that if it is found that there exists a surplus of sorting labor after August 15, a four- or five-day week may be instituted to take care of surplus labor.
    Some of the growers present at today's meeting stated that they were fearful there would be a shortage of packers, but assurance was given by representatives of the Unemployment Relief Association that sufficient labor would be available to take care of the harvesting of this crop, with the possible exception of a few packers which may be necessary from the outside.
    In order to create a larger supply of skilled packers, a decision was made today that each packing house will employ approximately 10 percent new packers who have had no previous experience. These packers will probably be secured largely from the two packing schools now being conducted in Medford. It was the opinion of those at the meeting that this method will ensure a steady increase in the number of packers available in Medford each year.
    A special request was made today to orchardists and orchard managers to call at the office of the Unemployed Relief Association in the Medford city hall and secure one of the cards indicating that local labor only will be employed at that particular orchard. The cooperation of the growers in this respect is earnestly solicited, according to Mr. Moore, in charge of the unemployment relief office.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 1, 1932, page 1


    Need for concentrating the relief of unemployment program in Jackson County and Medford under one agency, with which all groups will cooperate, was emphasized last night at the meeting of the Central Civic Council, called at the Chamber of Commerce building by Larry Schade, president.
    Cooperation of all groups, it was pointed out, will be needed if a workable plan is devised, and the council suggested that all agencies be gathered under one head. Representatives of each civic group included in the Central Civic Council promised to lend support to such a concentrated program, which will avoid duplication and make possible greater accomplishments.
    Such an organization, it was brought out, will also work toward the creation of labor for the unemployed through promotion of much-needed projects here.
    At the close of the meeting a representative from each group agreed to carry the news back to his particular organization and to emphasize the need for cooperation and a definite program.
    It was the opinion of the meeting that much has been accomplished during the past several days toward the solution of Medford and Jackson County's problem and that one of the greatest needs at present is a complete check of the unemployed by professions and trades in order that employers may obtain men suited to the particular jobs to be filled.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 2, 1932, page 1


    A call for the assistance of individuals and organizations in the work of the women's division of the county unemployment relief council is being made by Mrs. A. E. Reames, chairman, who is rapidly bringing into shape her organization, which will function with the general county relief council and other cooperating agencies.
    Realizing that now is the time for the preservation of fruits, vegetables and meats, Mrs. Reames is urging every woman in Jackson County to cooperate in the work of the women's division, believing with Mrs. W. W. Gabriel of the governor's state committee that "these are veritable war times, and no thinking citizen can feel that he is doing his duty at this time unless he directs some attention to relief."
    Women are asked to can vegetables, fruit, meat and fish, not only as a measure of protection from want in their own families during the fall and winter, but with the idea of contributing to the many families who will need assistance.
    When additional jars to be used for contributions to the needy are not available, the local committee will supply them, or where food for canning will be contributed, the motor corps will call for such material.
    Organizations or groups of women who will assist in canning such material are asked to notify Mrs. Reames, as are also those who will help mend and remodel clothing.
    Women are asked to save clothing of all kinds, no matter how worn it may seem, the only requirement being that it be thoroughly clean, and where possible size of garments, shoes, underwear and hats be marked on an attached paper.
    As soon as possible announcement will be made of the location of a receiving station for all such contributions. In the meantime it will be of great assistance to the committee if those preparing material for assisting in this work have it neatly wrapped or folded so that where its donor cannot deliver to the central receiving station the work of the motor corps who will call for them may be expedited.
    For further information Mrs. Reames may be reached by addressing 816 West Tenth or telephone Medford 633.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 3, 1932, page 1


    Buck up--don't back down; we've triumphed over worse depressions! Here's the record: In 1837--a great land boom collapses; farms sold for 2 percent of their values and banks suspended specie payments. This was followed by two years of prosperity. In 1841 many industries shut down entirely. Unemployment was the greatest ever known. Several states even repudiated their bonds. The next twelve years were prosperous. In 1857 every bank in the U.S.A. suspended payments in cash. Industry almost stopped entirely. Property values fell as high as 75 percent. The subtreasury in Wall Street was stormed and only saved by federal troops. Business improved steadily for three years. In 1873, Jay Cooke & Co. failed, stock exchange closed for eight days. Commodity prices sank to new lows and pig iron could not be sold for any price. But five years of prosperity followed. In 1893 Reading, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, U.P. and N.P. failed for a combined loss of $2,400,000,000. U.P. sold as loss at $4 a share. As high as 36 percent was offered for call money and none available. Six years of prosperity followed. In 1921, because  Europe was off gold standard following the war, pessimists said, "Prosperity can never return." The following eight years were the most prosperous in history, as we all know. And now in 1932, some are saying the same thing they said eleven years ago. Those who laid constructive plans and worked them out intelligently made fortunes in previous depressions. The same thing will happen again--don't back down.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 5, 1932, page 4


    Moving steadily forward on their program for conservation of food in connection with the plan of the Jackson County Council for Relief of the Unemployed, members of the women's division, headed by Mrs. A. E. Reames, today announced that the Medford Armory kitchen has been obtained for canning of foods to be exchanged for labor.
    The Armory board has agreed to grant use of the kitchen to the relief committee, Captain C. Y. Tengwald reported earlier in the day. Work is expected to start at the kitchen as soon as products and canning equipment, such as jars, which are much needed, can be secured.
    R. G. Fowler, county agent, is preparing a list today, making a survey of the community at large to check on surplus products which may be available for exchange of products requested from other counties. A message has been received from the Klamath County agent, asking what products are available here in exchange for potatoes.
    Mrs. V. L. Sexton, better known to the cooking world as Hester Heath, famous for the conducting of cooking schools, will supervise and direct the canning and preparation of relief foods.
    If there are any families in the community which have fruit or other foodstuff, which they desire to conserve for the winter, but have not the jars, sugar and necessary equipment for taking care of it, by telephoning Mrs. Sexton at 201-R or Mrs. Reames at 633, it may be possible to arrange for assistance by an exchange of labor for material, it was also announced today.
    Growers who have any surplus fruit or vegetables, which may not meet commercial requirements, are urged to offer such produce for community use.
    Contrary to opinion coming to light today, no canning has been done, and canned foods will not be distributed at this time, but placed in the commissary or store house to be occupied in the near future for distribution to members of the unemployed, who will pay for it in labor. A basis of exchange will be determined in the very near future.
    The work of the conservation committee is strictly allied with the unemployment relief program. The county court, through the secretary, Victor Tengwald, is cooperating by keeping a complete record of the unemployed, giving in detail the qualifications of the would-be workers, as well as their needs. Since last Monday Mr. Tengwald has registered 1175 members of the unemployed. This total does not include the 2317 who were registered prior to this season.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 8, 1932, page 5


    To correct an erroneous impression, the county court today issued the following statement on the local labor situation:
    "The county is not finding employment for people at this time but is endeavoring to assist residents of this county to obtain the preference in securing whatever work there is here. That is, the county is asking all employers to give preference to residents of the county, so as to overcome the situation that has been prevalent; especially on account of outsiders coming in for the fruit work, or other work, and making it more difficult for home people. To assist in solving this problem, the county court is issuing what are called 'labor cards,' and which employers are asking applicants to exhibit before considering their applications."
Medford Mail Tribune, August 9, 1932, page 8


    Jackson County, for the six months of the year ending June 30, expended $12,121.63 for care of the poor not in the poor farm and $2530.18 for maintenance of those at the poor farm. The figures are contained in the semiannual report of the county treasurer filed with the county court July 22. During  the same period $2597.82 was expended for widow's pensions.
    County Commissioner Victor Bursell said today the indigent fund was "about even with the board, but the demands were apt to increase as winter approached."
    While local employment is expected to improve with the release of state and federal funds for highway work in the fall and winter, complaints have been filed with the county court relative to alleged employment of California workmen in the packing houses of the valley to the detriment of valley workers, despite promises to use local help. The county court has no jurisdiction as to who shall be hired, as it rests solely with the employer. Local fruit workers said today that the situation was "shaping up the same as last year."
    The past two weeks valley residents have been pouring into the county court securing local labor cards.
    Valley fruit workers allege that they are being discriminated against and cite that in California orchards and on packing plants large signs are displayed, stating that "only California residents will be employed."
    The chamber of commerce and unemployment committee heads are investigating the situation.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 10, 1932, page 1


    Following is a report according to districts or localities of seasonal employment conditions in Oregon:
    Portland--There is a large surplus of unemployed in this locality, and for that reason we have no trouble in filling all orders for seasonal work. Hop picking will commence about August 20, and hop growers have tentatively agreed to employ only local people for the work.
    Gresham--There are approximately 500 unemployed in this locality. Blackberries and a small acreage of cucumbers are being harvested, and we have plenty of help for the work and will not require any outside help.
    McMinnville--We have about 100 unemployed in this locality. Grain harvest is well along. Farmers seem to be exchanging work, and there is not much demand for workers. Our local supply of help is sufficient for all our needs.
    Corvallis--We have about 200 unemployed in this locality. Grain is being cut and threshed, and our local supply of help is sufficient for our needs.
    The Dalles--We have about 450 unemployed in this locality. The wheat harvest is on, and cherries and apricots are being picked, and we have more than sufficient help for our needs and will not require any outside help.
    Eugene--There are approximately 500 unemployed here at this time. Haying and cherry picking are well along. The next seasonal crop to be harvested is the bean crop for the canneries, which will last about three weeks. Threshing of fall grain is in progress. Our local supply of help is sufficient for our needs.
    Salem--We have approximately 1000 unemployed here. The next crop to be harvested will be hops, and on account of the surplus of unemployed here we will not need any outside help.
    Albany--850 married men are registered as unemployed; about 25 percent are working at seasonal labor. Many unemployed family men are not yet registered. Farmers are using local people for haying, etc. We have had appeals from many transient laborers who with their families are stranded here, as the berry growers could not pay sufficient wages to enable them to leave. No more laborers can be used here.
    La Grande--The approximate number of unemployed at present is 800. The local supply of help is sufficient for all our needs and we will not require any outside help.
    Medford--About 600 unemployed in this locality. Fruit picking will begin August 8 and last about three months. Local help will be sufficient for our needs.
    Grants Pass--750 unemployed here. We do not employ anyone who has not lived here twelve months.
Gold Hill News, August 11, 1932, page 4


    Mrs. Donald Clark, appointed chairman of the food conservation committee by Mrs. A. E. Reames, chairman of the women's division of the Jackson County Unemployment Relief Council, took over the duties of her position yesterday, and has named as other members of her committee Mrs. Mabel Mack, county home demonstration agent, and Mrs. V. L. Sexton, home economist.
    Acting on subcommittees will be Mrs. Glen Fabrick for milk distribution; Mrs. J. C. Heyland, president of the Medford Parent-Teachers Council, who will be concerned with hot lunches in local schools; Mrs. A. C. Harding of Trail, county chairman of Parent-Teachers Council, whose activities will center around rural schools' plans for hot lunches, and R. G. Fowler, county agricultural agent, who will supervise the fresh meat department.
    Work will begin today in conservation of food donations when Mrs. Clark's committee will can 300 pounds of apricots, donated by George Alford of Phoenix. Mrs. Sexton will direct the canning and drying of fruits and vegetables at the Armory, and will be in charge of today's canning activities.
    Two hundred pounds of beans were donated by a rancher, who preferred to withhold his name. Over [illegible] pounds of beans were salted in barrels Tuesday at the party given by Mrs. McCaskey at her home on the Old Stage Road. These beans will also be donated the unemployment relief commissary.
    Miss Claribel Nye, state home extension worker, is issuing an appeal to every individual in the state to realize his duty to conserve all surplus foodstuff.
    In a letter to Mrs. A. E. Reames, women's county chairman, Miss Nye urged that the attention of every individual in Jackson County be directed to the duty of permitting no foodstuff to go to waste, and suggests that buying [drying?] be resorted to in the absence of jars or other containers.
    As the need arises, the county will thus be ready to assist in supplying its commissary with needed food during the winter months. This would also make more readily available possible financial aid from county funds in extreme cases where food not easily conserved must be supplied.
    It is also suggested that should other counties wish to exchange any of their food surplus, Jackson County, through its individual plan of food conservation, could quickly assemble such foodstuffs as dried fruits and vegetables.
    The committee members have expressed the hope that no one will feel that there is plenty and that they need not cooperate in this virtual war emergency duty, but that every person will do his part, no matter how small his contribution, toward the county's welfare.
    Mrs. Clark, whose telephone is 301-J-3, will now receive all information concerning donations of foodstuffs and canning materials, and will arrange for the collection of any such if it is not convenient to leave it at the Boy Scout headquarters. Until the work of conserving foods is of sufficient volume to require all-day work, the Armory kitchen will be open only at the discretion of Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Sexton, so it is important that those contemplating gifts of fruits, vegetables and meats notify Mrs. Clark.
    Mrs. David Rosenberg has accepted the responsibility of providing the motor corps and will see that fruit jars, sugar, jar caps or rubbers in any number are called for, as well the foodstuffs.
    The following women will call: Mrs. Frank Farrell, Mrs. Floyd Hart, Mrs. Halbert Deuel, Mrs. John Mann, Mrs. C. M. Brewer, Mrs. Hamilton Patton, Mrs. Rupert J. Henry, Mrs. Ralph Bardwell.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 11, 1932, page 3


    James H. Owen, general manager of the Owen-Oregon Lumber Sales Company, returned last week from a trip to Portland, also to the timbered areas of this county, and reports "a growing confidence among the people, and a feeling that the depression is over, and Hoover is not to blame for everything we don't like."
    "I talked to a number of businessmen and bankers of Portland," said Mr. Owen, "and they all expressed optimism, and that conditions were improving, with more buying and selling.
    "Last week I went out into the woods," continued Mr. Owen, "to look over some timber, and at lunch time we stopped at a farmer's house. I expected to hear the President denounced, but the farmer instead, pointed to the rising price of hogs, and praised the President for efforts to battle the panic.
    "The thing that surprised me was that the optimism of Portland had penetrated 50 miles back in the timber," said Mr. Owen.
    The lumberman, who admits "nobody got as blue as it did, or talked as much," said, "of course, it will be 30 to 60 days before the valley feels it, as good things always hit us last."
    Owen said that the mill mail the past two weeks from all over the nation, making inquiries on lumber prices and conditions, had been the heaviest in two years, and that he viewed it as a hopeful sign.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 14, 1932, page 4


    At a meeting of the Central Civic Council, held at the Chamber of Commerce last night, definite plans were formulated for the sale of labor agreements to finance the operations of the Medford Association of the Unemployed, looking toward the accumulation of materials for the use of the unemployed during the coming winter, according to Larry Schade, president of the council.
    Solicitation for sale of the association labor agreements will be made by the unemployed themselves, and H. G. Moore, manager of the association, is today completing arrangements for the selection of committees to do the actual contact work. It is expected that a major part of the work will be completed by Saturday night.
    It was pointed out at last night's meeting that it was the object of the Association of the Unemployed to sell the association labor agreements particularly to those residents of the city who are unemployed, and that no special effort will be made to sell the agreements to business houses or firms. The association hopes to gain the cooperation of those now having jobs in providing one day's work per month from each person employed in the city.
    Undoubtedly the first project for which funds derived from the sale of labor agreements will be used is that of gathering a sufficient quantity of wood for the use of the unemployed families this winter.
    Other projects will be worked out by the association of the unemployed, composed of heads of families living in and near Medford.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 16, 1932, page 8


   The county court is now faced with a new relief problem--the coming of indigent transients from other counties who camp in the rural districts and make appeals for aid from the meager Jackson County funds. The count court is in communication with Klamath County relative to the recent arrival of two families from there last week. The county court feels that it has a task to perform in the care of its own without any additions.
    Commissioner Victor Bursell said this morning that some means "will have to be found to put the transient indigents to work, if it is only packing rocks from one spot to another." He favors the Lane County plan, which calls for the cutting of a cord of wood ere aid is rendered. After transient indigents have lived for six months in the county their care devolves on the county.
    In the case of the Klamath County indigents, they camped in the Applegate district and made appeal to the county court for food and medical aid. The medical aid was granted. The county court yesterday offered to provide a "a gallon of gas and $1 worth of groceries." This was refused on the grounds "it's not enough for one of us."
    Later the head of the family and children were noted on North Central Avenue with an armload of groceries and meat and other supplies by Victor A. Tengwald, secretary to the county court.
    The county court has the suspicion that the seeker of aid has money and is investigating the case further.    
Medford Mail Tribune, August 17, 1932, page 3


    Last night's meeting of the Association of the Unemployed started activities for securing a supply of wood for the coming winter, as well as preparing for active work in promoting the sale of association labor agreements, which will start Friday of this week, according to H. G. Moore, manager of the association. Crews were ready today to start wood cutting, and this work will continue throughout the next six weeks.
    The principal difficulty which developed last night was in connection with transportation of men to and from the wood lot selected for cutting and for the hauling of the wood to Medford. It was requested that anyone who has idle trucks which can be used for this purpose communicate with Mr. Moore as quickly as possible.
    Organization of the unemployed for the sale of labor agreements will be perfected by Thursday night when there will be a meeting of all committees for final instructions on their work. These committees will endeavor to contact all unemployed men in the city and urge their aid in providing at least part-time work for the unemployed. The plan involves the purchase of labor agreements to the extent of one day's work on the part of each person in the city now having employment.
    Further details of the association's plans will be published in tomorrow's paper in order that all may be informed of the plans to relieve the unemployment situation in the city of Medford.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 17, 1932, page 3


    County authorities continued today to take steps to balk any efforts of transient indigents to establish a residence here and share in the relief work and food being marshalled for the assistance of worthy residents of the city and county. Six months' residence in the county makes anyone a legal resident.
    Migrations of transient indigents from Klamath Falls and other Eastern Oregon counties has started, and two or three families traveling in autos have been returned. Correspondence has been carried on with other county courts relative to "keeping them there." A checkup is being made on families who spend the summer in Klamath County and return here for the milder winters, and secure aid from both counties.
    A check is also being made on the local labor cards, to determine if there are any illegal holders of the cards. A smallpox patient, held by the county health department, who was stricken the third day after his arrival from Idaho, was found to possess a local labor card. He has friends here and was seeking work in the fruit.
    Caring for home people is a drain on the indigent fund of the county, and the county court is showing an inclination to "get hard-boiled with transient indigents," and give them short shrift. Two or three have been offered "a dollars' worth of grub and a gallon of gas" to return from whence they came.
    The county court also suspects that some who make appeals to the county have money "but are trying to ‘mooch' all they can get."
    County Commissioner Victor Bursell favors the adoption of the Lane County policy of "sawing a cord of wood before eating." His information indicates that this has caused a heavy decline in appeals of transients for aid.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 18, 1932, page 3


    Final instructions will be given tonight to the committees from the Association of the Unemployed who will contact all unemployed men and women in Medford in a campaign to distribute a sufficient quantity of association labor agreements to aid in procuring supplies for the unemployed during the coming winter, was the announcement made this afternoon by H. G. Moore, manager of the association.
   It will be the purpose of the campaign to urge each employed person to purchase association labor agreements in the amount of the equivalent of one day's work per month, and contacts will be made by special committees which are being appointed today, aided by representatives of the various service clubs of the city.
    A crew of men was put to work today cutting wood on a woodlot selected by the association, and a portion of the funds derived from the sale of labor agreements will be used to pay the wood-cutting crew for their work. After cutting, the wood will be hauled to Medford and will be distributed to the needy during the winter months.
    A number of voluntary purchases of labor agreements have been made, according to Mr. Moore, and any others desiring to purchase them may call at the association office in the city hall, where they may be secured.
    It is expected that the sale of these agreements will promote a considerable quantity of work in the community which might not otherwise be done, and particular stress is to be laid on the obligation of the person who has a job at the present time to aid his fellow-worker who is not at present so fortunate. All employed persons are urgently requested to give consideration to the committee who will visit them tomorrow or Saturday.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 18, 1932, page 8


    Applications for help from needy Medford citizens are increasing to such an extent at the Foursquare Gospel Light House, 401 East Fifth Street, that Mrs. Estelle Jones, pastor, today issued an appeal for clothing, furniture, foodstuffs, and money.
    During the past three days two unusually distressing cases of poverty came to the attention of Mrs. Jones and were taken care of, she said. In one family seven children who had been subsisting on a diet of corn were found ill. Food was provided for them.
    In another case a man and his wife and seven children were found starving. They had been too proud to ask for help. Food was furnished them.
    The Light House is particularly in need of shoes, children's shoes, beds, bedding, foodstuffs of all kinds, and funds. Those connected with the institution give their services without pay and every article donated to this institution reaches people who need help. There is an unusual demand for men's clothing, and the institution has given away practically all it has received.
    A commissary is operated for families of Medford. No family ever is turned away. At present fruit is being canned on Wednesday afternoons, and the institution is in need of volunteer workers in order that this activity may be carried on daily until the season closes.
    Milk also is distributed daily to needy families.
    The Light House can use practically any article of clothing or furniture which is donated. The institution is badly in need of funds and has been ministering to Medford people at a remarkable low expense.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 28, 1932, page 7


    Preliminary negotiations are being made with Curry County this week for exchange of pears and tomatoes for canned fish and mutton to be added to the commissary for Jackson County's unemployed, R. G. Fowler, county agent, announced today. The exchange will be in keeping with the extensive relief program in process throughout the state, under direction of Governor Meier's committee for relief of unemployment.
    A deal is also being considered whereby potatoes will be received from Klamath County in exchange for tomatoes, Mr. Fowler stated. Klamath County is anxious to obtain a large supply of Jackson County's fruit to be conserved for the unemployed, and the demand for potatoes will be great here this winter.
    The Jackson County food conservation program is progressing well under the leadership of the women's division headed by Mrs. A. E. Reames. All workers are donating their services to the cause, contrary to a report about town today to the effect that the conservationists were receiving funds for their participation in the program. All workers are volunteers, and in the complete relief program of city and county there is but one executive who is on salary. Harry Moore, who is hired by the board of control of the Unemployment Relief Association, is being paid from funds appropriated the unemployment association by the city council.
    The city agreed to allot the unemployment association a sum of $75 a month for a period to expire January 1, unless the agreement is renewed by the incoming council.
    Mr. Moore acts as executive, listing the unemployed population and serving as intermediary in the program for exchange of labor for products and services, which was outlined by the Medford Association of the Unemployed.
    All other workers connected with the county and city program for the relief of the unemployed are donating their services to the cause.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 29, 1932, page 1


    A policy of making no further charity doles from their own relief fund to able-bodied persons, "be they men, women or children," unless work is provided for the recipients to perform in return for the assistance rendered them, was adopted yesterday afternoon by teachers in the Medford school system at the general organization meeting held in preparation for the opening of school, Tuesday.
    The relief program was brought up along with other matters, and instructors decided that it is an educational as well as economic problem and should be given educational treatment.
    The teachers also went on record as recommending that no contributions by any other relief-dispensing organization be made that cannot show a worked-out and accepted program whereby provision is made for requiring that all able-bodied persons who receive assistance from it shall perform some worthy work, or service in return for that assistance.
    The observation of the teachers has been that needy persons of worthy type do not desire charity but rather a chance to work and earn what they receive, it was pointed out at the meeting.
    Much of the keenest suffering as a result of unemployment in this city is on the part of those who are too proud and too self-dependent to accept charity. "They do not apply to charitable organizations for doles, but they and their children suffer in silence. Such people are too precious an element in our American citizenry to be overlooked and neglected in their times of need," it was stated.
    The only way to reach or to aid these people is to offer them an opportunity to work or to serve for what they get. They will have it no other way. They despise the dole and will not accept it, it was also stressed.
    "For the sake of preserving that which is best and finest in our American manhood and womanhood, not only for the present but for this generation now coming up, we stand committed to the principle that the dole and the unwise use of charity in solving our relief problems must be abandoned. In its place must be worked out a plan whereby money or goods expended for relief may be earned by every able-bodied recipient who benefits therefrom.
    "To the furtherance of this end, we pledge our support to all future relief work in which we are to have a part." The staff of teachers agreed in a written statement to the press.
    "The teachers of the Medford public schools recognize the serious problem of unemployment relief work in this city, and although their incomes have been greatly reduced this year they intend to assist again in bearing the burden as they have done in the past," the statement continues.
    "Last year, the teachers of Medford not only contributed liberally to the Community Chest, but in addition raised and administered a relief fund for needy children who were not reached by the regularly organized charity institutions of the city because they and their parents are possessed of too much personal pride and independence to apply for it.
    "Through several years of having a part in both watching and administering charitable relief, the teachers have become increasingly conscious of the fact that a most serious problem is fixing itself upon the people as a result of it. The unemployable element of the population is becoming so mixed with the worthy unemployed that they are receiving a dignity to which they are not entitled and many times charitable assistance which they do not deserve.
    "There is, without doubt, a growing class of people in the country who are fast learning to relish the dole and who prefer to lean upon others rather than support themselves through their own planning, working and saving. Children are now in the schools coming up under these conditions. This is becoming not only a social and economic problem, but it is an educational problem as well, and of serious consequences for the younger generation. As such, the teachers feel it proper that public attention should be called to it.
    "The teachers recognize the fact that many worthy people are now needing assistance and will continue to need it--perhaps throughout the winter. With that need they are in full sympathy and will contribute to its alleviation insofar as their abilities will permit."
Medford Mail Tribune, September 4, 1932, page 1


