It is a long time since A. B. Williams was heard from. Here is a letter which tells of the wonders of his Rogue River home and the possibilities of that splendid fruit section which will answer inquiries from people of this section.
    Medford, Ore., Oct. 24, 1909
    Editor Reaper--If those among the many people in Sevier County with whom I became acquainted during the ten busy years I lived in Richfield think of me as often as I do of them, I must often be brought to memory. I have had one great advantage over them, however, for every week I read the Reaper and have been kept well informed as to what has been going on in Sevier County since my departure from there, while it has been something over a year while I have let them hear from me. I have not intended to be so negligent in dropping lines occasionally to the Reaper, but the past year has kept me very busy and I really have not had the time to attend to anything more than urgent business correspondence.
    I will now endeavor to give you a little information about this country, as I have found it after a residence of fifteen months here and seeing it under all conditions.
    To my mind this Rogue River Valley is one of the best valleys, for many things, I have ever seen, and for that future on which I had long set my heart, is ideal. Of course it does not serve every requirement of human needs and desires, but along the lines of horticulture, farming, lumbering and business opportunities, I think this valley, and Medford in particular, offers advantages which can be surpassed nowhere.
    I would be no use, if I desire to really impress your readers convincingly, to deal in generalities, so I will go into a few details. First we will consider the fruit industry.
    There is not known anywhere a better country for the raising of certain classes of fruits, particularly apples and pears, than this valley. For pears especially the Rogue River Valley is probably the peer of them all. In proof of this I will cite the fact that New York City alone commands the entire product of this valley of the Bartlett Bosc, D'Anjou and Comice varieties and pays a higher price for them than is paid for the same class of fruit from any other section of the world.
    Were the yield in this valley twenty or fifty times as great as it is, New York City alone would exclusively demand the product and would pay such prices as to command it. Other cities are clamoring for Rogue River Valley pears, but as yet the valley does not begin to fill the demand, and when it shall have increased its annual production a hundredfold, as it will do in the course of years, it will not be able to supply all the demand. And Medford this season shipped hundreds of carloads of this one variety of fruit alone.
    Rogue River Valley pears have held the top-notch record prices in New York for the past four years, and the few that have escaped to London have done the same there.
    You might wonder that pears could stand such long shipment. That is one of the secrets of the superiority of these pears. They stand shipment better than such fruit raised anywhere else. There is something in the soil and the climate that puts a preserving quality into the pears raised in this valley that makes them out-keep the pears raised elsewhere, and they always reach the market in the very best of condition, and with their rich flavor unimpaired.
    Bartlett pears from this valley sold in New York City last season for $4.25 a box (containing about 50 pounds), and carload lots sold for over $4.00 a box. Carloads of D'Anjous brought $5.40 a box in the same market; some boxes sold for $6 and others for $6.75. The highest competitor for this same variety of pears from other sections brought an average of $1.75 a box.
    As high as $3.40 a box has been paid for Howell pears, while the entire crop of Winter Nelis from one orchard sold for $3.42 a box.
    Comice pears have been taken at from $7.50 to $10 a box. They have been delivered F.O.B. Medford for as high as $9.00 a box. These pears retail for 15 cents apiece in New York City. Comice pears from this valley sold last year in London for $10.80 a box. Last year an entire carload grossed $10.80 a box in New York, the green fruit record for the world. This year still higher records have been made for pears shipped from this valley. These figures are all at the wholesale price.
    What makes this fruit command such prices? The quality. And what makes the quality? The soil, climate and methods of care, cultivation and packing. Fruit raising in this valley, although this is the youngest fruit country of the noted fruit regions of the world, is reduced to a science surpassed nowhere. Other states and other nations are constantly sending experts here to study our methods. Care of orchards is not a theory here, it is a practice. Strict laws for the eradication of pests and disease are not only put on the statute books, but they are rigidly enforced. Counties supplement the state laws with rigid rules, and the more enterprising communities like Medford hire government experts at a salary of $2,000 to $3,000 a year to give their entire time to a study of local conditions and put every influence possible back of them to carry on a scientific and systematic campaign. Let a tree be found with incurable disease or pest-ridden and out it comes, root and branches, and is reduced to ashes.
