Emigrants coming to stay.
    The Empire House is sold.
    Improvements are being continued.
    J. E. Drucks, of Portland, is sick at the Riddle House.
    Mr. Lumsden has bought G. H. Baker's property in town.
    Mr. Baker has sold his house and lot on C Street; consideration, $2600.
    West Johnson sold to D. Minnick house and lot; consideration, $1000.
    "On investigation," it has been found that southern Oregon is a finer country than even the southern part of California.
    A. S. Jacobs has sold his interest in the Riddle House to J. E. Drucks, from Portland, through the agency of A. H. Sunderman.
    Lawton & Son report the following sales: O. T. Hufts, house and lot to Mr. Russ; consideration, $1000. J. M. Shadle, house and lot in block No. 2 to  D. T. Lawton; consideration, $1300.
    Thirteen lots have been sold in Beatty's addition, on the north side of the city.
    Medford, Or., April 11.
Ashland Tidings, April 13, 1888, page 2

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 20, 1888, page 3

    MEDFORD, April 30.--Prohibition speaking throughout Jackson County last week resulted in a county convention here today. A full ticket was nominated. For representatives--D. H. Hawkins, of Ashland, E. F. Walker, of Medford, and W. W. Miller, of Eagle Point; county judge--Fred T. Downing, of Central Point; sheriff--W. W. Willits, of Flounce Rock; county clerk--David C. Herrin, of Medford; treasurer--C. B. Kingsbury, of Ashland; assessor--C. H. Gillette, of Ashland; school superintendent--Lake France, Sams Valley; commissioners--Charles Carney, of Eagle Point, and L. A. Rose, of Phoenix; surveyor--W. H. Newton, Gold Hill; coroner--Dr. George Kahler, Phoenix. There was a ratification meeting tonight.
Oregonian, Portland, May 1, 1888, page 2


Morning Daily Herald, Albany, May 2, 1888, page 1

    EDITOR TIMES:--On the morning of May 13th a fire broke out on the ranch belonging to Rufus Cox on Big Sticky. Truett Cox (son of the owner) and family reside on the place at the present time, and, between three and four o'clock Mrs. C. was awakened by a roaring noise and gave the alarm. The barn was discovered to be afire and the flames beyond control. The building, a header, carriage, saddles, harness, brushes, combs, etc., were consumed. The fire is supposed to have started from a cigar or cigarette, as there had been a social surprise party at the house the evening before. The loss is about $1100, and the insurance $600.

ALL THOSE KNOWING THEMSELVES indebted to the undersigned, either by note or book account, are hereby earnestly requested to call and settle at their earliest convenience. Our business must be closed.

MEDFORD, May 18.

    Our young people will soon organize a tennis club.
    Several ten-acre suburban tracts changed hands this week.
    Quite a number of Californians have been in the city this week prospecting.
    Col. Faris, of the Empire House, is making extensive improvements to his hotel.
    Col. Hayden and the Misses Cousins of Melbourne, Australia, were visitors here last week.
    Several new streets have been laid out and extensions of old ones made during the past week.
    J. H. Anderson of Minnesota has become a resident of this city and will engage in contracting.
    The young ladies of the Baptist church [will] give a strawberry supper soon for the benefit of the church.
    Medford needs a live weekly newspaper, and such will receive a liberal patronage from our people.
    Hon. John D. Whitman has been invited to address the Democratic Party upon the tariff and other questions.
    Strawberries of the finest quality are plentiful and prices are very reasonable. The fruit prospect is very flattering.
    A charter for a Masonic lodge, to be located in this city, will be asked of the grand lodge of the state in a short time.
    The funeral of D. R. White was largely attended by the Masonic fraternity under whose rites Mr. White was buried.
    The Medford brass band will soon give outdoor concerts. Our band is the finest in Southern Oregon and has received numerous invitations from abroad.
    A party of Australian tourists stopped here lately for supper, when two young ladies of the party availed themselves of the time to view the scenery of our valley and they were left by the train.
    The sad death of Frank Whitman, son of Hon. J. D. Whitman, of this city, created much sorrow here. Mr. Whitman was in the employ of Battin & Co., of Portland, and was known for his sterling business qualities and standing as a young man of the highest integrity.
Oregonian, Portland, May 21, 1888, page 2

Standard Reapers, Hay Rakes, with steel wheels, and Mowers with cutting power greater than any other mower, with less draft, and the only machine with Sickle Edge Guard Plates, which prevent the grass from slipping forward when the section strikes it, besides having the only guard that sharpens itself by use. Call and see the serrated guard before purchasing.

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 8, 1888 et seq., page 3


    Attention is called to the professional card of Dr. Pickel, who lately located here.
    Rev. E. McLean, who has taken charge of the Presbyterian Church here, has arrived from Linkville, accompanied by his family.
    One of the grandest celebrations ever held in Jackson County will take place here on July 4th. A first-class programme is in course of preparation, and no pains will be spared to make this the event of the season. Everybody is invited to participate.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 8, 1888, page 3

    The ladies of Medford will give a lawn sociable Tuesday evening, June 19th, for the benefit of the Presbyterian Church, which will be held on the grounds west of the depot. A pleasing and unique programme will be furnished, and ice cream, cake and fruit will be provided. Japanese ladies will serve tea to all who desire it. There will be music by the choir, and the Medford brass band is expected to add to the enjoyment of the evening. Should the weather prove unfavorable the sociable will be held in Stanley's hall. All are invited.

THERE WILL BE A GRAND celebration, barbecue and free dinner at Medford on Independence Day, and a cordial invitation is extended to the citizens of Jackson and surrounding counties to participate.

    Clear weather again.
    Walter Jackson interviewed his many customers here Wednesday.
    Messrs. Follett & Fowler will open a large furniture store here next week.
    Three hundred and fifty persons took meals at the Riddle House last Sunday. Pretty good for one day.
    Julius Goldsmith will run a free delivery wagon for the accommodation of his customers after this week.
    A large crowd witnessed the tight-rope exhibition here last Friday given by Davidson Bros. They are first-class performers.
    The R.R. company intend lengthening the depot platform at this place 500 feet, to accommodate the large trains now being run over this road.
    Everybody should come to Medford to spend the Fourth. Great preparations are being made, and no pains will be spared to make it the leading celebration of the valley.
    The Wrought Iron Range Co. have moved their headquarters to Roseburg, and have finished canvassing this section. They are gentlemen in every respect, and we all regret their leaving.
    The sociable last Tuesday evening was a decided success. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, it was decided to postpone the lawn sociable until later in the season, and hold this one in the hall.
Ashland Tidings, June 22, 1888, page 3


    DEAR OLD RURAL PRESS:--Thinking a few lines from Southern Oregon might be of interest to some of your readers, I write you.
    We had a very dry spring until about the 25th of May, which shortened up grain crops somewhat, but since that time at least four inches of rain has fallen and vegetation is just hopping. Alfalfa is badly down; would like to have a few weeks of California sunshine to do our haying. It looks like clearing off now.
    The fruit crops will be good. A great many new orchards have been set out the last winter, and old ones are receiving better attention than formerly. Winter apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, almonds and the Mission grape do well in this country, and farmers are turning a great deal of attention to fruit.
    Diversified farming is carried on much more than in the Sacramento Valley. Farms are generally small. The country is just awakening to its resources. A great many newcomers are buying and settling in Jackson County. We have a great deal of very fine productive soil, and as good a climate as any country 1400 to 2000 feet high, surrounded by timber-covered mountains, could expect. We have but little heavy winds, last winter being an unusually cold one; the mercury for three or four mornings hovered close around zero, 3°, 4°, 6°, 7° being the coldest. It was a little tough on us old Californians after living in the Sacramento Valley for 23 years raising wheat.
    I have as good a grass ranch, for its size, as there is in Southern Oregon. All kinds of vegetables do well on our best land without irrigation. A great deal of foothill land is vacant, and railroad land could be utilized by irrigating with the waters of Rogue River, a clear, rapid stream abounding in trout and salmon. Such a stream in the dry interior valleys of California would be worth millions. I must close, wishing success to the Rural and its many readers. Enclosed find one year's subscription. I think I have taken it 14 years; hope to be able to take it 14 more.
Pacific Rural Press, San Francisco, June 23, 1888, page 550

    A number of real estate transactions are still taking place.
    Rev. G. W. Black and family have removed to Grants Pass.
    J. B. Riddle elsewhere calls for a general settlement. His business must be closed at once.
    Wm. Ulrich has sold his interest in the saloon building opposite the depot to John Noland for $1,000.
    Julius Goldsmith, lately of Eugene City, has opened one of the nicest grocery stores in southern Oregon.
    Recorder Barkdull has resigned, and Judge Walton has been appointed by the trustees to succeed him.
    Miss Eva Galloway of this place, who is now attending the State University, will return home in a few days.
    Jasper Crenshaw, who is now following his trade at Ager, Cal., is paying his friends in this section a visit.
    E. J. Smillie keeps an excellent variety store and restaurant and is liberally patronized. He spares no pains to give satisfaction.
    No doubt our town will be crowded on the 4th of July. The programme which will be observed is second to none and will attract many hither.
    There is much stir in anticipation of the coming 4th of July, for which event our citizens are making much preparation. A grand time will be had, and no mistake.
    J. H. Faris, the new proprietor of the Empire Hotel, is enlarging the building and thoroughly renovating it. He will reopen it in a short time and keep a first-class place.
    J. B. Riddle will retire from the management of the Riddle House on July 1st, and will be succeeded by M. A. Brentano, who fully understands the business. Mr. R. and family have made numerous friends while in the valley, who will regret to hear of their departure for Douglas County.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1888, page 2


    Business is dull in Southern Oregon.
    Half-fare railroad rates on July 4th.
    S. McCallister of Medford was in town with a load of brooms a few days since.
    A tramp armed with bagpipes has been annoying the people of Southern Oregon lately.
    Tramps and peddlers were never so numerous as now. They are a regular pest and should be legislated against.
    The Jacksonville and Medford baseball clubs will indulge in a friendly game at the latter place tomorrow afternoon.
    Those having claims against J. B. Riddle of Medford are requested to present them for settlement, and all indebted to him in any manner will call and settle at once.
    The handsomest lady on the 4th of July ground at Medford will be presented with one dozen cabinet photographs of herself by D. C. Herrin, the leading photographer of Southern Oregon.
    Not many immigrants are arriving, and real estate transactions are not numerous. After harvest there will no doubt be a lively real estate market, as a large immigration from California and east of the Rocky Mountains may be expected.
    Most of the effects of Dr. Lempert were sold last Saturday at sheriff's sale. There were quite a number of them and some very valuable. Nearly everything went quite low, however. The mystery concerning his sudden departure still remains unraveled.
    H. E. Battin has returned from a visit to Southern Oregon. He reports that section as looking fine and everybody happy. They have had lots of rain out there, but not enough to hurt. There will be a big crop of peaches, plenty of the better variety of apples and an abundance of pears. The fruit growers there have to compete with California in this market, but they have the advantage of a cent and a half a pound in express rates in their favor, and so should be able to hold their own.--[Oregonian.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1888, page 3


    Capt. A. J. Stewart, a brother of Hon. J. H. and F. M. Stewart, arrived from the East a short time since and will locate. He has purchased some land of S. B. Edsall and J. A. Anderson.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1888, page 3


    The barbecue at Medford will be one of the features of the 4th of July in this section.
    The Medford celebration will be one of the very best and doubtless will be very largely attended.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1888, page 3