    A unique vocational course is being offered this week at Grants Pass--a course in prospecting and panning for gold. It is sponsored by the state and federal boards of vocational education, and "Missouri" W. D. George, champion gold panner of the world, is conducting the classes, which began Monday afternoon with 27 men enrolled.
    The objective of the course is to help men who have tried to prospect and pan for gold to more successfully work their claims in the Grants Pass territory. No tuition is charged, but everyone that attends brings their own pan, small pick, shovel and quartz glass.
    Twelve lessons are given which cover staking out claims, panning different types of quartz, examinations of formations, location of mineral deposits, demonstration of pick and shovel, sluicebox work, rocker work, tracing, sampling and testing of ores, use of mortar and pestle, and reclaiming of metal.
    "Missouri" George has lived near Kerby since 1880, with the exception of time that he has been employed by mining companies that have sent him all over the United States to do special mining work for them. He will conduct his classes in a practical manner, all but the first meeting being held in the hills so that the men may have experience under actual working conditions. Bert Barnett of the Electric Welding Works and W. W. Morse of the vocational department of the Grants Pass schools are cooperating in the work.
    According to a news dispatch Monday, no more members will be admitted to the class of 27, but another one will be formed as soon as enough registrations have been made. Registrations are being taken at the Electric Welding and Machinery Company office at 611 K Street.
Gold Hill News, September 1, 1932, page 1


    A novel Saturday morning matinee will be featured by the Fox Craterian Theater this week in cooperation with the Jackson County Relief Association. Don Geddes, manager of the Fox Craterian, has wired for a special picture to be shown at this benefit show, which begins at 10:15 a.m.
    Instead of the usual admission charge, those who enjoy the Saturday special matinee must present, at the box office, a quart of eatables or a quart of sugar. Three empty quart jars with covers will also gain admittance to the benefit movie program.
    Canned goods and jars secured during this matinee will be used by the Jackson County Relief Association in furthering the fine work already under way by that organization.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 8, 1932, page 3


    The gold panning school being conducted by "Missouri" George of Kerby in Grants Pass held a class Monday on the Lance Brothers placer claim on Foots Creek, where they practiced panning and obtained a number of large colors.
    The group also visited the gold dredge being operated on Foots Creek by the Rogue River Gold Company under the management of D. H. Ferry.
    The class, which is composed of 27 men, is visiting many properties where they study different conditions and receive practical instruction, and they are becoming quite proficient in handling their pans. Monday, some excitement was caused when "Missouri" panned out an $8 slug, but this had been dropped into his pan by Tom Brinkerhoff while "Missouri" was scraping bedrock for pay dirt. All the gold panned that day was given to the men by their hosts, and they spent an industrious afternoon working in the shade along the riverbed.
    The class is sponsored by the state and federal boards for vocational education, and the men are learning the difference between success and failure in their work. The series of twelve lessons teaches them the all-important subject of formations and how the different ground should be handled; the art of panning to save the colors, and the building of rockers, sluice boxes and special riffles. Samples the men bring from various mines will also be panned out.
    It is understood that men are still enrolling for the course, and another class will probably be conducted when this series of lessons has been completed.
Gold Hill News, September 8, 1932, page 8


    A number of boys and girls attending the senior high school are anxious to obtain positions in Medford homes where they might work for their board and room, according to C. G. Smith, principal, and an effort is being made by the school deans to place them in local residences.
    About twelve girls are now working for their board and room, and several others have applied for such places. The arrangements for the girls are in charge of Miss Maurine Carroll, dean of girls, and her assistant, Miss Clita Walden.
    Mr. Smith said that several boys had applied at his office for a place to stay and work his way through school, but until Friday only one boy had been placed, he stated.
    Townspeople who are willing take in students to help with the work are asked to call Miss Maurine Carroll or Miss Walden for girls, and Mr. Smith for boys.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 12, 1932, page 6


    That unemployed persons who receive aid through the county general relief committee will be required to do some sort of work for all food supplied them during the coming winter, it was decided Monday, when part of the county general committee met at the offices of County Judge C. B. Lamkin. The type of work was not specified, but it was the general opinion that general improvement work, either in any city in the county, or on county projects, be required.
    The idea of having the unemployed work for their provisions is not to get value received for the food so much as it is to avoid the idea of a dole, it was pointed out by Mrs. Don Clark, chairman of the food conservation committee. Roads and city and county property will also be beautified by the plan, it was said, and the unemployed will also be better satisfied.
    Those who attended the meeting Monday were Mrs. Evan Reames, Mrs. Don Clark, Lillian Roberts, R. G. Fowler, A. P. Johnsen, County Commissioners Victor Bursell and John Barneburg, County Judge C. B. Lamkin and Victor Tengwald, secretary of the association.
    The need for more basic foods, such as potatoes, corn, beans, and flour, was expressed at the meeting, and definite action towards acquiring this food will be taken soon, it was decided. Several trades of foodstuffs between counties are being arranged, but definite plans have not been announced. Klamath County alone wants several thousand cases of tomatoes, Fowler said, and will trade potatoes for them, but Jackson County cannot use that many potatoes. A trade with Coos County, whereby fish can be traded for tomatoes, is also being considered.
Gold Hill News, September 15, 1932, page 1


    Leaders of the Community Chest, which has functioned well in Medford for the past two years, caring for the relief drives previously carried on by the numerous organizations, stated today that no plans have been made for discontinuance of the Community Chest, contrary to a published report. Such a program of disorganization has not been considered or contemplated, it was pointed out, and the campaign for funds to finance relief work in Medford will probably be started the last week in October.
    A. P. Johnsen, chairman of the drive, was out of the city today, so the definite dates for this year's chest campaign could not be obtained. Numerous plans for the drive, however, have been made and were recently discussed at the meeting of the Allied Welfare Association, when considerable discussion was devoted to the allotment of funds this year.
    Several changes in the wording of the pledge cards for this year's campaign were discussed at the meeting, but no hint of plans to discontinue the chest were voiced.
    Definite dates of the drive will be announced very soon.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 20, 1932, page 1


    With a total of 3,545 quarts canned for the winter, the food conservation committee in Medford closed the relief kitchen at the Armory yesterday, completing the season's work in the conservation of food for the unemployed. Future donations and jars will be distributed through individual committee members.
    The Medford branch of the women's division of the Jackson County Council for Relief of Unemployment has accomplished much during the past several weeks toward providing food for the unemployed during the coming winter. The food, Mrs. A. E. Reames, head of the women's division of the county council, pointed out yesterday, will be stored in the commissary in the I.O.O.F. building on West Sixth Street and will be distributed in return for labor. All persons wishing to obtain food through the county commissary will be required to perform some work or service in return for it.
    The food conservation division is headed in the city by Mrs. Donald Clark, and the operation of the kitchen has been in charge of Mrs. O. B. Morrow.
    There were 150 cans of food prepared and canned yesterday, with four members of the unemployed assisting in the kitchen. During the height of the canning season as many as 300 and 400 cans of vegetables and fruits were canned each day, Mrs. Morrow stated yesterday. The record day, there were 415 quarts canned.
    Leading among the fruits and vegetables preserved are tomatoes, pears, peaches, plums, prunes, beans, apricots and rhubarb.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 25, 1932, page 1


    Miss Helen Carlton will head a committee appointed by Mrs. A. E. Reames of the women's division of the Jackson County unemployment relief council, which will plan and manage a county relief clothing shop to function through cooperation with the county court, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
    A central governing committee will determine who may receive aid and what payment or labor will be exacted for such assistance. The official "o.k." of the local Red Cross, county court or Salvation Army will be necessary before any clothing will be given out to applicants.
    Miss Carlton yesterday explained that such precaution in necessary due to the fact that many well-meaning persons have been aiding families who were in some cases imposing upon their benefactors, other agencies already having made provision for their aid. Miss Carlton suggests that before assisting such families, inquiries be made through the county court, Red Cross or Salvation Army to find out whether or not assistance is being given through these agencies, thus avoiding indiscriminate aid.
    Provision will be made for a system of exchange of foods for labor, such as the mending and remodeling of garments distributed by the public for the relief shop and the making of patchwork quilts or other utilization of all material on hand.
    Two sewing machines have been provided, and the executive board of the Greater Medford club has contributed $10 towards the purchase of another, these to be placed in a work room, the location of which will be determined at an early date.
    Miss Harriet Sparrow will act as secretary of this new committee which includes also Mrs. H. D. McCaskey, Mrs. C. I. Drummond, Mrs. C. Glenn Smith, Mrs. David Rosenberg, Mrs. R. R. Duncan, Mrs. R. E. Munter, Miss Francis Sparrow and Mrs. Helen Bullis.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 25, 1932, page 8


    In the rural communities of Jackson County, 4000 quarts of fruits and vegetables have been conserved for the coming winter under the program of the council for relief of unemployment, Mrs. Mabel Mack, head of food conservation activities outside of Medford, announced yesterday, following a week's work in numerous districts.
    The total does not include the work done at the Medford relief kitchen. In each community a local chairman and committee worked in cooperation with the general chairman. These committees in each district, Mrs. Mack explained, are composed of representatives from the various other clubs in existence.
    The districts in which work is now being done are: Valley View, Talent, McLeod, Lake Creek, Lost Creek, Applegate, Rogue River, Central Point, Eagle Point, Butte Falls, Bellview and Jacksonville.
    The food being conserved will be stored in a commissary in each district and be used for emergency relief, to be distributed among members of the unemployed in return for labor. Cases will be investigated by the county court before the food is distributed.
    Among the products canned are tomatoes, beans, pears, peaches, corn and plums. Special emphasis has been placed upon tomatoes, Mrs. Mack said yesterday, because of the asset this particular fruit is to the low-cost diet, being used as a basis of all cereal dishes.
    The unemployed in some communities have been helping with the work. All other participation has been by volunteer workers. Grange halls, club houses and individual homes have been used as canning kitchens in the promotion of the project. Mrs. Mack has supervised the work in each community and furnished the pressure cooker and sealer used. Cans to be filled are being furnished by the county. The canning equipment is much in demand as it is being used Saturdays and Sundays by self-supporting individuals, who from a financial viewpoint prefer the use of cans to jars in preserving food.
    During the past few weeks of canning, Mrs. Mack said yesterday,  the workers have averaged between 90 and 361 cans a day. Rogue River, so far, is winner of the highest record, having canned 361 quarts of peaches and pears in one day.
    Committee chairmen, working in the communities are: Mrs. Lela Shepherd, Rogue River; Mrs. A. T. Lathrop, Central Point; Mrs. Minnie Fox, Lost Creek; Mrs. W. H. Higgins, Talent; Mrs. Carl Glascow, Valley View; Mrs. Fred Offenbacher, Applegate; Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Clarence Davies, Eagle Point; Mrs. W. D. Coburn, McLeod; Mrs. Henry Myers, Lake Creek; Mrs. E. E. Fredericks, Prospect; Mrs. Joe Hibbard, Butte Falls; Miss Claire Hanley, Jacksonville and Mrs. Fred Homes, Bellview.
    Some communities, instead of canning the foods in an organized project, are collecting filled jars from various home supplies and adding them to the commissary.
    This week Mrs. Mack will supervise canning on the following days in communities named: Monday at Prospect; Tuesday, Central Point; Wednesday, Butte Falls; Thursday, McLeod at the home of Mrs. Gus Ditsworth and Friday at Lake Creek. The work will continue through this month.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 26, 1932, page 8


    "To halt begging of food, clothing and money in Medford business establishments and at homes," the Foursquare Gospel Lighthouse today opened a soup kitchen to serve free, hot meals. All who apply will be fed. The institution is at East Fifth and Riverside.
    Dr. Estelle Jones, pastor, decided to start the soup kitchen as a community service, she said, because inquiry has revealed that begging at stores and homes had increased recently to such an extent it had become a nuisance.
    For the present the kitchen will serve stew, bread, coffee and fruit. The kitchen will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and families with children who find themselves stranded in Medford after nightfall also will be accommodated.
    "There is no longer any reason why business firms or citizens should furnish any person applying for food or clothing with help," Dr. Jones explained. "If the community will cooperate with us by declining to help when approached for assistance and by referring such cases to us, food and other aid will be promptly forthcoming.
    "We hope within three days virtually to end begging in Medford," she added. "We also hope to keep transients on the move by warning them, with the assistance of the authorities, that they had better get to their homes as speedily as possible.
    "Our checkup of persons who come to the Lighthouse will be aimed chiefly at two classes--hitchhiking and train-riding transients and gasoline hobos.
    "We will attempt to convince such people, with the aid of reports from communities south and north, that Oregon and California are unhealthy states for persons who have homes elsewhere. Within the past few days we have induced several families and individuals to start home.
    "The kitchen will be supported entirely by donations of food and cash from those wishing to give," Dr. Jones said. "Substantial donations of food were received at the institution before serving of meals had started today."
    As soon as the community soup kitchen is opened, which will be in four or five weeks, according to information furnished Dr. Jones, she will close her own kitchen and will appeal to other welfare organizations to show their community spirit by falling in line, she said.
    "The need is so great now and begging has become such a problem here that we felt we should wait no longer," she added.
    Dr. Jones appealed to business houses and citizens to assist her by cooperating and by furnishing donations of food and cash. She said that donations either could be left at the Lighthouse or that she would send out a driver to collect whenever notified that supplies were available. The Lighthouse telephone number is 918.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 29, 1932, page 13


    George A. Montgomery, in charge of the United States employment information bureau at the summit of the Siskiyous, reported today that "good work has been accomplished in checking the flow of transient laborers into this state and the Northwest," by giving travelers seeking work accurate information on labor conditions in Oregon and Washington. Mr. Montgomery reported that as a result of the establishment of the information bureau, "transients seeking labor in four days dropped to 20 or 30 percent of the number traveling into the two states when the bureau was established."
    Mr. Montgomery further stated that, by reason of the bureau's work, transients from southern points were saved needless expense in looking for work that did not exist.
    Members of the county court say that since the establishment of the bureau "the number of applications for work and help at the county court has decreased 50 percent or more."
    Many transients, after receiving the information, returned to their homes to spread the word there already was a surplus of labor in the Northwest.
    The information bureau closed today, as the seasonal labor travel stopped.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 5, 1932, page 1


    Preliminary plans for trading fruits to Klamath Falls for potatoes were outlined last night by the Medford Association of the Unemployed at one of the largest meetings held since organization of the association. Under the plan upon which Harry Moore, manager of the association, is working today, the Klamath people will be given apples in exchange for the potatoes.
    The need for immediate action toward filling of the local larders was stressed today by Mr. Moore, following the check made last night, which revealed that many families are already without food.
    The association is also working on a proposition to bring into Medford an adequate meat supply. A cooperative plan will be worked out, it is hoped, which will enable the unemployed to take care of all elements of the trade without seeking assistance from any other source.
    In spite of the fact that this is the harvest season, and the valley filled with an abundance of food, Mr. Moore said investigations made last night showed that several families because of lack of ways and means to transport produce from the country are in dire need of fruits and vegetables, as well as other more solid items for the winter menu.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 7, 1932, page 14


    Fourteen needy families are being provided with milk through the cooperation of Mrs. Glen Fabrick and Mrs. R. E. Green of the Jackson County Unemployment Relief Council and representatives of the local Red Cross unit, and the county health association.
   Van Dyke's dairy is contributing 15 gallons of milk daily for such distribution, and a number of other dairies have indicated their willingness to contribute at any time.
    The milk distribution committee is aware that the milk supply is cut down in almost every family when the income is reduced or withdrawn, and that the children in these homes are the principal sufferers, have investigated such cases and where the family seemed worthy or in dire need of such help are supplying a gallon of milk daily to families with three or more children.
   Two outlying stores are being used as distribution centers, and no person is permitted to secure the milk supply whose case has not been passed upon by the three cooperating agencies.
    Where the local Parent-Teacher Associations are supplying milk to undernourished children, a careful check is being maintained to avoid duplication in this work.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 9, 1932, page 3


    The canning kitchen maintained in the armory by the Jackson County Unemployment Council's food conservation comittee was dismantled Thursday and the canned goods removed through the courtesy of David Rosenberg, who permitted the use of one of his trucks to the commissary. Two men employed in the moving were paid in requisitions on the commissary.
    Mrs. Donald Clark, chairman of food conservation, asks that in view of the closing of the armory kitchen, all surplus food stuff be given to any organization wishing to carry on similar work.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 9, 1932, page 3


    Miss Helen Carlton, who will direct the work of the clothing station which is being arranged by the Jackson County Unemployment Relief Council in the rooms of the old city hall being vacated by the U.S. labor bureau and the city council, announces the opening of the store Saturday, Oct. 15.
    Miss Carlton and her committee will begin tomorrow to prepare the rooms and supplies and asks that any contribution of clothing, shoes, stockings, or any other wearing apparel be left there.
    For a time the store will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. In the meantime the committee and others will be busy renovating and remodeling the clothing, all of which will be exchanged for labor. When possible the size of garments or shoes should be plainly marked on any contributed material.
    No clean clothing will be rejected, as every scrap of cloth not otherwise usable will be made into quilts for the commissary.
    It is the hope of Miss Carlton and Mrs. A. E. Reames, general chairman of the women's division of the county council, to so conduct the affairs of this department of the unemployment relief work as to assist most helpfully and with least embarrassment the many worthy unemployed who must secure temporary aid in the matter of clothing until permanent employment is secured.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 9, 1932, page 3


    Following the decision of the board of directors of the Medford Community Chest not to undertake a consolidated campaign for chest beneficiaries this year, a conference of local business leaders with city and county officials has been called for Thursday afternoon by County Judge C. B. Lamkin and Mayor E. M. Wilson, to be held at the courthouse auditorium at 2 p.m.
    Directors of the chest recommended the selection of a county welfare board which would have the jurisdiction over the conduct of all relief work in Medford and vicinity, and it is probable that their suggestions will be followed out at Thursday's meeting.
    Included in the invitations to the conference, in addition to the county court and the city council, are the directors of the Community Chest, directors of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, budget committee of the Community Chest, representatives of the Association of the Unemployed, Governor Meier's county relief committee, heads of all local service clubs, and all others interested in the solution of the unemployment and relief problems.
    Community Chest officials conferred yesterday with Judge Lamkin and Mayor Wilson, both of whom are anxious to have the necessary organization perfected for the handling of these problems, and a definite program for action will be presented by Hamilton Patton, chairman of the Community Chest budget committee, based on the establishment of a central agency through which all relief work will be cleared.
    In their meeting yesterday, directors of the Community Chest strongly recommended the centralization of all relief activities.
    Harry G. Moore, manager of the Association of the Unemployed, reported that his visit to Klamath Falls over the weekend had been convincing of the necessity for centralized organization. "In Klamath County," stated Mr. Moore, "all of the relief work has been placed under one head, and their organization has been functioning for over a year. The results of their work can easily be seen, and, although Klamath County's problem is possibly much worse than in Jackson County, they have accumulated sufficient supplies to satisfactorily handle the problem. There are over 800 families being supported by the county organization there at the present time."
    Mr. Moore also stated that those in charge of the relief activities in Klamath County will be glad to give those interested in the problem in Jackson County the benefit of their experience in handling relief work.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 11, 1932, page 1


    Miss Helen Carlton, in charge of the unemployed relief clothing department in the old city hall, announced today that anyone who has clothing to donate for the relief work, and has no way of delivering the articles, may call Mrs. David Rosenberg.
    Mrs. Rosenberg is head of the motor corps for the women's division of the Jackson County council for the relief of unemployment, and she or one of her group will call for the clothing, Miss Carlton stated.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 11, 1932, page 7


    The Foursquare Gospel Lighthouse today announced it would expand its relief activities and enlarge its staff until such time as organizations that had depended on funds from the Community Chest should be able to begin their relief work.
    Dr. Estelle Jones, pastor, said her institution was prepared to handle all applications for family relief, meals, clothing and money and that the Lighthouse now is in a position to take care of all relief cases in Medford or in the nearby county.  To meet the emergency, she said, the relief department would remain open day and night, new workers would be added to the home visitation department, and new supplies bought for the commissary.
    The soup kitchen which the Lighthouse opened two weeks ago will be continued until such time as the Salvation Army or some other responsible organization obtains funds for such work, and soon this kitchen will open two hours earlier in the morning. The present opening hour is 8:30 a.m.
    "We are now in such a strong position, owing to the kindness of many of Medford's leading business men and financial institutions, that we can take care of the entire relief work of this community indefinitely," Dr. Jones said. "For some time we have been performing virtually all the emergency relief work here and we opened our kitchen as a gift to the community. In its two weeks of operation it has been instrumental in inducing many of the transients who were hanging around town to leave.
    "Our policy is to act first and ask questions afterwards, when people come to us for help. We do not believe that any ragged and hungry person is unworthy, and we do not care what the morals or previous records of those applying to us for assistance may be, as far as giving them help they need is concerned. We do not believe in making a charity a matter in which human beings are treated merely as names for card indexes and case records.
    "Inasmuch as we finance ourselves we feel that what we do in the way of helping needy people is nobody's business but our own, and we are prepared to continue our work as long as the need exists.
    "We do not contemplate any drive for funds. We are being helped by some citizens interested in our work and we are praying that this will continue.
    "We will be open day and night and will turn away no one who comes to us for help. But we do not want to create the impression that we are easy marks. We have a woodpile and we also have a quick means of determining just what kind of aid we should grant. But we do not browbeat and insult people who ask us to help them."
    Tonight at 7:15 o'clock Dr. Jones will discuss the charity and welfare program in an address over station KMED during the weekly broadcast of her organization. She will voice her position on the proposed county welfare agency, she said.
    The report of Dr. Jones' institution for September showed that 415 articles of clothing were given away, 64 boxes of wood distributed to Medford families, 44 pairs of shoes presented to persons applying for them, 200 gallons of milk given to Medford children and 43 meals furnished individuals applying at the Lighthouse. The soup kitchen opened October 1. Since its opening meals have been served to 219 persons.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 14, 1932, page 14


    Members of the Medford Association of the Unemployed are negotiating for additional food products to place in their commissary, Harry G. Moore, executive for the organization, announced today, voicing a request for products, especially meats.
    The association members are anxious to exchange labor for products with Southern Oregon farmers and will be able, in many instances, to trade potatoes and other staple foods, of which they are gathering large supplies, for meats, which are especially needed to provide balanced menus.
    They are asking for mutton, pork and beef on foot, as they have made arrangements to do their own butchering. Anyone in a position to trade with the association is asked to call 104-J-3.
    A meeting of the unemployed association has been called for Thursday evening in the court house auditorium, and a large attendance is urged to complete plans for the various food exchanges under way.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 19, 1932, page 5


    Negotiations to be made with local farmers by the governor's relief committee to obtain stock for the central relief commissary in Medford were discussed yesterday afternoon at the relief meeting held at the county courthouse.
    All farmers of the valley who have a surplus of basic products are asked to get in touch, through letters or personal calls, with the members of the county court. Victor Tengwald, secretary of the court, in reporting on the problem yesterday stressed the necessity for diversified products in the commissary stock before the plan can be satisfactorily operated. The farmers are asked to let the court know what they have and what their lowest prices on products will be. The committee is anxious to buy products from local farmers first, it was pointed out.
    The housing problem was discussed by C. E. Gates and Harry Turner and the possibility and advisability of using the fairgrounds constructions and other buildings considered. Money to be brought into the county by the Siskiyou and Central Point highway projects was also listed in the general plan to relieve unemployment.
    Attending the meeting were Judge C. B. Lamkin, Commissioners Victor Bursell and John Barneburg, Miss Lillian Roberts of the Red Cross, Mrs. A. E. Reames, head of the women's division of the governor's relief committee; Guy Applewhite of Ashland, C. E. Gates, Harry Turner and Victor Tengwald.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 21, 1932, page 11


    One phase of the county relief council's problem was solved today, Victor Tengwald, secretary, announced, with the donation by Raymond Reter of storage space in the Pinnacle plant No. 2.
    Space for storage of supplies for the central commissary has been badly needed. The space offered in the fruit plant will adequately fill this need, being used in connection with the shop of the I.O.O.F. on Sixth Street, where the central commissary will be located.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 24, 1932, page 3


    Negotiations to be made with county farmers by the governor's relief committee to obtain stock for the central relief commissary in Medford were discussed Thursday afternoon at the relief meeting held at the Jackson County courthouse.
    All farmers of the valley who have a surplus of basic products are asked to get in touch, through letters or personal calls, with the members of the county court. Victor Tengwald, secretary of the court, in reporting on the problem, stressed the necessity for diversified products in the commissary stock, before the plan can be satisfactorily operated. The farmers are asked to let the court know what they have and what their lowest prices on products will be. The committee is anxious to buy products from local farmers first, it was pointed out.
Gold Hill News, October 27, 1932, page 1


    Mark A. Goldy, secretary of the Interstate Fidelity Building and Loan Association, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, was a business visitor in Medford this week, calling on Chas. Wing of the local agency.
    Mr. Goldy, in voicing his appreciation of the Rogue River Valley and surrounding scenery, also spoke of this as a "prosperous region," saying that the Medford branch is outstanding in the association.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 27, 1932, page 8


