An Ordinance Granting to J. C. Baird and His Assigns the Right and Privilege To Erect and Maintain Poles and Wires Used in Connection with, or as a Part of, Electric Light and Power Works in, Upon and Over the Streets, Alleys, Public Parks and Public Grounds of the Town of Medford.
    The people of the town of Medford do ordain as follows:
    SECTION 1. J. C. Baird and his assigns are hereby granted the right and privilege, and are hereby authorized and allowed to erect and maintain, operate and use, in, upon and over the streets, alleys, public parks and public grounds of said town of Medford, poles and wires used in connection with, or as a part of electric light and power works of said J. C. Baird and his assigns, for the purpose of conducting electricity over said wires.
    SECTION 2. J. C Baird and his assigns shall have the right and privilege to, and shall, erect poles and stretch wires so as not to interfere with the free and unobstructed use of the streets for travel, and shall erect the poles at such reasonable points in the streets and on sidewalks, and place the wires at such height, not less than eighteen feet from ground, for main wire, branch wires at reasonable height.
    SECTION 3. Whenever it shall become necessary in the erection or repair of said poles or wires by said J. C. Baird or his assigns for him or them to dig into, or in any way, or in any manner, disturb any public street, or any part thereof, he or they shall, without delay, put the street in as good condition as it was before it was broken up, dug up or disturbed, and shall remove all surplus sand, earth or other material
    SECTION 4. The above rights and privileges are granted to said J. C. Baird and his assigns, on condition that work on the electric plant shall be commenced within thirty (30) days, and the plant shall be in operation and lights burning within four (4) months from the date of this ordinance.
    SECTION 5. The town of Medford shall have the right to use any or all of the poles erected by said J. C. Baird or his assigns, under this ordinance, for a fire alarm telegraph system.
    SECTION 6. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, unless authorized by said J. C. Baird or his assigns, to interfere with, meddle with, injure, impair or remove any of said poles or wires, or any insulator, crossarm, lamps or apparatus used in connection with, or as a part of, said electric light works of said J. C. Baird or his assigns.
    SECTION 7. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of Section 6 of this ordinance shall, upon conviction before the town Recorder, be fined not less than twenty-five dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars, or be imprisoned in the city jail not more than twenty days, at the discretion of the town Recorder.
    The above ordinance was passed at an adjourned meeting held this May 14, A.D. 1894, as their names were called: E. W. Starr, aye; J. R. Wilson, aye; G. F. Merriman, aye; D. H. Miller, aye.
    Attest, B. S. WEBB, Recorder.
Medford Mail, May 18, 1894, page 3


    The contract for the putting in of electric lights at Medford has been entered into with J. C. Baird, and an ordinance granting the franchise was passed at the last meeting of the council. Work is to be commenced within thirty days, and lights are to be in operation within four months.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 21, 1894, page 2


    J. C. Baird, the electric light man, writes from Portland stating that he will be in Medford not later than June 4th. He will need to get in and drill immediately thereafter, as his grant from the city council will expire upon the 14th of June unless ground is broken for the construction of the plant. The Mail feels quite positive that Mr. Baird will fill his part of the contract, and that in less than four months from the 14th of June our streets and stores will be lighted with electricity. Mr. Baird writes later that he will be here the 5th of June and will then be ready to negotiate for lights.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 1, 1894, page 3


    J. C. Baird, the electric light man, arrived in Medford Tuesday morning, accompanied by his partner, C. W. Stratton. The two gentlemen at once began preparations to commence work, and Wednesday morning they began locating the pole line. They already have the machinery ordered, and it will be here as soon as they will be ready to receive it. Before ordering their engine and boiler they are desirous of arriving at the approximate number of lights which will be required. The number they may be able to secure right now will be multiplied by two and the engine and boiler ordered to handle this number. It will be to the interest of all to leave their orders for lights at as early a date as possible. By doing this you will not only assist the company to arrive at a more definite point of calculation, but will as well hasten the operation of the plant. The convenience and direct benefit to be derived from electric lights will, of course, not be fully realized until the plant is in operation, yet many have undoubtedly already decided that they want them, but the number will be greatly augmented when the lights begin to glimmer. It is an enterprise which ought to be encouraged by all live, enthusiastic citizens, and the sooner this encouragement is given the sooner we will get the plant in working shape. The company is styled the Medford Electric Light Company.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 8, 1894, page 3


    J. C. Baird and C. W. Stratton, the electric light men, have arrived in Medford, and are making preparations to put in their plant.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 11, 1894, page 3

    An ordinance fixing the price at which electric lights shall be furnished to the residents of the city of Medford, the time and manner of payment and other matters connected therewith, was passed by the city council Tuesday evening, which provides that all lights furnished by the city shall be uniform in price, as far as practicable. The scale of prices which shall be paid therefore are as follows: For one light, seventy-five cents per month; two lights, $1.40 per month; for the next two lights fifty-five cents each; for each additional light up to ten, fifty cents per month. For more than ten lights a special rating will be made by eh committee on lights. The above rates are for business houses. The rates established for residences and lodge rooms are: For one light, fifty cents per month; for two lights seventy-five cents; for three lights $1; for eight lights $2 and for more than eight lights fifteen cents per month for each light above eight. The rate for hall pendants is seventy-five cents per month, but for residences which use above twelve lights, the hall pendant will be charged fifteen cents per month. Lodge room rates are based on not to exceed three nights' use per week, and a pro-rata increase will be charged for more than three nights' use per week. Churches will be charged two-thirds of lodge room rates. All lamps will be renewed by the city free, on return of the old lamps; if old lamps are not returned five cents each will be charged therefore. The city retains the right to inspect the lights every ninety days, and oftener, if thought necessary, but no charge will be made therefore. All bills for lights shall be paid monthly, on the first of each and every month, when the bill will be presented for payment by the city recorder, one time only. If not paid on presentation of the bill they must be paid at the office of the city recorder, on or before the tenth of every month, or the lights will be disconnected without further notice or demand. When disconnected a charge of fifty cents will be made for reinstatement. The ordinance will take effect and be in force on and after the 1st day of March, 1901.
Medford Mail, February 22, 1901, page 2