JULY 4, 1888
    Jessie Fane Ann & Katie John and Eva Robison went to Medford to attend the Celebration, Wellie went on the pony. Grand Pa went with us in the Hack. Emmett went on the train 
    There were about twenty five hundred people out.
Diary of Welborn Beeson, Talent


    A camp meeting will be held at Heber Grove, commencing on July 12th, under the auspices of the M.E. Church, South. All are invited to attend.
    The price of wheat is very low, prime bringing only 44 cents a bushel at the Medford warehouse. Grain raising is not profitable at such low figures.
    The Jacksonville and Medford baseball clubs indulged in a friendly game on the grounds of the latter last Saturday. It resulted in a victory for our nine.
    The Phoenix and Medford baseball clubs have lately been playing a number of games. Some good playing has been done, and the honors are about equally divided.
    It is estimated that there were nearly 4,000 people at the Medford celebration on July 4th, which was probably the largest crowd that assembled anywhere in southern Oregon that day. The programme was a first-class one in every particular and carried out to the letter. Everybody speaks highly of it.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 6, 1888, page 3


    Geo. Yaudes has removed to his former residence in Sterlingville precinct from Medford.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 6, 1888, page 3


    Ward Douglas, the insurance agent, may be seen among us again.
    J. T. Kennedy, lately of Applegate, is now a resident of this place.
    Medford has another saddle and hardness shop; also a new furniture store.
    Our population is increasing and there are some real estate transactions.
    A number of improvements are under way in different portions of town.
    The crowd that assembled on the 4th of July was the largest ever seen here.
    Frank Kasshafer of Jacksonville is assisting H. H. Wolters at the Monarch Saloon in Medford.
    A new barber shop has been started on Front Street, in the rooms formerly occupied by Baker & Merrill.
    J. B. Riddle is still in charge of the Riddle House, the Hotaling Co. of Portland having failed to come to time as yet.
    The firm of Harris & Bunch has been dissolved, and T. A. Harris is again conducting the butcher business at this place.
    Haskins & Lawton keeps a complete and first-class line of drugs, medicines, etc., and never fail in pleasing all who call on them.
    Dr. Geary and Miss Ella Gore witnessed commencement exercises at the State University in Eugene City last week.
    Judge Walton and T. A. Harris were in Jacksonville yesterday. The former is building a fine residence in the northern portion of town.
    Another store building is being built in town, on C Street, and will soon  be occupied by a gentleman who has lately become a resident of this place.
    Medford's 4th of July celebration is highly spoken of everywhere, and no doubt was more of a success than any other in southern Oregon.
    The Empire Hotel has been enlarged, nicely painted and otherwise improved. It presents a good appearance and will be conducted in the best style.   
    The Union livery stables was crowded with business as it never was before on the 4th of July. Ed. knows how to conduct a livery stable, and is ably assisted by Shorty.
    Mrs. I. L. Hamilton was adjudged to be the handsomest lady by the judges of the celebration here, and gets the photographs offered by D. C. Herrin, our enterprising photographer.
    W. G. Cooper & Son have one of the largest and best stocks of saddles, harness, etc., in Jackson County and sells at prices that give satisfaction. Call on them, if you need anything in their line.
    Dr. Pryce is kept very busy and his practice extends the length and breadth of Rogue River Valley. He was a few days since called to Ashland, in consultation with Doctors Parson and Beebe, in the cases of Mesdames Wilson and Dollarhide, who have been dangerously ill.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 6, 1888, page 3


EDITOR TIMES:
    If the Medford correspondent of the Ashland Tidings will sign his surname, leaving off the last syllable, the public will have no difficulty in locating the author of the would-be witty and wholly ungrammatical articles that occasionally emanate from his brain and pen.
    The Medford brass band held a picnic at Gold Hill not long since, which was well attended and passed off pleasantly.
    The Grand Central Hotel at Medford is proving quite popular and doing a good business. Give Brentano a call when you are in town.
    Some farmers are summer-fallowing their land, notably W. H. Barr of Medford precinct, who completed considerable plowing quite recently.
    From every portion of southern Oregon comes the report that crops will be very large and much more grain than ever will be harvested. The hay crop is immense and of good quality.
    The folly of allowing fruit trees to overbear is apparent on all sides. At least one-half of the crop should have been thinned out, as that which remained would have been larger and of better flavor and would have commanded a much better price.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 26, 1888, page 3



    Strangers are numerous.
    Medford has six physicians and but little sickness at present.
    Ed. Worman carries his hand in a sling, the result of his late accident.
    Elder Sidener of the Christian Church has been holding services here.
    A branch of the W.C.T.U. will soon be organized here; also a Band of Hope.
    F. Hubbard's new residence is almost completed. It is a neat and comfortable one.
    Postmaster Miller and Dave Crosby each sport a Cleveland hat, which is quite becoming.
    A. H. Phelps is now a resident of Albany, where he has taken a position in Burkhart's job office.
    Geo. S. Briggs, lately of East Portland, has located here and will engage in the nursery business.
    A curtain in the Medford House caught fire one day last week, causing some excitement for a while.
    H. E. Baker is putting his warehouse in shape and will be ready to store the new crop when it is threshed.
    A great deal of building is now going on in this place, and the large number of carpenters stationed here are all busy.
    A building has been put up in the eastern portion of John Noland's lot, which will be occupied by Mr. Clark, our new butcher.
    The new building lately erected in the eastern end of town, next to Mr. Purdin's blacksmith shop, will be used as a poultry store by newcomers.
    F. Hubbard, dealer in agricultural machinery and implements, wagons, etc., has done a big business during the season, selling nearly two carloads.
    Mrs. New, sister of Mrs. J. H. Barnum, was stricken with paralysis last Tuesday, and serious fears are entertained of her death, as this is the third time she has been afflicted.
    M. E. Beatty, the real estate agent, went to San Francisco to attend the meeting of the National Teachers' Association, and did some responsible talking in the interests of Rogue River Valley.
    Mrs. McClain, mother of Mrs. E. G. Hurt of this place, who fell downstairs last week and broke her hip, is somewhat better, though her health, which is usually feeble, makes it against her. Doctors Geary and Pryce are in attendance.
    The following is a list of the officers of Chester A. Arthur Post No. 47, G.A.R., recently mustered in here by D. Jessup of Newport and Gen. McCall of Ashland: M. S. Damon, commander; J. H. Faris, S. V. Com.; F. M. Poe, J. V. Com.; Isaac Woolf, surgeon; W. P. Wood, chaplain; W. G. Cooper, quartermaster; G. C. Noble, officer of the day; John Brantner, officer of the guard; R. T. Young, adjutant; W. D. Finnerty, sergeant-major; A. J. Florey, quartermaster-sergeant.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 26, 1888, page 3


    PORTLAND, July 25th.--Governor Pennoyer has pardoned from the Penitentiary John M. Culp, serving a sentence of twelve years from December 15, 1884, for manslaughter committed in Jackson County. Culp was convicted for killing a man named George W. Smith, at Willow Springs. Smith was found dead in Culp's barn, and the evidence against him was entirely circumstantial. The reasons for commutation are grave doubts as to his guilt, based upon an affidavit of a leading witness for the prosecution that he had testified falsely. Previous good conduct, and uniformly good conduct while in prison, also had some effect.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, July 26, 1888, page 5




    A. P. Talent is building a neat residence at Talent.
    When in Medford visit Herrin, the leading photographer of southern Oregon.
    When others fail try  D. C. Herrin, the leading photographer of southern Oregon.
    Forty-seven cents net a bushel has been offered for good wheat at the Medford warehouse, which is somewhat of an advance. This price may improve soon.
    A. H. Sunderman, indicted for libeling Ward Douglas, and who was surrendered by his bondsmen, furnished new bonds at Medford last week, which prevented a trip to the county seat.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 2, 1888, page 3


    Look out for fire.
    New arrivals by every train.
    There is some sickness in town, mostly among children.
    Carpenters continue busy and improvements are numerous.
    Sells' circus will perform at this place on the last of this month.
    Jas. R. Cunnyngham has opened a stock of groceries at Ashland.
    Ed. Worman is on duty again, having recovered from his recent accident.
    P. H. Oviatt went to Grants Pass last week in order to dispose of his mines.
    Dave Herrin, our photographer, is making a business trip east of the mountains.
    Bentley & Co. will soon open their bank in this place, which will have ample means.
    H. F. Wood, an expert mechanic, is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cal., and doing well.
    Prof. H. G. Fairclo, who has been in Klamath County, returned home a few days ago.
    Mrs. McClain, mother-in-law of E. G. Hurt, who had her hip broken recently, is recovering.
    Childers' brick building is nearing completion. They will soon commence the erection of others.
    The youngest daughter of Geo. Sly died a few days since. We sympathize with the grief-stricken relatives.
    Mrs. New, sister of J. H. Barnum, who had another paralytic stroke last week, died from its effects not long afterward.
    Wm. Finch, father of Mrs. J. S. Higinbotham of this place, is paying her a visit, accompanied by his family. Their home is in Colusa County, Cal.
    Rev. E. McLean will hold services at the Presbyterian Church in this place Sundays, both morning and evening, excepting the third Sunday morning in each month.
    The first soiree of the Medford Social Club took place a few evenings since and proved a very pleasant one. Excellent music was furnished by the Jacksonville string band.
    The Medford correspondent of the Ashland Tidings was exceedingly personal in his last edition and grossly insulted a prominent lady of this place. "Look a leedle ond," sonny.
    Mr. Briggs, lately from East Portland, is building a dwelling house west of the schoolhouse, and another gentleman from East Portland is also erecting his future residence a short distance west of Dickison's new hotel building.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 2, 1888, page 3


BAILEY--In Medford, July 25th, infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Bailey.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 2, 1888, page 3


    H. B. Reed has sold his fence business at Ashland [to] H. S. Emery, who will conduct it in the best manner.
    The Chinese employed at the Grand Central Hotel at Medford have been discharged and white cooks from Portland have taken their place.
    D. C. Herrin, the Medford photographer, has just returned from San Francisco, where he has "taken in" all the latest styles of photography. Give him a call.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 2, 1888, page 3


    This place [Central Point] has not only the finest depot in the state, but also the longest and best railroad platform. Our citizens are to be complimented on their enterprise, and Sims & Carney and their employees for the good work they have done.
"Central Point Pointers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 2, 1888, page 3




    Already are heard the notes of preparation for the exhibit of fruits by the Southern Oregon Fruit Growers' Association at Heber Grove on the 29th of September. The enterprising members of the association should see to it that there is a full display of dried as well as fresh fruits, for the dried product of this valley, when properly handled, is not excelled anywhere. Southern Oregon dried peaches, plums and prunes will at no distant day become standard articles in eastern markets if they are placed before the public in proper shape.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 9, 1888, page 2


J. W. Short et al. to A. B. Seal, property in Medford; $125.
Martha C. Howard to Mrs. Martha B. Howard, property in Medford; $500.
Elizabeth A. Cummons to J. M. Cummons, property in Medford; $50.
I. J. Phipps to Mrs. M. B. Brown, property in Medford; $200.
W. Crawford to Clara M. Clayton, property in Medford; $75.
J. W. Short et al. to Sarah A. Guches, property in Medford; $100.
J. W. Short et al. to R. F. Prael, property in Medford; $100.
Nannie Barr to D. J. Lumsden, property in Medford; $1500.
D. J. Lumsden to H. N. Lumsden, property in Medford; $100.
D. J. Lumsden to H. N. Lumsden, property in Medford; $500.
I. J. Phipps to Rhoda A. Crenshaw, property in Medford; $250.
O.T. Co. to G. S. Walton, property in Medford; $175.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 9, 1888, page 2


