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The Infamous Black Bird Southern Oregon History, Revised


Medford News: 1915

Medford-related news items from 1915. Also see descriptions of Medford and Jackson County for this year.


Monday
    Ten "hard-working, thrifty, successful and practical farmers" of the valley endorse sugar beets.
    Last week a man and woman passed through the city and left a trail of bad checks behind them, merchants report to the police.
    The report for December by Police Judge Charles Gay allows that $1.30 was expended for meals to transients.
    The city recorder is busy preparing the ballots for the city election to be held January 12. V. J. Emerick is running against C. E. Gates, the hustling auto dealer, for mayor.
    Capt. A. J. Vance of Co. 7 promoted Corporal Horace L. Bromley to fourth duty sergeant, vice Selden Hill. Private Carl Y. Tengwald was promoted to be corporal.
Tuesday
    W. R. Coleman reports to the sugar beet committee that when he was a boy near Phoenix sugar beets were raised for cow feed and declares that sugar beets can be raised here.
    Contract let for the construction of a federal building in Medford.
    Commercial Club for the first time in its history has money in the bank, the annual report shows.
    Jim Bell of the Nash Hotel offers $200 for the first sack of sugar made from home-grown beets.
Wednesday
    Land owners' committee reports that irrigation would be highly beneficial to the valley and will file petitions for the establishment of a district.
    Dr. E. B. Pickel and W.C.T.U. chapter endorse adoption of new city charter. Mayor Purdin reviews history of the new charter in a four-column letter.
    George Walters, child driving a buggy on North Oakdale Thursday night, was struck by an unknown autoist running without lights. Walters was thrown from the buggy, which is a total loss. The reckless motorist escaped under cover of darkness.
    The alumni team of the Medford high school, during the New Year's game at Grants Pass, contracted a taxicab bill, and the taxi man threatens suit. No one will assume responsibility for the bill.
Thursday
    The Oregonian prints an interview with Miss Marion Towne of Phoenix, first woman to be sent to the legislature in this state.
    Ben Sheldon denies that his support of the new city charter is in the hopes he will be named city manager. "I am fully unqualified to be city manager, and would not have it under any circumstances," says Mr. Sheldon in an article headlined "Another Lie Nailed."
    Southern Pacific announces special rates to the World's Fair at San Francisco.
    Local Belgian aid fund leaps to $200.
Friday
    "Progressive Citizens Unite to Advocate Passage of New Charter," says a front page headline. Councilman George Porter "nails another campaign lie."
    The streets of the city were a glare of ice this morning, and horses had difficulty in keeping their feet.
    Jacksonville gets thrill from reported discovery of gold near the Old Channel mine.
    W. H. Gore addresses Commercial Club on the need of a sugar beet factory.
Saturday
    Medford High School defeats Grants Pass at basketball 47 to 5 before a small crowd.
    Largest vote in history of city predicted at city election to vote on new city charter. Dr. J. M. Keene, of Oregon system fame, is hourly labeling the new charter the "New Thought Movement."
    Attorney B. F. Mulkey addresses the Parent-Teacher Association of the Washington School on "Shakespeare and Counterparts in Modern Tendencies."
    W. H. Gore and George B. Carpenter of the beet sugar committee were arrested by the Talent policeman for speeding while en route to a beet meeting at Ashland, and fined $5.00.
    Dr. J. J. Emmens is preparing to move his offices from Main Street to the second floor of the M.F.&H. building.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, January 5, 1930, page B2


Monday
    V. J. Emerick was elected mayor, defeating C. E. Gates by 62 votes in a hotly contested election. J. C. Barnes, socialist candidate for mayor, received 66 votes. The proposed new city charter was defeated by 94 votes. J. C. Mann was elected councilman from the first ward by a majority of 139.
    A reported influx of undesirables and parasites from California, as the result of a moral wave over that state.
    Lou "Cack" Pheister, reported killed at Happy Camp, Calif., returned home alive, happy and far from dead.
Tuesday
    The stores of the city were closed so the merchants could assist in securing signers for beet sugar acreage.
    A heavy wind and rain sweeps the valley with snow in the hills, causing farmers and miners to rejoice.
Wednesday
    Contract let to Sound Construction Company for building federal building and Sen. Chamberlain writes if we'll be ready for occupancy in 24 months.
    The body of Charles Thomason, shot for a deer by an unknown hunter, was found on Anderson Creek.
    Mail Tribune prints a poem on its front page, entitled "It's Not the Town, It's You."
    Autoists traveling through Talent should keep an eye out for the speed cop, as the town has declared war on speeders and
incidentally to inflate a deflated treasury.
    Nick
Olman, Charles Ray and Jay Gore win a debate in the high school on the subject "Should the United States Retain the Philippines?"
    Mayor-elect Emerick says that "Ole Arnspiger as city engineer is right where he belongs, and I will fight to the last ditch for him.
If they get a new city engineer they can get a new mayor. It would be a crime to dismiss him."
    The Farmers and Fruitgrowers Bank
has contracted for a modern burglar alarm. The wonderful device will be installed in 60 days.
Thursday
    T. E. Daniels named grand deputy district Exalted Ruler of the Elks.
    Commercial Club
holds annual banquet and election of officers at Hotel Medford. Irrigation needs and the establishment of a sugar beet factory were the main topics. W. H. Gore delivered the main address and brought the audience to its feet with a stirring appeal for sugar beet acreage.
    County Attorney E. E. Kelley
declares war on slot machines.
    Dr. E. B. Pickel delivered an interesting talk on "Adolescence" at the library. Fifteen were present, but what the audience lacked in numbers they made up with enthusiasm.
Friday
    In the sugar beet campaign, Hubbard Brothers' store is named as the base of operation, and "the industrial future of the Rogue River Valley is in the scales for acceptance or rejection." Ed Binns  offers $200 for the first beef fattened on sugar beets.
    Tom
Fuson passed out the cigar today in honor of a pair of twins at his house January 18.
    The slot machines of the city and county were turned to the wall today, in accordance with a recent order of County Attorney Kelly.
    At a meeting of the landowners of the Agate district, irrigation was defeated unanimously. Members of the Chamber of Commerce were allowed one hour and a half to explain the irrigation
plan.
    Mail Tribune editorial declares "valley farmers in
opposing the sugar beet campaign are biting off their own noses."
Saturday
    Jackson County fishermen to hold a mass meeting to protest against the legislature changing the present methods of handling the Rogue River fish situation. Feeling is running high among the fishers and hunters. County Attorney Kelly declares, "I never heard of such a diabolical plot to throw the interests of sportsmen into the cauldron of politics."
    The Dramatic Expression Division of the Greater Medford Club is holding a regular meeting today at the public library.
    Mayor M. Purdin delivers his final message to the city council, part of which readers: "To those who are holding over in the council, I extend my sympathy as well as to my successor and to the new councilmen. Do not think you will receive any reward, for duty well done, either in financial remuneration or in appreciation, for we have the knocker, with his little hammer, even with us, and he will find you out."
    Commercial Club elects C. E. Gates president of the organization.
    The sheriff reports that miscreants on Galls Creek are using their neighbors' hogs as rifle targets.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, January 12, 1930, page B2