    The town council has granted a franchise to Mr. Eaton, a capitalist of Talent, Jackson Co., to light with electricity, for a period of fifteen years, the town of Gold Hill. Mr. Eaton within sixty days will put up a $500 bonus and binds himself to have the plant in operation by July 1st, 1901. This is what the people of Gold Hill have needed for a long time, and too much praise cannot be given to the councilmen for obtaining so favorable terms.
Gold Hill News, March 9, 1901, page 1

    The City of Medford wants fifty cedar poles. These poles must be cut from live cedar, must be 30 feet in length, peeled, straight, and must be from six to eight inches in diameter at the small end. From $2.50 to $2.75 will be paid in cash for each pole delivered at the city light plant which answers the foregoing requirements. Any number of poles from one upward may be delivered at any time by any person who can furnish the same, until the required number is received. Cash will be paid on delivery. See either the city recorder, or the mayor, or the electrician at the light plant.
    Medford, August 23, 1901.
        W. S. CROWELL, Mayor.
Medford Mail, August 30, 1901, page 2

    After this date, all light and water bills must be paid ON OR BEFORE THE 10TH DAY of each month, AT THE CITY HALL. No bills will be presented or notices given to consumers FOR YOU KNOW THAT YOU OWE THESE BILLS.
    The Superintendent of Light and Water will be found daily at the city hall, from the 1st to the 10th day of each month, to receive payment of your light and water bills. On the 11th day of each month he will commence and turn off all lights and water that have not been paid for. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO FAVOR ANYBODY.
    If you are shut off for nonpayment, there will be additional charges to pay before you can get any more light or water.
    With the increasing population of the city, it has been found impracticable to present every month a bill to every consumer of light and water. Hence this change had become an imperative necessity.
    DON'T FORGET when to pay, where to pay and whom to pay, every month.
    By order of the city council.
Medford Mail, October 3, 1902, page 2

    At a special meeting of the city council held on Thursday evening of last week to discuss the proposition of securing electric light and power from the Condor Water and Power Co., for city purposes, J. D. Alsup, representing the company, explained the plan upon which it was expected to work.
    The company did not wish to purchase the present electric and water system belonging to the city, but did want to sell to the city electricity for lighting and pumping purposes, through a local corporation to be organized among the citizens of the town, to sell this power to the city, and the city in turn to retail lights and water to the consumers, as is done under the present system.
    The Condor company simply proposes to sell the electricity at the dam, and it is not their purpose to extend their plant to the amount required to run the wires into Medford, which it is estimated will cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, hence the need of a separate local corporation which would stretch the wires from the dam to Medford and afterward dispose of the current to the city for light and power purposes.
    Again a local corporation would give wider scope in the matter of furnishing light and power. Should the Condor company sell to the city direct the electricity could not be disposed of only for use within the corporate limits of the town, whereas the independent corporation could dispose of it to anyone in reach of the wires between here and the dam. It is desired to have as much of the stock as possible taken here, and, if successful negotiations with the city council are concluded, the books will be open for anyone who wishes to take stock.
    At the meeting last week, Mr. Alsup was not prepared to state at what price he would be able to furnish the electricity, as he had no data regarding the number of lights furnished by the present plan, the amount of power required to run the pumping station and the probable increase--which was necessary in order to make an estimate on the strength of the current and cost thereof necessary to carry on the work. He stated that if such data were placed in his hands he would be able within a short time to make a rate at which power could be furnished.
    Acting Mayor Wilson, on motion of Councilman Pickel, appointed the following committee to secure the required data: Pickel, Willeke, York. As yet the committee has made no report and the matter is still in abeyance.
Medford Mail, August 14, 1903, page 1

    MEDFORD, Or., Aug. 14.--(Special.)--At a special meeting of the city council, held last Thursday evening, in order to discuss the proposition of securing electric light and power from the Ray dam, owned by the Condor Water Power Company, located near Tolo, about ten miles from Medford, for city purposes, J. D. Alsup, representing the company, explained the plan upon which it was expected to work.
    The company did not wish to purchase the present electric and water system belonging to Medford, but wanted to sell the city electricity for lighting and pumping purposes through a local corporation to be organized among the citizens of the town, to sell this power to the city and the city in turn to retail light and water to the consumers, as is done under the present system.
    The Condor Water & Power Company proposes to sell the electricity at the dam, and it is not their purpose to extend their plant to the amount required to run the wires to Medford, which it is estimated will cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, hence the need of a separate local corporation which would stretch the wires from the dam to Medford and afterward dispose of the current to the city for light and power purposes.
    A local corporation would give wider scope in the matter of furnishing light and power. Should the Condor Company sell to the city direct the electricity could not be disposed of only for use within the corporate limits of the town, whereas the independent corporation could dispose of it to anyone within reach of the wires between here and the dam. It is desired to have as much of the stock as possible taken here, and it is hoped that successful negotiations with the city council will be concluded.
    At the meeting Mr. Alsup was not prepared to state at what price he would be able to furnish the electricity, as he had no data regarding the number of lights furnished by the present plant, the amount of power required to run the pumping station and the probable increase which was necessary in order to make an estimate on the strength of the current and cost necessary to carry on the work. He stated that if such data were placed in his hands he would be able within a short time to make a rate at which power could be furnished.
    Acting Mayor Wilson, on motion of Councilman E. B. Pickel, appointed the following committee to secure the required data: Dr. E. B. Pickel, J. U. Willeke, W. T. York. No reports have been made yet, and the matter is still in abeyance.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, August 15, 1903, page 4


