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Medford in 1896 Southern Oregon Monitor of 1896 Gives Interesting Sidelights on Early Day Affairs and Folk Here
A copy of the Southern Oregon Monitor, one of the grandparents of the Mail Tribune,
has been received at this office, from an unknown owner, who left it
with Arthur C. Bevan for delivery. It is dated Wednesday, May 27, 1896,
and is a chapter of local life 33 years ago. The paper's slogan was
"Everyone Is the Son of His Own Works," printed beneath the name.The first column of the first page is devoted to general information. Charles Strang was city treasurer, and W. T. York city recorder, one may learn. D. Cofer was marshal and F. Amann street commissioner. Under the professional directory, one architect, three lawyers and five doctors are listed. Conditions are different now. Dr. E. B. Pickel, still practicing, was then in partnership with Dr. E. P. Geary, and had offices over Haskins' drug store. Dr. Emil Kirchgessner, well known throughout the county, is also listed as "late resident physician and surgeon Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Ill." The second and third columns are devoted to "Our Washington Letter," written by John H. Mitchell, United States Senator from Oregon, later involved in the Oregon land fraud cases, and who died of a broken heart. Readers at the end of this article are urged: "Don't forget the grand political blowout and free ball to he held at Jacksonville on the 28th. Prominent speakers will deliver addresses, and no pains will be spared." This sounds ominous. Under the heading: "These Are Facts," J. R. Neil, pioneer of beloved memory, in a column and a half letter to the editor takes issue with N. A. Jacobs, county clerk, and defends his administration as county judge. He presents an exhaustive study of local tax conditions, and attributes most of the road expense to high water in March. A table of the taxes paid by Populist candidates for county offices, compiled by the Ashland Tidings, is reprinted. There were nine candidates, and five paid nothing. John Grieve of Prospect was running for county treasurer, and he was assessed at $1517. He is the father of Jim and Bill Grieve, and is still interested in politics in season. It is noted that the third annual convention of the W.C.T.U. was held at Medford in the Christian church, May 12, 13 and 14, and "was a great success." Two columns of the first page are devoted to advertising. The Medford Brewery and Ice Company announced the employment of "the most experienced brewer on the Pacific Coast. Our lager is made from pure malt and hops." They also sold "distilled ice water." Farmers were advised to buy harness from Beidlemann and Nicholson, opposite the post office. The ad set forth that poor harness was worse than no harness. The firm also reported the arrival of a consignment of buggy whips. "The New Nash Hotel, I. L. Hamilton, Prop." informed the world that "Especial attention is paid to the cuisine, and no expense is spared to secure the comfort of our guests." The hotel had recently been remodeled. Another ad sets forth that "the Deere bicycle is a strictly high-grade wheel for a reasonable price, J. A. Whitman, agent." The Jacksonville Marble Works announces its ability to make a tombstone, and the Jackson County Bank, J. E. Enyart, cashier, invites inspection and does a general banking business. Medford Mail Tribune, June 22, 1929, page 6
Last revised March 1, 2023 |
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