    What has been stated above in regard to pears is applicable to the apple product of this valley. While the Rogue River Valley has stronger rivals for this variety of fruit, in the Hood River, Wenatchee, Yakima and other sections, the quality of the fruit is second to none. Rogue River Valley Newtown Pippin, Spitzenberg and Jonathan apples are the peer of this class of fruit grown anywhere, and New York and London prices, which are the gauge of the virtues of fruits, are often a little in favor of this valley. Rogue River Valley apples are sought the world over, and New York, England, Germany, Russia, Japan and other countries send representatives here annually to contract whatever of the crop they can obtain.
    If the production was a thousand times greater it could not fulfill the demand, and as in the case of pears, only the leading world's markets are favored with this choice fruit. There is a waxiness of the skin, a tint of color, a voluptuousness of shape and contour, a delicacy, sappiness and richness of flavor, combined with excellent shipping and keeping qualities, that is not surpassed, if equaled, in the apple of any other fruit section.
    Rogue River Valley apples are now going to market, so I am not able to at present give you figures as to prices for this year, but it is expected they will bring from $2.25 to $2.50 a box F.O.B. Medford, which means from $3.25 to $3.75 wholesale in New York.
    At the prices given, an acre of pears or apples in this valley gross on the [railroad] cars here from $1,200 to $2,000. One man who owns a three-acre tract of apples expects to get from $1,970 to $2,200 per acre for his crop, which has been harvested. This will net him above all costs in caring for the orchard picking and packing the fruit from $1,600 to $1,900 an acre.
    And yet land prices are not at all high, considering the returns. Good bearing orchards have been selling this season from $600 to $1600 an acre. Tracts planted to young orchards sell for $250 to $600. Unimproved land, just as good for fruit raising as any now in producing orchards, can be had from $40 an acre up.
    Uncleared virgin land can be had for less. Prices are governed by proximity to towns. It will be only a few years until the fruit production of this valley will be increased three, five, ten and twenty fold. The land is available, and it is rapidly being utilized.
    It is estimated that about 15,000 acres will be set to young orchards during the next six months. Real estate sales in this valley will reach an enormous total for the year. During this month alone, no less than twenty sales have been made ranging from $5000 to $50,000.
    The Rogue River Valley is becoming famed throughout the country, and this year hundreds of people have located here, some who had never seen the valley before but had come with a fixed determination of locating, others, traveling as tourists, incidentally attracted while passing through, investigating and investing.
    All this is upbuilding Medford rapidly. I am fain to tell you something about the wonderful growth and progress of this metropolis of the Rogue River Valley but since I have for this time consumed all the space I could reasonably ask I will defer to some future time, not long hence, I hope to write of this city.
    Hoping all my friends in the Sevier Valley are enjoying their meed of the prosperity with which this land is blessed, I am, as ever, yours,

    Medford leads the world in the number of automobiles per capita of population. Statistics show that at the present time there is one automobile in use to every 500 population in the United States. Pasadena, with splendid roads, and called the "city of millionaires," has one automobile to every 72 population. Medford has one for every 30. The number of automobiles exceed 200, 200 in the city. And Medford is well equipped with garages, up to date in every particular, to care for them.
    The automobile is not a luxury in the valley. It has become a necessity. The orchard owners reside in the city, and when the rush times come on they must need visit their orchards several times a day. The automobile is needed. In the city the auto is needed for running errands, for short pleasure trips and the like. A level valley adds incentive until today Medford leads in the number of automobiles.
    Many cars have been purchased for the coming year, and auto dealers are unanimous in their censure of the fact that they are not allotted more cars. The outlook for the coming year is splendid and the motor car men are planning to make the most of it.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 28, 1909, page 12


    NUMBER 1--There is in the city of Medford one large book and stationery store, which carries also a beautiful line of art goods, pictures and frames. Among the refined and cultivated families that comprise the population of the valley is a fruitful field for the sale of those things which appeal to the intelligence, and the store is soon to spread out into more room. They are also headquarters for the Eastman Kodak and supplies. Also a beautiful line of Rookwood pottery--beautiful at all times, especially attractive at holiday time. What is the name of this store? Where is it located?