    Mail Office Devil:--"'Say, I'm goin' to be good, from this on. I was a-chasin' around over at the S.P. depot the other night, when the train came in late, and I tell you it was fierce. I turned the corner of the depot just as No. 16 pulled in, and honest, it was as dark as a stack of black cats. Yes, the lights wuz a-burnin', but, shucks, two little lamps ain't goin' to light that platform, especially when there's a whole lot o' people buttin' around on it. I got in a mixup. There wuz me an' some other fellers in a bunch, and one feller he wuz comin' down one side with the wagon, and another feller, he wuz a-rattlin' along on the other side with a truckload of drummer's trunks 'steen feet high. Besides that der wuz brakies a-flashin' der lanterns around an' fellers a-gittin' off de train, an' all in darkness. If it had been daylight it wouldn't been so bad, but a feller couldn't see which way to go. I got out [of] the wreck finally, but the first ting I did was to butt into a 250-pound drummer, who was carryin' a big grip. That grip struck me 'bout midships, and, say I wuz paralyzed for a minute. I thought that merchant what made de spiel here a week or so ago 'bout the Southern Pacific not a-lightin' its depot was a-talkin' through his millinery, but now I know he wuz dead right. This yer man's town ships more freight dan a whole lots of places what looks bigger on de map an' de census reports, and Mister Harriman could light that depot wid 'lectricity for what he pays for oil to fill lamps, that, when dey is burnin' good, a feller has to strike a match to help 'em out, so's he can see what time it is."
"Street Echoes," Medford Mail, December 4, 1903, page 1

    The city council on Friday evening passed a resolution calling a special election to submit to the voters the question of whether or not the mayor and council should be granted authority to sell the light and water plant.
    We believe the move is a wise one, and that the citizens of Medford will be doing the right thing to grant the authority asked for by the council.
    The notice of election, which appears in another column, specifies the terms and conditions on which the sale is to be made, naming the minimum price--$20,000--and also inserting the proviso that the water furnished shall be fit for domestic use and the rate for consumption shall be established by the city council.
    The water and light plant under the city management has barely paid running expenses, if it has done that, and within the next few months extensive repairs will be necessary, involving heavy expenses, which will have to be raised in some other way than from the revenues of the plant. In nearly every case of municipal control of such enterprise as this the expense of conducting the plant has been greater than it would have been under private management. A private individual is not content with merely coming out even, and is ever figuring on how to increase the earning capacity of his business. A municipal corporation is handicapped in various ways, which prevent it achieving this result, and this has always been a great factor in bringing about the failure of municipal ownership of enterprises of this nature.
    It is reasonably certain that there will be several bids for the plant. With the future growth of the city in view, corporations engaged in this line of business will perceive the opportunity for building up an extensive patronage and of overcoming the handicaps which now bother the city authorities.
    Another point: The sale of the plant at even the minimum price (it is expected more money than that can be had) will result in the reduction of the city debt by that much, in the lowering of the interest charge, also reducing the tax rate and of bringing city warrants to a par value.
    We believe that a private corporation, dependent upon the patronage of the people for its revenue, will be bound to give us the best service possible, for the better the service the greater the patronage.
    In conclusion we would urge the citizens of Medford to consider the question in all its bearings, and we are satisfied that the result will be an affirmative vote on the proposition of selling the plant.
Medford Mail, March 4, 1904, page 1

    The electric lights will be turned off at 12 o'clock each night until further notice. This arrangement will only be for a short time.
Medford Mail, March 4, 1904, page 1

    This city will soon have electric light and power furnished by the Condor Water & Power Co., of Gold Ray. At a meeting of the city council held Friday evening a proposition was made by the company and accepted and a check for $2500 was deposited by the company's representative, Dr. C. R. Ray, as a guarantee of good faith. Following is the text of the proposal:
    The Condor Water & Power Company, an Oregon corporation, makes to the city of Medford the following proposition in the matter of furnishing electricity for light and power for pumping and water purposes.
    1.--The said company will furnish unto the city electricity for lighting purposes and all household purposes at the rate of three cents per kilowatt hour and will furnish power for all pumping purposes at the rate of $5 a horsepower per month, twenty-four hour service. All of the power and electricity to be metered out to the city at their central power station and the company to furnish two transformers and two meters.
    2.--The city to extend the light and water system whenever a sufficient earning power can be shown to justify said extensions and shall be based upon an income of ten percent net per year on the cost of said extensions.
    3.--If the Condor Water & Power Company at its own expense will develop and furnish for the city and the inhabitants thereof water sufficiently pure for domestic use and for drinking purposes, then said company, in that event, is to receive for the power used in pumping three cents per kilowatt hour.
    4.--If the city does not make the necessary extensions to its lighting and water system as stated in Section 2 of this proposition, then the said company is to have the right and privilege to make such extensions at its own expense and receive 95 percent of the gross revenue derived from said extensions. At the expiration of ten years, all such extensions made by said company to become the property of the city.
    5.--The company is to have the right to employ a representative to solicit business, both for lighting and for water system. In the event that the city makes the extensions in accordance with the second conditions of this proposal then the city is to pay for the service of said representative, but in the event that the extensions are made under the fourth condition of this proposal, then the expenses of said representative are to be paid by the company.
    6.--The company is to have a franchise to plant its poles and run its lines through all the streets and alleys of the city, and is to have the right and privilege to sell power to all consumers of power over and above one horsepower per consumer.
    7.--Settlement for all power and light used to be made monthly unto the company, and the company to receive its payment in cash or its equivalent.
    8.--This proposal is made on the basis of the company receiving from the city a ten-year contract, said company within one day from the acceptance of this proposal to deposit with the city recorder of the city its certificate check, or a good and valid undertaking in the sum of $2,500 for the faithful performance of said contract, and the city to enter into a good and valid contract with the company and pass all ordinances and parts of ordinances necessary to its validity.
    9.--Exclusive franchise to be given to said company, so far as it is possible under the laws of the state and the interest of said company to be safeguarded at all times by said council so far as it can be legally done.
        Respectfully submitted,
        CONDOR WATER & POWER CO.,
        C. R. Ray, President.
    The committee from the city council and Dr. Ray's representatives have been arranging a contract in accordance with the provisions of the above proposal. Just a few minor details remained to be settled at the time the Mail went to press, and no doubt the contract will be signed this week. Work will be commenced at once, and it is expected that within ninety days the electric current from the Ray dam will be supplying our citizens with power and light.
    The action of the city council in accepting the above proposition we think is universally approved by the citizens of the town. It will eliminate a big item from the expense account, and is expected to change a deficit in the light and water system to a profit.
Medford Mail, July 22, 1904, page 1