    Since May 11, when the American Red Cross started its distribution of flour, voted by Congress to aid the suffering people of this country, the local Red Cross chapter has distributed 41,160 pounds to over 500 needy families in Jackson County, it was announced today. The money value of this flour was $982.80, the same being given away to families in need of food with no other charge to them whatever. Points of distribution have been in Medford and Ashland, and there will probably be three additional points of distribution established in the near future.
    This gives the people of Jackson County an idea of what the Jackson County Red Cross has already done in a practical way to aid the needy and suffering people of Southern Oregon, and why the chapter asks for financial aid at this time, so that the worthy work may be continued during the ensuing winter.
    While this wheat flour has been donated to the Red Cross by the government, the Red Cross has assumed the entire expense of handling and distribution, with central distribution station for the country at Chicago, and 3,179 Red Cross chapters, including the local chapter, participating in the work.
   To shoulder its share of expense and continue the distribution of flour to the hungry people of this community, the local Red Cross must have funds, and the drive to secure such funds will start on November 11.
   This is only one portion of relief work being carried on by the local Red Cross, and only one item in its budget of expense. Others will be brought to the attention of the people in subsequent articles so they may know what an important work this local organization is carrying on and how deserving it is of generous financial assistance at this time.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 28, 1932, page 7


    An unexpected outgrowth of the establishment of the clothing relief shop here is the development of a women's employment department, according to announcement of Miss Helen J. Carlton, who is in charge of the activities which she now designates as Welfare Exchange.
    A list of names of women available for all sorts of work will be kept and anyone needing work done by the hour, day or permanently may telephone 1050 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and names and addresses of available helpers will be furnished.
    Another outgrowth of the work of helping to supply clothing, shoes and bedding for the unemployed who are unable to buy in the regular markets is an exchange system which is working to the advantage of many who have no money but have articles of clothing outgrown or for other reasons not of use to the owners. Warm winter garments, shoes, coats or underwear are given in exchange. Fifteen people have already brought in articles for exchange.
    Among the surprising items in the Welfare Exchange supplies are two dinner jackets and three evening suits. It is hoped by those in charge that someone who needs such garments will buy them and so make available to the committee money which will help supply practical warm clothing for those in need. A feather bed, recently contributed, will be made into pillows.
    The work room is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Five sewing machines are available for use here and from 6 to 8 women on these days mend, remodel, make quilts and sometimes also make new garments.
    More than 300 garments have already been given out, and the stock of clothing, shoes, bedding, underwear and especially children's clothes is seriously depleted.
    Both Mrs. A. E. Reames, chairman of the women's division of the county relief council, and Miss Carlton and her committee are hopeful that the public will respond to this need and contribute anything, no matter how worn, which will help make possible the task of seeing that no worthy person in the county need suffer because of insufficient clothing.
    Those who have anything to give to the Welfare Exchange at this time are asked to telephone 1050 on Wednesdays or Saturdays during the hours indicated above or telephone Mrs. David Rosenberg of the motor corps on other week days.
    A special drive for clothing will be conducted during the Red Cross campaign period next month and trucks will be sent out over the city weekly to gather up bundles, the dates to be announced later.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 30, 1932, page 3


    The government in conjunction with its flour distribution to the Red Cross has further aided relief activities by a distribution of cotton to be used in supplying clothes for those in desperate need in the oncoming winter. With the cooperation of cotton mills 500,000 bales of government-owned cotton have been traded to mills in exchange for cotton cloth such as gingham, prints, shirtings, outing, sheeting and birdseye.
    The local Red Cross chapter has been allotted 8000 yards of this cloth, enough to provide clothing for 400 families, of which a part has already been received and through the services of volunteer workers turned into garments ready for use. The remainder of the consignment is on the way and will be available in a few days.
    An exhibition of completed garments made in Jackson County will be on display in the window of the Medford Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 2nd.
    In the stress of the winter this is an important step in the program of emergency relief, and the Red Cross appreciates the hearty cooperation it has received from local residents.
    The Red Cross upon receipt of the first installment of cloth immediately appealed through the local papers for volunteers to undertake the making of garments and met with an eager and generous response from all parts of Jackson County.
    The following list comprises those clubs and organizations which have volunteered their services:
    Women's Auxiliary, Presbyterian church.
    American Legion Auxiliary.
    Berrydale Community Club.
    Business and Professional Club.
    Thimble Club of Chrysanthemum Circle.
    H.E. Club of Applegate.
    Women's Club of Sams Valley.
    Civic Improvement Society and women of the Presbyterian church of Rogue River and from Ashland the following:
    Ladies of the Dunkard church, ladies of Valley View, ladies of Methodist church, ladies of Christian church, ladies of Presbyterian church, Who Do class of the Methodist church, Upper Valley Community Club, Parent Teachers Association, Past Matrons of Eastern Star Ladies' Art Club, Alpha Club and P.E.O., chapter AC.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 1, 1932, page 3


    An inspection of the records at the Jackson County courthouse reveals that the sum of $43,490.40 was made available by the Hoover administration for the assistance of some 63 farmers and orchardists in this district this year. Of this sum, $15,024 came directly from the Department of Agriculture in the way of crop loans and $28,466.40 was put up by the American Agricultural Finance Corporation, an arm of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, by means of crop and land mortgages for present and future advances.
    This directly refutes the Democratic contention that the Republican administration has done little or nothing for farm relief in this section. The assistance rendered here has been duplicated throughout the entire nation, where $107,500,000 has been distributed by the Department of Agriculture in crop loans and $62,533,107 has been made available through the livestock and agricultural credit corporations.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1932, page 1


    In answer to many appeals for garden seed from residents of Jackson County who could not afford to purchase them, the local Red Cross secured from national Red Cross headquarters 500 pounds of seed, comprising 19 varieties of vegetables. This was distributed to more than 100 needy families.
    Miss Roberts has seen many of the completed gardens in her visits about the county and reports that they have not only supplied families with vegetables for several months but furnished a surplus to be utilized for winter. Looking to the future, many of the recipients of Red Cross seeds are saving the seed from this year's garden for planting next spring.
    Several individuals who had received Red Cross aid in 1931 in gratitude brought cabbage and tomato plants to the Red Cross headquarters to be passed on to others in need.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1932, page 2


    The Jackson County chapter of Red Cross sends the following article for publication to give people an idea of the work being carried on in the county.
    Since May 11 when the American Red Cross started its distribution of flour, made from government-owned wheat voted by Congress to aid the suffering people of this country, the local Red Cross chapter has distributed 41,150 pounds to over 500 needy families in Jackson County. The money value of this flour was $982.80, the same being given away to families in need of food, with no charge to them whatever. Points of distribution have been in Medford and Ashland, and there will probably be three additional points of distribution established in the near future.
    This gives the people of Jackson County an idea of what the Jackson County Red Cross has already done in a practical way to aid the needy and suffering people of Southern Oregon, and why the chapter asks for financial aid at this time, so that the worthy work may be continued during the ensuing winter.
    While this wheat flour has been donated to the Red Cross by the government, the Red Cross has assumed the entire expense of handling and distribution, with its central distributing station for the country at Chicago. Three thousand, one hundred and seventy-nine Red Cross chapters, including the local county chapter, have participated in this work.
    To shoulder its share of this expense, and continue the distribution of flour to the hungry people of this community, the Red Cross must have funds, and the drive to secure such funds will start on November 11.
    This is only one portion of the relief work being carried on by the local Red Cross, and only one item in its budget of expense. Others will be brought to the attention of the people in subsequent articles, so they may know what an important work this local organization is carrying on and how deserving it is of generous financial assistance at this time.
Gold Hill News, November 10, 1932, page 5


    The Welfare Exchange, operated in the old city hall building, is so much in need of clothing of all kinds and sizes that another appeal is being made by those in charge, in order that those who apply for aid tomorrow and next week need not be turned away.
    Last Saturday more than 50 of the unfortunates who must ask for aid in clothing their families this winter were assembled in the store room at 9:30, the opening hour.
    Twenty women were anxiously seeking work in the sewing room so that they might receive clothing in exchange for their labor. Mrs. Glenn Smith has been supervising the sewing for some time.
    The loan of two more sewing machines for use in the workroom is asked by the committee, and anyone who will loan a machine is asked to call headquarters, 1050, tomorrow.
    Among things most needed by the Welfare Exchange are sleeping garments, stockings, underwear, shoes, coats, suits and house dresses, but anything contributed will be utilized or exchanged.
    The public is again reminded that the Welfare Exchange is open only on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and that in case bundles cannot be left there on these days, Mrs. David Rosenberg, whose telephone number is 1325, will see that contributions on these or other days are collected and delivered to headquarters.
    Mrs. H. D. McCaskey, who is in charge of the exchange during the illness of Miss Helen J. Carlton, has announced that all persons interested in this work are invited to visit the shop and workroom so that they may see how the work is conducted as well as the needs of this department of welfare work.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 11, 1932, page 9


     The Welfare Exchange operated in the old city hall building is so much in need of clothing of all kinds and sizes that another appeal is being made by those in charge, in order that those who apply for aid tomorrow and next week need not be turned away.
    Last Saturday more than 50 of the unfortunates who must ask for aid in clothing their families this winter were assembled in the store room at 9:30, the opening hour.
    Twenty women were anxiously seeking work in the sewing room so that they might receive clothing in exchange for their labor. Mrs. Glenn Smith has been supervising the sewing for some time.
    The loan of two more sewing machines for use in the workroom is asked by the committee, and anyone who will loan a machine is asked to call headquarters, 1050, tomorrow.
    Among things most needed by the Welfare Exchange are sleeping garments, stockings, underwear, shoes, coats, suits and house dresses, but anything contributed will be utilized or exchanged.
    The public is again reminded that the Welfare Exchange is open only on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and that in case bundles cannot be left there on these days, Mrs. David Rosenberg, whose telephone number is 1325, will see that contributions on these or other days are collected and delivered to headquarters.
    Mrs. H. D. McCaskey, who is in charge of the exchange during the illness of Miss Helen J. Carlton, has announced that all persons interested in this work are invited to visit the shop and workroom so that they may see how the work is conducted as well as the needs of this department of welfare work.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 11, 1932, page 9


    Homeless women and children, or those who find themselves stranded in Medford without food or shelter, will be housed at the Foursquare Gospel Light House under a new policy inaugurated today, it was announced by Dr. Estelle M. Jones, pastor.
    Decision to open a women's and children's shelter was made by Dr. Jones and her staff, following numerous calls at the Light House by men and their wives, by individual women and sometimes by girls, all of whom were in need of some place to stay. Recently members of the Light House staff have yielded their rooms to strangers needing shelter, on one or two occasions to elderly women, who were trying to get to relatives' homes.
    "The problem of providing shelter for stranded families, particularly girls, women and children, is becoming a most serious one here," Dr. Jones said. "We must not turn these people away. They must be taken care of as quickly and economically as possible and must be urged to proceed to their destinations immediately.
    "From now on it will be our policy to house such persons and in addition we will try to find housing for Medford women and children who at present are living practically in the open. We know of a case where pneumonia developed among children in one family that is trying to stand the rigors of this chilly season by living without proper shelter.
    "In our work with the soup kitchen we discovered that we could keep a check on transient men and women and compel them to cease hanging around Medford," Dr. Jones continued.
    "We intend, with the aid of the authorities, to urge women, girls and children to go to their home communities by telling them the truth about conditions in this part of the country, where every community is hard pressed to care for even its own poor. Medford must not become a roosting place for persons whose sole desire is to wander about the country and live off charitable organizations.
    "But we must treat these women and little ones and the girls who come to us with kindness, and I know that the community will respond to this endeavor and will help us with donations that we may carry on this work."
    "It wrings our hearts to see women with children come to our doors after nightfall and ask for a place to stay, 'just overnight.' Sometimes girls come in here and beg us to take them in. This is a responsibility put on our shoulders and we will not shirk it."
    Already the following Medford firms have agreed to help in the shelter project by donating articles to be used in fitting out rooms: Mann's department store; the Eads and Holbrook Furniture Company, and the Medford Furniture and Hardware Company. The Medford Bargain House has agreed to donate a stove.
    Bedding, mattresses, floor coverings, chairs, tables and two more stoves are urgently needed, Dr. Jones said. The Light House telephone number is 918, and a driver will be sent to collect any article about which citizens telephone.
    The Light House also is badly in need of funds. This institution has conducted no financial campaign and plans to conduct none. Dr. Jones could use cash donations now, she said.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 13, 1932, page 3


    Served with an unexpected notice to vacate, the Foursquare Gospel Light House, which had fed, clothed and sheltered hundreds of persons in distress, today was seeking new quarters suitable for its work.
    The Light House must be out of its present location at East Fifth and Riverside by the end of this week, Dr. Estelle M. Jones, pastor, was informed. Dr. Jones said that she had been told that the holder of a mortgage on the property intended moving into the building and had so informed her landlord. News that she must move came as a shock, she added, as the Light House recently enlarged its activities to include a shelter for women and children, and also in the midst of an evangelistic campaign.
    On Monday night the Light House sheltered an elderly woman who is stranded and wishes to get to relatives in California, and also a young mother with two little sons. This young mother had been picked up on the highway by a kind-hearted Medford businessman, who found her trudging along in the rain with her two boys. She has an uncle near Los Angeles and started out for her destination Tuesday morning, she said.
    Calls on the Light House for groceries and food are increasing to such an extent that Dr. Jones today issued a new appeal for support. This morning there was a continual stream of callers at the institution for food and clothing. Medford residents were assisted first.
    "I am hoping that someone who has a property suitable for our work will get in touch with us immediately," Dr. Jones said. "I am sure that there are suitable places in the city. This work will go on in spite of any temporary handicaps that we may meet."
    A part of the activities of the Light House during the month of October included the giving away of 610 garments, 58 pairs of shoes, two baby layettes, 67 boxes of groceries, the serving of 487 meals and the giving of 435 gallons of milk to Medford poor children.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 15, 1932, page 3


    A volume of work which would undoubtedly surprise and shock most laymen is being turned out each day at the Red Cross offices in the new county courthouse, where between 60 and 70 persons are calling for relief each day, J. C. Thompson stated yesterday in explaining the work to be carried on by the local chapter and the necessity for raising more funds for the Red Cross.
    "They are coming from all sections of the county," Mr. Thompson added, "and they have to be given help. There are as many or more from the country than from the city. Each day they are flocking to Miss Roberts' door. The Red Cross is cooperating with the county court in placing the men in county work, and in giving relief to those not able to work.
    "Some people have the impression that city and county are going to care for all the relief work to be done this year. This is entirely erroneous," Mr. Thompson stated with emphasis; "the Red Cross will maintain the same position it has formerly occupied in the community, caring for those a great volume of cases. And to care for these cases the local chapter must obtain more funds."
    Speaking of the present Roll Call drive, Mr. Thompson explained that aid is not coming in the way it was expected, though the demand for help is greater than it was last year. The lack of response he credited to a lack of understanding on the part of the people.
    "Last year a number of persons gave substantial memberships to the Community Chest," he pointed out. "This year they are giving only dollar memberships to the Red Cross. Practically all the relief work done by the Chest was done through the Red Cross, which must necessarily obtain these funds again, when operating as a separate unit in the drive."
    Mr. Thompson further explained that but 50 cents of each Red Cross membership goes to the national Red Cross, however large the membership. Therefore a contribution of $20 will give $19.50 to the local work, while but 50 cents is sent out of the community. Since this is true it is especially desirable that large memberships be turned in to care for the local relief problem.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 20, 1932, page 1


    Fifty-five men were assigned Friday by the county court to emergency road work starting Monday. In addition 15 men will be put to work in the Eagle Point district Monday, under direction of Road Supervisor Ed Dutton.
    Next Wednesday 75 men will be assigned to relief work for the week starting Monday, November 28. The assignments will not be made until three o'clock Wednesday afternoon, and the meeting will be held in the auditorium of the county courthouse. This will avoid confusion and congestion in the courthouse halls, and in the county court rooms.
    The county road work is being conducted through funds provided for emergency relief work. It is being granted to the 400 or 500 heads of families in the county, in need, and with dependents. The applicants are checked with the records of the county and the Red Cross. No work is being dispensed to those with small incomes or resources, or in fair circumstances. The applicants must have a Jackson County labor card. Most of those assigned Friday had labor cards over a year old, and with notations that they had worked last year.
    The county hopes the labor fund will last until work starts on state and federal fund projects planned for this section are under way. Bids for the re-routing of the Pacific Highway over the Siskiyous and the Central Point cutoff will be opened by the state highway commission December 14. Work is expected to start a few days after awarding of the contract and to last well into the spring.
    The county road is the only public work now under way, and the labor is being distributed as much as possible over the county.
    In the north end of the county close to 75 residents of Josephine County and the north end of this county are employed on road grading work, which will last all winter, as far as weather conditions permit.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 20, 1932, page 3


    Wednesday, November 23, leaders in the drive to obtain clothing for the relief shop will make their first tour of the city, calling at homes from Main Street south in the west end of the city, Miss Helen Carlton, chairman of activities, announced yesterday.
    All persons who have clothing to donate to the shop, announcements of the needs for which have been distributed by pamphlets about the city, are asked to have their packages on the doorstep to add ease to the campaign.
    Four unemployed men have been hired to gather the clothing. All kinds of clothing will be accepted, as the demands of the needy are constantly increasing. There are more coming into the clothing shop each day, Miss Carlton stated yesterday, and the clothing is sold only to those persons who are really in need of it, and they are allowed to obtain the clothing by paying for it in work and service.
    The plan is one which enables the needy to help themselves and does not encourage a dole system. Anyone willing to contribute garments to this relief shop is asked to have them ready when the workers arrive.
    The city has been divided into three groups for the drive and the first solicitors will start out Wednesday through the west end, traveling south from Main Street.
    The system adopted by the women's division of the County Council for Relief of Unemployment has won much praise from local folk and visitors, in that it enables the people to ask for the things they need without asking for charity, as they are given a chance to pay in labor for what they receive.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 20, 1932, page 5


    There were approximately 500 members of the unemployed in attendance at the authorization meeting held Wednesday afternoon at the courthouse called by Victor Tengwald, secretary to the county court, for distribution of county relief road work.
    One hundred men were authorized to replace the men now on the job, to go out next Monday, and another authorization meeting has been called for Thursday, December 1, at 2:00 o'clock. At that meeting a crew will be selected to replace the men going out November 28.
    The men are asked to watch the bulletins on Tengwald's desk in the county court room for information and to call after 10 o'clock on Tuesdays and Thursdays regarding all matters of relief work.
    All men being sent out on the county relief work are men with families, most of them with several dependents, Mr. Tengwald pointed out today. A thorough check is being made on their needs, and those in need of most urgent help are being given preference.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 25, 1932, page 8


    Milk, which has been absent from many family tables in Medford since the depression period, was back in the menu today in a goodly quantity, according to reports from the North Ivy Street market, where a milk depot was opened this morning by Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Wyant to supply grade A milk at 20 cents a gallon to those people who cannot afford to pay the regular price.
    During the first hour at the Ivy Street depot, Mrs. Wyant stated this morning, 30 gallons of milk went to families in the city. A steady stream of customers was also reported from the Walden Grocery on the North Pacific Highway, where the same dairy has opened another depot.
    The milk is not [in a] bottle, but is grade A quality and kept in iced cans, which carry the grade A label, examined this morning by C. W. Austin, milk inspector.
    The Wyants, who operate the A. W. Pipes dairy, have opened the two depots, Mrs. Wyant stated this morning, with no idea of damaging the business of the creameries, but to enable those people who cannot afford to pay the price for bottled milk and have been doing without this very necessary food, or serving canned milk in small quantities to provide their children with the amount they need.
    "We are complying with all ordinances in this relief measure," she stated this morning," and will continue in the work as long as we can. We plan to be here every morning."
    The plan was formulated, Mrs. Wyant stated, after many stories came to her of families in the city going without milk. Most of them called this morning, she added, announced that they had families of one, two, three and four children at home and that they had been unable to give them an adequate amount, if any, [of] milk.
    "I believe that there is more food value for 20 cents in a gallon of milk than in anything else a family can buy at that price," Mrs. Wyant concluded.  "So we have chosen this method of getting the milk to the family."
    Those wishing to buy milk at the depots are asked to bring their own containers.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 28, 1932, page 3


    To bring milk into the larder of every Medford family, however poor, creameries of Medford announced a new low price of 10 cents a gallon for Grade A whole milk today. The price became effective this morning for all persons who bring containers to the creameries for their milk.
    The relief measure was adopted by Snider's, Gold Seal and Swiss creameries, at which prices milk can be obtained all times of day at the new low price, managers announced this morning.
    The measure is in perfect keeping with the city milk ordnance, and managers of the creameries are cooperating with city officials in carrying out their program.
    The reduction will bring no lowering in the price of milk to the producer, the managers stated, the loss on milk sold under this special measure to be borne by the creameries.
    Deliveries of bottled milk will remain the same throughout the territory with no changes in prices. The action regarding 10-cent milk was taken as a relief measure to aid those persons who are willing to come to the creamery, bringing their own containers, for milk.
    The action followed the opening yesterday of two milk depots in the city by the R. L. Wyants, operators of the Pipes dairy, who stated that as a relief measure they were selling milk to the needy for 20 cents a gallon.
    Prior to opening of the depots, the creameries had made arrangements with the county court, the managers stated, to furnish milk to the needy at 15 cents a gallon. Arrangements for the special program had not been completed by the court, so to speed the distribution of milk, the creameries announced their own program today.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 29, 1932, page 1


    Last night, with the registration of the last of three women and 12 men for the evening meal, the relief kitchen sponsored by the Medford Lions Club had served 800 meals since the day of opening, November 7.
    Invited by C. S. Stuart of the Lions Club, who directs this project, located in a wing of the old Methodist church building at Fourth and Bartlett, a part of which is rented by the Salvation Army, a reporter visited the kitchen and incidentally sampled the food served yesterday.
    A tasty and wholesome dish in which were mutton, onions, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and turnips, was served in a large bowl. With this is served bread (without butter), coffee with milk and sugar if desired. All one can eat is given at each meal, but only two meals are served to any one transient unless he has a ticket which he has earned or which someone has given him.
    The Lions Club sells books of tickets which may be exchanged for work, or which entitle the purchaser to the amount of work indicated by his tickets. The individual meal coupon represents 10 cents.
    At least 15 minutes work is required from those not having tickets. Six cords of wood donated to the kitchen provided work for many.
    Mr. and Mrs. E. M. McKeen donate all their time and receive only living quarters and a part of their meals for their work.
    The fine type of men who are fed and their courtesy and willingness to help in every way was pointed out to the reporter. A former shoe merchant from San Francisco and his son came to the kitchen Monday, cold, wet, hungry and broke.
    A man and his wife, the latter ill, were cared for Tuesday among the 44 served. No couch or resting place was available for the sick woman at the kitchen, but after waiting for some time arrangements were made to care for them overnight.
    Parents with obviously undernourished children who were fed at the kitchen brought forth the remark by one of the eight men present, "It's bad enough for us fellows without families, but those starving kids are going to suffer all the rest of their lives because right now during these two or three years of their growth, they haven't food or shelter for right growth."
    A Medford woman, without work, is being fed daily. Her embarrassment is distressing to the onlooker, but hunger forces her to seek this aid.
    Mr. Stuart pointed out to the reporter the great need for a place to care for emergency cases such as this almost desperate woman who has neither food nor room; also the need for a place for caring for the sick and possible isolation of patients.
    Lack of funds prevents further expansion of the club's charitable enterprise, which so far has been carried on through assistance of various persons gratefully acknowledged by Mr. Stuart and the Lions Club, chief of which was the benefit at the Holly Theater on election night, a gift of $25 and the following:
   Shed donated by Economy Lumber Co., Porter Lumber Co., Woods Lumber Co., Big Pines Lumber Co., Lamport's.
    Labor by Ed Foy and brother.
    Labor: Modern Plumbing & Sheet Metal Works.
    Lavatory by Hoover.
    Lights by Peoples' Electric.
    Sixteen and one-half cords of wood by D. H. Ferry of Gold Hill; hauled by Jackson County.
    Ed Binns, one ox heart.
    Leaverton, one chicken.
    Four Square Gospel, one sack onions, three crates cauliflower.
    Mrs. Coffeen: Two gallons fruit, two pounds coffee, 2 gallons milk, five pounds oatmeal, 10 pounds of crackers.
    Beck's Bakery: twenty-one loaves bread.
    Gates and Lydiard: Two hundred pounds vegetables and two dozen eggs.
    City Meat Market: Eleven pounds meat, four dressed rabbits.
    Sink by Penwell.
    Reliable Store: One hundred and thirty pounds vegetables.
    Pennington: Forty pounds vegetables.
    Stuart: One hundred and fifty pounds potatoes.
    Forest Service: One ham, one slab bacon.
    John Fisher: One gallon skimmed milk per day.
    Mr. Baylor and Talent Farms: One thousand pounds carrots, cabbage, turnips and squash; hauled by Herb Meusel, Rogue River Meat Co.
    Nels Jacobson and Table Rock School: Two hundred and fifty lbs. vegetables.
    Valley Fuel Co.: One load of kindling.
    Game Warden: One deer.
    Mrs. James Owens: Ten and one-half gallons canned fruit.
    Mrs. Simmons, Kings Highway: Four roosters.
    Brown's Pharmacy: One care of sick.
    Donations of vegetables and meats, milk and fruit would help the Lions Club in what seems to this reporter an outstanding relief project. No salary is paid to any persons connected with the work, and the necessary buying is done so carefully that so far an outlay of less than $70, including $10 for rent of the kitchen, has been made.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 1, 1932, page 8