Medford Book Store, 209 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 2--If you have a horse or a wagon, or a buggy, or any number of things for sale, who is the man in Medford who will probably come into your mind as a buyer? Or if you want to buy, he is also in the market to sell you just what you want. He is a young man, a fair and square dealer, a native of Oregon and a resident of this vicinity for 2½ years. He is not cumbered with a big barn or stable, but he probably does more business along this line than many who are. He has a 20-acre fruit ranch near town, and he keeps his capital turning by doing teaming. He is always ready to buy or sell. Give his name and residence.
H. C. Bonney, 338 N. Front St.
    NUMBER 3--Every improvement that tends to lighten the household work of the women should be welcome. The fireless cooker and permanent hot water basin, which heats and keeps hot your water at 60 percent of the fuel cost, is one of the longest and most important steps that has been taken for womankind and the household. They should not be listless about learning of it. They ought to be enthusiastic about it, for it will neutralize their most tense household responsibility. A general agent of this great invention now has them on exhibition in Medford. Go and see them. They are not expensive, and it costs nothing to see them. He also handles the latest in lighting systems--cleaner and better than electric illumination. What is the name of this gentleman? Also give street number.
J. W. Whitney, 211 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 4--Where and from whom can you get the highest class service in merchant tailoring in Medford? This well-known house has been doing business here for six years. The name applied to this tailor is the spirit of the age. He is a tailor to men of taste, furnishing high-grade suits at from $[illegible] up. Carries a large line of imported and domestic fabrics in the latest shades and weaves, and the line is particularly complete in this fall's novelties. The styles and fit will appeal to careful dressers, the most particular attention being given to the details of each garment. Give name and street number.
W. W. Eifert, the Progressive Tailor, 10 N. Front St.
    NUMBER 5--One of the oldest realty companies in Medford has at its head at this time a gentleman who has been identified with the Rogue River Valley for 25 years. He has had practical experience in the development of its wonderful resources in various capacities. He knows the true value of the soil, its adaptability for specific purposes. and is one of the best-posted men in Oregon on land values. He is a safe man for either the newcomer or the resident to counsel with--either in buying or selling. He makes a specialty of fruit and alfalfa lands and has possibly the best general list for sale in this section. Give name of company, name of this gentleman and location of office.
Rogue River Land Co., W. M. Holmes, 11 N. Central Ave.
    NUMBER 6--What is the name and location of the drug store that has the all-night service? At any hour of the day or night you can reach them by phone and your order will be promptly delivered. This is something to be remembered. In the hour of dire trouble it will afford you relief. In this drug store will be found the purest of drugs and chemicals, the most complete line of proprietary medicines and cosmetics and the largest assortment of sundries. The most conscientious accuracy prevails in the filling of physicians' prescriptions. This pharmacy was formerly on Main Street, but it is now nearer the post office. Give its name and location.
Medford Pharmacy, 22 N. Central Ave.
    NUMBER 7--This is one of the exclusive dry goods and ladies' furnishing goods houses in the city, and you can almost identify them with this mention, without further description. This is their line, and they devote their entire energy to supplying the wants of their trade herein. Their stock of fancy goods and notions, dress goods, trimmings, hosiery and underwear is quite varied. And their line of ladies' suits is very attractive. Their prices in all lines have a decided  downward tendency at all times. For fifteen years this house has been selling goods to the people here. They like the Rogue Valley and the people. Give name of firm and location of store.
W. H. Meeker & Co., 231 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 8--That accessory to modern civilization which a few years ago had no existence, the garage, has in Medford a good representative. This garage has been running for a year past. Supplies for autos of all kinds are in stock, and they do all kinds of repairing. They sell the Chalmers-Detroit "30" and "40" machines, also the Hudson "20." These machines are "the last word" in automobile lore. They have the power, the style and the durability. The 1910 models are beauties. If you are in the market for a machine you should call and give them a chance to demonstrate. Give the name of the company and the location of garage. Soon to be moved to [a] new building being erected for their especial purpose on Holly Street, opposite the Vawter residence.