Monday
    A sign of spring--the first of the year--cropped out in the business district with a wholesale washing of windows.
    John C. Mann, councilman from the first ward, and Frank Amy, councilman from the second ward, will be sworn in at first meeting of new council. Rumpus over market-master looms.
    Ben Hur Lampman, editor of the Gold Hill News, has his poem "Lo! She Is Everywhere" published in the New York Sun.
    The police are chasing all vagrants out of town as fast as they arrive, as they fear I.W.W. agitators will launch a street speaking campaign here.
Tuesday
    Beet acreage necessary for the building of a sugar factory here secured, and Utah capitalists, headed by C. W. Nibley, agree to finance plan.
    Ashland city council votes for the Billings cut, instead of the Farnham Hill route, for the Pacific Highway, and an overhead crossing will be built. The negotiations lasted over a year.
    Owing to the agitatory confab on the streets Tuesday afternoon regarding the respective merits of irrigation projects, it was necessary for the police to clear the sidewalks on a couple of occasions. Some of the main agitators have been on the job all week and are fanatically bitter against water.
    Mayor V. J. Emerick assumes reins of office and announces his policy will be "Do much and say little."
    The Rogue River Fish Protective Association calls a meeting to consider the legislature.
Wednesday
    W. H. Gore issues a proclamation "that all must hustle, or the sugar beet factory will go by the boards, and everything else."
    Two or three clotheslines were visited last night and stripped of underwear and socks, the police reported.
    Friends of H. E. Marsh tender him a surprise party. Music, games and conversation made up the evening.
    It requires five carloads of gravel to fill up a "bottomless pit" near the Espee water tank.
Thursday
    Three boys were before the juvenile court charged with the malicious killing of pigeons.
    "September Morn" was presented at the Page Theater last night to a large crowd. It was not as startling as many anticipated.
    Driver for Nurmi Bakery hits a phone pole and is seriously injured.
    A chinook wind sweeps the valley, and the snow in the Siskiyous is melting rapidly, causing fears of a flood.
Friday
    Sugar beet committee renews campaign for acreage, and implores all good citizens to give their time and automobiles to a "successful consummation of the endeavor."
    Born to County treasurer Fred Colvig. a nine-pound son at Jacksonville. The genial county official is stepping high and smiling broadly.
    Col. J. F. Mundy, who has been floored with a severe cold, is on the mend.
    The police curbed a number of motorcyclists, who have started their spring speed tests on the main street.
    Water Superintendent Ole Arnspiger has returned from the city intake, where he removed a fallen tree from valve No. 4.
    Annual report shows 4804 books in the city library, an increase of 1204.
Saturday
    The Colony Club holds an informal reception in honor of Mrs. George H. Daggett.
    Miss Ina Cochran will return to the University of Oregon at the beginning of the second semester in February.
    Sportsmen call to arms issued by the Rogue River Fish Protective society to "thwart dumbness of the legislature."
    A team belonging to C. A. Adams ran away on Main Street this morning, and as a result the police will enforce the city ordinance requiring all horses to be hitched.
    The Jackson County Republican Central Committee showed the first signs of life since the drubbing administered last November and decided to hold a Lincoln Day banquet. The committee announced this will be the opening of the 1916 campaign, which is nine months ahead of themselves.
    "The Clutching Hand," presented at the Star Theater, thrills scores of city and country people.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, January 19, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Local sportsmen aroused over report legislature will abolish license funds for hunting and fishing and call upon Jackson County delegation at Salem "to be firm and uphold the unrivaled fishing to the point of death."
    A number of the younger matrons walked to Talent Sunday on a pleasant jaunt.
    The sugar beet campaign for acreage in full swing, with many encouraging reports from the country districts. Messrs. Bramwell and Nibley of the sugar beet interests are still in the city.
Tuesday
    The warm weather of the past ten days has caused many of the housewives of the city to start planting sweet peas. There is just a faint hint of spring in the air, and the snow is melting fast in the foothills.
    The boy, age 12 years, accused of shooting a valuable hunting dog belonging to Sprague Reigel of Gold Hill allowed to go by the juvenile court upon the promise of his mother [that] he would not be allowed to have a gun until old enough to vote. Mrs. J. F. Reddy and Mrs. Ed Hanley attended the hearing and used their influence to secure leniency. It developed that the dog was shot while chasing a pet rabbit belonging to the boy.
    Salem--Jackson County ranks third in the state in the number of autos, Secretary of State Olcott reports.
    N. C. Westerfield of Portland in a letter calls attention to the neglect of cheese-making in this valley.
    The enrollment in the high school has increased to over 400, Superintendent U. S. Collins reports.
Wednesday
    First pictures of the European war shown at the Page Theater, to a capacity house.
    Medford merchants agree to stand part of transportation costs if Applegate farmers will raise sugar beets.
    Farmers and Fruitgrowers League approve plan for the use of fruit for by-products,
    A couple of short-change artists who have been skinning the merchants of the Willamette Valley are headed this way, the police report.
    The boys and girls basketball team of the high school left this morning on a tour of northern California.
Thursday
    Attorney Gus Newbury returns [to] Salem and reports "unless the fish and game commission bill is defeated in the legislature, fishing on Rogue River is doomed and damned."
    Work on the new federal building at Sixth and Holly streets will start in ten days, Supt. Crowley reports.
    A mass meeting of farmers was held in the Willow Springs district; "was an eye-opener on the value of irrigation."
    Complaint has been made that autoists are speeding across the Jackson Street bridge, menacing people in buggies.
Friday
    District plan for irrigation is abandoned, and a mass meeting is called to discuss other ways and means.
    Unless all the acreage is signed up by February 1, the valley will lose the sugar beet factory, William H. Gore said this noon.
    The police responded to a call last night from a house near the end of Ninth Street saying that a man was beating his wife. A jitney bus was requisitioned and a swift run made to the place. When the law arrived it was found that the wife was beating the husband, and that the latter in the height of the battle had fled. No arrests were made.
    Ed White of the Antelope was a business visitor in the city today. He reports the coyotes are plentiful and eating up his angoras.
Saturday
    Foes of the district irrigation plan in the Central Point area held a joy ride, consisting of 17 autos and the Central Point band, which executed several selections.
    Today is the final day for the purchase of auto licenses. Most of the local car owners have complied with the law, but a few are still trying to evade the issue.
    Friday evening twenty patients of Dr. W. W. Howard gave him a pleasant surprise.
    Bert Anderson calls upon all "good Republicans to assemble at the Hotel Medford, Lincoln's birthday, February 12, to take initial steps towards breaking the shackles of Democracy now gnawing at our vitals."
    Table Rock Tablets--Ross Kline was in these parts Monday after carrots. He says he will plant ten acres of sugar beets.