    There were approximately 500 members of the unemployed at the authorization meeting held last Wednesday afternoon at the court house, called by Victor Tengwald, secretary to the county court, for distribution of county relief road work.
    One hundred men were authorized to replace the men on the job last week. These men went to work Monday morning. Another authorization meeting has been called for Thursday, December 1, at 2:00 o'clock. At this meeting a crew will be selected to replace the men that went out Monday.
    The men are asked to watch the bulletins on Tengwald's desk in the county court room for information and to call after 10 o'clock on Tuesdays and Thursdays regarding all matters relating to relief work.
Gold Hill News, December 1, 1932, page 1


    Medford residents from Bear Creek east and to the city limits are asked by Miss Helen Carlton of the Welfare Exchange to make a careful survey of their clothing supply and select at least one garment or some article of wearing apparel to be given to those less fortunate than themselves.
    Trucks will start out Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock to pick up these contributions, which should be placed on the doorsteps and marked Welfare Exchange.
    The articles much hoped for are underwear, shoes, rubbers, stockings, trousers, overalls and men's shirts and coats, but anything will be accepted.
    Since so many of the women in the workroom need to work for food as much as clothing, arrangements are being made to issue scrip at the value of 20 cents a working hour, which may be used for either food or clothing, according to Miss Carlton.
    Cash contributions would help much in supplying emergency needs.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 4, 1932, page 1


    Unemployed persons of the city of Medford and vicinity will be given further relief through the efforts of the Medford Eagles, according to an announcement made yesterday by V. O. Gillette, chairman of the Eagles relief committee, and Jack Hueston, who is assisting Gillette. The plan set forth by the Eagles is a nationwide move by that lodge and is now in operation in 15 Oregon cities.
    The plan is simple, Gillette said, and will be a cooperative move between shoppers, merchants, the unemployed and the Medford Eagles. Hueston will contact all of the Medford merchants tomorrow with the plan and explain it fully. The merchants will be supplied with tickets to the Eagles dance to be on December 14 at the Dreamland hall. Shoppers who wish to donate to the cause, and to provide food for which the unemployed may work, will buy one of the dance tickets, Hueston said. The merchant will take the money and will give an equal amount, or more, in food, or merchandise, to the Eagles' commissary, which will be established this week. Unemployed will be given work in the city such as cleaning up Bear Creek, or vacant lots, and in return for their work will be given food from the commissary. A manager for the commissary will be named from the ranks of the unemployed.
    Every cent so given to relief will go to relief, Hueston said yesterday, as the Eagles lodge does not receive anything for the efforts put forth. The tickets bought by the shoppers will be good at the dance, or at future dances to be given during the winter as the program progresses, and the Eagles are pledged to see that the program is successful.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 4, 1932, page 1


    In county road relief work under way today in all sections of the county, 160 men were employed, the largest number of the season. In order that the men may receive warrants for their work on Saturday, assignment of labor by the county court has been changed from Monday to Friday.
    The county relief fund is expected to provide employment until the state highway commission awards contracts a week from tomorrow for federal projects in the state, which include the Central Point cutoff and Pacific Highway re-routing over the Siskiyous. This work is expected to furnish work for a considerable number of Jackson County residents, and to remove some of the tension from local relief agencies.
    Work on the two Southern Oregon projects will start as soon as possible after the contracts are awarded. The work will last well into next spring, according to present estimates.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 5, 1932, page 2


    C. S. Stuart, chairman of the Lions Relief Kitchen committee, announced today that the men's shelter in the old Methodist church at the corner of Fourth and Bartlett streets will be kept open. Last night 23 men slept in the quarters and Sunday night there were 15.
    Although such numbers of men have been staying at the shelter, there are only ten cots in the hall, there being no other furnishings, according to Mr. Stuart, and the need of as many cots is decidedly evident. Each transient is only given two meals and is then asked to continue his journey.
    The committee now plans to enlarge the sleeping room by moving the partition, and those in charge state that the high type of men staying there are eager and willing to do any work that they might, to pay for their lodging. Only yesterday one man asked to do some carpenter work for those in charge, if he might have some needed clothing.
    Officer George J. Prescott, special committee chairman for December, today made a report of contributions received for the place, and the club wishes to acknowledge the following donations:
    25 mattresses--Mrs. James M. Owen.
    $20 cash--William von der Hellen.
    $10 cash--Mr. and Mrs. H. D. McCaskey.
    Beets for kitchen--H. D. Dizney.
    Carrots for kitchen--Mr. Wilkie.
    Printing of tickets--Medford Printing Company.
    Subscription to Mail Tribune--Medford Mail Tribune.
    Sacks of vegetables--Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Estes of the Tiny Tavern.
    15 boxes of apples--Charles A. Wing.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 6, 1932, page 5


    Huddled together in an old tent on the south side of town, while the month of December progresses, a young mother and her two little boys are trying to keep warm. As fog settled over the city, blurring holiday colored lights and bringing promise of winter festivities to many, they shiver in the cold and dampness which penetrates their canvas. They were found in their very humble habitat last week by a group of Parent-Teacher Association workers, who are endeavoring to improve their living quarters before the arrival of Christmas, that the two little boys may believe again that "there is a Santa Claus."
    Kettles for the mother to use in cooking, some food, a broom to sweep the dingy carpet which floors the tent; a pillow to ease their sleep in spite of winter winds and some clothes were taken to the family Friday.
    The mother, in voicing her thanks, explained that she did not have to have the things, that she was "getting along," but that she was very grateful. Two beds crowded together in the tent were covered with a few torn quilts, which formed a futile barrier to stormy weather.
    A worn-out stove in the corner was sighing as a small flame played about wet wood, more of which is stored outside the tent. But the mother insisted she was getting by. "I have plenty of potatoes," she stated. But when questioned about the children she admitted they were getting little milk, no meat, prior to the previous day, when a woman called with some, no butter, no sweets.
    Asked for an explanation of her circumstances, she said that her husband, a soldier in the United States army, had beaten her until she had to leave him, had refused to support her and had left them for another state, taking with him their little daughter, aged five.
    The two boys, aged nine and seven, who are small for their years, are receiving a hot lunch each day at the Washington School but are badly in need of warm clothing.
    The thing most needed at the present time, however, local women who have started the move to aid the family stated yesterday, is some lumber to build a decent house for the three. Local men have volunteered to build a small house if someone will donate some lumber. If the lumber cannot be obtained, another tent to cover the wood supply will be welcomed. Anyone with something to give is asked to notify the Mail Tribune.
    Anyone with possible donations of meat is also asked to get in touch with the Mail Tribune, where the workers, who prefer to remain unknown, will be notified.
    The mother stated yesterday that she was anxious to regain custody of her little daughter, feeling that, whatever her circumstances, she should keep her three children together. She voiced her desire, however, in a futile tone, which expressed a complete inability to do anything about it.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 18, 1932, page 6


    Various relief committees of the local Elks' lodge are busily engaged in preparing distribution of the Elks' Christmas boxes to needy families in this district. The local lodge has jurisdiction in the territory embraced by Phoenix on the south, Applegate on the west, Gold Hill on the north and Prospect on the east, and has active workers throughout this area compiling lists of families faced with a Christmas of cold and discouragement.
    According to Secretary W. A. Frazier, the members at large have been taking a real interest in this work and have already supplied a large list of families in need. These names are listed and investigated and Christmas boxes containing sugar, flour, meat, shortening, fruit, vegetables and staples as well as toys for the children are prepared for delivery next Saturday.
    This Christmas relief work of the Elks' lodge is one of the major activities of the lodge, and this year with the need for relief greater than ever before, the relief committee, under the veteran chairman H. N. Butler, expects to distribute the largest number of boxes in the history of the local lodge. Exalted Ruler J. F. Fliegel is actively working with the committees and says that a cheery Christmas will be brought to as many families as possible with the funds available.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 20, 1932, page 6


    Happier prospects for a comfortable Christmas were evident today in the tent on the south side of town, where a young mother and her two little boys are making their home, for the story published in the Sunday Mail Tribune at the request of a group of local women, who are endeavoring to brighten the future of the family, has brought many gifts of food and clothing to the door and hope of a better dwelling place.
    The calls, volunteering aid, began coming in Sunday and are continuing today. There is now meat and some sweets in the larder, where potatoes constituted the complete menu last week.
    The young mother was smiling again today and was enthusiastic in voicing her appreciation of the things which have been brought to her home, assuring that the two little boys will at least not be hungry on Christmas.
    A great effort is being made by several groups to supply the three with a house, as the tent furnishes an inadequate shelter, even with bedding which was supplied since the family was brought to the attention of the public. The heavy rain and wind of Sunday night added to the disagreeableness of the canvas home, and helpers calling there yesterday reported the place in a serious condition from the standpoint of health.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 21, 1932, page 6


    "A merry Christmas to you"--the greeting dear to all Christian peoples, wherever they walk through life, echoed again and again through the old city hall Wednesday afternoon as throngs moved through the Welfare Exchange to obtain clothing and gifts in return for their labor to brighten the Yuletide, which finds them still members of the great army of unemployed, or for other reasons in need of the things that money buys.
    And something of the spirit of the Christ-child pervaded the old council chambers as women, with faces no longer distressed, guided their children through the busy aisles, and dolls from homes of plenty were gathered into eager arms en route to homes of the needy.
    Four hundred and fifty garments were passed over the counter during the day, going into homes where warmth and respectability would be impossible except for the opportunity offered by the exchange. Two hundred and seventeen had been given out at 11 o'clock in the morning, and the total had passed the 450 mark before the shop closed, not to be opened again until after Christmas, Miss Helen Carlton, director of the exchange, announced.
    Scrip, issued in the Welfare Exchange as reward for work, on the basis of 20 cents an hour; labor checks issued by the Medford Association of the Unemployed, and once in a while nickels and dimes were in payment for articles received, all of which are marked at such price levels as one and two cents up to 25 cents for coats and larger garments.
     Five sewing machines hummed steadily throughout the day as the needy shopped in the exchange. Under the direction of Mrs. John Fluhrer and Mrs. Hoffman, who presided in the sewing room, four quilts were completed with 19 women on the job. Each quilt has been spoken for and will go into a home where badly needed. Men's old knickers were made over into little boys' trousers, women's cast-off coats were reduced to very good-looking girls' coats and hosts of other practical garments made by the women. There were not chairs enough for all, so the Jackson County Fair Association was called and sent over the necessary number.
    People more in need of food than clothing were given scrip to be presented at the commissary of the Medford Association of the Unemployed, and a few vegetables were placed in each basket at the exchange as a Christmas gift.
    Fourteen dozen crocked eggs were sent with one woman into the mountain regions, where she will share them with her neighbors. She stated that it had been two months since the last egg was used in her home. Meat drippings, to be used as lard, were also sent to the same community.
    Since the opening of the shop, the women have made up seven bolts of outing flannel, with 100 yards in each bolt, into warm nightdresses. The great need at the present time, they stated Wednesday, is for shirts. Shirts of any kind are wanted, as there are many men and boys in need of them. So anyone with shirts to give is asked to call the exchange or bring them in.
    The Jackson County poor farm is also supplied to some extent with clothing and with clean rags and other materials through the exchange, which as a branch of the women's division of the Jackson County Council for the Relief of the Unemployed is cooperating in every way possible with the county in the solution of its problems.
    Many visitors have been calling at the Welfare Exchange during the past few weeks and contributions, absolutely unsolicited, have been coming in from many quarters. One of the latest checks given to help supply the shop was sent by Mrs. W. T. Grieve of Prospect, following her inspection of the exchange.
    Following Christmas, the exchange will continue in regular operation.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 23, 1932, page 12


    A father afflicted with cancer, a mother with a painful goiter, and their four children, three boys and a little girl aged three, are among Medford's little colony of tent folk who are finding the winds of winter and a depression diet something more than courage alone can conquer, a trip to the south end of town revealed to three visitors yesterday.
    Huddled together over a worn-out heating stove, which the Red Cross had already replaced with a better one this afternoon, the family of six extended a cordial greeting to guests as a cold wind tugged at the tent ropes, coming in with an occasional flurry through the many patches which dot the top in uneven pattern, displaying the effort of the young mother to make the most of what has been given her.
    "I traded a canary for this tent," she explained, "but it's impossible to stop it leaking. We used to live in the other tents," she pointed to two even more worn, pitched a short distance away on the same flat, "but during that awfully cold weather we had to move in here."
    Just back of the stove, filling the greater portion of the tent, two beds, one flat on the floor, have been arranged. Upon them, for lack of other space, children and parents play, lounge and work, then sleep when night comes.
    In a neighboring tent, unfloored and without siding, on an even more dilapidated stove, the mother prepares food for the six and washes clothes. She did not complain yesterday except of the stove, in which she finds it impossible to bake, and of her tent home, which is far from dry and in which she is afraid her children will become unhealthy.
    She also spoke of a need for milk and clothing, which was supplied today as soon as Miss Lillian Roberts of the Red Cross was notified. A shelter and a cook stove, however, the Red Cross in unable to supply, funds being entirely inadequate, and a call for aid is being issued to the public, in the belief that this case constitutes an emergency in view of the ill health of the parents, who are robbed of jobs by something far more discouraging than depression.
   Any kind of building with floor and roof, it is believed, would furnish the six with more comfortable and healthier quarters for the winter. One boy, who has completed the eighth grade, is out of school, searching for some kind of work to bring a little money into the family coffers. He is strong and capable, but without a job. A younger boy is in grade school and one still younger will enter school with the opening of the second term, now that the necessary clothing has been provided. The little girl, aged three, completes the family. Each was dressed in clean but inadequate clothing yesterday, and voiced appreciation of the Christmas gifts brought to them by sympathetic friends.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 28, 1932, page 1


    A cook stove, a heating stove, one bed and two mattresses, clothing and food have been supplied Medford's tent family of six, whose needs were revealed in the Mail Tribune a few days ago, it was learned today.
    Following appearance of the story, the Red Cross, aid of which had not been solicited by the family, immediately started to work on the case, and individuals throughout the city have volunteered household goods, products and time, to make conditions more bearable for the afflicted mother and father.
    The family is still in need of a warmer shelter, however, as their tent leaks when it rains and provides the mother, who has a painful goiter, with very inadequate quarters in which to care for her family. In a much shabbier, unfloored tent, which has been pitched near the one in which the family resides, she washes clothes and prepares food, in an attempt to satisfy six appetites.
    She is very grateful for the cook stove donated the Red Cross by Rev. W. R. Baird, she stated today, as it will add much ease to her daily toil and enable her to bake foods for the family.
    The Cupp Furniture Company donated the bed and two mattresses, which were transferred to the tent home by Eads Transfer Company. Milk, quilts and clothing have been provided through the Red Cross, and Mrs. Charles Van Scoyoc is also donating clothing.
    Apples, in a generous supply, were taken out yesterday by Jess Allen.
    This is the second tent family in Medford to be aided greatly by the public during the past few weeks, following stories published in the Mail Tribune. A long list of firms and individuals supplied a mother and two children, living in similar destitution, with food and clothing just before Christmas.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 30, 1932, page 2


    The Allied Welfare Association met Friday at the Hotel Medford for a luncheon session presided over by John C. Mann, with reports given by representatives of various welfare agencies.
    Dr. C. I. Drummond, county physician, gave a short account of his work, which covers the treatment of indigents in all parts of the county, school and general public health work.
    Miss Lillian Roberts, Red Cross secretary, announced that 100 people called in one day for grocery orders and that the one thousandth order blank has already been used, showing the amount of work done by the Red Cross in cooperation with the county court.
    Mrs. Alice Coppin of the Business and Professional Women reported that gifts and toys collected at the organization's Christmas party had been given to the Red Cross for distribution.
    L. C. Garlock, representing the American Legion, told of the Legion's proposed cooperation in the matter of providing school lunches and said that the proceeds of the Legion's New Year's dance would be used for this project. Any necessary relief for members of the Legion is also taken care of by the organization, with transient members the largest problem.
    Hamilton Patton announced that he has been appointed by Earl Fehl to manage the county's relief work and that a complete canvass of the county's unemployment situation would be begun at once. Believing that there is a serious lack of coordination in the various relief agencies, Mr. Patton plans that any relief agency which wishes any support from county funds must work directly through the court as represented by Mr. Patton.
    Hereafter county work checks or warrants must be spent in the regular stores, and not at the commissary, the latter to be used only for relief cases.
    Rev. W. J. Howell endorsed the plan as outlined by Mr. Patton and emphasized the need for centralization of relief work agencies.
    Miss Mildred Carlton, president of the Jackson County Public Health Association, which among its many other projects helps pay the expense of the county nurses, reported that more than 1,000 children had been through the clinics, with approximately $195.00 received for this service, and an expense of over $3,000 paid by the association.
    Miss Carlton reminded the groups of Dr. Sweet's recommendation that special attention be paid to the care of teeth of children of the first and second grades.
    A request from the surgeon general of the United States for information and pictures showing the health work of Jackson County is a tribute to the rating of the county, according to Miss Carlton.
    Mrs. J. Heyland of the Parent-Teachers' Association told about the school lunches served and the need for this service in the local schools.
    Mrs. Edwin L. Knapp reported the work of the Women of Rotary in connection with assisting worthy needy families.
    Mrs. R. E. Green voiced her appreciation of the response to the Christmas seal sale campaign and the fine spirit of cooperation of more that 900 women in the county who gave their services in this cause. Mrs. Green also reported the Girl Scout work in excellent condition and requested a large attendance at the Court of Awards ceremony January 20.
    The importance of character-building organizations, as factors in the solution of problems now perplexing all welfare workers, was stressed by Mr. Patton.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1933, page 8


    Although general decreases have been evident in every line of endeavor during the year 1932, building permits issued at the city hall did not show an exceptional decline, figures compiled for the year disclose. Closing December 31, permits had been made out totaling $243,317, compared to $277,961 in 1931.
    The lowest total during the two years was for December, 1932, when only two permits for alterations were let, amounting to $345. During 1932 permits for 111 alterations, totaling $25,017, were given out and 52 permits for new structures, to cost $218,200.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 2, 1933, page 2


    Exclusive of traffic violations, one less arrest was made by the Medford city police during 1932 than in 1931, according to figures compiled by Chief of Police Clatous McCredie. A total of 243 arrests were made in the year just closed, and 244 in 1931.
    Other tabulations show that the same number of automobiles--37--were stolen both years, with all recovered in 1931, and all but the I. A. Dew car returned in 1932. There were 77 burglaries in 1932 and 53 in 1931; 236 cases of petty larceny in 1932 and 190 in 1931; 78 stolen bicycles in 1932 and 65 in 1931. Seventeen bicycles taken during the past year were not recovered.
    Less juvenile arrests were made in 1932, with 33 listed on the records. The preceding year there were 45 such cases. There were more lost and runaway boys and girls during the past twelve months, the books showing 38 such cases handled. In 1931 there were 20.
    There were no holdups reported last year, but two in 1931.
    Chief McCredie reported 79 cases in city court during the year, with fines assessed at $798 and sentences aggregating 140 days in jail. There were 164 traffic cases in 1932, with fine assessments $644, and operators' licenses suspended for a total of 1335 days.
    Seventy-six cases were turned over to the sheriff of Jackson County or sheriffs of other counties, being made state cases. The preceding year, there were 72 cases turned over to the sheriff.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 2, 1933, page 3


    An urgent need for men's and boys' clothing was reported Saturday by the Welfare Exchange, where 341 garments had been distributed to needy families before 4 o'clock. Overalls for growing boys, underclothes for men and children, and bedding are at the present time desperately needed to fill the demands coming into the exchange from all sections of the county, it was stated.
    The need for clothing for children attending county schools, who have to walk a great distance, is especially great at this time, as mothers have "made over, and made over," until all possible supply is exhausted. These children need heavy clothing, and long trousers for boys seem to be one of the things that the Welfare Exchange cannot keep in stock.
    Shirts are also very much needed, and mothers calling at the exchange, it was stated yesterday, are anxious to make over men's shirts and any other material available in order to clothe young boys for school.
    In the sewing room of the exchange numerous workers are also ready and anxious to make up materials into wearable garments. There should therefore be no wearable materials wasting away in closets of Jackson County when there are so many men, women and children in desperate need of clothing to keep them warm.
    The Welfare Exchange is also cooperating with the Red Cross in making up the material obtained by the Red Cross into garments to supply the need constantly voice to the local chapter. The work is done in the sewing room in the old city hall on North Front Street, where the Welfare Exchange is also operated.
    Speaking of the need for bedding and blankets Saturday, the workers said there is plenty of material for the backs of comforters, but nothing with which to stuff them. Cotton or wool for filling must be obtained in order to complete the quilts.
    A similar need is realized in the shoe department, where there are plenty of shoes, but all in need of repairs. The people obtaining the shoes are without a dime or additional sum necessary to make them wearable. For this reason the exchange is issuing a call for small money donations to be used in buying filling for quilts and repairs for shoes.
    Three crocks of eggs were given out Saturday to needy families, and drippings for frying. Both are much appreciated, and housewives are urged to make this little saving in their homes, to enable needy families to supply their children with a much more appetizing meal.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 9, 1933, page 6


    Report on donations for the month of December was made yesterday by Carl Stewart, chairman of the Lions relief kitchen and shelter, at the noon meeting of the club at the Hotel Holland and showed that the project has enjoyed important growth and wonderful support from numerous groups.
    The report made at the shelter last evening showed that during the past seven days 420 meals were served to the needy at the shelter and 73 in one day, last Tuesday. Last night 26 persons were given supper and the night before that, 48.
    The menu, which used to consist of stew, bread and coffee, through the generous donations of individuals, has been increased to offer apples, lettuce and pears, which were in evidence on the table last night. The chef, engaged some time ago from the army of unemployed, is still preparing the foods in a very competent manner, which adds greatly to the taste and food value of products provided. The complete report for December includes:
    Fluhrer's Bakery, 15 loaves bread, 13 dozen rolls, 4 small cakes, 6 dozen sandwich buns, 1 dozen cookies, half dozen doughnuts; Beck's Bakery, 55 loaves bread; Gates & Lydiard, 365 pounds mixed vegetables; Humphrey's Grocery, 5 pounds lamb chops, 50 pounds mixed vegetables; Reliable Grocery, 90 pounds flour, 16 pounds raisins, 20 pounds squash, 10 pounds cabbage; Jackson County Humane Society, 1 turkey, 13 pounds; Joe Kantor, Fern Valley, 20 boxes apples and pears; Mrs. Toddle, 10½ quarts fruit, 12 pieces clothing; Mrs. Folger, 12 30-ounce cans tomatoes; Mrs. Lounsberry, 2½ dozen squash; Mrs. Powell, clothing; Mrs. Gazett, bacon fat;  American Laundry, washed 3 quilts, 2 blankets, 13 pieces laundered; George Prescott, 30 pints fruit; Growers' Exchange, 15 boxes apples; Mr. Dietrich, one large pail turnips; Mrs. James Owen, 25 mattresses; 1404 West Main, 1 cot and mattress; Mrs. Bellamy, 140 pounds vegetables; Clayton Isaacs, 5 suits and 2 pair shoes; Wm. Gregory, 4 pounds butter; Jarmin and Woods, 1 grip tab., 1 cough tab.; O. E. Hagen, 100 pounds carrots; Colonel Paine, 70 pounds spuds and onions; Peerless Market, 1 rabbit dressed; Mrs. Courier, 1 mattress; Kellogg Salesman, 144 samples Wheat Flakes; Brophy's, jeweler, 1 alarm clock; 1222 Mistletoe, 10 dozen buns; Mrs. Nugent, Talent, clothing; Forest Service, 40 pounds meat; Geo. Chernovith, 12 pounds  prunes; D. E. Millard, 6 pumpkins; W. E. Brayton, 15 pounds meat; Mrs. Strang, 1 quart pickles, 4 pounds pork.
    Numerous other donations were made by persons who did not wish their names revealed. Among things given were potatoes, onions, fruit, money and comforters.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 12, 1933, page 5


    The Welfare Exchange shop is just as bare as "Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard," and so of clothes the needy will have none--unless Jackson County folk bring out more garments. A tour of all closets is urged by Miss Helen Carlton, chairman of the exchange, in the hope that "wearables" for all members of the family may be located.
    There is also an urgent need for cash donations to keep the sewing room running, Miss Carlton announced, stressing the necessity for enabling women to come to the sewing room to work for their needs and to keep the family's clothing in order. The Welfare Exchange is anxious to keep a sewing machine always available to mothers who have no place else to sew and are trying to arrange a plan whereby a sewing machine can be sent into the different homes, where needed. It will be necessary for the women to make engagements in advance in order to sew in the work room.
    Women's dresses, stockings, men's and children's top clothes, under clothing, shoes, stockings are desperately needed by many families calling at the Welfare Exchange, and with cold winter weather still here and many weeks of it due in the future, it is imperative that clothing be provided these families.
    In many closets there are clothes which are not worn, and which would bring happiness into the lives of many Jackson County people if they were transferred from closet to Welfare Exchange.
    The shelves are bare, the drawers are empty, and the demand is greater than ever before. That's the situation being faced this week by the women who are volunteering their time to the Welfare Exchange in hope of bringing warmth and comfort of the unemployed and their families, who are willing and anxious to work for food and clothing.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 15, 1933, page 5