    A daughter was recently born to Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Dolson of California. Mr. D. is now in the East.
    Geo. W. Isaacs has sold 120 acres of land a few miles east of Medford to G. E. Briggs lately of East Portland, who will engage in the nursery business.
    Hon. R. A. Miller, president of the fruit growers' association, informs us that the grounds at the Heber Grove have been secured for the exhibition of fruit on September 29th.
    Already several persons have made overtures to secure the exhibition of fruit after the display of September 29th at Heber Grove. It is probable that it will be sent to the mechanic's pavilion at Portland.
    Ashland is enjoying a healthy, rapid growth that bids fair to continue. A leading citizen of that place estimates that there are at this time nearly 300 carpenters and bricklayers at work in the city.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 9, 1888, page 3


    Dr. Martin, the dentist, has departed.
    The boys are getting ready for the 31st.
    M. E. Beatty, who has been quite sick, is recovering.
    A branch of the W.C.T.U. will soon be organized in this place.
    Medford has a tailor again, whose services were badly needed.
    The little child of Frank Galloway has been very sick for several days past.
    Mr. Berlin has returned from Portland, where he has been sick for some time.
    J. B. Riddle of Douglas County is making his many friends here a short visit.
    E. G. Hurt has received another carload of pickets and is kept busy building fence.
    The bank will soon be opened. It will be managed by Messrs. Bentley and Vawter.
    The stone foundation for Adkins & Webb's new brick building is now being cut.
    S. S. Pentz, Mr. Bentley and Dr. Birdsall of New York went to Crater Lake last week.
    J. T. Knight, agent for the Singer sewing machines, has returned from a trip east of the mountains.
    D. C. Herrin and family are at Linkville at present, where Mr. H. is doing a good business in his line.
    The new bell for the Baptist Church has arrived and was immediately put in position. It is a fine, large one, and has a sonorous tone.
    The agents for Sells' circus have built a big board wall alongside Baker's warehouse, upon which to paste their great colored posters.
    Tommy Tice was one day last week run over by a horse ridden by a playmate and knocked senseless. Fortunately his injuries are not severe.
    The Grand Central is doing a big business and the white cooks imported from Portland are giving general satisfaction. No Chinese help is now employed there.
    The business of the Medford depot has increased very much in the past two years, but C. K. Fronk, the clerk and efficient agent, finds no trouble in dispatching it.
    D. C. Herrin, the Medford photographer, has just returned from San Francisco, where he has "taken in" all the latest styles of photography. Give him a call.
    The Amethyst Dancing Club was recently organized, with nearly 50 members. Miss Elma Young is president thereof, Jas. Fowler secretary and Mrs. C. W. Wolters treasurer. Regular soirees will be held.
    The Republicans of this precinct organized a campaign club last Monday evening. The Democrats should not allow the grass to grow under their feet, but put new life in the club they formed last May. We have some of the best speakers in southern Oregon in this precinct.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 9, 1888, page 3


    Jos. M. Upham, lately from Santa Clara Valley, but now of Medford, was at the Times office on land business Monday morning.
    Hon J. H. Sears and P. W. Olwell of Eden precinct and Hon. J. D. Whitman and wife of Medford have gone to Jenny Creek on a pleasure trip, accompanied by their families.
    H. B. Reed, having disposed of his fence business at Ashland, has gone to Roseburg to engage in the same line. He is accompanied by A. H. Carlson.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 9, 1888, page 3


    Mrs. F. W. Clayton, of Medford, Oregon, who has been visiting friends in Spokane Falls, arrived in Seattle Tuesday evening. She is now visiting her grandparents, Captain and Mrs. Renton, at Port Blakely.
"Personal," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 9, 1888, page 3

"Personal," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 9, 1888, page 3










    C. B. Carlisle has removed from Los Gatos, Cal. to Yreka.
    Catholic churches will be built soon at Medford and Ashland, and Rev. F. S. Noel of this place advertises for bids to build the same.
    B. C. Goddard, Jr. is engaged in moving his household effects to his recent purchase near Medford, where he will reside during the coming winter.
    Medford will probably soon be favored with the county bridge across Bear Creek she has long wished for, as the commissioners last week ordered W. C. Daley to view a site for the same.
    There seems to be a great demand for roads since immigration began flowing into the valley so rapidly. A great many have been established during the past two years, and several more have been proposed.
    The officers of the Southern Oregon Fruitgrowers' Association are receiving many inquiries relative to the exhibit to be given at the Heber Grove on September 29th. It could not come at a more opportune time for the fruit interests of this valley. It is now proposed to include canned and dried fruits in the exhibit.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 16, 1888, page 3


LUMSDEN--In Medford, Aug. 3d, to Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lumsden, a daughter.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 16, 1888, page 3




    Ed. Helms has resumed his seat on the Medford stage after a vacation of a few weeks.
    The Linkville Star says that J. P. Roberts and wife of that place have gone to Medford, taking their youngest daughter, Mary, intending to place her under the treatment of Dr. Geary, an oculist. Miss Mary is aged nine years and has been troubled all her life with crossed eyes.
    Some people assert that Jacksonville is decaying, but they never keep track of the improvements which are constantly being made. A number of buildings have lately been renovated and improved in a neat manner during the year, and many more improvements are under way and in contemplation.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 23, 1888, page 3


    Coulter, the painter, was in Jacksonville Tuesday.
    The Medford social club will give one of their enjoyable parties on Friday evening, Aug. 24th.
    Childers & Son's brick building is receiving the finishing touches. It has already been spoken for.
    Improvements continue on every hand, and quite a number of buildings are now in course of construction.
    C. W. Skeel has sold his property in town to R. H. Halley of eastern Oregon. The price paid was nine hundred dollars.
    Work on Adkins & Webb's new three-story building will soon be commenced. It will be one of the best in the county.
    J. R. West, who has been east for several months past, returned home a short time since and was warmly welcomed by his many friends.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 23, 1888, page 3


    Jacksonville must have a railroad soon.
    Ed Worman, the clever proprietor of the Union livery stable at Medford, has been in town several times during the week.
    It is high time we had rail connection with the main line of the railroad. Jacksonville must do something in this particular at once, or she will lose her prestige.
    Our citizens will heartily endorse anything the board of trustees may do toward rail connection with the main line of road. So let them do something for the benefit of the town at once.
    The board of trustees have employed an attorney to draft an ordinance whose object it will be to levy a tax for paying off the town's indebtedness and making improvements of a substantial character. The board seem favorable to encouraging anybody who will build a railroad or streetcar line to the main line in a substantial manner.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 23, 1888, page 3


WILDE-DAVIS--At Medford, Aug. 17th by Elder G. G. Thomas, Wm. M. Wilde and Miss Cora G. Davis.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 23, 1888, page 3


    A convention of the Southern Oregon Fruitgrowers' Association will be held at Heber's Grove, near Medford, Sept. 29.
"News of the Northwest," Oregonian, Portland, August 28, 1888, page 6










    The circus will take thousands of dollars out of this county tomorrow.
    Work has been commenced on the warehouse at Tolo. It will be managed by H. E. Baker of Medford this season.
    J. D. Whitman of Medford precinct is purchasing a large quantity of apples and shipping them to northern markets. He is paying a fair price for them.
    As will be seen in our advertising columns. Rev. F. S. Noel has decided to remove the Catholic church now at Eagle Point to Medford, and calls for bids for that purpose.
    Secure your seats for Medford next Friday in the band wagon before they are all taken. Large reductions on round trip tickets. Discount given families to the circus. Will make two round trips. Apply to W. G. Kenney, at the Union Livery Stable.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 30, 1888, page 3


    A large quantity of melons are now being shipped from southern Oregon.
    J. S. Howard is now surveying the prospective town of Tolo and laying it off into lots.
    Ed. Wilkinson will engage in the butcher business at Medford, and will soon remove there with his family.
    The woods are afire in different portions of southern Oregon, and the atmosphere is being filled with smoke.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 30, 1888, page 3


    Mrs. John Dyar is ailing with an attack of erysipelas.
    Our town also revels in the luxury of a street sprinkler.
    Carlos Goddard has become a resident of Medford again.
    Judge Walton is now occupying his fine new residence.
    Mrs. J. R. West has recovered from her recent indisposition.
    Wm. Phipps is teaching school on Dry Creek and giving satisfaction.
    Ward Douglas is at Lakeview and will probably not return for some time.
    Josh Brown of Ashland precinct has been quite ill at the Grand Central.
    The Medford school will reopen on Sept. 10th, with a competent corps of teachers.
    Miss Genevieve Riddle of Douglas County is visiting her many friends in this place.
    Herrin, the photographer, is still busy at Linkville and doing a first-class business.
    Dr. Webb of Nebraska, a brother of Isaac, Ben and Geo. Webb, is paying us a visit.
    Adkins & Webb are occupying Childers' new brick, and will be there until their new building is completed.
    Isaac Woolf and wife returned last Sunday from a trip to Linkville, stopping at Crater Lake on the way home.
    Adkins & Webb's frame building has been removed, and work on their new three-story brick has been commenced.
    The circus will be here tomorrow, and no doubt our town will be full of people from every portion of southern Oregon.
    Mark Armstrong of Jacksonville may be found at the saloon of the Grand Central. He understands the business thoroughly.
    Mr. Goldsmith, one of Medford's enterprising merchants, was in Jacksonville during the week and secured a supply of bacon.
    A special school meeting was held a few days since and a seven-mill tax levied. The district clerk is now making the assessment.
    The Medford Bank will be in operation in a very short time. Mr. Bentley is making preparations for the opening, and will soon be joined by his partner, Mr. Vawter of Eugene City.
    J. H. Faris of the Medford Hotel has greatly improved the former management of that place and is building up a good business. He furnishes the best of meals and lodgings for 25 cents.
    Dr. C. Minnis, an excellent physician, has located in this place and opened an office in Childers' new brick building. He comes highly recommended, and will doubtless be well received.
    The party given by the Medford social club last Friday evening was an enjoyable and well-attended affair. Several couples from the county seat were there. Excellent music was furnished by the Jacksonville string band.
    Ed. Wilkinson, son-in-law of John Orth of Jacksonville, will take charge of Harris' butcher shop in this place on Sept. 1st. Mr. Harris will soon pay his old home in Canada a visit, but will return in time to cast his vote for Cleveland and Thurman.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 30, 1888, page 3




    Baker's warehouse at Medford is said to have paid out about $10,000 for wheat on Monday.
    The price of wheat remains at 60 cents a bushel, and a large quantity has been sold at that figure and shipped out of the county.
    We learn that M. P. Phipps threshed 400 bushels of wheat from six acres of ground in the Bear Creek bottom last week, an average of almost 68 bushels per acre. Many yields are reported of 40 bushels and over.
    B. C. Goddard, Jr., will in a short time open in a real estate office in Medford. Probably no man in the county is better posted as regards character and quality of lands in this county than Mr. Goddard, and we predict a successful venture for him.
    The California delegation to the national encampment at Columbus passed through Medford at 12:30 o'clock Monday night, about eight hours behind schedule time. Telegraphic instructions had come forward for supper for 400 at the Grand Central, but the late arrival of the train deterred the delegation from getting the meal at that place. The passengers who were awake declared that the fruits with which the citizens of Medford presented them were the finest seen on the trip.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 6, 1888, page 3