    The Condor Water and Power Company has arrangements perfected of entirely new generating machinery in their plant at Gold Ray. The machinery, including the water wheels, which was first put in, was intended to generate only sufficient power for operating the several mines owned by the company. No thought was given at that time to generating power for commercial purposes throughout the valley. The demand for power is now found to be greatly in excess of the supply, and the putting in of new and larger machinery is made necessary. When the new machinery is installed the company will be able to generate 4000 horsepower, nearly four times the present capacity of the plant. It is expected that four months' time will be required in making the change, but the installation work will not necessarily interfere with the use of what power the plant is now capable of developing. When the new machinery is in operation a current of 23,000 volts will be brought to Medford, where a substation will be established, from which current will be distributed to various parts of the valley.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 3, 1905, page 5


    An ordinance amending the rates charged by the city for electric lights was passed.
    This ordinance makes a substantial reduction in the rate to be paid by the consumer of electricity. The rate as fixed by the ordinance is 10 cents per kilowatt for less than 100,000 watt-hours; 9 cents per kilowatt for over 100,000, and 8 cents per kilowatt for over 500,000 watt-hours per month.
"City Council Proceedings," Medford Mail, February 10, 1905, page 4




    The Mail is not given greatly to throwing bouquets at itself, but feels justified in calling the attention of its readers this week to a few of the improvements that have been made in the way of machinery for the plant during the past year. Four years ago a gasoline engine was installed in this office, which, by the way, was the first gasoline engine installed in Medford, and one of the first in the vicinity of the town. No other newspaper in Southern Oregon at that time used such power. Last May we placed a Simplex typesetting machine in the office, and The Mail was the first newspaper the type of which was set by machinery published in Jackson County. Then a few weeks afterward we installed a folder, the first machine of the kind south of Eugene. This week we have installed an electric motor to take the place of the gasoline engine, and again The Mail leads the procession, this being the first motor installed in the city, and this office being the first institution to use the electricity from the Ray dam for power purposes. From the above it will be seen that The Mail has been keeping abreast of the times, and is endeavoring to give its readers the best possible service. Our efforts in this line we believe are appreciated, and with this assurance encouragement is given for other and further improvements. About that motor we want to say that it works like a charm. There is no pumping up of gasoline, no fooling with exhausted batteries, no turning a wheel until black in the face, no noise of exploding vapor to alarm the neighbors. We simply push the button and Dr. Ray does the rest. It is the steadiest, most satisfactory power we have ever used and fills the bill exactly.
Medford Mail, February 17, 1905, page 4


    The Condor Water & Power Co. is stringing wires this week to Hopkins' orchard (formerly the Olwell place) for lighting purposes. It is expected later that power will be put in for pumping purposes. The stringing of the Condor Co.'s electric lines through the valley is but the commencement of a system which will result in every farm being provided with power and light, if the owners so wish, and it will not be long until they will wish it, when they see what their neighbors are doing.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 17, 1905, page 5