    A call for old furniture was issued yesterday by Hamilton Patton, manager of relief work in Jackson County. There are many families in the county without beds to sleep in, without chairs to sit on and without stoves in which to build the very necessary fire for warmth and preparation for food. Anyone with cast-off furniture is urged to notify Mr. Patton or Miss Lillian Roberts of the Red Cross at once. If the things cannot be brought to the relief commissary on Sixth Street, someone will call for them.
    Any old piece available will be greatly appreciated and do much toward making many worthy people comfortable, who otherwise are forced to lead a very barren existence these stormy days.
    The demand for stoves and beds is the most urgent, according to Mr. Patton's call. When comforts have become so plentiful in a country as they have been in the United States, it seems unnecessary, it was pointed out yesterday, for any family to be without the very rudimentary elements of house furnishing and the relief workers believe that when the people realize the need, they will make an early response to the call.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 22, 1933, page 5


     APPLEGATE, Jan. 23.--(Spl.)--The Jackson County Unemployment Relief Association has several crews working on the Applegate cutting timber. The Forest Service donated some dead timber on Beaver Creek, and another crew is cutting wood on the Billy Anderson place on Yale Creek. People who are unemployed otherwise are cutting wood at 30¢ per hour which they turn over to the commissary at Medford and receive the equivalent in supplies. The wood is cut in pole lengths and hauled to Medford by those men who have trucks but are unable to buy gas and oil, which is furnished by the association. The wood is stacked at the fire hall and is cut into stove lengths, then given to those unable to buy wood. This is for the unemployed only and is run exclusively by them. Claude Stevens of the Medford fire department has charge of the wood.    
Medford Mail Tribune, January 23, 1933, page 3


    Unless the persons receiving aid through the county commissary abuse the service being offered them, the plan adopted by the county court to furnish groceries to the destitute stands a good chance of staving off hunger and cold for the rest of the winter and reducing the cost to the county for caring for the poor.
    The new commissary system, developed by and under the direction of Hamilton Patton, is to "feed them first and investigate them afterwards." It was apparent that many are now getting groceries from the county who are not deserving and not in desperate need, but even so, the expense to the county has been greatly reduced through the plan, Patton said. Hundreds were smiling Saturday, as they came from the commissary with their arms filled with groceries, got in their cars and happily drove away.
    According to Patton, any regular authorized charitable organization may receive supplies in caring for destitute by applying to the county.
    Figures by Patton show that during the months of November and December of last year, while the needy were being cared for by emergency relief road work, that the cost to the county was about $3000 each week. The needy of the valley can now be fed for about $500 each week, Patton said, which is about one-sixth what it was costing before.
    No work is being received by the county for the food "doled" out now, however but, Patton said, when an individual or family has received five dollars' worth of food and supplies, the head of the family signs a promissory note for five dollars, payable to the county, and due as soon as the individual obtains work. Repayment of the notes will depend largely upon the character of the person receiving the aid.
    An average of 335 families were given aid each of the three days last week, Patton said, with an average of five persons to the family. The commissary is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with families of seven or over receiving aid on Tuesday; families of four, five and six on Thursdays, and less than four on Saturdays. The groceries are given out much the same as at a grocery store, with an account kept of just what each person receives. At the end of the day a card index is prepared with the name of each person given aid, and the cost of the goods he receives. A crew of investigators work out of Patton's office,  from the card index, and report on the worthiness of those who receive food. These investigators receive no money for their work, and when someone is found to be not deserving, or to be taking advantage of the commissary, he is put on the blacklist and refused next time he applies.
    Groceries are purchased from local stores and from local farmers, at the lowest possible cost, Patton said. Cash is paid to only two firms, Patton said, and that sparingly.
    A system whereby stores from which food is bought for the commissary receive no cash but apply the credits on their delinquent taxes is being worked out, so the money comes directly back to the county. A plan whereby a partial payment of taxes can be made to the county, with some bank acting as trustee, will be recommended by the grand jury, Patton said, which will enable the stores to turn in the credit slips on the delinquent taxes until they are paid in full, and a tax receipt can be issued.
    The lists of deserving and undeserving, prepared by Victor Tengwald under the old county court, has been junked under the new system, except that it is used as a reference by the investigators. At the present time little discrimination between residents and "floaters" is shown, but, Patton said, this angle will be worked out immediately.
    By using the county trucks, wood is also furnished the needy at a cost to the county of about 75 cents a cord. Any family head can get a tier of wood by working five hours at the county wood lot, near the fire hall, or by working five hours in the woods cutting the wood. Much credit goes to the boys at the fire hall, who oversee the woodcutting, Patton said, for the success of the plan to supply wood for work.
    Patton also declared that vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products which can be applied indirectly on his taxes, under the same from the farmers whenever a satisfactory deal can be made, and the farmer will receive a warrant for the products which can be applied directly on his taxes, under the same system used by the stores. Vegetables and milk are much in demand, Patton said, as much fresh milk is given out at the commissary.
    Charges that Patton was receiving a salary for his work, and that he was receiving a commission from the stores on all purchases, were vigorously denied, both by Patton and the county court.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 24, 1933, page 1


    By the use of county trucks to haul the logs from the county wood lot in the mountains, and through the efforts of Claude Stevens, of the Medford fire department, who is in charge of the wood lot across from the fire hall, wood is now being furnished to the unemployed of the valley at a cost to the county of eleven and two-thirds cents a tier.
    Figures on the cost to the county of furnishing wood were prepared this morning by Hamilton Patton, and compared with the $1.35 a tier that the wood cost the county before the county trucks were used to haul the logs from the mountains to Medford. Any man who will work either in the city wood lot or in the mountains for five hours gets a tier of the wood. The surplus wood is given to families where there is no one capable of working in the wood lot.
    Twenty men were working in the wood lot by the fire hall this morning, and an equal number in the mountains, getting out the logs. Last night the supply was down to one tier, Stevens said, but a truckload of logs arrived early this morning, and another later in the day, and by nightfall nearly 40 tiers of wood will have been sawed and split, ready for use in heater or cook stove.
    So well is the system working, Stevens said, that no particular effort is made to keep the saws sharp because the men would get ahead of the trucks and get more wood cut than they could dispose of.
    "These men are earning the wood they get," Stevens said, "and don't think for a minute they aren't. This isn't any dole, and is isn't gong to be. Anyone who wants to work, and follow orders, can get a tier of wood when he needs it. We haven't any time for troublemakers."
Medford Mail Tribune, January 26, 1933, page 3


    "Have you ever had cold feet?"  That is the question local relief workers are asking today. But not in the spirit of slang. For while the birds are being fed, woodsheds and larders filled to defeat the march of old man winter, there are a lot of feet heading straight toward chilblains. And the relief workers would like those persons who have had cold feet (and that includes just about everybody) to think back on them.
    For they feel that anyone who remembers the agony that can come with honest-to-goodness cold feet will be glad to do something to cover up the many feet in Jackson County now exposed to the snow.
    Relief workers recommend shoes as the best corrective to the prevailing condition, and anyone who has some pairs to give away, or the price of a pair to donate to the legion of cold feet, is asked to get in touch with the Welfare Exchange in the old city hall. There the shoes will be received and distributed in the campaign to prevent the multiplication of chilblains. In weather such as this, it is stressed by the welfare workers, shoes that leak are of little benefit to cold feet, and those with soles, linings and sometimes sides missing are of still less use to their wearers.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 26, 1933, page 3


    Accomplishments of the Red Cross in various sections of Jackson County where a greater number of persons receive aid each month, are shown in the report released yesterday by Miss Lillian Roberts, secretary of the county chapter, and Mrs. Frederick H. Johnson, production manager.
    Three carloads of flour, each carload containing 1680 sacks of 24½ pounds each, have been received from national headquarters for distribution in this county. There is now about one half carload left for distribution from that total of 5040 sacks.
    The local chapter has also received from national headquarters, as an absolute gift, 7000 yards of cotton material and 151 dozen finished garments in addition to the flour. During December and January, 72 pairs of shoes, 15 pairs of rubbers and 2728 garments have been distributed to the needy through the local chapter. One hundred and ninety-five families have been helped during the same period.
    Forty-one clubs in the county are aiding the Red Cross by working up the material received into wearable and much-needed garments.
    Ashland, under the efficient leadership of Mrs. Sam B. McNair, has 11 groups sewing and is supplying the needs of that section as well as turning in many garments to headquarters for distribution in other parts of the county.
    The Presbyterian association circles, in charge of Mrs. Ralph Sweeney, Mrs. W. W. Cleaves, Mrs. Hamilton Patton and Mrs. H. F. W. Spilver, have also accomplished much. The Dixie Club and Children of the American Revolution are working under Mrs. G. Q. D'Albini; the Business and Professional Women under Mrs. Edwina Weishaar; Welfare Association, Mrs. Chas. Glen Smith; social groups, Mrs. Gus Samuels, Mrs. Lewis Thompson, Mrs. A. F. Flowers and Miss Dorothy Mitchell.
    Other groups and their leaders, who are participating in the county-wide relief program, were announced yesterday by Mrs. Johnson as follows: St. Mark's Guild, Mrs. Royal Bebb; Catholic Guild, Mrs. A. V. Graves; Baptist Ladies Aid, Mrs. Frank Stinson; South Methodist Ladies Aid, Mrs. McCuiston; Adventist Society, Mrs. Von Durfy; Loyalty Circle (Methodist), Mrs. George Codding; American Legion Auxiliary, Mrs. Carol Parker and Mrs. Overmeyer; Berrydale Community Club, Miss Blanche Runnels; Sams Valley Grange, Mrs. O. R. Tresham; Table Rock Club, Miss Grace Lydiard; Lake Creek, Mrs. Meyers; Trail, Mrs. Mack; Lost Creek, Mrs. H. Fox; Applegate, Mrs. Audrey Edwards; Upper Applegate, Mrs. Port; Jacksonville, Miss Claire Hanley; Rogue River, two groups, Mrs. D. H. Ferry; Gold Hill, four groups, Mrs. H. D. Reed.
    Individuals who have been assisted in the extensive production program are: Mrs. George Phythian, Mrs. Lewis Brown and Mrs. W. F. Brown.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 29, 1933, page 6


    Interest in the community kitchen and shelter sponsored by the Medford Lions' Club continues to grow, as reports of the project from both the sponsors and recipients show the fine work being done ever since the opening of the kitchen November 7.
    Chief of Police Clatous McCredie, in commenting on Medford's unusual freedom from petty thievery by transients, gives credit to the community kitchen and shelter for this fine record. He pointed out when a man comes into the city cold, tired and hungry and is given a warm meal and a place to sleep, he arises in the morning rested, and to a certain extent contented in that he is warm and has been fed, and goes on his way without having resorted to the common practice of back door thievery, picking up of small articles to sell, and the annoying of housewives by begging at their doors for food.
    Attention was also called to the fact that as a matter of local protection, to say nothing of the humanitarian side, it is good business to support the kitchen and shelter.
    The amount of crime or petit larceny by transients was cut to the very minimum during the past three months, with a record of virtually every such offense showing it to have been committed by local residents.
    With more than 3300 meals served since November 7 and over 1100 persons given shelter for a night since December 7, it has been possible because of contributions from various sources to operate at a cost of 4½ cents per meal.
    There is no person receiving wages--all activities are conducted by voluntary workers. But a great problem confronts the sponsors in the matter of the payment of $26.50 monthly rental for the building.
    George Prescott and Leland Brophy, at the Allied Welfare meeting Friday, asked the assistance of the public for this work through the purchase of books of meal tickets to be given out to the needy and which entitle the purchaser to a certain amount of labor from the recipients.
    Tuesday local Lions' Club members and anyone else who cares to attend will buy their noon meal at the community kitchen with a twofold purpose--to acquaint themselves and others with every feature of this relief activity and to add to the alarmingly depleted funds for carrying on the work.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 29, 1933, page 6


    Orchardists who have some apples left that they haven't disposed of can make a good-sized payment on their taxes with them, Hamilton Patton, director of relief work for Jackson County, announced today.
    The relief organization is prepared to take a large quantity of marketable apples at 30 cents a sack, which will be traded to Klamath Falls farmers for potatoes. The potatoes will be used in the relief commissary here, and the apples will be used in the Klamath country.
    "Thirty cents a sack isn't much for apples," Patton said, "but we are getting the potatoes for 30 cents a sack, and some apple grower here can do a lot towards paying off his taxes."
    Growers with apples are requested to see or call Patton.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 2, 1933, page 1


    Orchardists who have some apples left that they haven't disposed of can make a good-sized payment on their taxes with them, Hamilton Patton, director of relief work for Jackson County, announced today.
    The relief organization is prepared to take a large quantity of marketable apples at 30 cents a sack, which will be traded to Klamath Falls farmers for potatoes. The potatoes will be used in the relief commissary here, and the apples will be used in the Klamath country.
    "Thirty cents a sack isn't much for apples," Patton said, "but we are getting the potatoes at 30 cents a sack, and some apple grower here can do a lot towards paying off his taxes."
    Growers with apples are requested to see or call Patton.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 2, 1933, page 1


    Early in January two men who had learned of the Southern Oregon and
Northern California Mining Association plan to put some of the unemployed to work on the proven placer grounds of this section, called upon one of the members of the associations for information and financial aid.
    They knew of some ground that they could work where they could make at least a living wage, providing they could get some financial assistance to get there and take care of their families while they were making their first attempt, but that at the present time they were dependent upon the county for food for their families.
    They were told that, owing to a present lack of funds, the association could do nothing to help them, even though it was one of the plans of the association to do this very thing.
    Their story was, however, so appealing and so plausible to the member of the association to whom it was told, that he asked them how much it would take to get them started and was told that they could make it on $5. He managed to raise this amount for them by borrowing it from a friend.
    Happy, they left, filled the car with gasoline and oil, spent the rest for food, leaving the greater portion of the latter with their respective families, and hied to a piece of county-owned property.
    In twelve days they returned, bringing back $20.80 worth of gold, which they sold to a local buyer. They proceeded immediately to return the $5 loan, purchased a few more supplies and were again off to the diggings, returning this time in six days, being compelled to cease operations temporarily on account of snow storms, and bringing $15 back with them. At this writing they are probably again at work.
    Names of these men, as well as the man who assisted them, are on file at the office of the association, and the story is told for the purpose of showing that with the mere assistance of five dollars, two families were taken from the "bread line" and rendered self-sustaining and that this same effort might be duplicated many times.
    Tuesday W. H. Maltby, who built a good share of Medford's sidewalks, and a man with considerable mining experience, called at the office of the association and said that there are at the present time 200 men working on the old Sterling mine and that they are producing by hand work alone over $200 per day. Many of them are working on county-owned ground, and he stated that he could count thirty rockers in a row in a distance of a hundred feet.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 2, 1933, page 10


Calexico Chronicle, Calexico, California, February 6, 1933, page 1


    All 4000-lumen overhead street lamps [200-watt incandescent bulbs] were removed from Medford's lighting district and replaced with 2500-lumen lamps last month, according to report for January made by Frank Rogers, building and electrical inspector for the city. Seventy-seven 2500-lumen overhead street lamps were changed to 1000-lumen lamps in the economy program inaugurated by the city, and other changes made as follows:
    Disconnected 30 ornamental lamps on Sixth Street.
    Disconnected all stringer lights in the city with the exception of two strings on South Riverside.
    Finished installing additions to police alarm system, giving this city a very complete system and so designed that additions may be made at the minimum of expense.
    Various inspections incidental to building permits and re-inspections were made.
    One chimney condemned and ordered repaired.
    Incidental repairs were made to lighting system in the city hall and at the airport
Medford Mail Tribune, February 9, 1933, page 5


    Although the need for relief work has not been so noticeably acute in Gold Hill this winter as in other communities of the county, several service organizations of the city have done remarkable work along this line, as shown in their reports for the season.
    In addition to taking care of local need, much work has been done for the county Red Cross group, reports show.
    In giving her resume of the season's work, Mrs. H. D. Reed, local Red Cross chairman, gives credit to the Past Noble Grand Club of Amethyst Rebekah lodge, to the Gold Hill Health Unit, and to the Woman's Relief Corps, each organization having made at least a dozen flannel gowns for the county chapter.
    Other residents of Gold Hill have cooperated individually in sewing for the Red Cross, and altogether fifty gowns have been turned in to the county supply chest from this community. Four comforters have also been completed.
    Six of the flannel gowns have been distributed here in Gold Hill, and other families needing these articles can receive them by asking at the Red Cross headquarters in Medford, where the central supply is now kept.
    In addition 130 articles of clothing have been distributed to needy families, and Mrs. Reed is still maintaining a supply which can be drawn on the rest of the winter.
    An estimate of work done by members of the Women's Relief Corps of this city is placed at $332.80 in the report at their meeting this week. This includes groceries, meals and clothing that have been supplied during the year, and including January, 1933.
    This organization has done much individual sewing as the need has come to their attention, and made 12 nightgowns, at the request of the Red Cross. They have also distributed used clothing, new and used shoes, and so forth.
    Necessities for two families have been supplied throughout the winter, and three tier of wood were provided by the Corps. Not included in the estimate is several gallons of milk which have been contributed from time to time.
    The ladies recently completed a quilt, proceeds from which will go to their charity fund.
    The local unit of the Jackson County Health Association is finding a wide scope for its work in addition to cooperating with the county nurse and doctor in giving medical care to school children and others in this community.
    Their regular meetings have been devoted to sewing, and they have accumulated a large supply of articles for babies and for expectant mothers. Forty-one articles of baby clothing have been made for this chest, and contributions of used clothing have also been accepted. This is kept on hand to be distributed by the district nurse in worthy local cases.
    Six quilts--one baby quilt, and five large quilts--have been made. Two of these have been given to local families, and one was turned over to the county chest. Two others and the baby quilt were sold to raise funds for the treasury.
    Many articles of used clothing collected by the unit have been turned into the local Red Cross for distribution.
    The main project now being attempted by the unit is raising a fund in order to serve milk to undernourished school children. This work is very urgent, as many children in the local schools come without lunches and have no food from morning till night, which is making them unable to keep up their school work as they should, as well as making them very subject to disease.
    Lunches are being served in most districts of the county, often furnished by the Parent-Teachers Association. As there is no such organization here, and as the health unit funds are low, it is hoped that other service groups of the city will contribute.
Gold Hill News, February 9, 1933, page 1


    Due to numerous and increasing inquiries relative to the manner in which emergency employment and relief problems were handled during the years 1930, 1931 and 1932, through the Jackson County court, I feel that the citizens and taxpayers of Jackson County are entitled to an explanation, particularly by reason of conditions in Jackson County at this time.
    The writer served as secretary of the Jackson County court from December 5, 1930, to January 1, 1933. During that period of time, all matters of a clerical relief and a great number of administrative matters were handled by the secretary.
    In 1930, the state highway commission instituted a system of relief work, known as "emergency employment," funds for which were appropriated by the state highway commission, being derived principally from the gasoline road tax and the counties' share of the automobile license tax.
    The office end of said plan was handled without expense, either to the taxpayers of the state or of the county, the court having merely directed same along with its regular and statutory duties. The placing and assignment of men was handled through the court.
    No appropriation was made from any source for office or overhead expense. The manner in which the placing and assignment of men was handled was to advise the applicants after they had registered, and if they met the residence requirements to report at a definite future date at the court, and also to report periodically; and after thorough consideration of the circumstances involved in each particular case they were issued "authorization slips," authorizing them to report at a definite time and place for one week's work. The previous week's crews were replaced every Monday by an entirely new crew.
    No married man nor single man with dependents received a week's work oftener that once every third week. Single men with no dependents received no consideration under this arrangement. Only legal residents of this county were eligible, and no man was assigned to work otherwise than through the court.
    Authorized lists of men assigned to work were mailed to the state highway commission office not later than Friday of each week, bearing the names of the men who had been authorized to report for work the following Monday. Through direct cooperation with the American Red Cross and other relief organizations, duplication was absolutely avoided.
    Later the government, through the Forest Service, allocated approximately $25,000 to this county for emergence employment purposes. The direction of this work was also handled through the county court on the same basis as state work was handled. The men receive their checks direct through the state highway commission office and the Forest Service office.
    In 1932, no federal assistance was available, hence the county, through the budget committee, appropriated funds to augment the funds allocated to this county by the state highway commission, which latter funds aggregated a very small sum. Approximately $30,000 was budgeted by the county for emergency employment, which sum was put into direct general circulation among the merchants and taxpayers of Jackson County through work on the county roads and woodlot.
    Toward the close of winter of 1932, the need for a county commissary was obvious, and said commissary was accordingly established. The commissary was stocked by wholesale purchase of foodstuffs, exchange with other counties, donations by women volunteer workers, etc. Nothing was distributed through the commissary at any time on a "dole" basis, and requisitions were granted only after investigation by the Red Cross, through the county court, on a balanced ration basis. Only those who were physically or mentally incapacitated received foodstuffs through the commissary without giving labor in exchange.
    Labor was the only medium of exchange for foodstuffs, payroll deductions being taken whenever possible, and where not possible the recipients of foodstuffs were required to do some work of a public nature, immediately, in exchange for food.
    Through the system known as the "Local Labor Card System," all qualified laborers were furnished with a "Jackson County Local Labor Card," which card they were required to keep in their possession at all times, same having been signed by two taxpayers, certifying that the information contained on the face of said card was correct.
    Any misrepresentation resulted in revocation of said card. Some 5,000 unemployed men and women obtained these cards, duplicate records of which were retained on file with the county court.
    A record of work done was kept in ink on the reverse side of these cards, and every man with dependents had an equal chance to secure work on the basis of presentation of these cards, either through direct contact with contractors or private employers, or through the court on regular authorization days, depending on the number of dependents in his family and the particular circumstances in each individual case.
    The money that was budgeted by the county was budgeted for the fiscal year for this particular purpose., and every care was taken through direct contact with charitable organizations to avoid duplication of relief granted.
    Through the general relief committee, members of which were appointed by Governor Meier, and who served without compensation, all relief and public work problems were discussed currently, and steps taken to meet existing conditions as far as humanly possible to do so.
    It is, and was, the policy of the general relief committee to avoid the "dole system" wherever possible so to do, and the "dole" was unknown in Jackson County as a result of this policy, up to January 1, 1933. Families were placed and kept on a self-respecting basis, and through the commissary credit system, a credit was established for deserving unemployed heads of families, so that they would feel free to use that privilege until they could secure a week's work, at which time a payroll deduction would be taken and the amount deducted, based on lowest market value, on a basis of labor performed, credited back to the revolving fund of the commissary, for use in replenishing commissary stocks, and without using emergency funds any more that necessary to operate the commissary.
    In this manner, the commissary was kept largely replenished and stocked through the medium of an exchange of labor.
    I feel that the public should be enlightened relative to this matter, and that much unjust criticism has been directed to past officials and those who so generously volunteered their services to meet the emergencies that the people are confronted with. Therefore, this article is, I feel, very timely, and I hope will explain to some extent the problems that the county has been confronted with in the past, and the problem it is now facing, and lead to some solution of the most serious matter that confronts the people of this county, state and nation at this time.
    It was the purpose of the court and the general relief committee and all charitable organizations to handle this problem without it becoming a constant source of worry to every citizen and taxpayer of Jackson County. Toward this objective considerable work has been done in the past two years and more, to keep the direction of this problem centralized, to the end that economic and industrial recovery might be hastened, and that business might return to normal.
    I submit this summarization to the citizens and taxpayers of this county for their serious consideration, and so that they may have the necessary facts to enable them to determine the true status of this problem at present.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 15, 1933, page 2


    A concentrated effort to put to work the great ranks of the unemployed in Jackson County was announced yesterday morning by County Commissioners Ralph Billings and R. E. Nelson. All road supervisors in the county were instructed to make definite surveys in their districts to determine the amount of permanent work to be done and the number of persons in each district in need of employment some time ago.
    The report of the supervisors, the commissioners stated, showed that little work could be accomplished at this time because of the condition of the soil as a result of snows and rains. Drainage and ditching, however, will employ a number of men until soil conditions enable more to go to work.
    County machinery will be overhauled at once, they stated, employing others, in order that everything will be in readiness in case the funds anticipated from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation are forthcoming.
    The necessity for providing men with work, for the good of the unemployed and the county, was emphasized by the commissioners, who stated that they are doing everything possible to place relief on a practical basis, and that the work to be given the unemployed will be of a type beneficial to the county as well as to the needy.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 19, 1933, page 5


    Telegram, urging the early appointment of a Jackson County Relief Committee, was wired Governor Julius L. Meier today by O. H. Goss, secretary of the Jackson County Unemployment Council, which met last Friday to take definite steps to remedy the local situation.
    The telegram forwarded to Salem today reads: "Understand relief committee in session today. Urge immediate appointment Jackson County committee. Virtually necessary remove relief project from local politics at once. About 2000 unemployed now registered and favoring your appointment of committee to clarify local situation."
Medford Mail Tribune, February 20, 1933, page 1