Valley Auto Co., rear Hotel Moore.
    NUMBER 9--This well-known store is named after an article of furniture which in modern houses is built in as a part of the house. It is a store where all modern people trade, because the goods they carry are up to date. They carry a very large line of men's furnishings of all kinds, also a full line of shoes for the whole blessed family. Quality in everything is what has built up their big trade and they stick to it like the bark on a beech tree. People wonder how they can give the quality they do for the price. The Lion pants--from the congested condition of his robe he will soon hunt for larger quarters, a fine new store room, 28x60, where they will spread out and scatter more and greater bargains. Give name of store, name of firm, present location, also new location.
The Wardrobe, Brandon & Whitney, 107 Main St., new location third room in Farmers' and Fruit Growers' Bank Bldg.
    NUMBER 11 [sic]--This paragraph represents one of the leading jewelry establishments of the metropolis of the Rogue Valley. It is soon to move to a more commodious room in a new building and it is up to you to give his name and location, also his new location. This gentleman was formerly connected with San Francisco's famous jewelry establishment--Shreve & Co. Also was in business at San Luis Obispo, Cal., where he was official inspector of watches for the S.P. Co. His business has built up very rapidly and is growing larger every day. He carries a large line of goods and manufactures to order. Any design in mind he will perfect for you. He will be glad to meet your wants for holiday goods.
Geo. A. Butt, 135 W. Main St., new location, 202 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 12--Here is where you make your money stretch. They claim you get everything here for about half price. They have both new and second-hand goods: not only furniture and stoves but agateware, tinware, tents, hardware, crockery, sewing machines, and goods of all kinds. This lively institution is located just a little off the paved streets, and it is an interesting sight to walk through their big ware rooms and see what they have gathered together. When you fail to find what you want elsewhere you can usually find it here. But why not come here first and save your energy--as well as your money. You know this firm. Give their name and location.
Mordoff & Woolf, 18-20 [South] Fir St.
    NUMBER 13--Give the name of the livery, feed and sale stable in Medford which has just changed hands, bringing into existence a new firm of oldtimers who are known to be horsemen worth while. Also give the name of the new firm and location of the barn. If we told you the composition of the walls you would know it at once and that would not be fair. You can get any kind of a rig you want here except the poor kind. Everything is kept in fine order and the horses are the best that travel the roads. Figure this out carefully and make no mistake now--or ever in the future when you want to drive.
West Side Livery, Feed and Sale Stable, Farlow & Dowling, S. Grape, off Main.
    NUMBER 14--What is the name and location of the restaurant, also give the name of the firm? They serve splendid dinners at noon for 25 cents. and it is one of the liveliest places in the city, especially at this hour. The restaurant has been running many months, but the present firm took hold of it only three weeks ago. They serve the very best short orders at all times. Has lunch counter and tables. One of the firm is chef and the other looks after the serving. They make a team that never stalls or balks. They are getting a big trade. No matter which side they are on, you will strike a warm trail on a street that fronts the depot.
Medford Restaurant, 16 S. Fir St., Palmer & Gardner.
    NUMBER 15--Where in Medford is the place to get everything that swims, and a good many things that fly? And then some. All kinds of foreign and domestic cheese, the very best macaroni, spaghetti, and other paste goods, olives, pickles, oysters, and other delicacies. Fresh fish, poultry and game, they always have the best and at the lowest prices. Consignments received daily. If you are fond of a good dinner (pshaw, what's the use to say it) you can bank on having one fit for a king if you patronize this shop. Wholesale and retail. Prompt delivery in the city. Phone 3621. Give name and location.
Rogue River Fish Co., 17 N. Fir St.
    NUMBER 16--'Tis the sweetest story ever told. The new proprietor of this well-known candy store has been a manufacturing confectioner for 20 years. He will soon occupy a beautiful new store room which is being fitted especially to accommodate his business. All candies, ice creams, syrups and other confections will be manufactured on the premises and will be absolutely pure and wholesome. Special preparations are being made for the holiday trade. Beautiful line of holiday packages. A few days more and the new store will be ready for the opening. Give name, present location and new location.