"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, January 26, 1930, page B2


Monday
    John Wilkinson, while hunting near Central Point with a party of friends, received a number of shots intended for a yellowhammer. Wilkinson came over to a knoll in time to receive the pellets. Outside of a black eye, he suffers no injury. One of the shot hit near the right optic.
    Salem--Rogue River fish bills are postponed for a week, so fishermen can outline offensive.
    European war pictures shown at the Page Theater draw large crowds.
    University of Oregon [party] in geology to study the flora at Crater Lake coming summer.
    Something definite is expected to materialize in regard to the sugar beet factory within the next two days, and the campaigners for same are hopeful.
Tuesday
    Storm conditions prevail throughout Southern Oregon, due to warm rains and melting snows. The Rogue and tributaries rise rapidly.
    J. C. Barnes offers plan for the securing of irrigation in the valley, and declares he would not be manager of any irrigation system "for love or money or the privilege to sit on the right hand of Woodrow Wilson."
    This is Ground Hog Day, and the prospects are bright the varmint will see his shadow.
    Two auto smashes occurred on the main street last night. Jack Kestor of Foots Creek, carrying an umbrella, was knocked down by the F. W. Shapleigh machine, and Dr. E. G. Riddell skidded at Main and Grape into a buggy belonging to F. W. Powell and smashed it up badly.
Wednesday
    Senator George E. Chamberlain has secured a frost survey of the Rogue River Valley.
    Attorney B. F. Mulkey, A. F. Rosenbaum and Homer Billings spent yesterday in the Ashland district campaigning for sugar beets.
    The high school glee club appeared at the Page Theater last night and scored a hit. One of the most popular numbers was "It's a Long Way to Tipperary."
    Plans for irrigation in this section [are] now in the hands of a committee of farmers and orchardists.
Thursday
    Dr. J. M. Keene declares, in an interview, that the Lincoln Day banquet "will be a community of thought and glorification of the infamous Oregon system." Every Progressive with a taint of Republican blood in his system is urged to attend the banquet.
    Eggs are 20 cents per dozen, and the hens of the valley are busy. Last fall when eggs were 40 cents a dozen they were inactive.
    A dog poisoner is active in the city, according to Dr. A. J. Helms.
    Dr. J. Lawrence Hill declares "prohibition is a farce in Oregon as long as liquor can be shipped in from California."
    Fate of sugar beet factory now depends on soil survey under way. Sufficient beet acreage has been signed after a hard struggle.
Friday
     J. C. Barnes tells the valley how to raise coin to establish irrigation system and writes: "How long, O Lord, are we going to fool around the way we have been doing?"
    New life and ginger has been injected in Co. 7 through the efforts of Lieut. Carl Y. Tengwald. Last night all the members were present except two, and they telephoned their regrets.
    Legislature takes action to pave road across Siskiyous.
    Dr. W. W. Howard, secretary of the Iowa Club of Southern Oregon, calls upon all members to pay their dues at once.
    Work will start on the new federal building and post office February 15, it is now announced.
    The police found a woman's hat on East Main Street this morning. They believe it was lost during a joy ride, as there was yelling in that end of town about 3 a.m.
Saturday
    The 1915 Cadillac is being displayed by the Hall Auto Company, and half a dozen sales are hanging fire.
    Dr. J. J. Emmens moves into his new suite of offices in the M.F.&H. building.
    Circular letters appealing for aid to the war sufferers of Armenia, Poland, Belgium, Persia, Syria, Italy, France, Morocco and Finland have been received in this city.
    Residents on South Riverside complained to the police last night that a number of young men were parading up and down, yelling and yowling, and making a general nuisance out of themselves. They fled ere the police arrived, and it is feared they were intoxicated.
    Medford man is bilked out of $3000 betting on a horse race at San Francisco.
    The Roseburg basketball team claims the state championship and will play the locals here Friday night and may get their tail feathers plucked, as the Medford team shoots exceptionally well and play together splendidly. A hot game is expected.
    Beet sugar project takes a darker tinge, according to W. H. Gore, a sugar beet enthusiast.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, February 2, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Salem--According to all signs, both the Rogue River fish bills will be knocked when the legislature resumes its deliberations of the vital subject.
    Associated Charities of Medford need $101.75 to pay for food, etc. advanced to indigents.
    Surface indications point to the passing of the beet sugar factory in this valley.
    Attorney Gus Newbury has returned from Salem, where he talked to the supreme court.
    Attorney E. E. Kelly, enraptured on the occasion of his first ride in a Cadillac, driven by Seely V. Hall, writes a column to the editor about it. "I will never forget my first ride in a Cadillac," concludes attorney Kelly.
Tuesday
    Bogus nickels, that only an expert can tell from the genuine, are in circulation in this city, the police report.
    Tavern Hotel at Eagle Point destroyed by a fire, causing $6000 loss. Lack of wind saved greater loss to adjacent property. Bucket brigade did yeoman service.
    Medford resident returning from San Francisco denies report he was hornswoggled out of $3000 by bunco artists, although the latter have his $3000, "but promised to return."
    Ashland chief of police declares war on stray dogs after he is bitten by one at a prominent corner.
Wednesday
    Fish in Rogue River face extermination through failure of the legislature to take any constructive action towards protection of game fish.
    The Medford volunteer fire department took a final gasp at a meeting last night and died. A banquet preceded the demise. Death was due to a fit of economy by the city council, who refused to pay for telephones for members.
    The irrigation committee finds that sentiment for irrigation is growing in the valley.
    Lincoln Day banquet is expected to bring back into Republican fold all the erring party brothers who became infatuated with Bull Moosism in 1912.
    Farmers of the Applegate organize a war against the coyotes, who are very annoying in that section.
Thursday
    The grand jury will sit in Jacksonville all next week.
    The police have served notice on farmers that they are subject to arrest if they stop their teams in the middle of the street to hold a conversation. This occurred this morning in front of the Nash Hotel when an auto to avoid a smash was forced into the curb.
    The Roseburg High School basketball team defeated the Medford team last night 23 to 18, in a hair-raising game before the largest crowd that ever saw a basketball game in Southern Oregon. Williamson starred for the home guards with three hair-lifting shots. The locals were outclassed from start to finish.
    Republicans of Jackson County held a turkey dinner at the Hotel Medford last night, and an address by B. F. Mulkey on "Lincoln" was the main feature. Every precinct in the county was represented, and the campaign is opened.
Friday
    The home economic division of the Greater Medford Club will meet at the library this afternoon. The topic will be "Interior Decorations."
    Andrews Opera Company plans a national tour and will open in this city March 8 in "Martha."
    Contract let for the installation of pipes at the Ashland Lithia Springs.
    The fruitgrowers of the valley met at the Medford Hotel and organized to "fight pests of all descriptions."
    Wolves invade the Willow Springs district and kill a hound named "Bugle" belonging to Ed Pennington.
    The beet sugar committee headed by W. H. Gore starts drive for a factory here in 1916. Only 2100 acres more needed.
Saturday
    City council defeats proposition for the appointment of a police matron.
    Page Theater installs a $10,000 Wurlitzer pipe organ.
    Wesley Judy performed a stupendous gastronomical feat by eating one dozen raw eggs and surviving. He became engaged in an argument with Ralph McKay on his prowess and bet--and won.
    Masonic lodge moves to new quarters in the M.F.&H. building.
    Grand jury is investigating county affairs and county offices, and a number [of] indictments are expected.
    Rev. J. Lawrence Hill praises vampire films shown at the Page Theater.
    Women on skis visit Crater Lake.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, February 9, 1930, page B2