    Ed. Wilkinson and wife have removed to Medford, Mr. W. having taken charge of the butcher shop at that place.
    David H. Miller, Medford's clever postmaster, was among the number who joined the G.A.R. excursion in this valley Monday night.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 6, 1888, page 3


    Jesse F. Simpson and family have become residents of Medford.
    As will be seen by notice elsewhere, the firm of Merrill & Baker has been dissolved.
    We are pleased to see that J. R. West, who recently returned to Medford, has improved in health a great deal.
    Last Friday was a big day for our town. Thousands of people from every portion of Southern Oregon were in town, and everybody did a big business.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 6, 1888, page 3


    Mr. Lewellen has traded his property in Medford for Jesse F. Simpson's house and lot in Jacksonville.
    The people of Butte Creek are protesting against removing the Catholic Church of Eagle Point to Medford.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 6, 1888, page 3






    A mammoth squash at Medford, Ore., grew 5½ feet in length and 11½ inches in circumference in twenty-one days.
"Freaks of Nature," Marion (Ohio) Weekly Star, September 8, 1888, page 12


    When in Medford visit Herrin, the leading photographer of Southern Oregon.
    Sealed proposals for building a bridge across Bear Creek at Medford will be received by the county clerk until October 3d. See advertisement elsewhere.
    Many residents from the neighboring country and from the vicinity of Medford were on the ground by daylight on Tuesday morning, the fire [of several buildings in downtown Jacksonville] having been seen all over the valley.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 13, 1888, page 3


    Watermelons are a drug on the market.
    Our town is full of farmers delivering their wheat at the warehouse.
    Miss Eva Galloway of this place will resume her studies at the State University next week.
    Miss Mamie Judge of Ashland is in charge of the postal telegraph station at this place.
    Mr. Wortman, lately of Portland, has located here and is building a residence in the western portion of town.
    M. S. Damon, school clerk, is making an assessment of the district, a seven-mill tax having been levied a short time since.
    A. H. Bennett, who purchased land not far from this place, is making a number of improvements. He is well pleased with the country.
    Postmaster Miller and wife are in Iowa, visiting their old home, and will be gone several weeks. They went with the G.A.R. excursion.
    Prof. Dennison, principal of our school, obtained a first class certificate at the recent examination held by Supt. Mitchell at Jacksonville.
    H. L. Lewis, who recently arrived from California with some of the finest stock in the Northwest, has rented a farm in this precinct and will locate, we are glad to learn.
    Prof. H. G. Fairclo and his father returned from a trip to Crater Lake and as far as Lakeview recently. He has secured a school in Klamath County and will go back again soon to commence his duties.
    It is now a settled fact that a bridge will be built across Bear Creek, at the foot of 7th Street, this fall. The board of county commissioners are deserving of much credit for ordering this important improvement.
    D. S. Youngs is building a neat and commodious store building in this place, which he will stock with a large and first-class stock of goods. He is full of enterprise and will prove a valuable addition to our town.
    The case of E. E. Gore vs. the town of Medford has been dismissed. As will be remembered, an attempt was made to obtain a supply of water for town purposes from Bear Creek where it passes through Mr. Gore's field, to which he objected. It is believed that the matter will be satisfactorily adjusted.
    W. F. Williamson, who formerly practiced law at this place, is paying Southern Oregon a visit. He is now a resident of Yamhill County, where he is teaching school, but has lately returned from a trip to Missouri. Mr. W. is quite hopeful of the election of President Cleveland, and says the signs in the East point directly that way.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 13, 1888, page 3


    Ham and bacon are very scarce articles. The former is quoted at 16 cents a pound, and the latter at 14 cents.
    A new townsite has been laid out at Tolo by J. S. Howard, county surveyor, and lots will soon be offered for sale.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 13, 1888, page 3




    Miss Mamie Judge of this place is now telegraph operator at Medford.
"News Notes from Ashland," Oregonian, Portland, September 18, 1888, page 3






    J. C. Jones of Medford moved on to a hay claim on Rogue River, above the mouth of Union Creek, near the old John Day road last week.
    A vast quantity of wheat has been sold in southern Oregon, and freight trains are taxed to their utmost in hauling it northward. No doubt the most of this and last season's crop will have been shipped before many weeks.
    Mrs. S. E. Ish, while walking in her orchard last Tuesday, fell and dislocated her right wrist, breaking one of the small bones of the forearm. It will cause only temporary inconvenience, the attending physician, Dr. Gill, thinks, but is a very painful hurt.
    Attention is called to the real estate card of Messrs. Wrisley and Goddard of Medford, among our new advertisements this week. Intending purchasers will do well to examine their lists and obtain information about the various sections of the county. They will at once take rank among the most energetic and reliable real estate firms in the county.
    Portland commission houses have been playing a shrewd dodge for several years in palming off, under southern Oregon brands, fruit and melons from California at a quality inferior to ours. As an instance, grapes purporting to be from Miller's near this city, have been on sale in Portland for two weeks past, whereas in reality the first shipment of the season from that vineyard was made last Sunday. There ought to be some way of reaching these precious fellows, the commission men, and making them subject to a severe penalty for such practices.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 20, 1888, page 3









    There will be a Sunday school convention at Medford next Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 2 and 3.
    C. J. Armstrong will take charge of F. M. Plymale's farm in Medford precinct in a short time.
    Turpin & Dennis will this week finish a most successful season of threshing with the Matney and Adams crops, and last of all, Turpin's crop on the Ish farm. Bell & Cox were threshing for James Hamlin early in the week and will finish for the season in a week or ten days. J. Paterson's force is in the neighborhood of the Barneburg ranch this week and have almost three weeks' run ahead of them still. They have already threshed about 45 days, and have averaged about 1400 bushels of grain per day.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 27, 1888, page 3


    School tax is now due.
    The Martin troupe performed here last week.
    W. M. Colvig speaks here Saturday evening.
    A member of the salvation army was in town last Tuesday.
    W. H. Barr is building a neat brick residence near this place.
    Dr. Martin, the dentist, has returned, accompanied by his wife.
    A vast amount of wheat is still being received at the warehouse.
    The Clarendon Hotel, west of the track, will be opened on Oct. 1st.
    J. H. Bentley's family arrived from the East a few days since.
    Mrs. Lucinda Justus of this place has been very sick, but is somewhat better now.
    The town is still full of strangers looking for locations here and other places in the valley.
    The Amethyst social club is in a flourishing condition and holds soirees regularly.
    John H. Bentley of the Medford band received a fine driving horse from Portland a few days since.
    The school clerk will receive bids until tomorrow for furnishing the school with 12 cords of wood.
    Turn out and hear the tariff and other leading questions ably discussed here next Saturday evening.
    The school board met at the office of the district clerk last Saturday, and sat as a board of equalization.
    Miss Maggie Tice has gone to Portland and will remain with Rev. J. V. Milligan and family for some time.
    Theo. Cooper, son of our popular saddler, has gone to Kansas to spend the winter. His health is not good, we are sorry to learn.
    T. A. Harris left last week for a visit to his old home in Canada. He will return in time to vote for Cleveland and Thurman.
    Wm. Ulrich, the wide-awake agent for the Farmer's and Merchant's Insurance Co., has returned from a successful trip to Josephine County.
    Street Commissioner Damon is graveling the road leading from this place to Jacksonville, we are glad to say. He should cover it as deeply as possible.
    We are sorry to learn that Dave Herrin, our popular and efficient photographer, will soon become a permanent resident of Linkville, the county seat of Klamath County. Success to him.
    Prof. Merritt and Judge Walker were announced to address the Republican club at this place last Wednesday, which caused a fair crowd to assemble. Mr. M. did not appear, however, and the meeting fell rather flat.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 27, 1888, page 3
 

    A vote was taken here yesterday whether or not the board should have power to levy a tax of 3 percent upon the city for the purpose of paying the indebtedness of the city and also to make improvements. The tax was carried by a large majority. It is understood that a portion of the funds arising from this tax will go to assist in building a streetcar line between this place and the railroad.
"From Jacksonville," Oregonian, Portland, September 27, 1888, page 2


    Medford has a 5 and 10 cent store,
    Wheat is pouring into the warehouse.
    A great deal of fruit is being shipped from here.
    J. H. Bentley, the banker, has returned from a business trip to Portland.
    Rev. E. McLean is having a neat dwelling erected in Barr's addition for hiniself.
    Miller & Strang's is the place to buy your drugs and hardware. A new lot of goods just received.
    Hon. H. B. Carter and S. B. Galey, Esq., of Ashland, were in Medford Saturday taking in the town.
    J. H. Whitman, the abstractor, will build him a residence 24x28 on the Whitman Park Grove avenue.
    Wm. Van Dyke has rented the E. E. Gore dwelling on C Street and will move his family to town soon.
    S. Rosenthal is confident that Cleveland will win and continues to sell goods cheaper than the cheapest.
    The new safe for the bank was received last week. It is burglar proof and was placed in position in the vault.
    Ed. C. Phelps, editor of the Advertiser, and Isaac Woolf have returned from their trip to the Josephine County caves.
    The directors met at the city council rooms Saturday to equalize the assessment made by the district clerk, M. S. Damon.
    A. Childers with several bricklayers went over to Hornbrook Sunday morning to commence work on Horn & Jones' new brick.
    E. G. Hurt is turning out large quantities of the combination fence. This fence is proving to be popular in Southern Oregon.
    A meeting has been called by the district clerk for Oct. 2nd to elect a director to succeed G. W. Howard, who has moved out of the district.
    Chas. Wolters and wife, who have been doing the state fair at Salem, arrived home Sunday morning well pleased with their trip.
    Mrs. T. A. Harris and Miss Jenny Wilcox came home Sunday morning from Portland, where they went in company with Mr. Harris on his way to Canada.
    H. Richards disposed of his house and lot on 7th Street to Mr. Childers; consideration, $1100. Mr. Richards will leave soon but expects to return to Medford in a short time.
    F. M. Plymale is getting the lumber on the ground for his large new residence on C Street. It will be the finest and costliest house in the city. Johnson & Anderson have the contract.
    Work is progressing nicely on W. H. Barr's $3000 brick residence in Barr's addition. Childers & Son have the contract for the brick work and Will Zimmerman, the contractor, the wood work.
    G. W. Howard has removed to the farm he purchased of Mrs. Nancy Anderson up near the foothills. He intends to put out a large amount of trees this fall, having considerable good fruit land on his place.
    G. W. Priddy, the Central Point brick manufacturer, has moved to this place to work on the Adkins & Webb brick, being a lively brick layer. He has about 130,000 good brick in his kiln at Central Point for sale.
    Hon. Thos. North, a lawyer from town who was here last year looking at the country, is expected to arrive soon, and will locate in the valley. His wife is in poor health and they expect the climate will benefit her.
    The work on Adkins & Webb's brick and the I.O.O.F. hall will be delayed as it will be necessary to burn another kiln before the building can be completed. It will be the largest building in town, 25x100 and three stories high.
    A little son of C. Kleinhammer, of Eden precinct, was seriously hurt Saturday by being kicked by a horse. Dr. Pryce was called and reports the little fellow badly hurt, his skull being fractured and an ugly wound on the forehead.
    The Masons have been trying very hard for a long time to have a lodge organized here but have met with failure. A lodge here would accommodate a large number of members of that fraternity and should be granted by those in authority.
    The well-known farmer and sheep raiser, Thos. McAndrews, is having two neat cottages erected, one on 7th and one on Front Street, to rent. Will Zimmerman has the contract and they will cost $700 each. Houses are scarce here and Mc. is making a good investment.
    Mrs. L. L. Angle and her son O. S. Angle and his wife arrived last Saturday morning from Pennsylvania to join Mr. Angle who has located here permanently. He has a residence in course of erection on the property he purchased of C. Mingus some time ago. Our people gladly welcome them among us.
    The I.O.O.F. lodge here is in a prosperous condition. They have their cemetery property all paid for and nicely paved. The lodge is a little over two years old and has grown from a membership of a dozen members to about 40 and are receiving new accessions quite often. They intend to fit up their new hall when completed in first-class style, second to none in the state.
Valley Record, Ashland, September 27, 1888, page 3