H. D. McBride Co., 209 E. Main St., new location, 229 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 17--What is the name of the only hotel in the city strictly on the American plan? Where is it located? This hotel serves the best 25-cent meals in the city. The dining room is large and well conducted. The hotel makes rates of $1.25 and $1.50 a day, including meals. The rooms are clean, well ventilated and nicely furnished. Better accommodations for the money can not be found elsewhere in the whole state. The best fruit is not always plucked from the biggest trees, neither does one always get the best accommodations from the largest hotels.
Palace Hotel, 28-30 S. Central Ave.
    NUMBER 18--Insurance that insures, that is the business of the gentleman whom this paragraph represents. He has paid out $11,500 in losses in Medford alone since July 15 this year. He has the oldest insurance business in the city, although it came under his control only within the present year. He represents fifteen of the best American and foreign companies. He does not mix the insurance business with the realty or any other business. He is an insurance expert. If you want insurance that insures, you should make it a point to see him. Your loss not to know him. Give his name and location of office.
R. A. Holmes, Room 33, over Jackson County Bank.
    NUMBER 19--What is the name of one of the lending markets in the city which also has a branch in the next block and which probably serves more families with the choicest meats that are butchered in the valley than any other similar institution here? This market was founded by one of its present proprietors seven years ago. This is the market where cleanliness is a constant care, where the people who run it are experienced in every detail. They butcher the best home-grown stock, cattle, sheep and porkers, and they guarantee the most wholesome product. The name sounds pleasing to the pocketbook. Give name and location of market and name of firm.
Economy Market, 14 N. Central Ave., Nichols & Ashpole.
    NUMBER 20--This is one of the prominent real estate companies of the city of Medford, and they are doing a lively business in orchard and alfalfa lands; also in city property, loans and rentals. They have been doing business for two years. Their office is in a talking machine store, but they do not need the machine to help them out in reciting the glories and substantial benefits of owning land anywhere in the Rogue River Valley. They know all the good points of this valley like a book and are only too glad to impart information to those seeking investment. They are energetic, enterprising and reliable. Give name of company and location.
The Kenyon Real Estate Co., 108 West Main St.
    NUMBER 21--Who are the live wires who do most of the electric work in the Rogue River Valley? And where is their place of business? They have been less than two years forging to the front, but then they know the business. They have a store full of the most beautiful electric fixtures--a splendid variety from which to make choice. They do all kinds of electrical work either by contract or any old way. Tell them your troubles in person or over the phone and they will fly to your relief. By the omission of two letters from their name it would be "fly."
Flynn Bros., 130 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 22--Here is an institution which for ten years has been selling to the farmers and orchardists of the Rogue River Valley all kinds of farming implements and vehicles. The reader has no doubt already had his mind impressed with the identity of this house, but to make identification doubly sure will say that this establishment has the exclusive agency in this city for the Studebaker vehicles and wagons, and the Canton plows and farm implements. These are known the world over as the most perfect and the most economical manufactured. None can explain their merits to better satisfaction than this well-known gentleman, whose name and location you are to give.
F. Osenbrugge, bet. S.P. Siding and S. Fir St.
    NUMBER 23--The largest and best conducted billiard and pool hall in Southern Oregon is located where? Also give name of the firm which runs it. At best, it is not going to be very difficult for you to identify this establishment, and if we told you whether it was on the ground floor or upstairs you would have a dead sure thing on it. There is always something doing about this popular amusement parlor. If you are downtown in the evening looking for your friends the chances are that you will find them here. Features of interest and special entertainment every evening.
Upstairs, Young & Hall Building, 12 N. Front St., S. I. Brown & Co.
    NUMBER 24--Hardware is prominently displayed in the name of this company and still more prominent is it found in the ware rooms of the store. There is an air of modernness and up-to-dateness about this store which tells you that the institution has not yet been stricken with old age and that the goods on sale are twentieth-century goods. The Loraine range, the most modern and best of all, makes its Medford home here. Phoenix pure paints in all shades and consistencies are also an exclusive feature of this stock. Big line of sporting goods, guns and ammunition, fishing tackle; everything in hardware. Give name of company and location of store.