    That the interest in mining in Jackson County is increasing almost daily was very apparent to the writer after the completion of a trip that covered several of the sites of the "old diggin's" from Ashland to Gold Hill.
    Up on Bear Creek, near the Jackson Hot Springs, where much gold was recovered in an early day, several men were seen to be busily engaged in the laborious and, we hope, gainful occupation of working over the old tailings or endeavoring to discover a yard or so of virgin ground that some early-day worker has passed up.
    Rounding a turn on the old stage road to Gold Hill, I asked, "What are all those cars doing down the road there?"
    "They must be miners," came the answer, "that's where Willow Creek crosses the road."
    "Let's stop and have a look."
    We stood on the culvert where a small stream trickled through and counted 16 men in sight. A small six or eight-foot sluicebox was the method of recovery here. Dirt and gravel carried to a water hole and water dipped with a pail to do the washing.
    Not satisfied that we had seen them all, we began a closer investigation. Sounds coming from a hole gophered in the hillside attracted our attention, which we discovered were being made by a man "coyoting" on the bedrock.
    "What are you doing down there?" we asked, by way of opening a conversation.
    "Fighting Old Man Depression," he replied without looking up.
    "Who's winning?"
    "It's a (huh, as he swung his pick) about a (huh) draw I think."
    This was the humorous side. On other faces was a look of grim determination, and in some instances, bordered on desperation.
    Further questioning elicited the information that not many of them were making more than 50 cents a day, and some of them not so much, but this fact stood out prominently that whatever amount they were able to get was better to them than standing in line on commissary day and, if gasoline would only hold out, they might be able, by the end of the day, to "muck out enough to eat on."
    Farther on, a mile or so from the Willow Creek diggin's, was presented a picture that was at once interesting and artistic and could well be used for a Saturday Evening [Post] frontispiece.
    On the side of the road, where a small stream of water ran down the gutter, a boy of some six or seven years, red hat and rubber boots, was busily engaged with a gold pan almost as large as himself.
    It is the tendency of the times and should receive helpful and fitting encouragement, for it could be made to keep every man in Jackson County off the bread line.
    Matters of much import to the mining industry will be taken up at a meeting to be held at the Chamber of Commerce rooms on Friday evening, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is called by the officers of the Southern Oregon and Northern California Mining Association.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 21, 1933, page 7


    Petition asking for the city's support to the extent of $35 a month for the community relief kitchen was presented the council in regular meeting last night by a delegation from the Lions Club, headed by Lion president L. Pennington.
    The petition points out that the community relief kitchen has solved an important problem for the entire city and that the demands upon it have increased until the expense is becoming too heavy for club members and volunteer contributors to bear. The $35 contribution was asked for a period of three months or the duration of the present emergency.
    Lions Pennington, Leland Brophy, Carl Stewart, G. W. Newberry and Hoover were present in behalf of the request. The matter was referred to a committee with instructions to obtain advice of the city attorney regarding the legality of such a contribution by the city.
    Resolution amending the city milk ordinance to strengthen the clause for collection of gallonage fees was introduced by Councilman S. A. Kroschel and passed the first reading. It establishes a penalty for failure to pay the fees, which will cost the offender both a fine and his year's permit, making the latter revocable upon arrest for failure to pay the fees.
    The health and finance committee were appointed by Mayor E. M. Wilson to act as one committee investigating the meat inspection ordinance, recently introduced, and passed at the first reading. The mayor stated that he is anxious to obtain the sentiments of all persons concerned before final action is taken on the ordinance.
    Ordinance permitting the city water department to enter into contracts with other sections for the sale of water outside the city limits passed the second and third readings. It was opposed by one councilman, C. C. Furnas. All others voted "yes" on the measure.
    The matter of bids on auditing of the city books was referred to the finance committee, following considerable discussion.
    A request for purchase of five copies of the League of Cities book was presented by Mayor Wilson, and the council decided to make the purchase.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 22, 1933, page 8


    The unemployed workers and farmers of Jackson County and their friends are cordially invited to attend a meeting to discuss relief and relief projects at the court house auditorium, Saturday, February 25, at 7 p.m.
    The meeting is to be held under the auspices of the Jackson County Unemployed Council. Efforts will be made to obtain local speakers who are familiar with the most pressing issues confronting Jackson County, [and] will be able to speak with more than usual authority.
    This meeting is in line with the unemployed council program to attempt to coordinate all effort on the part of any groups or organizations interested in the welfare of the unemployed. Politics and personalities are barred. There will be no disorder.
    Questions and discussions from the floor will be welcomed, provided such questions and discussion pertain to the subjects discussed by the speakers, which are relief and relief projects. Everyone interested is cordially invited.
                JACKSON COUNTY UNEMPLOYED COUNCIL
                    By O. H. Goss
Medford Mail Tribune, February 24, 1933, page 3


    The Welfare Exchange is badly in need of supplies of many sorts, according to announcement from relief headquarters today. Pieces of yarn for tying quilts, bias tape for binding dresses, spools of silkolene and sugar and flour sacks are among the rather insignificant articles which would mean much to many people in the valley if supplies of them were turned in at the Exchange. Pieces and scraps for piecing quilts are also needed, spools of thread of any number, and in the larger classification furniture and a cook stove.
    Anyone with any of these things to give is asked to get n touch with the Exchange or to leave them at the Shell station on Sixth and Front streets, where a box is being placed by the Welfare Exchange to receive contributions each day.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 24, 1933, page 9


    City Superintendent Fred Scheffel announced Saturday that 60 men assigned to the city by the county court had been put to work grading Summit Avenue between Fourth and Jackson streets.
    These men who were given work are listed among those who owe the county for provisions received from the county commissary, Mr. Scheffel said. They were assigned to city work here due to conditions of the county roads, which are too wet to be graded.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 26, 1933, page 7


    Appointment of the Jackson County relief committee, welcomed here as the first step necessary to the stabilization of a program to aid the unemployed and halt the great wave of unrest and ill-feeling which has swept through all parts of the Rogue River Valley, was made yesterday by Governor Julius L. Meier.
    A special dispatch from the Associated Press was received late yesterday afternoon by the Mail Tribune, announcing the committee, which carries the names of the following well-known citizens of the county: James H. Owen, Mrs. R. E. Green and  Alfred S. V. Carpenter, Medford; and Senator George Dunn of Ashland.
    Henry VanHoevenberg, Gold Hill orchardist, and a prominent member of the recently organized "Committee of 100," who held a conference in Salem yesterday with Governor Meier in the interests of an early appointment of the committee, returned to Medford this morning.
    He confirmed the report regarding the committee and predicted a general improvement of conditions in Medford, denying dispatches from the north, which quoted him as saying that the "next 10 days would see things happening in which state aid would be needed."
    "I said that many things had been happening in Jackson County during the past 10 days," Mr. VanHoevenberg explained this morning, reviewing his conference with Governor Meier.
    Appointment of the relief committee, upon which progress of the general relief program has been dependent, Mr. VanHoevenberg described as an important step toward accomplishing that return to normalcy so anxiously awaited.
    "I am not expecting any more turmoil; none of us are," he added. "We feel that things have already happened and that we are now moving toward the accomplishment of peace and prosperity in Jackson County."
    Belief has been prevalent here for some time that the best remedy for the existing situation could be found in a satisfactory handling of the relief program. Much condemnation of the program in operation since the first of the year has been heard in city and country, Granges taking definite steps to halt what they described as a dole system. The appointment of the governor's relief committee was therefore greeted today as "mighty good news."
    The four persons appointed, who will act with the three members of the county court, or their appointees, as a complete committee on relief, are well acquainted with Jackson County's problems, having resided here for many years. Mr. Owen, through the Owen-Oregon Lumber Company, has had constant contact with the laboring man's viewpoint and needs. Mrs. Green has been for many years allied with welfare projects and so has Mr. Carpenter, who is closely associated with the Jackson County Red Cross. Senator Dunn realizes the needs of the county and at the same time the attitude of the state regarding her needs.
    No official notice of the appointment of the relief committee had been received by the county court this afternoon from the governor. No action regarding the plan of work had therefore been taken.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 1, 1933, page 1


    Lewis Ulrich, well-known resident of the city and county, assumed charge of the county commissary today, succeeding R. B. Griffin as commissary manager. The appointment of Ulrich was approved by the county court. Hamilton Patton continues as county relief manager.
    The change was made following the request of the citizen's committee of 100, that abuses in the issuance of the food, allegedly prevailing, to be corrected, and that a closer check-up be inaugurated. It was claimed that transient indigents were waxing fat, and that newcomers were "repeaters" at the counter, to the disadvantage of many worthy and long-time residents. Flagrant evidence of impositions on the charity of the county were reported and investigated.
    The county commissioners a week ago, declared that no worthy resident of the county in need of assistance would be slighted, but that steps would be taken to curb known evils.
    It was reported that a group of auto tourists camped near the city had made frequent calls at the commissary and described Jackson County "as the softest spot on the Pacific Coast." Part of the group are said to have departed last Sunday and Monday. It was also claimed that the commissary and the local disturbed conditions were attracting wanderers from Northern California and Klamath County.
    Chief of Police McCredie reported yesterday that requests for gasoline from transients the past two months, in comparison with other years, has shown a marked decrease, and there are few applications. It has been the practice to give stranded individuals with autos gasoline, to speed them on their way.
    It is planned to establish a checking system in the distribution of funds, food and work as soon as the governor's relief commission, named yesterday, starts to function. Each applicant will be checked as to his time of residence, his circumstances, whether or not he is a property owner, or man of family, or has dependents. The policy will be, it is understood, "to look after our own first."
Medford Mail Tribune, March 1, 1933, page 6


    Giving work to an average of 62 former members of the unemployed daily, street improvement in the city of Medford started last Saturday, [and] was progressing today with a number of crews stationed in various parts of the city. There are fifty men working on the streets today and 12 operating light trucks in removing dirt. One foreman and two sub-foremen are directing activities under the general direction of City Superintendent Fred Scheffel.
    One crew was working today on the street east of the Jackson bridge, another on the storm culvert on Oak Street, and still another on the improvement of Summit Street between Fourth and Palm.
    Surfacing material is being removed from the vicinity of the reservoir to be spread on Willamette.
    Each crew is being worked for three consecutive days, to be relieved at the end of that period by another crew drawn from the ranks of the unemployed. The men are assigned through Hamilton Patton, chairman of relief work in Jackson County.    
Medford Mail Tribune, March 1, 1933, page 10


    Voicing appreciation of the donation made by the Rogue River Valley Golf Club to the Welfare Exchange, Miss Helen Carlton, chairman of the exchange, issued an announcement today. The fund donated the welfare shop was raised through a recent tournament and has aided greatly the relief project, which is badly in need of materials, she stated.
    She also announced that she wished to thank the Allied Welfare Workers' Association for a similar donation made the exchange.
    The need for clothing and scraps from which to make quilts has grown to almost unbelievable proportions during the past few weeks, Miss Carlton added, beseeching people to search their closets again for possible donations. Any piece of wearing apparel, whatever its original season, will be acceptable, she stated, and there are many families in almost desperate need of bedding, and many women anxious to piece quilts to supply the need.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 2, 1933, page 5


    Jackson County's relief program severed all connections with the county court and "politics" this morning in agreement with house bill 169, passed by the state legislature, when a committee of three to work with the governor's relief committee was appointed by the court. The three persons named are: W. H. McNair, Ashland, Albert Straus, Sams Valley and Wm. E. Perry, Eagle Point.
    They will act with the four persons named by Governor Meier in composing Jackson County's relief committee. The complete group is to be composed of James H. Owen, Alfred S. V. Carpenter, Mrs. R. E. Green and Senator George Dunn, and the three persons appointed today.
    House bill 169, which provides for the appointment of an unemployment relief committee for the county, also authorizes the county court to appoint three persons to act in place of the county judge and commissioners in completing the committee of seven, which will supervise and direct the relief program in the county.
    In announcing the appointments this morning the county court requested that the county clerk's office notify each member of the committee of his appointment. The action taken was recorded with the county clerk.
    A short while after announcement of the appointments a meeting of the complete committee was held in this city, the group of four having postponed the scheduled session one-half hour to enable other members to attend. All were present with the exception of Senator George Dunn, who was unable to be in the city.
    Mr. Owen, chairman, named by the governor, presided at the meeting, and preliminary plans for formulation of a workable relief program were made. No definite action will be taken, it was understood, until instructions have been received from the state committee, in conjunction with which all county groups will work.
    Conditions appeared much brighter in unemployed groups today as organizations of the relief program got under way, and it was reported that the county court was ready to put a large number of persons to work.
    Hamilton Patton, who resigned as head of county relief following announcement of the governor's committee, stated today that costs in relief work had been greatly reduced since the first of the year, the average cost now being $90 a week for the county. Prior to January 1, he stated, it was costing the county approximately $3000 a week to carry on the relief program. Against the total of $6700 spent while he was offering his service to the county, he stated, he had turned in over $5000 worth of labor notes, which will be redeemed as soon as work is found for the unemployed. When this work is provided, he explained, the cost of relief work to the county will be reduced to a few hundred dollars. All figures, he further stated, are tentative and subject to the audit to be made of the commissary and other records.
    Under the supervision of Lewis Ulrich, recently appointed to take over the management of the commissary, the elimination of undeserving "county boarders," the subject of much complaint throughout the valley, is expected, Mr. Patton stated. The number, he added, is small, and a thorough check of all recipients is being made.
    Mr. Patton, previous to the November election, offered his services as relief head to each county judge candidate, agreeing to serve for a period of two months. The term expired March 1, when committee was announced by the governor.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 3, 1933, page 1


    That the often published statement that expenses of county relief have been reduced from $3000 per week before January 1, to approximately $800 per week since then, is misleading and fails to show the true facts, was the statement of Victor Tengwald, made to a representative of the Mail Tribune yesterday. Mr. Tengwald handled county relief work under the former county court.
    "It has been stated," said Mr. Tengwald, "that the sum of $6700 had been spent to carry on the relief program of Jackson County from January 1 to March 1, 1933; and that $5000 worth of promissory notes had been taken in exchange for relief granted. It can readily be seen that the sum of $6700 represents the amount spent to operate the county commissary, and not to carry on the relief program, generally speaking, but on the contrary, only a small part of the relief program.
    "The sum of $6700 does not include any warrants paid for work on any county projects, and in fact, represents no labor taken in exchange for relief granted, except commissary employees. In other words, the figure of $6700 represents the amount of money spent by the county since January 1 to March 1, 1933 to PURCHASE GROCERIES from wholesale dealers, and NOTHING ELSE, for direct dole distribution through the county commissary.
    "Further statements indicate that prior to January 1, 1933, approximately $3000 per week was spent by the county to carry on its relief program. This is correct to this extent, that is: That said sum was spent by the county for WORK relief on county projects, such as county road maintenance, in the nature of emergency employment during the months of November and December, 1932; representing a direct payment in individual warrants which were negotiable to over 2000 investigated heads of families, all legal residents of this county, who received a week's work on the county roads at the scale of $2.40 per day.
    "If these men, or others, received any commissary assistance or advance the market value of the groceries advanced was deducted from their warrants, and credit in the form of labor received credited to the commissary revolving fund, thereby placing the county commissary, as near as possible to do so, on a self-supporting basis.
    "Only about 700 orders or requisitions on the commissary were issued during the months of November and December, said orders averaging approximately $1.50 each, or a total of $1000 for that two-month period, the worst period of any year.
    "Therefore, it can be readily be seen that the amount of $6700 represents an increase of approximately $5700 in cost of operation of the county commissary for January and February, in comparison with the months of November and December.
    "Therefore, it follows that approximately $20,000, representing cash paid to over 2000 heads of families during the months of November and December, for work on the county roads, was put into direct, immediate circulation among the merchants, citizens, taxpayers and business men of Jackson County.
    "The $5000 in promissory notes overloads an already overloaded labor supply, and doubles or triples the total labor on the market, as against figures of January 1, 1933. The families represented by these notes are still in immediate need, and even if they were to work out their notes, they must make provision for their families AT THIS TIME, and it is obvious that groceries obtained in the past, for which a note was given, will not solve their problem at this time.
    "It can readily be seen that when work starts, payment must be made to them immediately to meet their present needs, and that notes are not labor. We have too much labor now, as we  have had in the past three years, and although the holders of the notes are the same heads of families that make up the total number of unemployed, yet the overloaded labor market has been again overloaded by notes given in the past; and makes the problem of solving the present emergency much more difficult.
    "It is practically impossible, in a county covering as great an area as this county, to contact holders of these notes, and doubly difficult to force them to work for something they have gotten in the past, when their present circumstances are desperate and acute.
    "In conclusion, the subjects 'Emergency Employment' and 'Dole' are widely divergent, and what is spent for the operation of emergency unemployment arrangements can hardly be compared with the money spent to operate a dole. One is a relief program in its broadest sense, while the other is merely an aggravation of already acute conditions."
Medford Mail Tribune, March 5, 1933, page 4


    PORTLAND, March 6.--(AP)--Members of the Portland clearing house association were meeting here today to formulate a plan of action coinciding with the national bank policy proclaimed by the President.
    A means of providing a medium of circulation for transacting vital business was imperative, it was said. Some form of scrip was expected to be agreed upon.
    It was indicated here that an issuance of scrip would be made available to banks throughout Oregon and that banks in other cities of the state would adopt the same system used by members of the Portland clearing house association.
    Some plan similar to that used in 1907, when clearing house certificates in small denominations were placed in circulation, were considered today, but details were not divulged.
    The clearing house in Portland opened a change-making depot during the day through the cooperation of the federal treasury and the federal reserve system. Only silver and currency were handled. No gold was to be given out in change transactions.
    Each Portland bank in the clearing house association [is] to send a teller to the change depot. The service was to continue throughout the bank holiday period.
    No checks were to be cashed. No currency of higher denomination than $20 was to be handed out.
    John C. Ainsworth, chairman of the board of directors of the United States National Bank here, said he believed the limited withdrawals allowed last Thursday and Friday gave business a needed impetus here. "More than $3,000,000 was withdrawn from the clearing house banks in those two days," he said. "This money has placed most of the depositors in a position to meet their day-by-day expenses for at least a week longer."
    All clearing house banks in Portland today gave safety deposit box patrons access to their boxes. Only a few instances throughout the state, it was said, where smaller banks have their safety boxes in the regular bank vaults, would it be difficult for depositors to reach their belongings.
    R. T. Platt, attorney for the United States National Bank, said today it is perfectly permissible to pay bills by check and that checks so issued will be honored at the expiration of the bank holiday period as of that day.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 6, 1933, page 5


Click here for more on Depression scrip and more on Medford banking.


    Business was looking up in the city of Medford this afternoon, and a brighter outlook flooded the horizon for merchant, buyer, employer and employee, as a meeting called to launch an emergency issue of local scrip opened at the chamber of commerce at 2 o'clock.
    For money of any other clink or color "smells the same" to Southern Oregonians, if it will buy. And that's what local scrip will do. The chamber of commerce expects to have it in circulation by tomorrow morning, starting a complete turnover of the wheels of business, partially paralyzed since declaration of the banking holidays.
    The scrip will be underwritten by a group of local business men and will be in an amount judged sufficient to care for the immediate necessity. If further issuance is found necessary, it was explained this afternoon, another group of business men will be called in to participate in its launching.
    The chamber of commerce meeting this afternoon was preceded by one held at the city hall, at which B. E. Harder, president of the First National Bank, explained thoroughly the banking situation, urging an extension of credit as the cornerstone of commerce, and the best solution of the present situation. He predicted the arrival here by Friday of clearing house certificates to be issued out of Portland and approved temporary plans to issue local scrip, saying that it could do no harm and would undoubtedly furnish immediate relief here. The city hall and auditorium and corridors were filled to capacity for his talk, and many persons were unable to gain entrance.
    The Colonial Bakery today launched its own scrip to care for the payroll in the amount of $585. The certificates will be accepted as payment for merchandise at the Colonial Bakery or by any grocer or merchant selling or serving products manufactured by the Colonial Bakery.
    Clearing house certificates expected here within a few days will bring retirement of the local scrip, according to the plan. Both are expected to stimulate buying and discourage any tendency toward hoarding, Mr. Harder pointed out this morning.
    Clearing house certificates are being issued in preference to regular currency, Mr. Harder explained to prevent hoarding and start an immediate circulation of a medium of exchange.
    "Currency put out now," he stated, "would probably go into hiding. Clearing house certificates will be spent, bringing the business turnover needed. Portland will pay us clearing house certificates against our balance, enabling their circulation here as soon as they are out."
    Listing the banking regulations in effect for today, which will liberalize considerably the situation of yesterday, Mr Harder stated, "Front doors will remain closed, but side doors will be open. We will permit withdrawals to drawer of check only in amount limited to necessity. All checks will be okayed by an officer before payment. No deposits will be accepted. No drafts will be issued. Access to safety deposit boxes will be permitted, and change will be made. No gold certificates or gold will be paid out in making change or cashing necessary checks."
    In explaining failure to permit deposits, Mr. Harder brought to the Medford audience one of the most optimistic predictions of the day. "When President Roosevelt appears before Congress Thursday," he declared, "it is my belief that his plan will provide for acceptance of deposits in the way of trust funds and that new deposits will be guaranteed by the federal government. Such action would immediately restore confidence in business and bring forth money in hiding; the wheels of industry would start turning. I am not saying that this will happen," Mr. Harder added, "but it is my belief that it is the logical thing to do and that it will probably be done."
    Urging the continuance of buying on the part of the public and the extension of credit by merchants, Mr. Harder declared, "I would rather have a man's credit than the goods on my shelf. Credit ts the life's blood of this country. It is still the cornerstone of commerce."
    Answering the question: "Why is this country in this position?" Mr. Harder stated, "It is because of our system of doing business. We pay by check. In the United States there are deposits in the banks amounting to sixty billion dollars. In circulation there is only seven billion dollars in currency. If all want their money at once, there is naturally not enough to go around."
    He then turned to the situation which arose in New York where eight hundred million dollars was withdrawn during three days and converted into gold, necessitating the banking holiday. As a result, Mr. Harder stated, "we are temporarily off the gold standard. No gold or gold certificates are to be paid out in making change."
    Full faith in the presentation of a workable plan by President Roosevelt when Congress meets Thursday was expressed by Mr. Harder. He advised his listeners, however, not to expect the problem to unwind Friday, as it is a national and a world issue.
    "Europe," he said in closing, "is waiting to see what the United States will do."
Medford Mail Tribune, March 7, 1933, page 1


   WASHINGTON, Mar. 8.--(AP)--Treasury officials said late today that the local clearing houses would be permitted to go ahead with plans for the issuance of scrip locally but made it clear that under regulations laid down by Secretary Woodin, the Rreasury retains the right to revoke this permission.
    Medford people are spending brand new (just off the press) money today. It started in circulation this morning, following decision of a merchants' group yesterday at the chamber of commerce to launch a $10,000 issue of cash certificates.
    The local scrip is being accepted by all stores in Medford and is underwritten by the following group of business men, who will use it in place of checks in meeting their payrolls.
    Medford Furniture & Hardware Co., Valley Fuel Company, J. C. Penny Co., C. M. Kidd Shoe Store, Mann's Dept. Store, Gates and Lydiard, Monarch Seed and Feed, Medford Mail Tribune, The Toggery, Weeks and Orr, Hubbard Bros., Pay 'n Takit, Safeway Stores, Inc., Colonial Bakery, Heath's Drug Store, Gold Seal Creamery, Medford Domestic Laundry, Adrienne's, and M.M. Department Store.
    The circulation of the new medium of exchange is expected to ease business conditions to a greater extent, making purchases possible where otherwise halted by frozen checks.
    All certificates are backed by cash, $10,000 having been raised to secure the $10,000 issue. All certificates are in one denomination, "One Dollar." No definite decision regarding their redemption was reached yesterday. They may be retired when the clearing house certificates arrive from Portland the last of the week, as expected. And they may remain in circulation for a longer period if buying channels are not sufficiently opened up by the clearing house certificates to aid business materially, the chamber of commerce announced.
    The certificates carry the stamp of the retail merchants' division of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, and each certificate is guaranteed by the business man launching it. Each also carries on its back the names of the business men underwriting the issue.
    In case the demand for more scrip is realized, another issue will be launched. The $10,000 in circulation today, however, was expected to bring the necessary number of turnovers to keep the wolf from Medford's door.
    According to word received from the San Francisco office, A. P. Johnson, manager of the Standard Oil Company of California, announced at the noon luncheon, Medford is the first city on the Pacific Coast to meet the emergency with the issuance of local certificates.
    The issue will not solve the existing problem to the satisfaction of all persons, W. S. Bolger, president of the Chamber of Commerce, explained, but is expected to start a certain business turnover, which will eventually aid everyone. Checks will still remain frozen, he added, but persons receiving scrip will be able to pass it on in trade and there will be no dangers of hoarding to be guarded against.
    The scrip, I.O.U.s and anything else transferable will be accepted at the golf course Sunday, Mr. Johnson stated, where the prize tournament is expected to move forward with the usual jollity, unhampered by moratorium or holidays.
    PORTLAND, Ore., March. 8.--(AP)--Portland member banks of the federal reserve system opened for limited operation today under regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury.
    Checks were being cashed in accordance with regulations 12 and 17 of Secretary Woodin's instructions, and paid in currency.
    The regulation known as "No. 12" permits banks to operate so as to provide currency for necessities of life. The other regulation permits unqualified cashing of checks less that $25 under customary banking conditions.
    It was assumed here federal reserve system banks throughout Oregon would follow the practice established in Portland.
    Opening of the Portland banks was authorized at a meeting of the clearing house association.
    H. V. Alvard, president of the Portland clearing house association, said the treasury restrictions are not as narrow as had been expected, and provide for operation which, though limited, will be broad enough to accommodate all essential business.
    In several cities of Oregon similar banking was handled yesterday. It was expected to become general today.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 8, 1933, page 1