    Mrs. J. H. Bentley and children left Saturday for Medford, Oregon, where her husband is located.
"Little Principles," The Democratic Principle, Syracuse, Kansas, September 27, 1888, page 1


    Mrs. J. H. Bentley and family left our city Friday evening for Medford, Oregon, where Mr. Bentley has recently engaged in the banking business.
"Local Notes," Syracuse Journal, Syracuse, Kansas, September 28, 1888, page 3




    Jacksonville has an old and decayed appearance, for there is no new building going on to make an era of progress and development. The railroad gave it the "go by," to all intents and purposes. The mines that created the place and made it once a center of extravagant life and unusual prosperity have become exhausted. The creek that brought down gold in rich placers is worked out, and all its golden wealth is exhausted. It was possible, it is said, to have induced the railroad builders to have located their route near enough to Jacksonville to keep its health and prominence undisturbed, but they failed to appreciate the necessity, and nothing now can give animation and vitality to the place beyond the fact that some good country is tributary to it and must bring trade there.
Morning Oregonian, Portland, October 2, 1888, page 6


    OREGON APPLES.--A writer in the New York Nation says: "Indeed, neither in the East nor any part of Europe have I ever tasted apples to compare with those of Oregon. They have a richness and delicacy of flavor which must persuade anyone that if apples were less abundant they would be considered superior in taste and fragrance to those tropical and semi-tropical fruits which are most highly valued because of their scarcity in our latitude. In most parts of the East, an apple is an apple, and few people know or care about the names of the different kinds; but an Oregonian would no more eat certain kinds of apples than he would a raw pumpkin. An epicure is no more particular in regard to his brands of wines than an Oregonian is in the choice of his favorite variety of apples, and there are half a dozen kinds which I never saw in the East, and the systematic introduction of which in New York markets would make any dealer's fortune."
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 4, 1888, page 1


    It is greatly to be regretted that there should have been so much petty vandalism at the fruit-growers' meeting last Saturday, as the beauty of some of the exhibits was very seriously impaired by the articles being handled and even eaten before the eyes of the exhibitors. Such an offense against decency and propriety is the more unpardonable because of the fact that any one of the parties who were guilty of it could have satisfied their gluttony free of cost by visiting any of the numerous vineyards and orchards within easy walking distance.
    Our citizens have reason to be proud of the fruit-growers' achievement last Saturday, as there was a wider range of excellence than is possible in the great fruit districts either north or south of us. It is true that the Willamette or Umpqua can show us fine apples, pears and prunes as were shown on Saturday, and it is also true that California can show us fine grapes, peaches, melons, almonds, etc.; but neither section can show the general excellence in all the varied products of the temperate and semi-tropical regions that the Rogue River Valley can boast of. This coast is destined in the not very distant future to be to America what the Rhine, Spain, and the Levant are to Europe in the production of the luxuries of existence, and the Rogue River Valley is just as surely destined to be one of the leading fruit sections of the coast with proper care in its development and by advertising its resources.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 4, 1888, page 2


Catherine Bourne to W. Ulrich, property in Medford; $100.
I. J. Phipps to I. W. Thomas, property in Medford; $125.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 4, 1888, page 2






    The bulk of the apple crop of the valley has been sold at figures ranging from 30 to 60 cents per box, the last figure being for red winter apples of the Spitzenberg and Winesap varieties. Those dealers who came in at the eleventh hour failed to secure any first-class fruit at less than 50 cents per box. The future of the apple industry is bright indeed.
    The demand for lumber at the railroad towns along the O.&C.R.R. has been unprecedented this year, the mills of the valley being entirely unable to meet it. There are several new mills now being built, however, and it is thought that another season will not show the same condition of affairs. Rogue River Valley is making rapid strides in the march of improvement, and it is to be hoped that our enterprising citizens will not be handicapped by scarcity of building material again.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 11, 1888, page 3


    Medford has a new tinshop.
    Grand Democratic rally Saturday evening.
    Adkins & Webb will no longer sell groceries.
    Ask J. S. Howard about that composition on "birds."
    Mrs. E. C. Phelps is visiting her old home at Yaquina Bay.
    Dave Crosby has been visiting at Riddle's, Douglas County.
    Improvements and new buildings are noticeable on every hand.
    Our bank recently received a fine safe, weighing nearly 3000 pounds.
    The Clarendon Hotel, on the west side of the track, has opened for business.
    The infant son of Mr. Galloway died a few days since, we are pained to announce.
    J. W. Short's household has received an addition, a son making his appearance on the 18th ult.
    The Christian and M.E. churches contemplate building places of worship in the near future.
    Mr. O'Donnell, the painter, is building a new residence on some land he purchased of J. W. Short.
    J. H. Bentley was at the county seat last week, accompanied by a friend recently from Kansas.
    W. G. Zimmerman, the well-known mechanic, is building several buildings in this place for Thos. McAndrew.
    J. S. Howard has sold three lots in town, on which there are a number of fruit trees, to parties from abroad for $1500.
    Hon. J. D. Whitman will fairly pulverize Mr. Fulton's argument next Saturday evening. Turn out and see him do it.
    J. H. Faris of the Medford House has made a large number of improvements and keeps one of the best hotels in the valley.
    W. G. Cooper keeps a complete and first-class stock of harness, saddles, etc., and sells at prices that cannot but prove popular.
    The town having paid E. E. Gore $200 for the right-of-way of the proposed water ditch, J. N. Walter has been given the contract for digging 100 rods of it.
    A concert was given at the Baptist Church last Sunday evening, which was well attended and passed off pleasantly. A further account will be given in the next issue of the Times.
    Medford no longer revels in the luxury of the railroad eating house. After being accommodated here for the past few years, railroad passengers will stop at Ashland for breakfast and supper hereafter.
    The well-known firm of Cooper & Son, dealers in saddles, harness, etc., has been dissolved, W. G. Cooper continuing the business at the old stand. We are sorry to learn that ill health has necessitated the return of the junior member of the late firm to Kansas.
    Spencer Childers, Sr., has removed his family from his location on Dry Creek, west of the river, to the property recently purchased by him at Medford. He has rented his ranch to a German, who recently brought his family from Umatilla County to this valley, and who will winter about 80 head of cattle along the river.
    It is the intention of the school board to erect a $10,000 school house next spring. The schools are advancing rapidly to the front rank of culture and scholarship. It has now been four years, according to the statement of one of the directors, since the boys cleaned out the teachers, while some of the later ornithological compositions of the pupils are gems of thought and sentiment.
    We learn that some Kansas City capitalists were in Medford last week looking for a suitable location to establish a wholesale and retail dry goods depot. They made Mr. Noland an offer of $1,300 for his corner saloon property, but as he holds for a higher figure the trade was not consummated. The Kansas City men intended to erect a 3-story brick block on the premises if bought.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 11, 1888, page 3


L. Buensow to C. B. Rostel, property in Medford; consideration $200.
N. Slack to W. H. Pomeroy, property in Medford; $50.
M. L. Williams to W. A. Forbes, property in Medford; $600.
O.&T. Co. to Thos. McAndrew, property in Medford; $375.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 11, 1888, page 3
 

    Quoting the statements in the Oregonian that Jacksonville is to have a streetcar line to connect with the railroad, the Astorian adds that "Astoria is going to have a railroad to connect with the streetcar line."
"General Notes and News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 11, 1888, page 4


    Bert Whitman had the misfortune to be thrown from a horse last Tuesday and received a very severe cut across the face, but otherwise was not much injured.
    Granville Sears had the finest load of grapes in town Wednesday that have been brought in this season. He had no trouble in selling them at 3 cts. per lb.
    The many friends of Miss Norah Plymale will be pleased to know that she is recovering from her recent severe illness and will soon be able to be around again.
    The contract for the bridge across Bear Creek at this place was let to the Pacific Bridge Company of San Francisco for $1450. They will begin work at once, and will have the bridge completed by December 1, 1888.
    Mr. Williams has moved into the Central Hotel building and has a fine display of fresh, homemade candies, which equals or exceeds any we have ever tried. He also has a soda fountain in connection with his candy factory.
    Clarence Hutchison and wife, of Indiana, nephew of our fellow townsman R. T. Young, arrived in town this week to spend the winter at any rate, and will perhaps locate here permanently. Mr. Hutchison's parents will also arrive here early in the spring.
    John Duranseau, the young man who was accidentally crushed between the cars at Tolo last week, proved to be much worse injured than was at first supposed, having received internal injuries besides having his leg crushed. Dr. Pryce, assisted by Drs. Geary and Pickel, amputated the limb above the knee last Sunday morning, but he was too badly crushed to recover and died the following night.
Ashland Tidings, October 12, 1888, page 2


    The Union Labor Party of Oregon has now a state organization and three nominees for presidential electors, as follows: E. P. Hammond, Medford, Jackson County; H. R. Wilson, Albina, Multnomah County; J. F. Hendricks, Harrisburg, Linn County.
"State Items," Daily Morning Astorian, October 16, 1888, page 3


    The infant child of Ed. Redfield received painful injuries by falling from the porch in front of his jewelry store at Linkville, which is five feet above the ground.
"Klamath County Items," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 2


C. W. Broback to A. M. Woodford, property in Medford; $125.
M. R. and D. T. Lawton to E. F. Walker, et al., property in Medford; $125.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 2






    It is thought that not less than 50,00 boxes of winter apples will be shipped out of the valley this fall.
    A. W. Presley, who has been engaged in merchandising in Washington Territory, had his store destroyed by fire not long since.
    Old-fashioned emigrant trains continue to arrive in Rogue River Valley from California, eastern Oregon and Washington Territory.
    Dr. J. P. Welch, of Orland, Cal., formerly of this county, lost his dwelling, office and barn, together with most of its contents, by fire a short time since, we are sorry to say. The loss is estimated at $3000, and there is no insurance on it.
    A number of those who attended Sells' circus thought the magnificent shooting done by the Bogardus family was a sham and that no bullets were used. That they were mistaken a dispatch from San Diego, Cal., proves, as during a recent performance there on the 13th, Bogardus, Jr., while firing eighteen shots in eighteen seconds, missed the target and sent a bullet through the leg of Miles Silverthorne, 23 years old. It is a bad wound.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 3