Medford Hardware Co., 218 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 25--What in the name of the choicest orchard subdivision in all the land of the big red apples, and who are the promoters? Where is their office? This tract is west of town, midway between here and the county seat. This land is in orchard, some of it bearing trees and the remainder alfalfa. The tract is subdivided into ten-acre lots which are very attractive to buyers. The same firm also has other property for sale, what is said to be the best line of real estate bargains ever placed on the markets of Southern Oregon. Both members of the firm have resided here many years, one of them more than a quarter of a century. Investigate this and tell your friends about it.
Perry's Subdivision, White & Trowbridge, 6 S. Fir St.
    NUMBER 26--Sanitary plumbing is not a thing upon which everybody has a lead-pipe cinch. There are plumbers and plumbers. Some of them are sanitary and some are not. This gentleman has had experience in every detail. He knows his business. His work is in evidence in nearly all the prominent buildings of the city. Both the leading hotels and all three of the bank buildings were plumbed by him. He is a general sanitary engineer, is also master of steam and hot water heating. Thinking of building? He will be glad to give you pointers. All kinds of repairing and trouble work attended to promptly. Give his name and location.
William A. Aitken, 211 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 27--What lumber yard in Medford has been here the longest? Owns its own mills and its own timber, its dry kilns, planing mills, etc. They take the lumber out of the tree and bring the finished product in all its various dimensions and varied finishes to the local market, where they fill your orders as promptly as paved streets and good teams can do it. One of their hobbies is long timbers, or any other kind to order. The company is incorporated. Give name and location of yard. The very name suggests lumber and lots of it.
Woods Lumber Co., cor. S. Fir and Ninth sts.
    NUMBER 28--This little paragraph is to represent one of Medford's leading mercantile institutions. They carry a large line of the choicest fancy and staple groceries and provisions, also the largest line of crockery and tableware in town. They make a specialty of the Haviland china dinner sets and odd pieces. Also many cut glass pieces at real bargain prices. There is no line better from which to select your holiday gifts. This is one of the old stores of the city but came under present control only last April. One of their specialties is the Webfoot flour. Give name of this store and location.
B. and C. Cash Store, 223 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 29--What is the name of the bank in Medford which is the United States Depositary? This bank was established June 15th, 1905, with a capital stock of $50,000, and its resources at this time are twenty-seven times larger than when it began business. The official report to the Comptroller of Currency November 16, just a few days ago, showed the individual deposits in this bank to be $564,107.83--over a half million of dollars. Each year shows a substantial growth in the business of this bank. They offer every facility to the business man and the farmer and investor. Splendid safe deposit boxes for rent as low as $2 a year.
First National Bank.
    NUMBER 30--You cannot go astray on this proposition. You can locate the only abstract company in Medford. The same "plant" has been doing business with the people of Jackson County for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1904 it was incorporated. They have the only complete abstract system in the county. They have offices in Medford, Ashland and Jacksonville. When you need a title searched you will not go astray to put your business in their hands They are painstaking, experienced, accurate, reliable and amply bonded. When they have passed on your title you need to lose no sleep. Give name of this company and location of Medford office.
Jackson County Abstract Co., over Jackson County Bank.
    NUMBER 31--What is the name of the bank in Medford whose resources total $621,489.98? Whose deposits exceed a half million dollars, according to the official statement of November 16th? Whose deposits have increased $107,372.04 since the first of September this year, showing the largest growth in the bank's existence? These facts should be of interest to anyone. Whose home is on one of the city's most central corners, a modern building, representing a value of $10,000? Who has commodious and convenient safety deposit vaults and boxes, modern facilities of all kinds? This bank is under the management of gentlemen, some of whom have had 20 years of banking experience in Southern Oregon, and have an intimate knowledge of the lands in Jackson County, and seen some of them advance from $10 to $1000 an acre. They are therefore in position to select the best securities in the way of loans. This intimate knowledge of the people and property enables this bank to place its loans entirely throughout the county, with people of well-known commercial rating, thereby securing for its depositors the greatest factor of safety as against buyers of eastern securities. It not only helps the city of Medford by purchasing its bonds, which are gilt-edged, but is ever ready to extend banking assistance to home people, consistent with conservative banking methods.