Monday
    An epidemic of "hog latin" has attacked the boys and girls of the city, much to the disgust of their parents and teachers. The boys and girls talk in a peculiar jargon, which no one but themselves can understand. A ban upon the practice has been declared in many homes, and some of the schools.
    Warnings issued to fruit growers to beware of fire blight.
    A swarm of California beggars swooped down upon the city late Sunday, and were ordered to "make themselves scarce."
    Ashland autos smash together going around dangerous corner near [the] Plaza.
Tuesday
    Residents of South Riverside Avenue report they were kept awake last night by the yelling of two young men. It was not learned what the smart alecks were yelling about.
    Conditions at [the] poor farm placed under fire by grand jury report.
    Slogan sought to usher in new era at Ashland.
    Mail Tribune editorial brands the legislature as "full of expensive parasites."
Wednesday
    The police last night rounded up four horses that have been wandering for two months over lawns on East Main Street.
    Warren Butler, a high school student, while racing out of the Nat last night, was knocked senseless by running into a door. The young man was resuscitated by Dr. Pickel, who reported no damage was done to the boy, aside from a temporary shortage of wind.
    The new $10,000 Wurlitzer pipe organ was played at the Page Theater last night for the first time at the presentation of the regular program.
Thursday
    Rose culture lectures by Rev. George Schoerner of Brooks, Ore. started.
    "Hang it on Ashland" is the slogan of the high school for the coming four-game series with the ancient foe. The city is being plastered with the battle cry. Interest in the games is intense.
    Leo. L. Jacobs, cashier of the Farmers & Fruit Growers Bank, has accepted the position of secretary of the Elks Club. R. F. Antle, assistant cashier, will be promoted.
    Economy wave hits Jacksonville, and at the city election on next Tuesday the voters will be asked to eradicate the street commissioner and the city attorney and cut the marshal's salary. Chauncey Florey nominated for councilman on the economy ticket.
    Statistics show most Medford High students fail in higher mathematics.
Friday
    A team belonging to a Griffin Creek farmer ran away this morning when frightened by an auto driven by Seely Hall.
    At the last meeting of the Greater Medford Club, a letter of appreciation was read from Mr. Foyes of the Foyes Grocery for the work of the club members in the fly-swatting campaign last summer.
    Hegira to world fair at San Francisco begun by Ashland residents.
    H. Chandler Egan is spending the week in Jacksonville as a member of the petit jury.
    Ad Wolgast, who entered some sort of an agreement with Mose Barkdull in operating a hog ranch in the Eagle Point district, served notice this week on Mr. Barkdull that he would have nothing further to do with the hogs. Mr. Barkdull is therefore holding the sack.
    Tickets for the Ashland-Medford basketball series are at a premium, and the Natatorium will be packed to the roof with wild-eyed partisans. "Mutt" Williamson,  the backbone of the Medford team, has recovered from a sore ankle.
Saturday
    While attending the annual dance at the University Club, a Ford belonging to M. M. Root was stolen by joy riders.
    William Aitken, a plumber of this city, has received a number of papers from his old home in England, and [they] are devoted almost entirely to a discussion of the submarine blockade.
    The basement for the new federal building at Sixth and Holly streets has been completed, and the contracts for the lumber will be let next week.
    W. A. Gates, who recently came here from Peoria, Ill., will be the main speaker at the next regular meeting of the Merchants Association. Mr. Gates is a speaker of no mean ability, and no merchant should miss hearing his address. Give the newcomer a hearty welcome with a large attendance.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, February 16, 1930, page B2


Monday
    C. C. Beekman, pioneer banker and one of the striking early-day figures of Southern Oregon, called by death at the age of 87 years. Entire state press pays tribute to his merit.
    Ashland council decided to put lid on pugilists and fortune tellers.
    Rogue River apple juice made by the Bagley Canning Company has made a hit in San Francisco, and orders have been received for all that can be produced.
    Chamber of Commerce votes to give a dinner once a month for members, as proposed by William Isaacs.
Tuesday
    Medford High School defeats Ashland 31 to 10 before the largest crowd that ever saw a game in Southern Oregon. Mutt Wilson did himself noble and had a close second in Robby Pelouze. These two young heroes played gallantly, and their names are written in soap on the window of every business house in Ashland.
    A number of the young friends of Miss Georgie Williams put over a surprise on her on her birthday. Games were played to a seasonable hour, when a light repast was served.
    Epworth League of Methodist Church holds annual banquet.
    To the Editor:
    If you were a camping tourist where would you camp in the vicinity of Medford? There will be tens of thousands of such tourists pass through Medford this summer, and the familiar greeting up and down the line will be "Where is a good place to camp?"
    Other cities will be prepared for just such an emergency, and Medford may be missing something.
Wednesday
    Police ordered to arrest all wanderers and make them work cleaning alleys and vacant lots.
    Ashland fans to come to this city in special train to see basketball game.
    Judge E. E. Kelly writes to the paper, "There is no more sense in providing free space for auto tourists in auto camps than there is in furnishing free meals and board for traveling salesmen."
    Jacksonville city election warms up and promises to be a red-hot contest, with every citizen voting.
Thursday
    Jackson County citizens urged "to forswear luxuries and help the starving Armenians."
    C. E. Gates advertises that owing "to the situation abroad, I have only nine Fords on the floor and no more in sight."
    A Ford auto, a motorcycle, two dozen Plymouth Rock roosters and a sack of corn was stolen in a sudden crime wave that swept the city last night.
    At a regular meeting of the last city council the matter of the appointment of a police matron was again broached and laid on the table indefinitely.
    Medford basketball team protests playing championship games in "Ashland cigar box."
Friday
    Girls of North Medford have organized a roller skating club and use the Pacific Highway for their jaunts.
    Scores of residents of the city have started spading spring gardens.
    Banks of the city were crowded with people from the country paying their taxes.
    Signor Alfonse Giordiana, Italian tenor visiting Ed. Andrews, declares the Rogue River Valley reminds him of Sicily.
    Ashland police at council meeting stage roughhouse. Chief of police knocks policeman down and another policeman resigns rather than arrest him.
    If it does rain [sic] tomorrow, P. E. Wynkoop & Co. will hold a public auction at Main and Fir streets.
Saturday
    Residents of the Willow Springs district ask the county court to divert the Pacific Highway to the road through their section in the interests of economy and scenic effect.
    Chamber of Commerce after a chicken dinner at St. Mark's Guild Hall vote to give moral support to a proposition to form a brass band here.
    Forty lovers of outdoor life met at the public library last night and organized a hiking club. Cole Holmes was elected president and will map out the hikes, of which there are many in this vicinity.
    Insurance rate on city fire truck is held to be too high by the city council, and insurance agents are so advised by the mayor.
    Ashland High School won the Southern Oregon championship by defeating Medford, 23 to 17. Grisez of Ashland tossed the ball the entire length of the Natatorium to score a basket, which caused three fights among spectators. The lineup of the Medford team was: Pelouze and Williamson, forwards; Thomas and Brown, center; Cowgill and Beacom, guards; Torney, substitute.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, February 23, 1930, page B2