    This place will have a Catholic Church in the near future.
    J. H. Redfield of Linkville spent a while in town last week.
    M. Purdin, the genial blacksmith, spent a few days in Portland last week.
    D. T. Lawton, the real estate agent, is recovering slowly, though still quite ill.
    Prof. Ganiard's dancing class, recently organized here, is in a flourishing condition.
    A niece of Hon. J. D. Whitman, who resides in California, is paying this section a visit.
    Hanley & Wilkinson's meat market is doing a lively business. The choicest of meats are always kept there.
    E. G. Hurt, manufacturer of the celebrated combination fence, is furnishing a large quantity to our farmers. It cannot be excelled.
    M. A. Brentano, landlord of the Grand Central, has been at Portland, where he laid in a large quantity of supplies for that caravansary.
    Anvils and fireworks added much to the enthusiasm prevalent here last Saturday night, when Mr. Whitman addressed the people on the tariff question.
    Lou Savage is assisting C. K. Fronk, manager of the Medford warehouse, business having increased so fast as to require the attention of several men.
    Dave Herrin's post office address is Bonanza, Klamath County. He has left this place indefinitely, being offered better inducement at his new location.
    Some careless hunters shooting in the vicinity of W. L. Roberts' farm came near killing that gentleman's wife one day last week. Mr. R. now forbids any hunting on his premises.
    A wedding, in which one of our prominent young men and an amiable young lady residing not far from this place will be the contracting parties, is announced to take place soon.
    J. W. Plymire and family, Chas. Wilkinson and Wm. Richardson returned last week from an extended tour to Fort Klamath, Linkville and Crater Lake. They had fine weather, no dust and no smoke on their trip, and recommend October as the proper time to visit the mountains.
    A considerable stretch of the Medford and Jacksonville road has now been graveled, and it is thought the road will not be nearly so bad as last winter, when the rains set in. It will require an immense amount of gravel to prevent the "bottom falling out" during January and February, however.
    The Democrats strung a handsome banner on 7th Street, between the Grand Central and Noland's, which attracts much attention. The Republicans have followed suit, flaunting their streamer some distance farther east. Probably for lack of something better, the adherents of Harrison and Morton have painted the meaningless phrase "Protect wool as well as sugar" on their banner.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 3


    The Woman's Missionary concert at the First Baptist Church of this place a few evenings since was a grand success. The house was crowded to overflowing, yet there was almost perfect order. The address by the pastor, G. G. Thomas, was short and rich, and, as is usual with him, he had the undivided attention of the congregation. The music was exceptionally good, and the little ones did grandly. One could see by the cheerful faces of the women, who are banded together to aid the missionaries of foreign lands, that they were very much pleased by the attentive congregation. Many, who were not directly interested, did much toward making it a success. When shall we be treated to another? Medford is constantly making improvements. There are heights she cannot reach; yet her people will ever be found laboring for success and progress in all things good.
Oct. 8, 1888.                                                                                          VINDEX.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 3


    Hon. J. D. Whitman of Medford, an able expounder of Democratic principles, will speak at various points of the Willamette Valley between now and election day. He will no doubt explain the tariff question clearly to those who will be convinced.
    Sam. Van Dyke, one of the promising young men of this valley, and Miss Kate Kleinhammer, were united in matrimony last Sunday. They have the congratulations and best wishes of a host of friends.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 3


BETTS-GREENWOOD--In Medford, Oct. 8th, by Rev. E. McLean, Thomas C. Betts and Miss Olive Greenwood.
VAN DYKE-KLEINHAMMER--In Medford, Oct. 14th, by Rev. E. McLean, S. G. Van Dyke and Miss Cathrine [sic] Kleinhammer.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 18, 1888, page 3






    J. H. Redfield, Sr., who has been paying Linkville a visit, passed through the valley a few days since, en route to his home in Cow Creek Valley.
    A. Alford, ex-county commissioner, has returned from Butte Creek Valley, Cal., accompanied by his wife, and will spend the coming season at Medford.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 25, 1888, page 3



    Miss Lola Collins lectured at this place one evening last week.
    Our school is well attended, there being an average attendance of 150.
    The new brick residence of W. H. Barr is approaching completion.
    The railroad company is making some changes in the platform in this place.
    Mrs. L. J. Sears and Miss Jennie Wilcox have formed a partnership in the millinery business.
    The W.C.T.U. hold meetings at the Presbyterian Church every Tuesday evening at 2:30 P.M.
    The Amethyst Club holds regular soirees at Howard's hall. The last was held one evening last week.
    The finishing touches are this week being put upon the second story of the Adkins & Webb building.
    Childers' new brick building is completed and several persons have located their offices in the upper story thereof.
    Hon. J. D. Whitman went to Roseburg Friday, where he opened the campaign the following day. He is a first-class speaker.
    Follett & Fowler carry the largest and best stock of furniture in Jackson County. If you need anything in their line, give them a trial.
    O. Holtan, our tailor, has been detained at his mountain ranch on Long Branch for the past six weeks, owing to a fall sustained by Mrs. Holtan.
    Ed. Worman, our enterprising liveryman, is always making improvements. He has ornamented his premises with a neat street lamp.
    Wm. Slinger, one of our most prominent citizens, was elected school director a short time since, to fill a vacancy. He will fill the position well.
    Mr. Vawter of Halsey, Linn County, who has been visiting his brother, the cashier of the Jackson County Bank, returned home a few days since.
    M. E. Beatty & Co., the real estate agents, have removed their offices to Childers' building, upstairs. So have Dr. Minnis and S. S. Pentz, Esq.
    Speakers of different political parties seem to forget that Medford is one of the largest towns in Southern Oregon. The committees who make their appointments should bear this in mind.
    Medford has the principal railroad office in Southern Oregon, which does a large business. It has lately been made a coupon ticket office, and hereafter Mr. Fronk, the popular agent, will sell tickets to any portion of the United States.
    I. M. Harvey has built a fine barn and has the material on the ground to erect a dwelling house on his property near the line of the Medford and Jacksonville road. He disposed of his former residence and barn with the property sold recently to S. H. Hull.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 25, 1888, page 3


    Dr. Clark has left Eagle Point, and will probably locate at Medford.
    Frank Kasshafer has returned from Medford and will take care of Capt. Barnes, whose health is poor, we are sorry to say.
    J. B. Riddle and wife have just returned from a two months' visit to Indiana and were welcomed home by their many friends. They spent a few days in the valley before returning to their home at Riddle.
    Jas. Hamlin and Judge Walker of Medford have wagered $300 each on the result of the presidential election. Uncle Jim always had a weakness for taking advantage of every opportunity to make money.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 25, 1888, page 3




State, Place and Capitalization:
ORE., MEDFORD, $25,000
Bank or Banker:
John H. Bentley, P.
Cashier and N.Y. Correspondent:
Wm. I. Vawter, Cas., Corbin Banking Co.
"New Banks, Bankers, and Savings Banks," The Bankers' Magazine and Statistical Register, November 1888, page 393


William Ulrich to I. J. Phipps, lot in Medford; $50.
I. J. Phipps to Sarah J. Queen, lot in Medford; $50.
D. T. Lawton to Jane Beek, lot in Medford; $100.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 1, 1888, page 2








    Three separate brass bands at Medford Saturday evening.
    Remember the Democratic rally at Medford next Tuesday evening.
    Fall in with the procession at Medford and hurrah for Cleveland and Thurman.
    B. Bailey, who now has possession of the Isaac place on Bear Creek, was in town since our last issue.
    E. J. Pool of Medford precinct raised sixty thousand pounds of potatoes from less than four acres of ground. He found Early Goodrich and White Elephant to be the best yielders.
    Fred Barneburg of Medford precinct was in town yesterday, just having returned from a trip up the river after cattle for stall-feeding this winter. He will feed over a hundred head and will probably ship to the San Francisco market.
    We haven't had much chance to show our Democracy in the way of parades and torchlight processions this year in Southern Oregon, but will make amends at Medford on Saturday evening. An immense crowd will be in attendance.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 1, 1888, page 3


    Vote for Cleveland and Thurman.
    Work is progressing rapidly on F. M. Plymale's new residence.
    S. H. Hall is building a neat residence near Mr. Hurt's residence.
    A. Alford of Siskiyou County, California, will this winter reside in Medford.
    Numbers of our citizens are contemplating hunting trips in the mountains.
    Three brass bands will dispense music at the parade next Saturday evening.
    Some little opposition is expressed to the moving of the depot from its present site.
    Gracie Foster, who has been quite sick with typhoid fever, is reported mildly better.
    Mrs. P. E. Cheney departed last Thursday for her home in Humboldt County, Cal.
    Do not fail to visit our city and take part in the grand Democratic rally next Saturday.
    P. B. Beatty, of Seattle, W.T., is visiting his brother M. E. Beatty, and will remain some time.
    The boys are making some bets on the election, mostly in small sums which they can afford to lose.
    Traveling men are unanimous in declaring Medford to be one of the liveliest towns on the line of the O.&C. railroad.
    Our active and energetic real estate agents are doing good work for the county in encouraging newcomers to settle with us.
    All of our Willamette Valley exchanges speak in complimentary terms of the tariff speeches delivered by our fellow townsman, Hon. J. D. Whitman.
    Jackson County tobacco took the first premium at the Mechanic's Fair; why not establish a tobacco factory in Medford as the Advertiser suggests? Every condition is favorable.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 1, 1888, page 3


    The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Geary died at Medford yesterday.
    Nervy citizens of Medford are now betting "even up" on Oregon going Democratic.
    Wind up a dull campaign with a whoop, by going to Medford and taking in the rally Saturday night.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 1, 1888, page 3


NORTH--At the residence of J. D. Whitman, in Medford, Oct. 25th, of consumption, N. E., beloved wife of T. R. North, of Adel, Iowa; aged 40 years, 2 months and 1 day.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 1, 1888, page 3






    John Clark, a well-known citizen of Medford, died on Wednesday, Oct. 31st, and was buried next day.
    The Republicans tried to eclipse the Democratic parade at Medford on Monday night, but their retainers did not enthuse worth a cent.
    During the past year Central Point has made as much advancement in proportion to its population as any other town in the Rogue River Valley.
    We regret very much to hear of the serious illness of George Nichols of Chimney Rock precinct. Dr. Pryce is attending him and will doubtless bring him around all right.
    Messrs. Taylor & Taylor of Grants Pass have secured the contract for furnishing lumber for the new Medford bridge. This enterprising firm is rapidly coming to the front in their lines--lumber, sash, doors, blinds, etc.
    From returns now in it is evident that the Democratic majority in Jackson County will not be over 140. The light vote polled everywhere, except in a very few places, is accountable for it to a great extent, and the bulk of the immigration in Ashland and Medford precincts is doubtless Republican.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 8, 1888, page 3


    L. L. Savage and family have located at Medford.
    Geo. Hull is employed at the Medford livery stable.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 8, 1888, page 3


    Daniel Wilson of Butte Creek was here a few days ago.
    Mr. O'Donnell, the painter, now occupies his neat, new residence.
    F. M. Plymale's new building is being painted in fine style by M. Maule.
    Mrs. A. A. Cunnyngham and family have removed to Ashland to reside.
    Ed. Hendricks of Applegate has been furnishing this market with fine vegetables.
    The Medford brass band has been reinforced and will soon be in front rank again.
    H. H. Goddard of Wagner Creek is assisting C. W. Skeel to erect several buildings.
    The brick work on Adkins & Webb's building has progressed as far as the third story.
    Burrell Miller, who has been with the government surveyors for some time past, has returned.
    Wilkinson & Hanley are doing a large business and furnish this market with the choicest of meats.
    Jackson & Damon's two-story building is nearing completion. It will be a neat and commodious one.
    Baker & Ford, lately of Washington Territory, have purchased E. J. Smillie's variety store and will enlarge the stock.
    Wm. Slinger, one of our most prominent citizens, returned Sunday evening from a trip to his old home in Southern California.
    The Democrats and Republicans held political demonstrations, with torchlight processions, etc. They were both well attended and enthusiastic affairs.
    Mr. Follett, of the firm of Follett & Fowler, the enterprising furniture dealers, has returned from Portland, where he has been laying in a large stock of the best goods in their line.
    Childers & Son have the contract for building Jones & Horn's brick store and hotel at Hornbrook, Cal., which is a fine, large structure. The outside work will soon be completed.
    The death of little Alice Geary cast a gloom over the whole community. Her remains were taken to Eugene City for interment. We sincerely sympathize with the grief-stricken parents.
    Mrs. Lewis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Crystal, who has been visiting Medford, recently returned to her home at Chetco, Curry County, accompanied by her sister, Miss Fannie Crystal.
    Rev. F. S. Noel has secured four lots near the Baptist Church in Medford from the railroad company, at half price, upon which will be erected a neat Catholic Church edifice. Work will probably be commenced at an early day.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 8, 1888, page 3