    Oregon suggests apples--great, juicy, crisp, red apples. The finest of them come from the valley of the Rogue River, whose tumbling torrent heads in the high Cascades close to the blue placid waters of Crater Lake, that weird body with its phantom ship which reincarnates the skeleton of Mazama's ancient volcano. The contrast wrought by time in quenching the misdirected energy of this youthful giant has been duplicated on a smaller scale in the history of this valley whose exuberant spirits in "the days of old, the days of gold" have been succeeded by the steady progressive spirit of horticultural success.
    Gold was the lure spread by Nature to attract the hardy pioneer of the 'Fifties. Many stayed to enjoy the more lasting and more productive results of developing the soil. Blessed with all the bounties of Nature, a beneficent climate, a fertile soil, and beautiful scenery, this valley is already supporting 25,000 people, "and not half trying." "Apple and peach trees, fruited deep," are flanked by luscious pears, plums and cherries, with increasing acreage to vineyards. This fruit, because of fine flavor and excellent keeping qualities, commands the highest market price, so that the yearly profit often exceeds one thousand dollars per acre.
    All this has been accomplished without the helping hand of irrigation, except where attention has been turned to raising melons, corn and alfalfa. The far-sighted are just realizing the wonderful possibilities of undeveloped water resources to further increase crop production. An unfailing supply of water can be pumped from wells 20 to 30 feet deep and surrounding streams, and here it is that the greatest use is to be found for the abundant hydroelectric power being generated by the Rogue River Electric Company. For eighty miles up and down the valley a network of wires bring the power to the work to be done. This power, how and where generated, how and where distributed and used, it is our purpose to describe.
    The main power plant of the Rogue River Electric Company is at Gold Ray on the bank of the Rogue River just beneath the brow of Table Rock where the Indians made their last futile stand against the white man, finally casting themselves over its great cliffs to death [not true]. Here the river has been dammed by a rock-filled timber crib with concrete core anchored to bedrock by means of heavy steel drift bolts cemented in place. The accompanying drawing shows its section. The dam is crescent shaped, arched upstream and is 420 feet long and 20 feet high, giving an effective head of the same amount to the water wheels. A granite-masonry retaining wall, 4 feet wide on top with 6-foot base, extends 300 feet upstream from the first forebay, forming one side of a diverting canal 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep, which carries to the turbines a fractional part of the 5,000 second-feet available at times of high water.
    At the foot of the canal near the penstock approach are two waste gates to carry off flood and surplus water. One is of the usual rack and pinion type, 6 feet wide and 12 feet high, but the other is of such novel design as to merit detailed description. As shown in the drawing the face of the gate is a segment of a circle 8 feet wide and 12 feet high. Its great advantage lies in the ease with which one man can handle it, whereas the other requires several, working with crowbars. This gate was designed by Mr. H. C. Stoddard, superintendent of the plant.
    Motive power in the Gold Ray plant is furnished by ten McCormick water wheels, two 45-inch vertical and eight 42-inch horizontal, the latter comprising two sets of fou,. each set furnishing 1000 horsepower. Water admission through wicket gates is regulated by Lombard governors. Rope drive is employed
throughout. Main drive pulleys 10 feet in diameter are mounted on extensions from the horizontal water wheel shafts. Twenty turns of 1¾-inch manila rope join with 29-foot centers the 4-foot pulleys of the generators, thus converting 145 r.p.m. of the turbines to 360 r.p.m. for the generators. Each turbine unit drives a 750-k.w. General Electric 3-phase, 60-cycle alternator, type ATB, delivering current at 2200 volts. The generators are connected to the rope drive shaft by flexible leather couplings and are equipped with tachometers. These two units have been in continuous service since 1904.
    In 1908 increased current consumption made necessary the installation of a 450-k.w. generator of similar type. This is operated through rope drive and bevel mortised gears by the two vertical wheels already described. Belted to the other end of the line shaft operated by these wheels is a 10-inch two-stage Worthington centrifugal pump having a capacity of 2000 gallons per minute against a 300-foot head. This supplies water for 3000 acres of land owned by the power company, who will also sell water for irrigation to any rancher along the line desiring such service. The water is supplied through two and one-half miles of 12-inch mains and four miles of 8- and 6-inch branch lines. This system will probably be extended to the town of Central Point and outlying ranches next season.
    Current for the generator fields is furnished by belted exciters, 11 k.w. for the 750-k.w. machines and 7½ k.w. for the 450 k.w., giving a total of 1950 equipped with three ammeters, a watt meter, a voltmeter, and field ammeter, as well as field and disconnecting switches, synchronizing plugs and control k.w., or over 2,600 horsepower. Provision has been made for two additional generators as soon as the current consumption warrants.
    The switchboard consists of three machine panels and an exciter panel. Each of the machine panels is switches for the Lombard governors. On the exciter panel are mounted the exciter switches, voltmeter, Tirrill regulator and curve-drawing voltmeter, together with pilot and synchronizing lamps and a synchronizing bracket at the end of the board. All these instruments and apparatus were made by the General Electric Company.
    The switchboard and all machinery are so arranged that the station operator's desk commands a view of practically the entire power plant. This has an important economic bearing, for except during periods of heavy load, when the machines are to be paralleled, the entire station is operated by one man. From the switchboards two lines of lead-covered No. 0000 copper cables run to the transformer house. This contains six 250-k.w., 2,300- to 22,500-volt step-up transformers, oil insulated and water cooled. The cooling water is furnished from a water system which supplies the various buildings and residences on the works. There is also a small two-inch centrifugal pump which can be used to supply cooling water direct to the transformers in event of accident to the usual system.
    From this plant a 22,500-volt transmission line extends for a total length of eighty miles to the several substations. No. 1 7-strand aluminum wire is used throughout the transmission system. In the course of five years' operation there has been no shutdown due to trouble with the aluminum wire or the insulators. The three wires are spaced in a 48-inch triangle on the top of 40-foot cedar poles placed forty to the mile. The insulators are of porcelain, 9 and 11 inches, petticoat type, and are fastened to the poles by means of eucalyptus pins. Referring to the map of Southern Oregon, it will be seen that one line extends north from Gold Ray to Grants Pass and nearby mines, while the other extends south to Ashland through Medford and intermediate towns.
    From the power plant there is a 675-foot span across the Rogue River. The river is also spanned at Rock Point and at Grants Pass, distances of 600 and 725 feet respectively. In each case the spans are supported on Locke strain insulators mounted on wooden towers consisting of four cedar poles placed 14 feet apart.
    Substations are located at Central Point, Jacksonville, Medford, Gold Hill, Grants Pass, Ashland and Talent. At the last two stations power is sold at wholesale to a subcontractor owning the distributing lines and handling the retail business. In all the other localities the Rogue River Electric Company distributes and sells the current.
    The standard substation equipment consists of three GE type H oil-cooled transformers equipped with oil switch and ammeter on the 2,200-volt side, this being the distributing voltage. Protection is provided by a bank of General Electric 20,000-volt multigap lightning arresters and line disconnecting switches. Galvanized iron buildings house all this equipment. These substations have required but little attention and are often left locked for a month at a time.
    Current is distributed at 2,200 volts up to five miles from the substations, extending into the country so that many ranchers can use it for lighting, pumping, sawing wood, grinding feed, etc. The power circuits are 440 volts and the lighting 110 volts, reduction being made by pole transformers.
    Nearly all power is sold on the meter basis, there being a minimum rate of $1.00 with a 25-cent meter charge. A sliding scale provides 20 kilowatts or less at 10 cents, and 2,000 kilowatts or more at 4 cents, with corresponding intermediate rates. It is stated that almost without exception electricity is consumed for some purpose other than lighting. The company sells supplies and cooperates with the consumer in every way to give maximum results at minimum cost. Full directions are given customers so that they may check their bills. This includes an interesting summary of what 5 cents worth of electricity will do:
    It will warm a woman's curling iron every day in the year for 3 minutes and twice on Sunday.
    It will warm a man's shaving water every morning for a month.
    It will fry four eggs every morning for a month.
    It will boil four eggs every morning for one-half month.
    It will warm your bed and prevent cold feet.
    It will brew the morning coffee in an average household for more than two weeks.
    It will run a sewing machine for 21 hours.
    It will do the average family ironing.
    It will pump 960 gallons of water.
    It will light 5 16-candlepower lamps over two hours in one evening.
    Of the 500 consumers in the town of Medford, over 250 have electric irons. Many electric heating devices are in use and much manual labor is saved by small motor installations. Electric power is also furnished to the Champlin gold dredge at Foots Creek, near Gold Hill, which has been in successful operation for over four years and takes 300 horsepower. It is claimed that with electric power gravel running 20 cents per cubic yard can be worked at a profit and that the cost is one-half the former expense when working with wood for fuel. The Braden mine and 10-stamp mill at Gold Hill takes 175 horsepower and the Opp mine at Jacksonville 200 horsepower. A dipper dredge operated by the Electric Gold Dredging Company consumes 150 horsepower. Other mines such as the Greenback and Enterprise use considerable power when operating. Electric power has made possible the working of some mines that did not pay expenses when using wood as fuel. Should development of the Blue Ledge Copper Mines, 35 miles southwest of Medford, warrant the construction of a smelter, it will require horsepower for operation.
    The history of almost all western mining camps shows that many producing mines are overlooked in the first rush for gold. Jacksonville, five miles from Medford, was the scene of Oregon's first mining excitement in 1851 [sic], and since that time has been a steady producer by placer, hydraulic and quartz mining with an aggregate production of over $20,000,000. There are also many undeveloped prospects in the vast country tributary to the Rogue River Valley, and with their operation will ensue a further demand for electric power.
    The three most thriving towns in the valley are Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass, as can be judged from the accompanying street scenes. Enclosed arcs light the principal streets, and incandescent lamps are used in almost all the residences. The company has pushed the sale of tungsten lamps, thus lowering the peak load and keeping within transformer capacity as well as giving satisfaction to the consumers. The rich agricultural and mining districts adjoining these towns are the substantial basis upon which has been built an enduring prosperity. The equable climate has attracted a most desirable population whose permanency is ensured by excellent social and educational facilities.
    The general prosperity is indicated by the fact that there are over one hundred and fifty automobiles in the single town of Medford. The bank deposits per capita are stated to be higher than in any other section of the country, this strength being evidenced in the financial flurry of 1907 when the banks in the Rogue River Valley paid cash on demand to all depositors.
    But the great, and as yet undeveloped, field for power consumption lies in the application of electricity to pumping water for irrigation. Thousands of acres of the most fertile land requires but the quickening touch of dependable water to spring into bloom. Heretofore the four months' dry season has sometimes prevented the best results, especially when it has been demonstrated that crops can be doubled and even quadrupled with the aid of irrigation. An inexhaustible supply of water stands from 16 to 50 feet below the surface and electric power for pumping costs only $30 per horsepower for the irrigating season, which gives an average cost of $1.25 per acre for the season.
    In the past four years the Rogue River Electric Company, under the progressive administration of Dr. C. R. Ray, president and general manager, and Mr. H. C. Stoddard, secretary and superintendent, has become an integral part of one of the most prosperous communities in the West. The company controls ample power for any possible future demand from the agricultural, mining, lumbering and industrial interests of the rapidly growing section.
Journal of Electricity, Power and Gas, June 5, 1909, pages 443-453