The Medford National Bank.
    NUMBER 32--Before your gaze at this time is a word picture of a prominent bakery and delicatessen. The best bread emanates from this shop, and their cakes and pastry have a local reputation for excellence. Did you ever eat any of their fruit cakes? Yum, yum! They take pleasure in filling orders for any kind of cakes for wedding, party or birthday events. They are making elaborate preparations for the Christmas holidays. Here is where they will shine. The delicacy department carries a big line of ready-prepared lunch goods and good things of all kinds for the table. This institution is a near neighbor to this office. Give its name, name of firm and location of the store.
The Delicatessen and Bakery, Wetzel & Burch, 42 S. Central Ave.
    NUMBER 33--The lives of a great many people of Medford and surrounding country are saved every day by the enterprising groceryman who forms the basis of this little story. He has been doing business here five years. The store has a name that corresponds to the side of town on which it is located. Carries a large line of the best brands of staple and fancy groceries, fruits, cigars and tobacco. Sells the White River flour, made at The Dalles--absolutely the best in all Oregon. Also the Albany Gold Brick, the best butter made. Quality is the watchword in this store. Get acquainted. Give name of store, name of proprietor, also street number.
West Side Grocery, W. Stringer, 114 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 34--Give the name and location of the firm of civil engineers which has the best equipped engineering office in Southern Oregon. Their services are in demand from all sections for surveys, maps, plans, specifications, reports, estimates, etc. for water power and water works, paving and road making, sewerage, railroads, irrigation and drainage projects. One of the firm brings an English education to bear, while the other is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They are open to engagements that are worthwhile everywhere.
Osgood & Cummings, Medford National Bank Building.
    NUMBER 35--There is no mercantile institution that presents a more pleasing aspect than a well-ordered harness and leather goods store. Medford has one of the best in Southern Oregon. There is a large assortment of leather goods and in harness and saddles the most complete assortment. General repairing of all kinds is attended to with skill. This is the oldest harness store in the city. The present proprietor succeeded to its management last spring. He is not a new man in Medford, however, neither is he a novice in this line of business. When you want anything in the harness line he will make it to your advantage to see him. He is energetic and enterprising, always boosting for Medford. Give name and address.
J. C. Smith, 314 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 36--In these piping times of "scrimp and save" it behooves the head of the family to make his money go as far as possible. The second-hand store is the one place to accomplish the purpose. The one we have in mind is centrally located and has a big line of furniture and household goods of all kinds, tools, stoves, musical instruments, hardware and human necessities of all kinds. Much of this merchandise is practically as good as new, and can be bought for half price. This store has been running under its present management for over two years. Prior to this it had an existence on the West Side. The accumulation of goods has brought together a great variety, affording many splendid bargains. Give name and location.
E. F. Wilson & Co., 283 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 37--There is a certain postcard emporium named after a very gay old bird, and combined with this is a first-class print shop that turns out work that is very creditable to the "art preservative of all arts." In fact, this is an art shop all around. For the holidays there will be found on display here the most complete line of cards, views and greetings, beautiful beyond extravagant expectation. Large stock of pyrographic supplies. It will pay you to climb the easy stairway to have a look at the fine display. Anything in printing is the motto here, also, and the man behind the business will make it his business to see that you are pleased. Give name of the "bird," name of proprietor and location.
Blue Jay, Frank H. Hull, Second Floor, 231 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 38--What is the name of the large piano house whose branch in Medford in doing such a lively business and is giving the people here the same advantages offered in the metropolis? They are exclusive sales managers in Southern Oregon for the Steinway, the king of all pianos. They will sell you a piano of any of their numerous makes if you wish it, and agree to take it back any time within three years as a full credit on a Steinway. If the Steinway calls for a larger investment than you care to make now you will appreciate this opportunity. Give the name of this famous piano house, name of local manager and location of store.
Sherman, Clay & Co., Van Walters, Local Manager, 134 W. Main St.