GEARY--In Medford, October 30th, Alice C., infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dr. E. P. Geary, aged 1 year and 11 months.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 8, 1888, page 3


    Burb Brockway was at Roseburg lust week.
    Prof. Dennison spent Saturday at Colestin.
    The dam at Tolo will be completed this week.
    The new dwelling house of M. Riggs, near Phoenix, is being painted by O. F. Lewis.
    Rev. M. A. Williams is having plans drawn for a fine residence on his farm near Medford.
    J. A. Anderson will build a $1,500 or $2,000 residence on his fine farm in Eden precinct this winter or next spring.
    Arthur Weeks has about completed a $2,000 residence for C. Kleinhammer in Eden precinct which is now in the bands of the painter, O. F. Lewis.
    Mr. Stewart, of Illinois, a brother of J. H. Stewart of Medford, is having the kitchen part of a building erected in Eden precinct by Arthur Weeks, the main part to be finished hereafter. Mr. Stewart is expected in a few weeks.
    A suitable place has been reserved at Tolo, or Fort Lane, for the erection, at some future time, of a monument to the memory of Gen. Jo. Lane. The stone for the purpose is near at hand, hence that part of the expense will be left out. A subscription paper for raising the sum required to complete the work would undoubtedly receive the approbation of everybody. It is fitting tribute to the memory of one of God's noblemen.
Valley Record, Ashland, November 8, 1888, page 3


NOV. 10, 1888
    I arrived at Medford on the express last night and secured field notes to Carrey from J S Howard, then stayed at Dickensons Hotel, and this morning took freight train for Gold Hill arriving there I met Mr Blevins who took me in his wagon to his place and we Met Mr P O Wilson and Wm Cook and proceeded to survey their Claims we worked all day and did not get done and as they have scruples about working on Sunday, I will have to lay over to morrow.
Diary of Welborn Beeson, Talent


    Mrs. L. N. Gilmer of Medford, who has been studying music in the conservatory, returned home on last night's train. She will continue the study of musical composition and harmony by correspondence.
"Musical Notes," Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 9, 1888, page 2


    There were thirty-seven parties at Medford last week who were looking for locations, but on account of there being no houses in town, at least half of them were unable to stop. They all spoke well of our city, and expressed a great desire to remain.--Advertiser.
"Occidental Jottings," Evening Capital Journal, Salem, November 10, 1888, page 4


Amelia Furry to Donna Furry, lot in Medford; $350.
M. E. Beatty to H. Wahlers, property in Medford; $200.
G. W. Howard to A. E. Woods, lot in Medford; $50.
D. H. Miller to S. H. Hull, property in Medford; $1200.
J. W. Short to S. S. Pentz, lot in Medford; $40.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 15, 1888, page 1


    Many of the newcomers in the railroad towns find it difficult to get comfortable winter quarters, owing to a scarcity of houses to rent.
    Several carloads of apples have been shipped out of the valley lately. The exportation of this fruit is much heavier this year than ever before. It is more evidence that it will pay to plant plenty of apple and pear orchards.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 15, 1888, page 3


    Jacob Wrisley, who is now a resident of Grant County, will spend the winter in the valley, having arrived not long since.
    Dr. G. H. Aiken, formerly of this place, has purchased the [omission] of the best drug stores in Oakland, Cal. We wish him the fullest measure of prosperity.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 15, 1888, page 3


    Go to the 5 and 10 cent store.
    Homeseekers are abundant here.
    Improvements continue on every hand.
    The 5 and 10 cent store is the place to get bargains in many lines.
    L. L. Savage talks of going into the commission business.
    Heaps of new goods, just from Chicago, at the 5 and 10 cent store.
    The Amethyst Club gave another pleasant party last Friday evening.
    John Robinson has again become a permanent resident of this place.
    O. H. Johnson, the well-known painter, is now a resident of Garfield, W.T.
    John Swenning and family have gone to Iowa, but will return in the spring.
    McQueen's wood-sawing machine dispenses with the buck and saw here.
    Fred Stutz has opened a shoemaker's shop here. He hails from Sisson, Cal.
    D. Reynolds and family of Meadows precinct have become residents of this city.
    Rev. M. A. Williams is preparing to erect a comfortable dwelling in the spring.
    A magnificent stock of holiday goods will soon be displayed at the 5 and 10 cent store.
    M. Purdin, the enterprising blacksmith, has just received a carload of Baltimore stone-coal.
    The prices as well as the quality of the goods at the 5 and 10 cent store are astonishing everybody.
    C. K. Fronk, our clever railroad agent, made his relatives at Eugene City a visit not long since.
    Last Sunday was Bible Day at the Sabbath school. The exercises were quite interesting.
    A meeting of the Ladies' Aid Society was held at the residence of Mrs. J. R. West last Friday.
    A large and first-class stock of glassware, tinware and other goods is being displayed at the 5 and 10 cent store.
    Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Baker are spending their honeymoon in California. We wish them a pleasant journey.
    Goods were never sold as cheaply in southern Oregon as they are being sold at the 5 and 10 cent store.
    The next quarterly meeting of the M.E. Church will be held at Medford next Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17th and 18th.
    E. G. Hurt has just received another carload of pickets and is filling several orders for the celebrated combination fence.
    Call at the 5 and 10 cent store and be convinced that the best of goods can be sold at eastern prices. No humbug there.
    A number of our Republican friends went to Ashland Saturday to assist in celebrating the election of Harrison and Morton.
    Frank Galloway has returned from Seattle, W.T., accompanied by his father. We are glad to learn that he has fully recovered from his recent illness.
    Our friend E. J. Smillie will not leave Medford, but intends resuming business at his old stand before long. We are glad to learn that he will remain.
    D. S. Youngs has opened a place of business here, where second-hand articles of all kinds are bought and sold. He already feels much encouraged with the outlook.
    Dr. C. Minnis has a pleasant office in Childers' brick building. Although here but a short time, through his skill and uniform courtesy he is gaining a good practice.
    The Republicans of this place and vicinity have abandoned the idea of holding a celebration over the result of the recent election, and will join in the jollification at Jacksonville next Saturday.
    R. H. Halley keeps a full and first-class assortment of tinware, etc., and is building up a large business. He is expert in executing new work and also in repairing, and never fails in giving satisfaction.
    Wrisley & Goddard, the real estate agents, are selling considerable property, notwithstanding the dull times. They have a nice list of farms for sale, and Carlos knows how to rustle up purchasers.
    Jackson & Damon, who are putting up a new building in this place, will open a boot and shoe store in a portion of it. Baker & Ford will occupy the balance of the lower story, and will carry a full line of provisions, groceries, etc.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 15, 1888, page 3


 





    H. Hollingsworth of Uniontown precinct has invested in a few acres of land near Medford, for which he paid $100 an acre.
    Empty houses are quite scarce in Jacksonville. This does not look like the county seat is becoming depopulated and decaying.
    O. Harbaugh this week commenced work on a large barn on his place on the Medford road. It will be of 2x8 stuff, and bolted together throughout with iron bolts. This style of building is not only more quickly constructed, but is stronger and cheaper than the ordinary framed barn, the principle being the same as that employed in shipbuilding, i.e., to utilize the full strength of every piece of timber.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 22, 1888, page 3


    Newcomers continue to arrive here.
    School tax will be delinquent on Dec. 2d.
    Heaps of new goods, just from Chicago, at the 5 and 10 cent store.
    Justice Angle's fine, new residence will soon be ready for occupancy.
    Our bridge across Bear Creek has not materialized as yet. What is the matter?
    Some of our streets need crosswalks badly. The trustees should attend to this at once.
    The union Sunday school met at Stanley's Hall last Sunday morning. Regular meetings will be held hereafter.
    Notwithstanding the inclement weather, several buildings are under course of construction and more are contemplated.
    J. R. Purdin, formerly of Eden precinct, has returned from Sisson, Cal., with his family and invested in town property here.
    Quite a number of our Republican residents were in Jacksonville Saturday evening and participated in the jollification.
    Medford will soon have a neat Catholic Church building in its midst. A fair will soon be held here to raise funds to assist in its construction.
    A Martha Washington supper was given at Stanley's hall last Thursday evening, which was greatly appreciated by the many who partook of it.
    The Union livery stables, under the management of Ed. and Shorty, are steadily becoming more popular, and do a large business.
    Dr. S. Danielson has had several cases under treatment lately and is giving entire satisfaction. He is a practitioner of the physio-medical school.
    The regular quarterly meeting of the M.E. Church for this circuit was held here last Saturday and Sunday. Rev. S. P. Wilson, presiding elder, and several of our local ministers were in attendance.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 22, 1888, page 3


BENTLEY--In Medford, Nov. 10th, to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bentley, a daughter.
HILL--Near Medford, Nov. 11th, to Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Hill, a son.
MORGAN--In Medford, Nov. 10th, Jesse Leonard, youngest son of J. S. and C. J. Morgan, aged 1 year and 5 months.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 22, 1888, page 3


 

    D. Reynolds and family have not gone to Medford, as was reported in "Medford Squibs" last week. They are living on the hill ranch, 270 feet above high-water mark, surrounded by peace and plenty. They know when they are well fixed.
"Meadows Items," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3


    H. C. Turpin was in town Saturday from Medford, having recently removed to that stirring town.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3


    Land around Central Point sells for a bigger price than nearly anywhere else. It is the genuine productive, never-wear-out soil, however, and has no superior.
    Central Point boasts of the best townsite in Oregon, summer or winter, and is rapidly building up. In the winter season particularly, the good roads leading to the town do much to concentrate business here.
"Central Point Pointers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3 