    Mail Tribune:--Nine lives were snuffed out in the twinkling of an eye at the Medford substation of the Rogue River Electric Company on a recent evening, when a cat, the official pet of the employees, flicked her caudal appendage against a wire carrying 20,000 volts and went to sleep. The proverbial eight lives went with the first. There was no "comeback" to this pussy.
    The cat was taking its regular prowl about the station when the tragedy occurred. She had jumped upon the top of the big transformers as was her custom and was stepping from one to the other, purring her contentment and waving her tail back and forth. That waving tail was the cat's undoing. In some way the caudal appendage connected with one of the 20,000-volt wires, there was a subdued mee-ow, and it was all off with the cat.
Ashland Tidings, November 17, 1910, page 1

    MEDFORD, Or., March. 19.--(Special.)--Contracts to the extent of $800,000 have been let for the construction of the new power plant of the Rogue River Electric Company at Prospect, on the Rogue River, where the natural fall of the river can be applied most easily and at small expense.
    The machinery contract includes an immense power wheel and three generators capable of generating 80,000 horsepower, a sufficient supply for all possible demands.
    By fall part, if not all, of the plant will be in operation, as the present equipment of the other powerhouse at Gold Ray, owned by the same company, is inadequate. The Gold Ray plant will be used as an auxiliary when the new plant is completed.
Morning Oregonian, March 20, 1911, page 5

    MEDFORD, Ore., Aug. 22.--A deal that gives the Siskiyou Electric Power and Light Company absolute monopoly of the water power resources of northern California and southern Oregon was made today, when the Rogue River Electric Company sold its light and power plants to the Siskiyou company for $3,300,000.
    Those concerned deny the merger is the work of the Western Power Company, the so-called power trust, of which Colonel Frank Ray, owner of the Rogue River Electric, is vice president. It is known, however, that the Western Power Company has acquired control of practically all the power plants in northern California, and that its eyes have been on Oregon.
    Owning power plants and controlling the power of Rogue River, Klamath River and the Little Shasta River, besides that of smaller streams, the combination is the most gigantic ever made in this part of the state.
    When the work now under way is completed this fall a total of 80,000 horsepower at low water can be generated in the immense plant, and 800 miles high tension wire will be built to carry the current. It will be the longest high tension transmission line in the world.
    Jesse W. Churchill, president, and J. F. Churchill, vice president of the Siskiyou company, were the officials who met Colonel Ray. With the Churchills are Alex. J. Rosborough, P. Detristan of Paris, representing a wealthy French syndicate.
San Francisco Call, August 23, 1911, page 1


    Medford, Aug. 22.--A deal which gives the Siskiyou Power Company absolute monopoly of the water power resources of Northern California and Southern Oregon was completed here today when the Rogue River Electric Company sold its light and power plant to the Siskiyou Electric Company for $3,300,000.
    Those concerned in the deal deny that the merger is the work of the Western Power Co., known as the Great Electric Trust, but in turn declare that the power trust has nothing whatever to do with the deal.
    Colonel Frank Ray, owner of the Rogue River Electric plant, however, is the vice president of the Western Power Company.
Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California, August 23, 1911, page 1


    The power plants of the Rogue River Electric Company and the Prospect Construction Company have been sold to the Siskiyou Power and Light Company. The deal includes the power plants at Gold Ray and Prospect and several hundred miles of high-tension wire. The two plants are placed at a valuation of $3,500,000 for the plant now under construction at Prospect and $800,000 for the plant at Gold Ray. The sale gives the Siskiyou company entire control of the water power resources of Northern California and Southern Oregon and makes theirs the longest transmission line in the world.
    A total of 80,000 horsepower can be developed when the construction work now under way is completed, and over 800 miles of high-tension wire will carry a voltage upwards of 20,000, extending from Grants Pass to Redding, California, by way of Klamath Falls.
Gold Hill News, August 26, 1911, page 5