Monday
    The Southern Oregon exhibit at the San Francisco fair is pronounced poor by Leonard Carpenter, who states in a letter that the apples are wormy. "The Willamette Valley, both in fruit and citizenship, outstrips the valley," declares Mr. Carpenter.
    The Dollarhide Toll Road over the Siskiyous is purchased by the county court.
    The Farmers and Fruitgrowers League declares war on squirrels and blue jays.
    The opera "Martha," presented by the Andrews Opera Company at the Page Theater under the auspices of the Elks Lodge, was a social and musical success.
Tuesday
    Seely Hall returns from San Francisco and pronounces the Southern Oregon exhibits at the 1915 fair "worse than pitiful, and not better than nothing."
    Councilman Medynski urges that citizens plant vacant lots to crops "to keep busy and provide food."
    Six alarms were turned in between Saturday night and Monday night, and the fire department was kept on the jump.
    Tolo and Willow Springs citizens appeared before the county court and presented their arguments and claims for routing the Pacific Highway through their communities.
    Medford students at the University of Oregon gain high marks.
Wednesday
    Fruit shippers of the Northwest unite to solve shipping problems.
    Barnum and Bailey's circus will appear in this city next August, it was announced.
    The police activity for the past week has consisted of the arrest of one man for drunkenness in public.
    Residents of South Riverside report that they are kept awake by loud yelling of youths.
    The annual spring opening at Mann's will start tonight and close Saturday.
    Baseball players of the city are planning on forming a team.
Thursday
    Attorney W. E. Phipps issues warning to public not to pay sewer tax payments until pending suit is settled.
    People are paying taxes faster than ever, the sheriff reports.
    The Grizzly c
lub hiked to the Opp mine near Jacksonville yesterday and report a pleasant time.
    City council for [the] third time rejects proposal for appointment of a police matron.
   
Fruit conditions in the Rogue River Valley for this season of the year reported excellent.
Friday
    H. O. Frohbach of Ashland reports that the Southern Oregon exhibit at the San Francisco fair is a "credit to the district, despite reports to the contrary."
    A tramp stole Mose Barkdull's overcoat from his auto, and the same culprit ate a meal in a Front Street restaurant and left without paying. Barkdull and the police caught the tramp on the way to Ashland, and [he] was brought to this city. At the city jail, Barkdull refused to prosecute the unfortunate man and paid for his meal and sent him on his way rejoicing.
    Work on constructing phone line from Prospect to Crater Lake started.
    County court takes necessary action to secure a better exhibit at the San Francisco fair.
    Unknown reader sends letter to Mail Tribune declaring that "Medford is slated for the fate that overtook Babylon."
Saturday
    Local boy and girl elope, and the sheriff can find no trace of them.
    The most unfortunate dog in the world is running loose in Medford. He is an Airedale and blind. He cannot see to chase cats or get out of the way of man and vehicles. He is all the time running into something. The police are looking for him so they can tie him up or find his owner. He is a fine, healthy-looking canine, with nothing the matter except his eyes.
    The driver of a taxicab collided with a Hall taxicab this morning in front of the Nash Hotel. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of his machine while throwing an apple core at Ralph McKay.
    The Union Oil Company plans to erect a $25,000 plant at Crater Lake Junction.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, March 2, 1930, page B2