    Dr. Pryce is kept quite busy attending to his extensive practice.
    Our physicians are kept busy vaccinating residents of this place and vicinity.
    Miss Kate Van Dyke is now in charge of the postal telegraph office at Medford.
    Improvements continue on every hand, notwithstanding the inclement weather.
    Jake Wrisley and C. Goddard will open another variety store in this place soon.
    Some of our streets need graveling. The authorities should look after this matter.
    J. C. Corum is building a neat residence on the land he purchased near his place.
    Wm. Clark has sold his butcher shop and tools to John Dyar and quit doing business.
    The local fruit buyers are still receiving and storing fruit in the expectation of higher prices.
    Judge Crawford returned last Saturday from his trip to Salem, where he has been attending the Supreme Court.
    Another blacksmith shop has been opened in this place by a young man lately from the Willamette Valley.
    H. Richards and family left Medford precinct last week for Michigan, where they will reside in the future.
    The place to get your harness, saddles, etc., is at W. G. Cooper's. His goods are the best and prices the lowest.
    H. E. Baker and wife have returned from their trip to California and were warmly welcomed by their many friends.
    Mr. Scott of Sisson, Cal., a capitalist, has a house and lot in this place, and will probably become one of our residents soon.
    F. W. Clayton, our jeweler and watchmaker, has received a large and very fine stock of jewelry, watches, etc., for the holidays.
    Roberts & O'Neil have sold a portion of their land near this place. They got $40 an acre; the piece in question being hill land.
    Dr. Pickel is kept busy attending to the wants of his numerous patients. He is enjoying a good practice, which is constantly growing.
    The town authorities have done considerable work on the road leading to Jacksonville, but much more gravel could be put there very handily.
    T. A. Harris, who recently returned from his trip to Canada, has gone to Astoria. He has as yet not determined where he will permanently locate.
    Mr. O'Donnell has quit the painting business and may be found at the Monarch Saloon, where the best of wines, liquors and cigars may always be found.
    Our bank is steadily gaining in favor and doing a good business. The officials, Messrs. Bentley and Vawter, are courteous and reliable gentlemen, and are deservedly popular.
    Our clever friend, David T. Sears, will open a complete and magnificent stock of dry goods in a few days. The ladies will then have no trouble in being suited and need not send off for their dress or fancy goods.
    Follett & Fowler sell more furniture than any other firm in Southern Oregon, because they keep a nice and larger stock and sell cheaper. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating," so call and judge for yourself.
    Work on the bridge across Bear Creek, at this place, is not progressing as well as it ought to. The contractors have as yet been unable to plant the piers of the proposed structure, as the waters of the stream prove very troublesome.
    Postmaster Miller and wife are on their way home from Iowa, where they have been visiting relatives and friends for some time past. Their return has been greatly delayed by the illness of Mrs. M., who was dangerously ill for several weeks with typhoid fever.
    Childers & Son, having finished the construction of Horn & Jones' large brick building at Hornbrook, Cal., have brought their bricklaying force here and put them to work on Adkins & Webb's three-story structure. They have been quite successful as contractors, doing most of the best work in southern Oregon for the past few years.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3


    Several of our merchants have ordered their goods sent to the Central Point depot, as they fear that the road to Medford will be next to impassable this winter.
    L. A. McQueen of Medford visited Jacksonville yesterday, for the purpose of obtaining contracts for sawing wood with his steam machine. His rates are quite reasonable.
    Nothing will be done toward building macadamized wagon roads or a street railway from Jacksonville until the town charter is amended. The present roads will be repaired at once, however.
    Granville Naylor, who owns a fine farm near this place, is exhibiting some apples, the second growth on one of his trees, which are nice specimens of fruit. They may be seen at Jas. Goldsmith's, Medford.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 29, 1888, page 3


    Pure drugs a specialty at Miller & Strang's.
    C. C. McClendon was doing the town Sunday.
    Heaters and ranges--cheap, at the post office store.
    Mrs. Smith, of Ashland, was visiting in town this week.
    The new brick on the corner of 7th and C streets is going ahead again.
    Levi Willits, of Salem, is visiting the folks of A. Alford and Chas. W. Wolters.
    Miss Mary Coleman, of our public schools, spent Saturday visiting Ashland friends.
    Miller & Strang have a big run on stoves. Quick sales and small profits is their motto.
    Chas. Wolters' show windows present an attractive appearance. Charley is preparing for the holiday trade.
    The contractor and builder, Will. G. Zimmerman, has Thos. McAndrew's two neat cottages about completed.
    G. T. Baldwin, the Linkville merchant, was in town Sunday on his way to the Willamette Valley on business.
    D. A. Huling will open out about Jan. 1st with a complete stock of hardware, tinware, etc., in the Walton brick.
    School tax will soon be delinquent. Interview District Clerk Damon before the tax is turned over to the sheriff to collect.
    Roberts & O'Neil had the misfortune to lose two fine Norman colts on their farm near Talent last week, by the cars running over them.
    Ex-County Commissioner A. Alford has rented a house here and moved his family into it last week, and will remain during the winter.
    Miss Hattie Coleman, of the Grants Pass public school, passed up the road Monday to spend a short vacation with her parents who reside near Phoenix.
    D. T. Sears has purchased a large stock of ladies' dress goods, etc., which is being offered for sale at Sears & Wilcox's millinery and dress-making parlors.
    F. M. Plymale's elegant residence is fast approaching completion. But for the scarcity of building material, the contractors would have had it finished ere this.
    Will. G. Zimmerman will commence work on the new Catholic church here this week, and expects to have it finished within 60 days. The building will be 26x40 and cost $1100.
    W. B. Roberts has sold 40 acres of land east of Medford to Rev. E. Russ for $1600. The purchaser will improve it by setting out a large number of fruit trees in the near future.
    Jos. Strobel and daughter, who have been paying relatives here an extended visit, returned to their home in Walla Walla Tuesday evening. Mr. Strobel expects to return in the spring with his family to locate.
    W. H. Barr's fine new brick residence is almost ready to move into. It is a handsome structure and will cost about $3,200. The costliest and most commodious dwelling erected in Medford up to the present time.
    A brother of A. Childers came in on the Sunday evening's train from California, accompanied by his family, and will locate in Medford. He is a gentleman of considerable means and is well pleased with our thriving young city.
    A. Childers returned Saturday evening from Hornbrook, Cal., where he has been superintending Childers & Son's brick contract on Horn & Jones' large store and hotel building, which they have just completed in a satisfactory manner.
    Jackson & Dunlap's new business house is in the hands of the plasterers, and will be ready for occupancy before long, when they will open out a select stock of boots, shoes, etc. Baker & Ford will occupy one of the rooms with their variety store, and the Advertiser will have a room upstairs for its office.
    Work has commenced on our new bridge across Bear Creek, and it will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. It will be 400 feet long, reaching from bank to bank, and the heavy pull coming up out of the creek will be done away with. W. C. Daley is on the scene of operations to look after Jackson County's interests--to see that the work is not slighted and that an honest job is done.
    "A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN of means and refinement desires the acquaintance of a young lady (brunette) not over 25, of good family, means and member of the church; communications strictly confidential; send photo, which will be returned. Address LAWYER, lock box 2, Medford, Or."--[Personal, S.F. Examiner.
    Let her come on! Do not keep us in S.[u]S. Pentz.
"Medford Items," Valley Record, Ashland, November 29, 1888, page 3



    A. J. Wilcox has again become a resident of this precinct.
    J. C. Elder has improved the looks of his premises with a new sidewalk.
    Mr. Dickison of the Clarendon Hotel, who has been quite ill, is convalescing.
    Governor Pennoyer commissioned J. S. Howard a notary public on the 30th ult.
    New improvements are being commenced every day, and Medford continues to move steadily ahead.
    The sound of the hammer, saw and trowel can still be heard in nearly every portion of this place.
    Messrs. Faris & Johnson have opened a real estate office here, and are disposing of considerable property.
    If you want a nice, clean shave, go to C. W. Palm's, next door to the Grand Central. He is an artist, and will please you.
    Considerable improvement on the road between this place and the county seat has been made, and the good work goes on.
    A first-class stock of French and plain candies has just been received at the 5 and 10 cent store, and are sold at prices that defy competition.
    Miss Russ' millinery store will soon be removed from its present quarters in Walton's brick building, to make room for another hardware store.
    F. Hubbard, the well-known dealer in agricultural implements, has received a large consignment of the most popular plows. Call and get one..
    Thanksgiving services were held in the morning at the Baptist Church and in the evening at the Presbyterian Church. The attendance was good on both occasions.
    Mr. Johnson, who is a relative of Messrs. Childers of this place, arrived from California a short time since, accompanied by his family, and will remain here during the winter.
    Viewed from the rising ground east of Bear Creek, Medford is rapidly assuming the appearance of a metropolis. The new residences in the suburbs of town add much to the beauty of the place.
    The Medford Aid Society will give a musical and literary entertainment on Saturday, December 7th. The program will no doubt be an interesting one. Let there be a good attendance.
    D. H. Miller, postmaster of this place, who with his wife has been paying relatives at his old home in Iowa an extended visit, returned home one day last week. We are glad to learn that Mrs. M.'s health is much improved.
    The success attending the graveling of the Jacksonville road to the city limits of Medford demonstrates that with proper management this place can have an excellent system of highways radiating through the valley in the course of a very few years.
    The following paragraph, taken from the personal advertisements of the S.F. Examiner, has created considerable curiosity in this place: "A southern gentleman of means and refinement desires the acquaintance of a young lady (brunette) not over 25, of good family, means and member of the church; communications strictly confidential; send photo, which will be returned. Address Lawyer, lock box 2, Medford, Oregon."
    The bridge contractors quite work last Saturday and telegraphed to San Francisco for instructions whether or not to proceed and entail certain risks to the contractors. High water in Bear Creek interfered with properly laying the mud sills. A story is afloat, to the effect that the contractors attempted to bribe the contractor's representative, Mr. Daley, to allow them to place the superstructure on an insecure foundation. We trust that the report is not true, however, and that the bridge will progress towards early completion.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 6, 1888, page 2




    W. J. Howard, lately from Missouri, has purchased 40 acres of Chas. Nickell's farm near Medford. Price, $1680.
    The signs all point to an immense influx of immigrants from the East within the next three months. Thousands of letters of enquiry are coming in from the blizzard belt every week.
    A Times reporter on Tuesday evening found matters progressing slowly on the bridge across Bear Creek at Medford, but all the material is on the ground and the work will doubtless be finished as per contract.
    Mrs. Sarah K. Simpson, wife of Jas. W. Simpson, one of the pioneers of Jackson County, died at Medford last Thursday morning. She was well respected by all who knew her, and leaves a large family and many friends to mourn her loss.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 6, 1888, page 3


SAVAGE--In Medford, Dec. 4th, to Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Savage, a son.
SIMPSON--In Medford, Nov. 29th, Sarah K., wife of Jas. W. Simpson; aged 44 years at 6 months.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 6, 1888, page 3


    Oregon apples are in great demand in China. H. E. Battin & Co. recently shipped 400 boxes to Vancouver, B.C., where they were re-shipped to China. The last steamer took away 200 boxes for the Celestial Empire. Speaking about these shipments, Mr. Battin said: "The chances are that the shipments of apples will be continued, and that they will increase. California has always sent more or less apples to China, and there is no reason why, with a regular China steamer coming to us, we should not have the bulk of this trade."
"All Sorts," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 6, 1888, page 4


    A Mrs. Reynolds died in the Cove, Union County, last week, who was perhaps the largest woman on the Pacific Coast. Her weight was 450 pounds. It required for her interment a coffin seven feet long, three feet high and four feet wide. It was said she was a sister to the "big woman" with Sells Bros.' Circus that visited Oregon the past summer.
    Apples shipped to Australia some time since by Wm. Dunbar, have been heard from. Our antipodean friends complain that they were too large, on which account there were not enough of them in a box to pay for retailing. They also say the apples were too soft and did not come to hand in as good order as the apples from the hill districts of California. They advise that in case any more apples are to be shipped, to send smaller and harder ones.
"General Notes and News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 6, 1888, page 4






    It is beginning to dawn upon the residents of the Rogue River Valley that we are destined to have one of the most progressive, thickly populated and prosperous sections of the entire Pacific coast within a very few years, and the infectious enthusiasm, incident to a boom, is in the very air. The next few months will witness such a development in lumbering, fruit and agricultural interests and town-building in the valley as was not dreamed of a few years ago.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 13, 1888, page 2