    While an ever-increasing number of men come out of their homes, unemployed, to the doors of the city asking for work, leaders in Medford government, although for the most part silent, are not unmindful of their needs, an interview with various departments revealed today.
    They are constantly searching the field for the answer in the possible promotion of a needed local project, and the hope is to obtain money from the relief finance corporation for construction of Medford's long-needed sewage disposal plant, a unit of it, or the accomplishment of street improvements.
    For any one of the three, money could be obtained from the R.F.C. fund to match whatever amount Medford might raise, the city has been assured, and there is a possibility of a 40-60 ratio. It all depends upon the amount spent in labor, as the latter will be financed through relief funds, Mayor E. M. Wilson stated today.
    Two plans for launching local work are being considered. One is dependent upon the passage of House Bill No. 422, with inclusion of section 5, which provides:
    "Whenever a court of competent jurisdiction shall have ordered any of the said municipalities in this state to abate a pollution nuisance or shall have enjoined any such municipality from discharging sewage or drainage into any lake, stream or other waterway, said municipality shall have authority upon its own affirmative action and without submitting said matter to a vote of the qualified electors of such municipality to issue and sell the necessary bonds for the construction and installation of such facilities as it may deem necessary to comply with said court order."
    If such authority were given the city, a bond issue to finance materials could be floated and money obtained from the R.F.C. fund to pay for all labor. The money would be secured through the county relief committee, at no cost to the city. Men would be put to work and paid for their labor.
    In case such authority is not given cities, it would be necessary to vote for the floating bond issue. The amount raised by the city would again be matched by the R.F.C. fund.
    Under the other plan the city would borrow money from the R.F.C. fund but would have to pay for both labor and materials, making the cost twice that to be realized through use of the money obtained through the relief committee.
    The sewage system, or needed street improvements, could be added to the city at this time at less cost than at any other time in history, thus amounting to a saving, both from the standpoint of caring for the unemployed and realizing necessary improvements, officials pointed out today.
    Reviewing the costs of establishment of a new sewage system here, Fred Scheffel, city superintendent, stated that the estimates given in 1932 could easily be reduced 20 percent, the way prices have descended since that time. The estimate given then listed the treatment plant at $147,000, based upon a 2,400,000 gallonage flow per day. The present flow is 1,750,000 gallons per day. The cost of the trunk line sewer was then estimated at $85,000. Construction of the treatment plant and a unit connecting it with the end of the present trunk sewer, which would solve Medford's problem for the present at least, could be realized for $171,500, according to the 1932 estimate, which would be reduced 20 percent.
    If Medford considered this program at least half the sum, or $85,750, would be obtainable from the R.F.C. fund.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 10, 1933, page 12


    "Pork and Beans, Secured and Unsecured" should be the Southern Oregon columnist's heading today, says M. S. Johnson, local hardware merchant and experienced mining man, who recalls the days when Ben Hur Lampman was editor of the Gold Hill News and wrote under the heading "Overdrafts, Secured and Unsecured."
    Mr. Johnson, who is in close touch with miners in this vicinity, says that every creek and nook has an overcrowded population trying to secure pork and beans by mining. Every old cabin and tumble-down shed has been patched up and made into a makeshift shelter. About the only uninhabited building in these parts is W. L. Van Houten's Crazy House on Sardine Creek, and the only reason it is vacant is it makes one so dizzy they can't stay in it.
    Mr. Johnson buys much of the gold obtained by these people and purchases range from 7¢ to $18.00. A fine collection of nuggets, some of which are valued as high as $5,  have been brought in from time to time.
    Five dollars--all in one chunk! Then it's not pork and beans but perhaps a piece of boiling beef and potatoes that comes home in the grub bag.
    Most of the individual miners, says Johnson, are amateurs and they have the crudest way of getting their little pittance, but they are gamely trying to keep out of the bread line, and deserve a lot of credit. Some families do not get over $2.00 a week.
    Mining is the salvation of Southern Oregon, Mr. Johnson firmly believes, and in a recent letter to Mr. Lampman, now editorial and feature writer on the Oregonian, he gives a brief resume of mining in this section.
    Among the larger operations he names the Foots Creek dredge of the Guggenheim interests, and the large shovel project on the rich placer ground at the mouth of Sardine Creek. About 25 men are employed there. The Sylvanite has put eight men to work, several are working on Kap Kubli mine, and a mill has been installed with four or five men working on the old Fredenburg mine near the old Charley Johnson place. Placers are also operating on Sams and Galls creeks.
    Quite a lot of people are looking for mining investments, Mr. Johnson reports, but real good properties are hard to find, and many mines which have been abandoned during the boom time have caved tunnels and shafts and are in no condition to show prospective buyers.
    A fine deal was completed by Mr. Johnson late in February for the sale of a well-developed property just across the Oregon line in Siskiyou County, California, for over $50,000. The property is known as the Corbett group consisting of 8½ claims and about 20,000 tons of $10.00 ore has been blocked out.
    Chas. Hopper Brown, mining engineer of San Diego, plans to examine the property and if satisfactory a 50-ton mill will be erected and considerable employment will be given.
    Mr. Brown was responsible for the locating of the gas shovel operation on Sardine Creek by the Skeels & Graham company last fall after a three months trial run.
    Faith in the mines of this territory will eventually dispel the depression here, Mr. Johnson believes.
Gold Hill News, March 16, 1933, page 1


    A letter just received at the headquarters of the Southern Oregon Mining Association in Medford says that Mr. Adams, of the state board for vocational education, was to arrive in Medford yesterday to arrange for the organization of a mining class there.
    This course includes free instruction in the use of the rocker and pan, actual work and instruction in the proper way to sample a piece of ground for values, as well as many other valuable bits of instruction that will enable the man or woman contemplating doing this sort of work to proceed with a much greater degree of confidence.
    All persons contemplating this course of instruction should register their names with the secretary of the Southern Oregon Mining Association at the chamber of commerce in Medford, just as soon as possible.
    Following this period of instruction, which will be completed some time during the coming week, the mining association will hold another field day on the Southern Pacific lot opposite the chamber of commerce in Medford, in which a number of rockers, long toms and gold saving machines will be demonstrated, together with panning contests and probably a packing contest. An attempt will be made to so arrange these contests that everybody will get a chance to see every event. A number of good prizes in merchandise will be given to the contestants.
    These contests will be held Saturday afternoon, March 25, and will follow the hog-calling contest put on by the Medford chamber of commerce.
Jacksonville Miner, March 17, 1933, page 3


    O. D. Adams of Salem, state director of vocational education, arrived in Medford last week to complete arrangements for opening of a school in mining instruction in the county. He appointed a committee to enroll members in a free course in placer mining, panning and recovery of gold. Registrations are being received at the Medford Chamber of Commerce, where the Southern Oregon Mining Association has its headquarters, and the class is expected to open this week.
    Giving of instructions to the 1000 persons now seeking their living in the mountain regions is expected to enable many more of them to become self-sustaining and thus to lessen the unemployment problem facing this county. There are at this time 900 persons out of 1000 mining who are making enough money to avoid asking aid from the county. They are mining for the most part in a very crude manner, the association members stated yesterday, and even then making money. If they are instructed in the easier processes of locating and recovering gold, the earning power of these men will be greatly increased, statistics available from other regions, where classes have been conducted, show. Classes were held in Baker and Grants Pass last year and it is well known here that quantities of gold are coming in from the hills neighboring the two towns, practically solving the unemployment problem
    Many inquiries have come to the Southern Oregon Mining Association regarding mining instruction. Those entering the classes will not be asked to pay any entrance or other fees but to furnish their own pans and transportation to the mining sections.
Gold Hill News, March 23, 1933, page 3


    A greater campaign, competently directed, for subsistence gardens throughout Oregon by which unemployed may produce much of their necessary food by their own efforts is under way this season through the cooperation of the relief council of the state with the Oregon State College Extension Service.
    A state subsistence garden committee has been appointed by Paul V. Maris, director of agricultural extension and secretary of the relief council, and it has just issued 10,000 copies of a new leaflet which contains planting plans and other information for guiding the inexperienced gardener in producing a score or more different vegetables on a plot 60 by 100 feet.
    Each county agent in the 28 counties maintaining them is prepared to give local assistance and advice in adapting the recommendations contained in this new leaflet to the particular conditions prevailing in each county.
    While free seed, and free fertilizer in some instances, are being provided under the terms of money granted by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, strict rules have been issued to prevent the abuse of this privilege through issuing seed to other than duly registered unemployed persons.
    "R.F.C. funds are made available for seeds and fertilizers with the expectation that local agencies, public and private, will cooperate in such matters as making suitable garden tracts, tools and equipment available, and providing irrigation water when possible," says Director Maris. "Only persons 'willing and able' to grow gardens are encouraged to do so. As unemployed persons receiving relief are not able to purchase adequate quantities of vegetables, subsistence gardens will not compete to any considerable extent with farmers and truck gardeners who have produced for sale."
Gold Hill News, March 30, 1933, page 4


    That classes in placer mining for small operation will begin Monday, April 3, at 9 a.m. on the Southern Pacific lot adjacent to the Medford chamber of commerce was the announcement of School Superintendent E. H. Hedrick of Medford.
    The present plan is to hold classes from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m. Each man enrolling in the classes will be entitled to 18 hours of instruction. No charge will be made, and all desiring to take the course are asked to enroll with L. R. Shurtleff at the chamber of commerce in Medford as soon as possible. Each man is to furnish his own gold pan.
    After the men have taken the course an effort will be made to locate them on pay dirt in this county where at least a sustenance can be made.
    The mining school is made possible through federal funds from the vocational education department together with $150 appropriated by Jackson County. The school is sponsored by the Medford school system in cooperation with the Jackson County Mining Association.
    Instructors will be George Barton, J. V. Neff and C. C. Clark. Classes will be conducted in a businesslike fashion, with definite assignments of work to be covered each day. A general outline of the entire 18-hour course is as follows:
    1.--The mining pan, how to care for it.
    2.--How to use the mining pan.
    3.--How to trace and locate placer gold.
    4--How to trace and locate quartz gold.
    5.--How to build and operate a sluice box.
    6.--How to build and operate a rocker.
    7.--How to make a valid location of a mining claim on a public domain, both quartz and placer.
Jacksonville Miner, March 31, 1933, page 4


    Field work for one of the gold mining classes sponsored by the Southern Oregon Mining Association and the state vocational education department is being obtained on the C. E. Gray ranch near this city, where a crew of ten to fifteen men are employed.
    The men are working under the direction of J. V. Neff, an experienced miner, and are placering in what is known as the old Colvig Gulch. All but two of the men are novices at mining, but they are taking hold of the work with remarkable enthusiasm.
    Beginning the work last Friday, they have already cleared a good space along the creek that runs through the gulch, and the first of the week constructed a fifty-foot sluice box, after diverting the water with a small dam.
    The ground is considered as reasonably rich placer ground, and as it has never been worked by the many transient miners because it has been deeded property for many years, the group hopes to make a good showing with their project.
    A test pan Wednesday morning yielded fifteen cents in fine gold.
    The mining association has taken the right to work the property until July 3 of this year, and will use it for field work for many of the men who desire to learn the art of placering gold.
    Mr, Gray has also given the men permission to sink test holes in his field below the irrigation ditch which is thought to be the old river channel, and where the bedrock should yield rich deposits of gold.
    The work of the association is being done with the hope that every idle man in Jackson County will be put to work profitably working the known placer deposits in the county. It is an established fact, men in charge state, that there is plenty of this ground that is rich enough to yield a living, if the men have a reasonable knowledge of how to work it.
    The men, as a group, seem to be very much interested in their lessons, and are glad of the opportunity to be able to do something which will enable them to become self-supporting. Many of them have received aid from the county this winter, and are now anxious to get out and work for their supplies.
Gold Hill News, April 6, 1933, page 1


    The unemployment relief program, which had been temporarily abandoned last month because of a shortage of relief funds, is being resumed under a slightly different plan this month, according to word received here this week.
    The field representative for this district was here Tuesday morning and announced that he will be in Gold Hill each Tuesday morning until further notice, and that people who are eligible to aid should see him at the office of Miss Bertha Coy, local relief committee woman, at that time. No work is being given out to residents of this district through the Medford office under the new plan, and those receiving work will only waste their gas by driving to the central office.
    An appropriation of $6500 has been set aside for Jackson County, which is only about half of what is really needed, and drastic cuts have had to be made. Personal visits have been made to practically all eligible families, and where it has been humanly possible, some have had to be dropped from the list. There are 1400 families still on the rolls, however, and the committees are doing all in their power to see that they get supplies.
    Of these 1400, there are 46 families in the Gold Hill district, which includes Kanes, Galls, Foots and Sardine Creek communities, as well as the town proper, and work orders will be given out as rapidly as possible, to care for those in this district.
Gold Hill News, June 15, 1933, page 1


    A million new jobs, scattered through retail shops big and small from end to end of the country, were held possible today because Hugh S. Johnson, industrial administrator, had ordered into immediate effect hour-reducing,  wage-raising agreements presented by the nation's storekeepers.
    The food dealers, by Johnson's order, will have a 48-hour work week, the rest just 40. The grocer clerks will have an eight-hour day except the day just before holidays, and an additional 12 days each six months when they may work 10 hours.
    The scale of minimum wages for food dealers is $15 in cities over 500,000; $14.50 between 250,000 and 500,000; $14 between 2,500 and 150,000 [sic]. The non-food retailers had a minimum scale a dollar lower with a further $1 reduction for the 15 southern states and the District of Columbia. The same regional reduction applies to the food dealers.
    Besides the wage terms, the two codes called for maintenance of a minimum of 52 hours operation unless recent practice was lower, and they bar all child labor except those over 14 for three hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
    The grocery code was approved by the National Association of Retail Grocers, the National Grocers' Association, the national retailer-owned wholesale grocers, the National Grocery Chain Store Association and food chain store distributors and voluntary groups.
    It provided that no one should work more than eight hours in any single day except on the day preceding holidays. but permitted an additional 12 hours figured over a six months' period. Stores would be required to remain open 52 hours a week minimum, except if they were open less than that before July 1, 1933, in which case the minimum would apply.
    The pay for apprentices with less than six months experience and between 16 and 18 years of age the minimum wage is $13, with six months experience but over 18 years of age, $14.
    The two agreements for retailers and food dealers will be in force only temporarily, pending hearings at which their terms may be revised before becoming permanent. But those who subscribe to them now may obtain the blue eagle poster of N.R.A. just like those who comply with the voluntary wage-raising, hour-reducing presidential agreement.
    Increasing thousands were signing the latter. Today the post offices all over the country began distributing in earnest the distinctive insignia which go to those who "do their part." The grand total of applicants was not known, but the recovery administration staff at last had added up the telegrams and letters that replied to President Roosevelt's national appeal for cooperation.
    Fifty thousand personal messages were in that stack. Thirty thousand telegrams, twenty thousand letters. Not all were pledges to aid the presidential program, but dissenters and cranks were a small minority.
    Equally important was the increasing momentum in dealing with actual, concrete codes of fair competition for individual industries. The stack of four or five hundred which accumulated at the offices here has been digested, reduced to those which are in shape for handling, and are being moved up to the hearing stage.
    More interpretations were made available today to speed questioners into signing the general voluntary agreements; all news men, editors and reporters alike, together with interns, nurses and hospital technicians, were lumped in to the professional category and therefore exempt from work hour limits. Window cleaners and charwomen were included in the 40-hour so-called white collar class, which ranges from clerical and banking employees to deliverymen.
    Non-profit associations were defined as employers for purposes of the act. Provision was made for the smallest establishments, run by the owner without help, to obtain the N.R.A. eagle poster by signing the agreement and certificate of compliance.
Gold Hill News, August 3, 1933, page 1


    Following President Roosevelt's appeal to patriotic citizens for cooperation with the provisions of the National Recovery Administration, the enthusiasm for the movement has spread from the larger centers of population to reach Gold Hill and inspire a fine representation of its business establishments lo subscribe to the NRA.
    Already four business houses, Drake's Grocery, Ham's Market, the Gold Hill Supply Company, and the Chas. Kell garage are displaying the "Sign of the Blue Eagle," which states, "We Do Our Part," and it is expected that others will follow soon.
    The Beaver Portland Cement plant, although they have not returned their employer's agreement to the local post office for registration, have indicated their willingness to cooperate. Last Friday evening a mass meeting of their employees was called, and provisions of the industrial hour and wage code were explained. Tonight, the employees are holding their own mass meeting, and will appoint representatives who will be their spokesmen in working out a satisfactory schedule with the employers.
    Miss Bertha Coy, representing the Lively Lime Company, states that their wages have already been adjusted to the code for lime companies. and that as soon as manager J. Madison Lively returns to the city. they will officially sign the employer's agreement which will entitle them to display the NRA insignia.
    In line with other towns of this section, Gold Hill is also considering a uniform hour schedule for merchants, and Tuesday evening a mass meeting sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was called, and an informal discussion on this matter was held.
    No definite action was taken, however, it being decided to wait until an outside speaker could be obtained to explain the regulations as they affect this city.
    It is expected that A. H. Banwell, secretary of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, will be secured for next Tuesday evening. Mr. Banwell has been active in securing cooperation of stores in Medford and has a first-hand knowledge of just what should be done to get the greatest benefit under the recovery act.
    Retail stores in Medford opened at 8 o'clock and closed at 5 o'clock Tuesday. The same hours will be observed by food stores until further notice. Barber shops opened at 8:30 a.m. and closed at 5:30 p.m. Neighborhood stores opened at 8 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m.
    Although a change in hours for food stores was announced by the N.R.A. head Tuesday, the agreement reached in Medford Sat. will be complied with until further information is received from Washington. The 40 hours a week wage agreement will also be observed.
    Grants Pass retail establishments have set their hours as 8:30 to 5:30 during week days and 8:30 to 6 o'clock on Saturdays, according to a decision made at a meeting of 200 local merchants last Friday. These hours will apply to food stores, the same as to merchandise houses.
    Central Point, too, has already gotten into line under the NRA movement, voting at a meeting Monday night to observe uniform hours of 8 to 6 in merchandise and food stores, and to regulate hours of employees to conform to the 48 hours in food stores, and 40 hours in other retail houses.
Gold Hill News, August 3, 1933, page 1


    The county commissary, launched last winter by Earl H. Fehl, then county judge, and for which there was no authorization in the budget, caused an expenditure of $14,163.93, according to the August financial report of the county, submitted today to the county judge.
    Trial of L. A. Banks, local agitator now serving life for murder and the ballot theft trials, which resulted in the conviction of Fehl and his chief lieutenants in the agitation that followed his assumption of office, resulted in the circuit court budget appropriation of $8430 being over-expended by $18,022.90. The circuit court expenditures to date total $26,452.90. Estimated cost of the Banks murder trial at Eugene, the Fehl ballot theft trial at Klamath Falls, and the four ballot theft trials here is placed at $25,000. They entailed 90 percent of circuit court expense since January 1.
    The county commissary extravagance will either have to be absorbed in tax levies of the coming year, or subtracted from the relief fund allowances for 1934.
    These restoration of law and order costs probably will have to be absorbed in future tax levies. The circuit court budget, trimmed last year to the bone, was only $8430 and will be the same the coming year, it is thought. The budget-makers last year could not foresee the turmoil and therefore allow for its heavy cost.
    Absorption of these two costly items in the tax levies for the coming year without increasing the tax burden or impairing the functioning of vital parts of the machinery of county government, is one of the many financial problems confronting the county court and the budget committee when it starts preparing the annual budget next month. Under a new law passed by the legislature last winter, the budget committee meets in November, instead of in December, as previously.
    Relief expenditures for August, the report shows, were substantially reduced over July. The July expenditures for the care of the poor totaled $6443.14; in August they were $3856.83. Much of this saving was due to the economy policy and sentencing of Fehl to state prison. Indiscriminate granting of hospitalization to all comers upon their own word was discontinued, transients were denied prescriptions for minor ills, and only worthy cases of established residents were considered. Economy and a thorough investigation have been invoked in the handling of all relief applications since Aug. 6.
    Up to August 31, a total of $43,782.25 has been expended for relief. The budget allowance was $43,047. At present the relief fund is overdrawn $735.25. Seasonal labor, improvement in local conditions, welfare work, and the departure of many indigent transients who flocked here last January and February during the height of the Banks-Fehl turmoil, will lessen the tension on the relief expenses, but they will still close the year with a deficit, due to the furnishing of necessary aid to the worthy poor of the county.
    County Judge Day, in his first six weeks in the office, has succeeded in restoring cooperative harmony in the courthouse and laying the foundation for conservative economy and businesslike methods in the county judge's office.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 14, 1933, page 1


    Two weeks ago the first NRA mass meeting was called in Gold Hill and about 25 or 30 interested business men, women and townspeople gathered to discuss the operations of the various codes as they effect small towns. It was decided to secure a speaker to explain the matter more fully.
    Last week A. H. Banwell, Medford chamber of commerce secretary, addressed the meeting here giving a detailed address on NRA and said the smaller towns would be expected to cooperate.
    When the meeting to organize was called for this Tuesday, however, something had happened to the NRA spirit, as but six business men and three townsmen were present. Is Gold Hill going to be one of the few towns that does not cooperate?
    Another chance will be given, date to be announced later, and everyone should be out--residents as well as business men.
Gold Hill News, August 17, 1933, page 1


    The old adage that "The Lord helps those who help themselves" is the watchword of county relief this winter, and plans are going forward to organize a program that will enable the needy of the county to really help themselves prepare for the winter in a self-respecting and worthwhile manner.
    The first step is a county-wide canning program. This has been made possible by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which has donated $1,000 to Jackson County in cans and other equipment, including a large 15-jar canner and a sealer for canning in tin cans.
    All families eligible to relief are to "rustle" their own vegetables and wood and to bring them to the cannery--which in Gold Hill will be established at the Odd Fellows hall.
    Many people were furnished seed for their gardens last spring, and so have their own vegetables already provided. To others the committee points out that no doubt there are many families here who have raised more than they can use, and who would be willing to share with those less fortunate in exchange for work. In order that those who will need vegetables may get in contact with those having surpluses, it is requested that gardeners willing to share their crop contact either Mrs. Millie Walker or Mrs. Mary Chisholm, members of the Gold Hill canning committee.
    Corn and beans will be the first vegetables canned here, with possibly tomatoes and others being handled later.
    The first meeting to organize the relief canning was held here Saturday morning when Gold Hill and Sams Valley ladies met with Mrs. Mabel Mack, county demonstrator, and learned the use of the steam cooker and the sealer. Mrs. Effie Birdseye has been appointed district chairman to supervise the work in Evans Creek, Rogue River, Gold Hill and Sams Valley districts.
    Canning will be done each week for the next two months beginning next week. Evans Creek will have the canner on Monday, Rogue River on Tuesday, Gold Hill on Wednesday and Sams Valley on Thursday.
    The Gold Hill committee includes Mrs. Millie Walker, chairman; Mrs. Jesse Hayes, Mrs. Mary Chisholm and Mrs. Arthur Braden.
    The county committee wishes to stress the fact that all families who were helped by the county relief last year should get in line and put forth their best efforts to can their own vegetables for the coming winter under this plan. Those who cooperate in the canning will be much more apt to receive other help this winter than those who are unwilling to help themselves in this practical way.
    It is estimated that 25 cans will be available for each person in each needy family and with this to go by, parents can start now to line up vegetables for their share. The necessary fuel can also be obtained by the individual family with comparatively little trouble if they show their willingness to cut it.
Gold Hill News, August 17, 1933, page 1


    The county court has taken the initial steps to place the relief work of Jackson County on a sane basis, with the idea of eliminating all "gypping" by transient indigents and rendering to the worthy poor of established residence here their full measure of aid possible.
    Reports have been coming to the county authorities that within the past two weeks transients have started settling up the creeks and canyons of the north end of the county, to establish a six months' residence, and be eligible for relief next winter. One squatter settlement is reported on Rogue River in the Tolo district, another in the Meadows district, and the third near the Jackson-Josephine County lines. It is suspected by county officials that the latter settlement plans to benefit both from Jackson and Josephine County charity.
    County Judge Earl B. Day has expressed himself as highly desirous of correcting the impression prevalent among wanderers up and down the Pacific Coast that Jackson County is "a soft spot for transient indigents, and a godfather to all in distress," furnishing everything from new tires to hospitalization of maternity cases.
    "Jackson County has all it can do to take care of its own," said Judge Day last week, "and does not propose to feed all comers, simply because they have lived here six months. The county has a duty to perform to those who have established residence here, but have come upon tough times. We have many worthy poor, some who have lived in Jackson County for many years. The county finances are in such shape that the relief will be restricted, but what we have will be devoted to the succoring of our own people, instead of transient strangers."
    The county court plans an inspection of the squatter settlements, and to keep a check on them.
    About this time last year there was an influx of transients, many of whom manifested a sudden desire to register and vote. The majority benefited from the commissary. There will be no commissary the coming winter, it is said.
    Steps will also be taken through the proper agencies to see that federal fund, allocated to this county for public works, will furnish employment exclusively to the worthy and established folks.--Mail Tribune.
Gold Hill News, August 17, 1933, page 2