Monday
    St. Patrick's Day is celebrated throughout the valley without turmoil, but with every buttonhole showing a shamrock. The Teacup Club of Ashland trim spring hats for their wives. The organization is composed of men belonging to the Methodist Church.
    The Hoke cooperative cannery announces that its capacity for the coming year will be quadrupled.
    Tributary streams of Rogue River [are] to be stocked with trout fry by the state fish commission.
Tuesday
    There were several near accidents on Main Street this morning due to reckless driving, and the police announce a war on speeders.
    Southern Oregon sportsmen demand that the governor name a Southern Oregon man on the fish commission.
    Owing to a lack of funds and a general retrenchment policy, the plan to plant trees along the Pacific Highway has been abandoned by the county court.
Wednesday
    The Elks Club rooms on North Central were opened today with Lee Jacobs in charge. The dedication of the temple will take place in the summer.
    Insect life the past few days has flourished and has been characterized by the birth of myriads of white-winged butterflies. Yesterday was as balmy as a day in June, and house flies made their appearance.
    The hikers' club plans to hike to the top of Table Rock next Sunday, if the weather permits.
    A number of boys climbed to the top of Roxy Ann last night and set off red fire, in mockery of the prediction of an evangelist that the hill would erupt as a preliminary to the end of the world.
    There will be no spring cleanup duty this year, as far as the city is officially concerned. The city council has been attacked with penuriousness, and as a result the citizens will have to pay for having their garbage hauled away instead of having the city do it for nothing.
Thursday
    The federal building will be completed and officially opened May 11, 1916, it was announced by the Treasury Department.
    Willie Painter, age 3, living at Central Point, boards a Southern Pacific train, and unbeknownst to his parents came to this city yesterday. The tot told agent Rosenbaum that he came to Medford to see the circus. Some days ago the Mail Tribune mentioned that the advance agent for a circus was in town, and Willie heard of it in some way. He is about three months ahead of the arrival of the circus.
    Orchardists faced with the prospects of another dry year have formulated plans for the formation of an irrigation district to cover 1000 acres.
    A woman riding on the rear seat of a motorcycle fell off this morning when the driver drove too close to a Southern Pacific switching engine.
Friday
    The tramp arrested last week for stealing Mose Barkdull's overcoat from his auto was arrested again last night for trying to steal a cane belonging to Judge Canon, and the authorities will not fool with him any more. Barkdull, after an exciting chase, gave the tramp his overcoat and was repaid by the tramp trying to steal a cane belonging to his best friend.
    City council considers appointing a speed cop to control speeders on the residential streets.
    C. E. Gates this morning received the first carload of new style Fords, and they are going like hotcakes.
Saturday
    Only a week remains for the payment of the first half of the taxes.
    Contributions aggregating $1000 have been made for the buying of machinery for the Hoke cannery.
    The first orchard heating of the year came this morning, with a heavy frost last night.
    Lester Adams, for the past eighteen months a reporter on the Medford Sun, left today for Wallace, Idaho, where he will continue in journalism. (Adams is now [in 1930] managing editor of the Portland Telegram, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Adams of this city.)
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, March 9, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Wanderer who stole Mose Barkdull's overcoat and tried to steal Judge Canon's cane is given a severe reprimand and 30 minutes to "make himself scarce" when jailed for intoxication.
    David Wood bets Porter Neff that the Russians will capture Przemysl within the week.
    County Commissioner W. C. Leever of Central Point goes to Salem to discuss the early completion of the Pacific Highway over the Siskiyous by the highway commission.
    The Drama League held a meeting and voted to encourage amateur plays by amateur actors.
    Arthur Hurgess, advance man for the reorganized Andrews Opera Company, advances to Redding, Calif.
Tuesday
    Farmers of the valley are warned to beware the slick salesmen selling seed potatoes at $2.50 a bushel and promising to return in the fall and pay $2.50 per bushel more than the market price.
    Track team of the high school starts spring practice.
    Dorsey D. Norris is elected secretary of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
    Farmers and fruitgrowers declare war on gophers, digger squirrels, field mice, moles and other pests.
    Steps taken for the securing of a better Jackson County exhibit at the San Francisco fair.
Wednesday
    Rain fell in a businesslike manner over the valley this afternoon, after an all-morning effort. Then the sky became as clear as a bell again.
    This is the glorious St. Patrick's Day, and the Irish of the valley are all wearing green and looking the same.
    The warm days of the past week have brought out the tennis players and golfers.
    Petrograd reports that
Przemysl has fallen, but Porter Neff, who bet with David Wood upon the proposition, refuses to take the Russians' word for it.
Thursday
    Cole Holmes, president of the Grizzlies--a hiking club--announces the official yell of the club is the following:
    Monarchs of the forest,
    Monarchs of the vale.
    Monarchs of the world at large,
    Grizzlies prevail.
    Wilson Wait joins the Andrews Opera Company as a musician and leaves on a tour.
    The horse attached to the Japanese laundry wagon ran away this morning when Saito, the driver, forgot to drop his weight.
    "The Melancholy Pelican," a prose poem written by Ben Hur Lampman of the Gold Hill News, is reprinted in the New York Sun, with a high compliment.
    Walt Antle, of the baseball team, sustained a badly bruised finger during a workout last evening.
Friday
    Company 7 is highly praised by Adjutant General George A. White for its appearance.
    Auto stage service to the San Francisco fair is scheduled to begin May 1.
    Theo. F. Drake arrives as government frost forecaster, and with Ben Sheldon as guide makes a tour of the valley to select sites for ten observation stations.
    Grizzly Club adopts resolution calling upon all good citizens to furnish historical data of the valley and aid in the preservation of wildlife.
    Clouds rolling in from the west thwarted the first attack of the season by Jack Frost. Orchardists were prepared for his coming, but instead got a good night's rest.
    A. C. Allen, district horticultural commissioner, calls upon orchardists to fight and watch blight.
Saturday
    Emil Britt of Jacksonville in an interview regarding the lack of rain, says there will be none until the middle of April.
    Police disperse a gang of boys who have been going swimming in Bear Creek without bathing suits.
    While Dr. J. J. Emmens was attending a performance of Charlie Chaplin at the Page Theater, a thief stole a clock from his auto.
    Fruitmen to hold mass meeting and try to organize a fruit growers council.
    Residents of South Oakdale corral a skunk under Dr. E. G. Riddell's house, and a reward is offered for his liberation by Dr. Riddell.
    Judge William M. Colvig, tax agent for the Southern Pacific, arrived this morning to pay the railroad taxes, amounting to about $25,000.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, March 16, 1930, page B2


MEDFORD'S AWFUL FATE
    Sinful Medford is threatened with the fate of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah according to a prophesy sent the Mail Tribune, from an unknown source. Perhaps Roxy Ann is to get busy as a volcano and overwhelm the valley, in which case it is hoped operations begin in time to attract the world's fair tourist traffic. Perhaps Crater Lake is going to blow out again. Anyway something awful is to happen--perhaps. Here's the prophesy:
    "BE READY! This warning come to all from God. Behold He has shown great trouble coming on this valley soon. Four times in vision He has shown me a mountain that stands out alone erupting. Once He has shown me a great black smoke rising with Medford written in the smoke, and the whole valley covered with a stream of black substance with a seam of fire running through, and twice He has let me hear and see the noise and horror of a volcano and last night He showed me the red light lighting up the town and darts of fire falling all over the town.
    "God has borne witness by His Holy Spirit these things are true and must make them public. Prepare to meet thy God. Amen."
Medford Mail Tribune, March 18, 1915, page 1