    Attorney Gus Newbury today filed in the United States district court the city's answer in the case between the California-Oregon Power Company and the city of Medford.
    The allegations of defendant's answer are a history of the transactions between the parties with reference to their respective rights; the answer of the defendant city sets up that in 1907 the parties attempted to enter into contractual relations, the Condor Water & Power Company, which was the predecessor in interest of the present electric company, endeavoring to obtain a franchise within the city of Medford for a period of twenty-five years and also endeavored to obtain a lease of the city's lighting plant.
    An election was had in 1907, in which it was alleged by the electric company that by resolution of the city council an ordinance was submitted to a vote of the people granting to the electric company a franchise for twenty-five years and instructing the council to enter into a contract with the electric people for the leasing of the city's plant under certain conditions, one of which was that the light company should pay unto the city 5 percent of the gross earnings of the company within the city unless it exercises its operation to purchase the property leased within five years from June 7, 1907, in which event it would be required to pay $20,000 to the city, and thereafter the 5 percent of the gross earnings need not be paid by the electric company to the city.
    The company paid the 5 percent of the gross earning down to June 5, 1912, at which time they made a tender of $20,000 for a conveyance of the plant owned by the city, and the city at that time refused to accept the $20,000 because the light company demanded a ratification of the franchise for a period of twenty-five years, which was plainly in violation of the city charter that would permit the city council to grant a franchise for ten years only.
    The allegations of the answer show that after the city had refused to accept the $20,000 in December, 1913, it reconsidered the matter and made a demand on the electric company to make the retender of $20,000 and the city would make a conveyance of the light plant in accordance with the terms of a certain contract. The light company refused to retender the money and now the city alleges that, having refused and failed to keep its tender of $20,000 and having refused to pay the $20,000 to the city for the plant owned by the city, that it has lost its option to purchase and is required to pay to the city 5 percent of the gross earnings of the company from June 5, 1912, down to the present time.
    The testimony will probably be taken before a mastery in chancery and by Justices Wolverton and Bean and the argument be had before one or other of the judges in Portland.
Medford Mail Tribune, October 9, 1914, page 2

    The city of Medford was the loser in a decision handed down by Judge Wolverton in federal court this morning, by the terms of which the Oregon & California Power Company is enabled to purchase the Medford municipal lighting plant, which is now operated under lease, for $20,000.
    The company agreed to lease the plant for 25 years, furnish the power and light to the city according to contract, and have the right to purchase the plant at any time within the contract period for $20,000. The city was to have the right to repurchase 20 years after sale to the company.
    The people passed an ordinance approving of this contract, the ordinance containing a clause repealing any portions of the charter the might hinder the contract.
    The company's bill against the city for light and power grew to be $17,000. It offered the city $3000 cash, with the cancellation of the bill, to purchase the plant.
    The city refused the offer, and a charter provision was referred to forbidding the city to enter into contracts for periods longer than 10 years, which, if valid, would have made the 25-year contract void.
    Today's decision holds that the 10-year clause of the charter was repealed by the ordinance granting the contract, that the contract was made in good faith by the people of the city with the company, and must be fulfilled.
Oregon Journal, Portland, October 4, 1915, page 8

    MEDFORD, Or., Nov. 20.--(Special.)--After three years' dispute in which the matter was fought out in the courts in favor of the electric company, the City of Medford and the California-Oregon Power Company finally reached a settlement today whereby the city receives 3 percent of the gross earnings of the company and a reduction of 50 percent in the cost of street lighting.
    Medford, on the other hand, concedes the electric franchise as legal and agrees to pay all back charges for electricity, amounting to several thousand dollars. On this cost bill the company also agreed to deduct nearly $300. A second power company, known as the Rogue River Public Service Corporation, recently applied for a franchise, but with this settlement a second franchise scarcely will be granted.
Sunday Oregonian, Portland, November 21, 1915, page B7


    Shortly after arriving here he became impressed with the great value of the Rogue River power, not only to the mining and other industries, but as an investment. He acquired the rights at Gold Ray, and with the assistance of his brother, Frank H. Ray, who was abundantly able to make the investment, harnessed the power at Gold Ray, build the Gold Ray Dam, built its power plant, and began the construction of its power lines through the valley. He realized that the valley was not ready to utilize all of its power, but that the power would have to be available before industry would demand it, and he therefore pioneered in the power development of the Rogue River.
    The public responded more rapidly than most investors would have expected it to do, and so after the installation of the Gold Ray plant and the power lines had been extended into Ashland, Medford and Jacksonville, and these cities, with Central Point, Gold Hill and Grants Pass, had been lighted, and many mines had been supplied with power, he organized the Prospect Construction Company, which acquired the power rights of the upper river at Prospect. It installed and developed the Prospect power plant.
    During these operations certain people in Indianapolis became interested in the extension of the power and organized the Rogue River Electric Company to take over these power holdings, which were then held by the Condor Water & Power Company, which corporation Dr. Ray had organized. The Rogue River Electric Company put very little money into the industries, excepting what Colonel Ray had invested, but the plant was operated under its name.
    Subsequently largely through the effort of Dr. Ray, the corporation was amalgamated with the Siskiyou Light & Power Company, a California concern operating out of Yreka, Cal., and which had invaded the Ashland territory. Eventually the California Oregon Power Company was organized and took over all of these holdings and extended and developed the power operations to their present magnitude. This institution today has one of the largest power operations of any power company on the coast.
"Doctor C. R. Ray Dies Suddenly in Los Angeles," Medford Mail Tribune, January 27, 1926, page 1