    J. C. Thompson and Ole Alenderfer of Medford, county committee in charge of the consumer's campaign in the National Recovery Administration, were in Gold Hill this morning and appointed H. D. Reed and R. E. Blankenburg as the committee to handle the campaign here.
    This is to follow up the program which enlisted business houses in the nationwide effort to relieve unemployment and create payrolls. The part the individual will play is to sign up to patronize only those businesses which display the Blue Eagle, indicating that they are cooperating with the plan.
    A supply of cards will be available in Gold Hill by Tuesday of next week and citizens are urged to call at Judge Reed's office, the post office or the Gold Hill News and make their pledge.
    It is also planned to work through local organizations who will encourage their members to support the program 100 percent.
    Gold Hill has a fine representation of businesses that are displaying the Blue Eagle, and it is hoped that individuals will also go on record to back the President's program, and that in a short time everyone will be wearing the blue badge of the NRA consumer.
Gold Hill News, August 31, 1933, page 1


    Mrs. Ivor T. Jones of Sams Valley fell out of a cherry tree this last summer and allegedly sustained a broken back, followed by paralysis. The tree was owned by the City of Medford. Last night a letter, written by attorney Geo. M. Roberts, asking for $10,000 damages as a result, was read at the regular meeting of the city council.
    The letter, addressed to City Attorney Frank Farrell, who was absent, was presented the council by Mayor E. M. Wilson, and stated that $10,000 was the amount the Joneses would accept if an immediate settlement is arranged out of court. The amount to be asked, should filing of a damage suit be necessary, was not revealed.
    City Superintendent Fred Scheffel was called upon by the mayor to explain the cherry tree episode inspiring the action for $10,000, and informed the council that Mr. and Mrs. Jones of Sams Valley appeared at the city lot this last summer, without invitation, and asked to pick cherries.
    The cherry crop was being harvested for the city by W. H. Jarmin. The plea of the couple, who claimed to be greatly in need of fruit, which they could not afford to buy, aroused Mr. Jarmin's sympathy and he granted their request, permitting them to pick on the shares, keeping a portion of the fruit being purchased by a local cannery.
    Mr. Scheffel stated that he came by a short time later and voiced disapproval of the plan, but was also impressed by the plea of the people, who had several children. He went for ladders to aid them in picking, and before he returned to the lot the woman had climbed the tree, fallen out of it, and sustained the alleged injury.
    A report of the accident, Mr. Scheffel further informed the city council, was immediately prepared for the industrial accident commission and turned over to Dr. B. C. Wilson, Mrs. Jones' physician, in keeping with the accepted custom, for filing July 12. The report required the inclusion of the attending physician's findings. Although it was ready for filing July 12, Mr. Scheffel stated he had since learned it was not filed until August 24.
    Why the delay occurred he could not understand, but that he did know the contents of the report became known. Action seeking damages from the city followed. Mr. Scheffel further stated that he still considered the case one to be cared for by the industrial accident commission, and that although a great delay in filing the report had resulted, the time limit had fortunately not expired before the report was turned in.
    The letter, written by attorney Roberts, stated that the accident was the result of negligence on the part of the city and had caused the Jones family great distress. That Mrs. Jones was a young woman, the mother of young children, and has as a result of the accident become paralyzed from the waist down and unable to care for her family. The injuries, the letter further sets forth, were sustained while she was in the employ of the city.
    Due to the absence of City Attorney Farrell, no action relative to the matter was taken by the city council.
    Attorney E. E. Kelly appeared before the council last night in the interests of the ordinance governing the sale of electrical equipment and devices. He asked that minor changes be made in the ordinance and that it contain an emergency clause, placing it in effect before Christmas season merchandise of inferior quality is placed upon the local markets.
    A request of the Welfare Exchange for space in the city hall was granted and the exchange will be allowed to use two rooms now vacant.
    An extensive report of street and road improvements of the last month, prepared by City Superintendent Scheffel, was read by Councilman Al Littrell, and showed that many people are already using the recently opened Fourth Street crossing.
    Request from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, asking the city to waive the license controlling carnivals, was presented by Councilman C. C. Darby and refused by the council on the grounds that the last action of that sort brought much criticism of the city dads.
    Resignation of T. B. Lumsden from the water commission was read and accepted. Mr. Lumsden was recently transferred from this city to Hillsboro, making it impossible for him to continue as a member of the board.
    Space for a practice range on North Central was granted the local archery club, when application was presented the council. The grant, it was however stated, can be revoked at any time the range proves hazardous to the city.
    Bids on city property located on East Main Street near the Dressler property were read by City Recorder M. L. Alford and referred to the park committee.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 6, 1933, page 1


    The campaign for lining up consumers in support of the National Recovery Administration--now famous as the NRA--is getting under way locally, as a part of the nationwide movement.
    This is the part of the work that really puts the "claws" on the eagle and makes it felt among business men who are inclined to be slackers in this great peacetime movement--the war on the depression.
    If you have not already signed your consumer's card and received your consumer's sticker ask the committee in charge for a card, and get back of the movement at once.
    It is hoped that this community will be lined up 100 percent by the end of the week, and that every home will have the Blue Eagle of the consumer in its window, just as during the World War we had our blue or gold service stars, our liberty bond stickers, and our Red Cross membership emblems.
    Your consumer's insignia is just like the membership eagle, except that the word CONSUMER appears across the Blue Eagle.
    If you have not already signed--do so now. Enlist in the consumer's army in the war against unemployment and the depression.
    Cards can be obtained at the Gold Hill post office, H. D. Reed's and Bertha Coy’s offices, and at the Gold Hill News office.
Gold Hill News, September 7, 1933, page 1


    Are children in district No. 29, Dewey district, going to school this year? That is the question. And another one confronting school officials reads like "Who is going to ride in the school bus running from district 20 to district 49?"
    Two weeks ago the Medford district served notice on district 20 that pupils would not be accepted from that locality unless tuition bills, dating back more than one year and a half, for education of district 29's pupils, are paid.
    School will open next Monday in Medford. But the approximately 30 pupils usually accepted from district 29 will not be present unless someone puts up the money between now and then, County School Superintendent C. R. Bowman stated last night.
    Following a conference with Dolph Phipps, chairman of the school board in district 29, and an investigation of the tax rolls, Superintendent Bowman stated: "Not 10 cents has been paid. The taxpayers are either waiting until the last minute or else they do not intend to see pupils of their district in school this year."
    Voters in the district several years ago agreed to discontinue their school and transport the pupils to Medford. School was closed and the building, it is understood, destroyed. Medford accepted the pupils and continued to educate them last year, when no money was forthcoming, but announced that they would not be carried this year unless taxes were paid.
    While taxes have not been paid to furnish tuition to the Medford district, the bus driver who transports the children from district 29 into this city is under a two-year contract to haul the children to Medford, and under bonded agreement to keep the bus running. In view of the problematical situation, officials stated yesterday that indications were the bus would be making the journey without its load.
    Superintendent E. H. Hedrick of the Medford schools, when interviewed today, stated that the Medford board was holding to its first decision, and that the children would not be accepted at the local school buildings next Monday unless tuition is paid.
    "Our position is exactly the same," he declared, pointing out that the Medford district cannot continue to carry the load.
    The whole situation Superintendent Bowman described as a sad example of the weakness of the existing school system, which makes it possible for a few taxpayers in one little district to interfere with the education of worthy pupils. The present methods in Jackson County, he hinted, are to blame. The county school law, which means a unit system, if in operation here, would care for the problem and assure the children of district 29 an education, regardless of whether or not the taxpayers of that particular district paid their taxes. The situation would then be handled as a county problem, and the entire county would be behind plans for remedying the abuse.
    The taxpayers for the most part, Superintendent Bowman stated, are not parents of school children, and in no position to suffer directly from their own failure to pay their taxes. The parents throughout the district are anxious to send their children to school, but a barbed-wire fence, so to speak, separates them from education, because of boundaries drawn under the school law now in operation here.
    In Klamath County, Superintendent Bowman stated, to illustrate his point, the county school law is in operation and the county is out of debt; everybody will be going to school with the opening of the fall term, and the county isn't even operating on a warrant basis.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 13, 1933, page 1


    A happy atmosphere reigns again at the Welfare Exchange, where women who worked diligently last year are greeting each other in the new headquarters in the city hall and looking forward to another successful year.
    A pleasant surprise came to the workers yesterday, when a non-resident entered the shop, stated that he had heard of the splendid work, and wanted to share with the committee in carrying it on. His cooperation met with enthusiastic appreciation.
    In addressing the Business and Professional Women's Club Tuesday evening, Miss Helen Carlton, chairman of the exchange, found the members anxious to lend a willing hand and eager to supply whatever garments they had available. The members promised their cooperation in all channels possible, and their fine spirit was commended yesterday by Miss Carlton, who expressed the belief that this particular project will be of an even greater service to the community this year than it was last.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 21, 1933, page 2


    Spiking several rumors going around the county that a commissary would again be get up by the county this winter, Judge Earl Day this week tackled the rebel problem with vigor by emphatically denying that such procedure would be taken. "From now on it's a case of hustle for yourself," said the judge Monday.
    The county judge has started the naming of committees throughout the county, whose duty will be to call upon the heads of all transient families and inform them that Jackson County has no funds for relief and that "those who don't work, don't eat." What meager funds are available will be devoted exclusively to the care of worthy poor, of established local residence and known stability.
    It is said that transients are again settling in cabins on the various creeks under the impression that the county will again furnish relief, as was done last winter, which cost the county approximately $14,000, of which there was no allowance made in the budget. This commissary was set up by former county judge Earl Fehl, now serving four years in the state prison for ballot theft. This relief method by Fehl is one of the most important causes of the present state of finances of the county.
    Two or more citizens from each county district will be appointed by Judge Day to inform "squatters" that relief will not be given by the county. Several have volunteered to serve, and the committees will be sent out this week.
Gold Hill News, September 21, 1933, page 1


    A man rushed into Strang's drug store, the first of the week, all out of breath, and asked Charles Strang, the pioneer druggist, if he could borrow a hammer for a few minutes to fix an auto tire rim. The pioneer druggist obligingly loaned him his pioneer hammer. That was the last seen of hammer or borrower. It is thought he took it to a second-hand store and sold it for a dime.
    Thursday afternoon a well-dressed woman entered Strang's and asked for some kidney pills. Virgil Strang waited upon her. The pills were for the customer's mother who, it was explained, was seated in an auto "around the corner." Four varieties of kidney pills were produced, and the daughter was uncertain which kind her mother used.
    "Would it be all right if I took these four boxes of kidney pills out to the car and find out which brand mother uses?" asked the daughter.
    Virgil Strang thought this "would be all right."
    The woman now has a winter's supply of kidney pills, because a few moments later, when Virgil Strang went out to investigate, he could find no auto, mother, daughter or kidney pills.
    About supper time last evening, two young men came into Strang's, and one wanted an ounce of something, in the back room. Charles Strang went to get it for him and when he returned a handful of safety razor blades was missing.
    The matter of the missing kidney pills was reported to the city police, who are looking for a well-dressed lady.
    Merchants are advised by the authorities to be on guard against petty gypping and thieving, and particularly against short-change artists, [who] specialize in asking for a $10 bill to put in an envelope, and because the hand is quicker than the eye, sometimes leaves the merchant holding an empty envelope.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 24, 1933, page 10


    Crater Lake National Park, Ore., Sept. 25 (Special).--Despite abnormal business conditions of the past several years, travel into the national parks as a whole has not suffered, Dr. H. C. Bryant, assistant director of the National Park Service, stated when a visitor at Crater Lake recently.
    This consistent travel to the nation's wonder spots is clearly indicative of the trend of thought in the minds of the traveling public to visit parks as regular destinations during vacation trips. Greater interest is manifest in naturalist services offered in the different parks, causing visitors to spend longer time during the course of their visits. In speaking of the naturalist service at Crater Lake, Dr. Bryant stated the personnel of the past summer, under the direction of Park Naturalist D. S. Libby, was one of the best selected and of the highest type he had noted in any national park and the best in the history of Crater Lake.
    Dr. Bryant reviewed general activities of the park service, including plans for the establishment and development of parks in the eastern states, preserving wooded areas in that region, as well as points of historical interest. Among outstanding parks of the East now being established and developed are the Great Smoky and the Shenandoah, both of which are made up of privately owned lands purchased from the owners by the government.
Gold Hill News, September 28, 1933, page 2


    Raymond Miksche, of the Monarch Feed and Feed Co., who has just returned from a meeting of the board of governors of the Oregon division of the Northwest Feed Dealers Association in Portland, reports that upstate there is a wonderful enthusiasm for the NRA. Mr. Miksche says: "People everywhere in the city, in hotel lobbies, in the stores and on the trains are talking about the accomplishments under the NRA banner."
    The board of governors met to add the final points to the retail feed dealers code which will be submitted to the administration October 20, according to Mr. Miksche.
    Floyd Oles, of Portland, president of the Northwest Feed Dealers Association and a close friend of A. H. Banwell, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, is on his way to discuss the code with NRA administrators.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 2, 1933, page 7


    A carload of salt pork, to be distributed through the relief committees of Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties, arrived in Medford Monday from the Middle West. The allotment, made possible through the federal, state and county relief administration, included 9000 pounds for Klamath County, 4000 for Josephine County, and 900 for Jackson County.
    This county's quota of the meat was placed in the Medford Ice and Storage plant, where space was donated for keeping the meat in condition.
    The salt pork will be used to supplement grocery requisitions, the Jackson County Relief Committee announced, and will be distributed only to people on the county relief rolls.
    The meat arrived here in packages of four and six pounds and will be distributed on a weekly basis. Salt pork recipes came along with the meat, so that housewives will know how to prepare it in the most tasty dishes.
Gold Hill News, November 2, 1933, page 1


    Up in the mountains beyond Jacksonville, a relief project, the largest perhaps in the country, is continuing announced by the public gaze, it was reported here yesterday by a friend of Fred Blakeley, well-known mining man of Portland and Medford.
    The project is the working of the Sterling mine, a property well known throughout the coast. There are 200 men now working in the mine, and the gold they find is theirs. That is the opportunity Mr. Blakely has given them to establish their independence during trying times, and at the same time keep things moving at the mine--Mail Tribune.
Gold Hill News, November 9, 1933, page 3


    A transient station will be located in Medford in the immediate future under the federal relief program, it was announced today. It will be located in the church building on North Bartlett, which formerly housed the Lions' kitchen. And equipment, still on location, will be furnished by the Lions.
    The federal agency in establishing the kitchen here asks that the location and equipment be furnished. The project will be financed by the government. The county will pay the rent of the building and the city will be held responsible for the equipment which the Lions have already volunteered, Mayor E. M. Wilson announced today.
    The local relief committee expects to have the station in operation on December 10. Victor Tengwald, secretary of the Jackson County Relief and the Civil Works Administration committees in this city, will be the local representatives of the transient relief work. Clarence Reynolds, state director of transient activities and relief, will be in Medford early this week to complete plans for opening the station here.
    Federal aid will be withdrawn from the Ashland kitchen, now operating, on December 9.
    Transient families will report to the central bureau in the city hall, which will be the only place through which relief will be forthcoming in this county.
    The station to be established here will be located in the old Methodist church building, which is being leased from the Four Square Gospel church.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 4, 1933, page 1


    The Gold Hill Irrigation District, through prompt action of their board of directors, is now in line for a share in three of the emergency fund programs instituted by the government in various phases of its reconstruction program.
    The district secretary, Miss Bertha Coy, received word this week that the loan of $12,000, applied for from the Public Works Administration for work in rehabilitating the district, and for construction work on the flumes, has been granted. This program was launched early this year, the district taking auction to clear away all legal difficulties, even going so far as to hold an election last January to enable bonds to be issued whenever the loan should be granted before the request had even received recognition from the PWA board.
    Other good news of the week includes the approval of the district's application for CWA funds, with actual work starting Friday of this week when ten men will be put at various jobs over the district, such as rebuilding flumes and so forth. The allotment received here was for $1400, and will include about 12 weeks work. The wage scale is 50¢ an hour, and the men will work 5½-hour days and five-day weeks with Thursday and Sunday off.
    The third project in which the district is in line to get its share is the RFC appropriations for irrigation districts, of which much has been heard lately. This week government appraiser Thompson has been working with the board and is greatly pleased with the condition of the district, and has indicated that there will be no trouble in securing the loan which will be for approximately $44,000, and will enable the district to refinance its bonding program.
    During the last few months, especially, the district has shown a fine improvement in its financial condition, its percentage of delinquent taxes having greatly decreased, and its outstanding warrant indebtedness also having been reduced.
    In addition, appraiser Thompson complimented the district on the fine showing made in construction work in its territory, a survey revealing that $25,000 has been expended by various property owners here on homes, and $1500 on outbuildings. He stated that this shows remarkable development in a period of recovery such as we are now experiencing.
Gold Hill News, December 7, 1933, page 1


    Definite preparations for the opening of a transient relief station in Medford were under way here today, following the visit of C. W. Reynolds, state director of transient relief, and appointment by him of G. R. Durham of this city as supervisor of the Medford transient center, as it will be officially known.
    The center will be located in the former Will H. Wilson residence on the corner of Fourth and Front streets, which was rented from Orin McDonald, instead of in the old church building on Bartlett as originally planned.
    Work was started this morning to get the building in condition. It has sufficient space to ensure adequate sanitary facilities at all times. The center will be under direct control of the state transient bureau in Portland and will be operated on a casework basis.
    Mr. Durham stated today that several days' time would be needed to complete the necessary alterations and installations, but that he expected to have the center in operation not later than next Wednesday.
    The building is being rented by the county for the project at a cost of $20 a month, Mayor E. M. Wilson stated today, explaining that the City of Medford is really having nothing definite to do with the establishment of the center, other than acting as sponsor. He conferred yesterday with Mr. Reynolds and Lawrence Pennington and Carl Stuart of the Lions Club regarding the equipment formerly in the Lions' kitchen, which will be available for the transient center.
    The placing of the center here in preference to Ashland, Mayor Wilson further explained today, was a decision made by Mr. Reynolds and one over which the City of Medford had no influence. Mr. Reynolds, after making a survey of the territory, the mayor stated, was of the opinion that Medford was the logical location for the center. Medford has taken no initiative in the matter and is spending no money in the establishment of the center, Mayor Wilson added.
    Through his interview with Mr. Reynolds yesterday, he stated that he understood that the department's idea is to get away from "real relief" work, by keeping the men at home and at work. They will be cared for at the transient center but for a short period of time. There will be a camp for work located between this city and Klamath Falls.
    No statement was made here today regarding the claims of Ashland that relief funds have been withdrawn from that city's Helping Hand Mission, through establishment of the transient center here, but the claims that transients had been sent from the county relief committee headquarters to Ashland was emphatically denied by Alfred S. V. Carpenter, chairman of the committee. The statement appearing in the Wednesday Ashland Tidings claimed that a man named E. W. Anderson arrived in Ashland with the story that he had been sent here by the Medford office.
    Further protest to the change of location of the center was expressed in the editorial columns of the Ashland newspaper. It was understood here when the state director made the change in location that support would be withdrawn from the Helping Hand Mission in Ashland. The change was one, city officials here emphasized again this afternoon, over which they had no influence.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 14, 1933, page 1


    Use of CWA funds in hiring some 50 skilled unemployed persons, mostly women, to make a quick survey of 6000 rural home buildings on as many Oregon farms has been authorized from Washington, D.C., and will be started immediately on receipt of necessary forms by the state college extension service, it was announced by Paul V. Maris, director, today.
    The project, which must be completed by the end of January, is being handled at Washington through the office of Dr. Louis Stanley, head of the bureau of home economics, who hopes by this means to get accurate data on a representative 10 percent of the farm homes in each state. The survey is believed to be connected with proposals to extend the recovery building and repair program to rural America.
    Miss Claribel Nye, state leader of home economies extension, has been named chairman of the Oregon commission to be in charge of the survey. W. J. Gilmore, head of the department of agricultural engineering, is vice-chairman, and Ava B. Milam, dean of home economics, and Director Maris will serve as ex-officio members.
    Instructions from headquarters are to choose three representative areas in the state, in each of which 2000 homes will be surveyed. One center will be Clackamas County for western Oregon, another will be Josephine and Jackson counties for Southern Oregon, and a third will be in Eastern Oregon with 1000 homes in the irrigated district surrounding Redmond and 1000 in the wheat belt with Condon as a nucleus.
Gold Hill News, December 21, 1933, page 1  This is apparently the beginning of the Historic American Buildings Survey.


    Mrs. Effie Birdseye of Gold Hill, a member of the Jackson County executive committee of the home extension service, is one of the women who will cooperate in making the survey of rural housing in Jackson County, under a project recently approved by the Civil Works Administration.
    The survey has as its purpose the determining of needed improvements in homes on Oregon farms, such as extra rooms, changes for convenience, or entire new houses. And in making the survey, estimates of cost will be made, and the government plans, if advisable, to make available long-time loans so that rural people may be able to improve their homes at this time.
    This program is begun with a view to increasing employment by putting men to work on the houses, as well as to increase the sale of building material and similar work.
    Medford is the headquarters for the survey in Jackson and Josephine counties, and Tuesday of this week saw the program getting under way.
    All work in Oregon will be under the direction of Miss Nye, state leader of economics extension at Oregon State College, and Prof. W. J. Gilmore, agricultural engineer at the college.
    Two thousand rural farm houses will be visited in Jackson and Josephine counties by the ten field workers chosen for the work. The questionnaires to be filled out have been prepared and furnished by the federal government, and are expected to give valuable and accurate information as to the homes of rural America.
    Another field worker is yet to be appointed, and Mrs. Mabel Mack, chairman of the survey, announces that she will interview any unemployed graduate of home economics residing in Jackson County for the position. Her office, in the county court house in Medford, is open from nine until four.
Gold Hill News, December 28, 1933, page 1


    With 14,000 pounds of government pork to be distributed in Jackson County, announcement was made Friday by the county relief committee that all distribution of the pork is to be over and above the present average consumption and persons to receive then.
    "They are intended to augment and not be in lieu of present relief standards," the announcement states.
    Indicating which persons may receive the pork, the bulletin says that "the distribution of surplus commodities may be made in each locality to all persons and families on relief rolls, to able persons employed on civil works projects, to families not on relief rolls but in need of relief, including families whose heads are employed on civil works projects."
    The latter includes mother's aid, old age assistance, relief through private welfare societies, etc. All beneficiaries must be selected on the basis of investigation. Names of persons so submitted shall be furthered to the county relief committee, and the surplus food is to be distributed by the committee to the persons or families so recommended and accepted, through the regular public relief rolls in the various localities.--Mail Tribune.
Gold Hill News, December 28, 1933, page 4


    Applications prepared by City Superintendent Fred Scheffel for Civil Works Administration funds for four improvement projects at the Medford airport were approved by the city council last night in regular session. They call for construction of a cross runway, widening of the present runway, repainting of the hangar and administration building, installation of two additional floodlights and improvement of runway lighting.
    The applications were prepared following advice from Basil B. Smith of the airway division of the CWA program, stating that funds would be available for improvement of airports of federal importance. The letter stated that the Medford port was considered one of the most important in the state, and that funds would probably be allocated for necessary improvements.
    An immediate survey of the situation was made by Superintendent Scheffel and the city council aviation committee, headed by Frederick Heath. The four projects were then recommended and applications for funds prepared. Mr. Smith stopped in Medford the first of the week en route to Klamath Falls to look over the airport and consider the projects desired. He expressed the belief that at least two of them would be granted, but was a little doubtful of immediate action on the painting and lighting programs.
    The four applications are going to the local and state CWA committees.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 20, 1933, page 4


    Miss Helen Carlton of the welfare exchange turned in a detailed report Friday to the Community Cheat of the work of the extension from September 1 to January 15. The interesting figures give some realization of the work accomplished through this relief agency.
    From September to January 125 full-size comforters and 15 baby comforters were made. From the funds received from the Community Chest 820 yards of material were purchased and 125 bundles of cotton and wool batting.
    During December, 116 women were given work in the shop, and in two weeks in January 47 were given work. In the two months of December and January, 985 garments were brought in for exchange and 1081 were given out.
    Miss Carlton, in making her report, told many incidents surrounding the requests for clothing. She stated that the welfare exchange was wholly dependent on the Community Chest for the continuation of its activities, since the number of garments, comforters, etc., given out exceeds the amount of material and clothing brought in. Materials must be purchased for the lining of quilts and many of the garments. These things are given to families in exchange for sewing done in the work rooms of the welfare exchange.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 27, 1935, page 10