Monday
    Merrymakers enter empty house on Kenwood Avenue and are blamed for fire that started and caused $400 damage. Empty beer bottles gave evidence of an orgy, and neighbors reported they heard loud singing about two a.m.
    Members of the school board to be guests at dinner prepared by members of the domestic science class.
    The Gates Garage Company has devised a plan whereby a Ford can be rented the same as a horse and buggy, and everything is furnished but the driver.
    Mose Barkdull drove to Crescent City today, in "Doe Yak," his automobile, which was recently rejuvenated.
    The Gaiety Musical Company, which has been punishing local theater patrons for the past week, left today to agonize the natives of Grants Pass.
Tuesday
    Carl Jeschke has received a letter from his old home in Germany, stating that everybody not working is fighting, and Germany will win the war in 90 days.
    High school debaters who defeated Grants Pass and Ashland orators will receive a red "M" similar to those awarded football heroes.
    Medford Elks will enjoy their first stag party and smoker at the new temple Wednesday evening.
    The Eagle Point correspondent for the Mail Tribune calls upon Fred L. Heath in his store at Eagle Point, and then writes a column article on Mr. Heath's method of growing large cucumbers.
    Ashland now sports a store devoted exclusively to the sale of bananas.
Wednesday
    Medford High School debate team defeated by Bandon team at Eugene.
    Will G. Steel, father of Crater Lake, delivers lecture at Presbyterian Church on Crater Lake which is well attended.
    Local cannery asks the Southern Pacific to reduce freight on fresh tomatoes.
    A double rainbow--an unusual phenomenon--adorned the eastern sky late yesterday and was highly appreciated by a number of local residents.
    W. W. Reager, a Perrydale farmer, driving a team, was struck by an auto driven by Ed. Hill, a youth. One of the horses was thrown into the car. The driver of the auto was mussed up but not hurt. The police said he was too young to be driving an auto.
Thursday
    According to the mail carrier, Mrs. Sarah Adams gets the most mail of anybody on the route, and Jim Emby is second. Miss Mabel Hanson was second when she was here. (Flounce Rock correspondence.)
    Fish and game violators "will reap the whirlwind later on," according to an editorial in this paper.
    Porter Neff refuses to pay his bet with Dave Wood upon the fall of 
Przemysl, and insists David owes him for a bet he lost on the date of the fall of Constantinople.
    Number of Ashland citizens oppose development of Lithia Springs as "too costly a proposition."
    Mose Barkdull, called as witness at Jacksonville on eve of departure for Crescent City, forced to postpone trip.
Friday
    The street department under Superintendent of Streets Ole Arnspiger is regrading dirt streets of the city.
    Many fishermen can hardly wait until the opening of the fishing season, but they better or face dire consequences. There has been too much violation of the fishing laws.
    Fight fans of the city are beginning to manifest interest in the Jack Johnson-Jess Willard fight to be held in Havana.
    W. H. McGowan was installed last evening as exalted ruler of the Elks. O. O. Alenderfer was named chaplain.
    Everybody is congratulating A. S. Rosenbaum up to today--his 'steenth anniversary with the Southern Pacific.
Saturday
    Art. Burgess has returned from a trip to the Willamette Valley, where he booked dates for the Andrews Opera Company.
    The finishing touches have been put on the Siskiyou division of the Pacific Highway, and [it] is ready for travel.
    The Grizzly Club will walk through the orchards of the valley Sunday, according to present plans.
    D. A. Hansom of Agate reports that he saw smoke last night coming from lordly Mt. McLoughlin, alias Mt. Pitt.
    Weatherman arouses women of city and valley by predictions for their Easter bonnets.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, March 23, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Rain deficiency for season is 11.51 inches.
    Fruitmen urged by Professor Haskell of O.A.C. to join cooperative movement.
    Silos are becoming popular among the farmers of the valley.
    Company 7 ordered to hold drills daily, and those who fail to attend will face dire consequences.
Tuesday
    A number of April Fool pranks were committed today, the most reprehensible being the placing of a garter snake in a lady's coat pocket.
    Roger S. Bennett announced today that the contract had been let for the erection of a $10,000 apartment house at Main and Quince streets, and adjoining the Berben apartments. "I am making this investment," said Mr. Bennett, "because I feel it is better to pay taxes on improved property than on vacant lots covered with weeds."
    The high school glee club will stage an operetta entitled "The Nautical Knot or the Belle of Barnstapoole."
    Sig. Salvatore Giordini arrived today to visit with Ed Andrews. He is a noted tenor of San Francisco.
Wednesday
    Attorney Fred W. Mears addressed the Greater Medford Club on "The Legal Phases of the Vote for Women and Their Effect on the Municipalities."
    Vandals Sunday desecrated a number of beauty spots along the Rogue. Where is the sheriff?
    Mrs. William O'Hara won the Maxwell auto in the Page Theatre contest.
    Tom Fuson is confined to his home with a light touch of typhoid fever and is steadily improving.
    Ashland Pythians prepare for [a] big initiation and ceremony at Crater Lake.
    The night police detained a young man who was caught yelling at two o'clock this morning on South Riverside. He was given a lecture and sent home. He could give no reason for his vocal outbursts. He was not drunk.
Thursday
    Commercial Club prepares eleven steelhead for exhibition at the San Francisco exposition.
    U. S. Collins resigns as superintendent of Medford schools. "I have bought a Ford car and will spend my time riding on the Pacific Highway," the educator said.
    Ashland starts campaign against low-hanging awnings in the business district and poison ivy in the natural park.
    Chief of Police Hittson serves notices that motorists must cease cutting corners "before they kill themselves or somebody else." Women and boy drivers, the chief says, are the worst offenders.
    Medford hen claims honor of laying the largest egg in the state, and three of them in one day.
    Otto Klum, coach of the Ashland high school, has been elected to the same position for the Medford schools. This is good news. Klum's teams have always won because they never said "die," and it is hoped he will instill some gumption into the local athletes.
    "After taking the paper the most of the time for the past fifty years, I have quit the Oregonian, and quit it for good," states J. S. Howard, veteran pioneer and father of Medford. "I have protested for years on their policy of discrimination against Southern Oregon in general and Medford in particular, and I am through with the paper. I see no reason why anyone in Southern Oregon should patronize an institution that refuses this community a square deal."
Saturday
    There will be a meeting of the players at the ball park tomorrow to form a ball club.
    Mrs. Jap Andrews entertained the Nullo Bridge Club Thursday afternoon.
    Court Hall was amazed at the news that Jess Willard knocked out Jack Johnson. He declares there is "something fishy about it."
    Cole Holmes entertained a number of boy and girl friends informally Friday evening.
    Nick Ootman ousted as official yell leader of the high school, because he was negligent in his duties.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, March 30, 1930, page B2


    The appeal of Major Canton of Medford, convicted in the circuit court of this county on a charge of sodomy, has been set for hearing in the supreme court at Salem, April 12.
    D. J. Mathes, auditor of the Medford National Bank, died at his home in that city, Friday morning, after an illness of ten days. He was aged about 45 years and had been a resident of Medford for the last six years.
    William P. Woods, a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home in Medford Tuesday morning, aged 71 years. Mr. Woods came to the valley in 1888. He is survived by two sons and two daughters, all residents of Medford. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, Rev. W. F. Shields officiating.
"Local News," Jacksonville Post, April 3, 1915, page 3