VOLT GIVES COPCO HISTORY

    How the California-Oregon Power Company came into being is a story of numerous little power companies throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California which were combined to make possible the present Copco system. The last issue of the Volt contains a brief but interesting account of how this all came about, reviewing the early history of the company as follows:
    Obviously, the present is more important to us than the past, for it is what we of today have to deal with--that, and the future. There is, however, generally speaking, more or less interest in beginnings, particularly when they explain how things of the present came to be. On that assumption, the Volt in recent issues tracked back into geological cycles of millions of years ago when volcanoes, glaciers and other forces of nature were creating the land that is today served by Copco and inhabited by its customers.
    Once again we will backtrack, but not far; electrical development in the region, from its beginnings, is now to be reviewed. And, as will be seen, those beginnings and the development of the California-Oregon Power Company are virtually of one piece. Ours is a story of numerous little companies that became one (the California-Oregon Power Company), which was reorganized and became the present Cop-company). How much--or how little--the pioneer plant, systems and their builders had to do with the success of the present company is not to be debated here.
    In California the leading spirits in the organizing of the nucleus of the old company were the Churchills--Jerome P. and Jesse W. Churchill, of Yreka; in Oregon, the Rays--Dr. C. R. and Col. Frank Ray; the Moores, C. S. and R. S. Moore and H. V. Gates. At about the time the Rays were building Gold Ray Dam and the plant on the Rogue River, and organizing the Condor Water and Power Company, the Churchills were building Fall Creek plant in Siskiyou County, and acquiring the Shasta River plant, which had been built by James Quinn in 1891. These activities of the Churchills marked the beginning of the Siskiyou Electric Power Company, which may be considered as the parent of the Copco's Siskiyou Division.
    In 1903 the Churchills' company purchased the Ashland Electric Power and light Company. The plant thus acquired in Ashland was no bargain. Immediately following its purchase, effort was made to bring it up to its utmost efficiency. Also a steam plant was installed to help out during the winter. It was soon realized that the generating equipment could not be made to meet the demands of the rapidly growing city, and it was decided to abandon it. An agreement was entered into with the Rogue River Electric Company, which had taken over the Condor Water and Power Company, to supply the necessary electric current, and a new lighting system was installed. Most of the old lines were torn out and replaced by a new distributing system. This done, the old plant was dismantled and sold, leaving the city of Ashland with a more modern system serving the entire community with light and power.
    During the winter of 1903-1904 a transmission line was completed to Fort Jones and Etna, in Scott Valley, with branches to several active mines. During 1909 fifty-five miles of high tension lines (the present Line 2) were built from Fall Creek to Dunsmuir, where immediate steps were taken to rebuild local lines and improve the light and water service. In this connection the Scherrer Electric Light Company, Mossbrae Falls Water and Power Company and Dunsmuir Water Company properties were acquired; also two plants at Sisson were subsequently acquired and connected up with the growing system. These activities were attended by a reorganization of the Siskiyou Electric Power Company, and its name was changed to Siskiyou Electric Power and Light Company. From Dunsmuir the line was extended south to Castella, and in 1913 the plant of R. E. Cavanaugh of Edgewood was purchased. A small plant on Sulloway Creek was closed down and Edgewood connected with Line 2, as Copco knows it today. Another old line taken over was that of the Mt. Shasta Milling Company plant on Little Shasta River, which had been supplying some power to Montague.
    Meanwhile negotiations had been begun for the purchase of the Klamath Falls Light and Water Company owned by C. S. and R. S. Moore, which deal was consummated in 1911. Follows a brief history of the Klamath Company: It started with a small light plant and water system for Klamath Falls, acquired from H. V. Gates, who, upon its organization, was made president and general manager. In 1905 a new plant was completed, later to be known as the east side plant. C. S. Moore withdrew from this company, associated himself with his brother and in 1907 began construction of a hydroelectric plant on the west side of Link River. It drew on Keno Canal for its water. Transmission lines were extended to various points, including the towns of Merrill and Bonanza, and active competition entered into with the Klamath Falls Light and Power Company. In 1910 the Moores purchased all the holdings of that company, and shortly after the combined holdings were taken over by the Siskiyou Electric Power and Light Company. This latter was taken over the following year by the California-Oregon Power Company. That was in 1911, the year the old Copco was incorporated.
    During the same period of years covered in the preceding notes another electric light and power system was in the making in the Rogue River Valley, and it was destined to become an important part of the present Copco system. This has to do with the activities of the Rays, previously referred to. On Rogue River just below the present bridge at Gold Ray, Dan Condor owned a mine, which property was bought by Dr. Ray in order to get the power site. A dam--the present Gold Ray Dam--was built in 1903, also the power house, and in 1904 the first electricity was transmitted from this plant. Dr. Ray organized the Condor Water and Power Company to operate this enterprise. Lines were constructed to deliver energy to consumers, Gold Hill, Grants Pass and the Ashland Electric Power and Light Company in 1905. This proved too much of a load for the Gold Ray plant, so to cope with demands a plant was built on the Rogue River at Prospect. From Prospect to Gold Ray a line was built in 1911. It was the first 60,000-volt line on the Copco system.
    All property, franchises and contracts of the Condor organization were transferred to the Rogue River Electric Company in 1907, which company became a part of Copco at the same time the Siskiyou Electric Power and Light Company did--when the California-Oregon Power Company was incorporated. Our records give January 1, 1912 as the date of purchase. From that year until 1915 development of what is known as our Rogue River Division included the construction of numerous substations [and] distribution systems and the purchase of others.
    In the foregoing has been listed a major portion of the pioneering work that led to the organization of the California-Oregon Power Company--the old company.
    The radical reorganization of the financial setup of the company in 1920; the construction of Copco One Dam and generating plant, completed in 1916; the raising of this dam and installation of a second unit in 1922; the construction of the new east side plant at Klamath Falls in 1924; the Copco Two plant, placed in operation in 1925; the interconnection contracts made possible through the increased generating capacity of the company; the purchase of the physical properties of the Douglas County Light and Power Company (our Umpqua Division) in 1923--these are among the outstanding features in the Copco of today. To them, and a vast amount of lesser development, is Copco's present prosperous condition largely due. But they do not come under the head of beginnings, as we are considering them here; they belong to a later epoch, and so have been passed by in this narration on the history of the company.
Ashland American, January 14, 1927, page 7