    NUMBER 39--What is the name of the big planing mills in Medford and who are the enterprising proprietors? This may not be very difficult for you to answer, but it is important that you know that they manufacture sash, doors, moldings, inside finish, stair work, grills, screens, counters, and fixtures, brackets and turned work of all kinds. They have the largest plant in Southern Oregon and give employment to 18 men. Their machinery is modern and complete--look out for the new Invincible sander soon to be added to their equipment. All mill work turned out by them is superior and strictly in accordance with detail drawings. Carry also a full stock of glass of all kinds. Give name and location of this mill.
Medford Sash & Door Co., cor. Fir and Eleventh sts.
    NUMBER 40--''If you have beauty, come, I'll take it; if you have none, come, I'll make it." This is the incentive offered by a certain leading portrait studio in Medford. And it goes without saying that his threshold is crossed by hundreds of the "smart set" and other sets as the days go by. This studio is conducted by an artist who has had 25 years' experience, 15 of that period in Medford. The class of work turned out here is of a very high grade. Portraits are the specialty and they are produced in the highest style known to the art. All styles and sizes. While the grade of work is high, the prices are very low. You are asked to give the name and location.
H. C. Mackey, Seventh and Central Ave.
    NUMBER 41--You are asked to name the oldest bank in the city of Medford. Not for the purpose of boasting, but as a simple statement of facts, would say that this bank has the largest capital stock and also the largest surplus and undivided profits of any bank in Medford. The capital stock is $100,000 and the surplus and undivided profits amount to $41,437.04. This bank was established in 1888 and has had an unbroken record of prosperous advancement. It enjoys the complete confidence of the people, as shown by their deposits, which aggregate a larger sum than those of any other bank in the city. They pay interest on time certificates of deposit.
The Jackson County Bank.
    NUMBER 42--What is the name of the enterprising company which manufactures the brick and built most of the brick walls of the many brick buildings in this city? They have been in the business several years and with their excellent facilities and experimental knowledge of brick making and brick laying they are in position to ensure the very best brick walls that it is possible for anybody to construct. They manufacture the common brick, also a splendid red pressed brick, which makes a beautiful building. They have plenty of the best brick clay to be found in the West, and at the present time they have plenty of brick on hand to tide them over to good weather. Give name of this company and location of works.
The Medford Brick Co., West Jackson St.
    NUMBER 43--Give the name of the mill that makes the best flour in Southern Oregon. The Blue Stem Hard Wheat Flour stands at the head of the class and (somebody's) Best is another brand that is having a big sale. This flour is all manufactured right here in Medford and more and more it is becoming the universal habit to demand from the grocer this brand. Its excellence is penetrating the whole surrounding country and the market is reaching out in all directions. This mill is a full roller mill, with facilities to produce the very best product, and they are doing it. They also manufacture corn meal, graham, farina, brans, shorts, rolled barley, etc. Give the name and location of this home industry.
Medford Flour Mills, cor. S. Front and Eighth [sic] sts.
    NUMBER 44 --The man who made two blades of grass to grow where before only one ventured into this sinful world was not in it with the man who invented the vacuum carpet and rug cleaner. No human being will hesitate to give the individual who does away with house cleaning the first rank as a benefactor to his race. A certain gentleman has recently installed one of these machines in Medford. It is propelled by a gasoline engine which sits out in the street, and short work is made of cleaning the ordinary house--less than half day. Very thorough, very economical. Interested? Phone Main 353. Give name of proprietor and location.
W. R. McAlvin, 222 E. Main St.
    NUMBER 45--Who are the competent general wagon makers of Medford and where are they located? For 13 years--lucky 13--they have been dealing with the people of the Rogue River country, and their patrons come from far and near. They do their work in a most satisfactory manner, and that means "once a customer always a customer." They are making a specialty of putting on rubber tires. They use the very best stock and do the job almost while you wait. They also manufacture spray tanks and orchard harrows. They can meet your requirement in any line. If you do not know this firm it is time you were finding them out.
Mitchell & Boeck, 20 [South] Riverside Ave., rear.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 9, 1909, page 6.  This article provided the answers to a promotional contest presented by the newly merged Mail Tribune. The winner was Mrs. John Derry, of 507 South Holly. Her prize was a $25 Peerless telephone.