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Medford in 1918


Photo taken May 30, 1921, looking West down Main at Central

Au Revoir to Medford
By Dr. J. Lawrence Hill.

    As we are about to say au revoir to Medford and those who have made our stay here so pleasant, we cannot leave without publicly saying that we shall carry away with us many very tender memories of those we  shall leave behind. We have learned to love Medford and its people. They have been good and kind and helpful to us and ever appreciative of the little that we have tried to do for them and the betterment of the city.
    Medford is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever lived in, a city and valley of wonderful possibilities, and if those in charge of its interests are discreet, earnest in their efforts and work together, forgetting past differences and mistakes, I can see no reason whatever why it should not become one of the most prosperous cities on the coast. Its agricultural outlook cannot be equaled anywhere, as its soil can grow almost anything, and its mineral and ore deposits, according to the best authorities, are richer and greater than are to be found in any other state.
    We are leaving for the winter months because Mrs. Hill's health is much better in Portland, on account of the low altitude, and as Portland will be during the war the home of our two sons, and, after the war, of our son now in France. We have deemed it necessary to make the change, and for no fault with Medford nor its people, as they are among the very best it has been our privilege to meet anywhere.
    For a city of its size I know of no city that can boast of more intelligence, culture, a higher standard of morality, and for earnest efforts in things worthwhile. Its people are ever responsive to every worthy appeal, and in civic affairs they are not to be equaled, especially the members of the Greater Medford and Colony clubs.
   In meeting the demands of patriotic work during the past year its record is not surpassed by many large cities. Zeal, unselfishness, kindness, generosity and loyalty to our government and nation, and in meeting the needs of our soldiers both at home and abroad, has won the highest praise of those who stand high in the councils of both state and nation.
    Medford, the gateway of splendors and scenic beauties unrivaled anywhere, Medford hospitable, generous, loyal, clean, with its paved streets, beautiful homes and lawns, its fruits and roses profuse, beautiful and fragrant, its wonderful sunrises and gorgeous sunsets, its balmy air, ideal winters, its water unexcelled, its roads which can be traveled for nearly the whole year, its mountains with their playful sunshine and shadows, the green of its valley orchards, the brown of its cultivated land, the yellow of the occasional stubble field makes the valley look like some huge map laid off in tinted squares, and nestling as it does at the foot of the mountains it is like a cameo set in a mounting of pearls and emeralds.
    Here is wishing you all long life and prosperity. Here is wishing Medford a brighter future than its brightest past. We are leaving with regret. We are leaving with nothing in our hearts but love for you all. We pray that the friendships formed here will continue to the end of the winding trail.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 11, 1918, page 4



Last revised November 25, 2020