Monday
    V. Meldo Hillis, of Nampa, Idaho, is named city superintendent of schools.
    Dr. J. F. Reddy's dream of years is just about to come true. The construction to the sea of a rail line southwestward from Grants Pass to connect with tidewater at Crescent City, Cal. is to be taken over by Twohy Bros., railroad builders, and hurried to completion.
    Council plans construction of new city hall. Present quarters too small.
    Militant fishermen of Rogue River to demand action by next legislature.
Tuesday
    Company 7, Captain Elmer T. Foss, paraded up and down Main Street last night performing fancy evolutions.
    Jacksonville lodge celebrates 96th anniversary of Odd Fellowry.
    Charles Gay, while driving his auto on Emigrant Creek, was run into by a horse, causing $15 damage.
    Ashland has put restrictions on dancing in that city, and as a consequence hoofers of that city are expected to flock here.
    Lilac bushes are in bloom throughout the residential sections, and several bouquets have been stolen.
Wednesday
    Medford baseball has its first tryout of the year and looks promising.
    Members of Company 7 prohibited from wearing their uniforms except when on duty. Several of the privates have been wearing their army clothes to social functions.
    Paul McDonald left this morning for Merrill, Klamath County, where he will have charge of a mercantile establishment.
    Attorney Porter J. Neff named city attorney of Gold Hill by the council.
    Miss Maple Payne of Ashland won a free trip to the Panama Exposition offered by 16 Ashland merchants.
    Statistics show that apple growers over a five-year period net "around a dollar a box."
Thursday
    Exposition travel over the Southern Pacific is exceptionally heavy.
    Another epidemic of yelling among young men out late has broken out, residents of South Riverside Avenue report to the police. The police are unable to determine what causes the enthusiasm, and predict it will stop when somebody gets hurt.
    Sells-Floto circus scheduled to appear in this city May 17.
    Contract is made for the development of the Ashland Lithia Springs.
    Four local youths arrested by sheriff for stealing chickens and milk bottles.
Friday
    While the fish are plentiful in Rogue River, they are not biting as briskly as expected by local piscatorial enthusiasts.
    A skunk wended his odoriferous way through the business district Tuesday night. The prowler could be smelled but not located. The police believe this is the same skunk that was interned for two days under Dr. Riddell's garage on South Oakdale.
    Councilman Medynski this morning ordered the arrest of the driver of [a] Stanley steamer auto, brown colored, he alleges was going 30 miles an hour down North Central Avenue.
    Cigar merchants announce the selling of six nickel cigars for a quarter will be discontinued.
    Heavy smudging prevailed in the orchard districts last night, and every country dog is black as the ace of spades. No damage to the fruit resulted.
Saturday
    Tom Fuson went out for the first time since a severe attack of typhoid fever.
    The police announce that the next young man caught yelling on South Riverside when all are asleep will be severely punished.
    Horse belonging to George Alford of Phoenix commits suicide by poking its head into a stall and lying down.
    Ed Pottenger has received a carload of Reo autos for local purchasers.
    Chief of Police Hittson declares a law should be passed prohibiting parents from allowing their children to run in front of autos while they sit on the porches and watch the proceedings.
    The Grizzlies will walk up Roxy Ann Sunday, weather permitting. Forty couples will make the hike, which promises to be thrilling.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, April 6, 1930, page B2


    Rev. Weston F. Shields of Medford, well known to many of our readers, has received a call to the pastorate of the Klamath Falls Presbyterian Church.
    Mrs. Emma Hughes of Medford died at her home Friday morning of lockjaw caused by stepping on a rusty nail about two weeks ago. Funeral will be held Monday, interment in cemetery at Rogue River.
"Local News," Jacksonville Post, April 10, 1915, page 3


Monday
    The weather bureau flies a black flag from its mast, indicating there will be continued cold and smudging.
    Andrews Opera Company, while resting in the city preparatory to going north, will present a double bill at the Page Theater, with selections from "Faust" and "Martha."
    The state railroad commission will meet here April 26 to consider the application of the Bullis streetcar line for the right to cross the Espee tracks on Main Street.
    Police nab another young man found yelling at the top of his voice on South Riverside Avenue. He was turned over to his father, who said he would yell some more when he got him home.
    A troupe of vaudeville players gave an entertainment at Ash Hall, Trail, last Saturday night.
    Returning residents from California say prospects are brighter here than there.
Tuesday
WICKED WILSON DID IT
    What causes the vagaries of the weather?
    Who is responsible for the dry season?
    Who is to blame for the frosty nights?
    The answer is easy--President Wilson and the Democratic Party. If you don't believe it, ask the Republican Central Committee. Ask any reactionary. They will tell you so.
    Pythians plan campaign to advertise Crater Lake and their initiation there.
    Residents of the Blue Ledge district build a bridge across the Applegate to connect with forest trail.
    Medford experienced the warmest day of the season yesterday when the mercury rose to 85 degrees.
    Four local youths confess to wholesale thefts of chickens from local folks.
Wednesday
    The sheriff is looking for an unidentified Overland car that ran into a farmer on the Pacific Highway two nights ago and sped on without stopping.
    William Vawter has returned to his studies at Eugene after a short visit in the city.
    George Treichler entertained a number of North Dakotans at his home on South Holly last evening.
    The Greater Medford Club musicale, held at the Star Theater, was largely attended.
    Trophies of the chase in Jackson County [were] sent to the San Francisco fair. C. E. Gates contributed one deer head, Chris Gottlieb one salmon and Chester Fitch a stuffed woodpecker.
    Carl Y. Tengwald elected secretary of the Drama League.
Thursday
    Considerable speeding continues on the Pacific Highway. The sheriff says traveling from Ashland in 17 minutes is too fast.
    Southern Pacific installs warning signals at Jackson Street crossing.
    Attorney Evan Reames is in San Francisco attending the exposition.
    Sixty percent of the county taxes for the year have been paid, county officials report.
    Thirty members of the Grizzly Club climbed to the summit of Roxy Ann, where they were served coffee donated by H. E. Marsh.
    Local Elks decide to dedicate their new temple in September, week and day to be determined later.
Friday
503 South Central, Medford, Oregon circa 1916 Grace Norman Pellet

Grace Norman Pellet in front of the Whitehead house at 503 South Central, circa 1916 
    Two tramps called at the home of F. H. Whitehead on South Central Avenue Monday and applied at the front door while Mr. Whitehead was in the back yard tinkering with his auto. The front door was slightly ajar, so the unwelcome visitors entered. They were seen by a woman across the street who notified Chief Hittson, who rushed to the scene. He caught the pair, who upon promise to leave town without delay were released. Mr. Whitehead refused to swear out a complaint against the two.
    H. Chandler Egan of Medford finishes second in day's play at [the] Panama-Pacific Exposition amateur golf championship match.
    School board raises annual salary of school principals.
    The Bullis streetcar jumped the track at the end of Main Street this morning and started down the county road.
Saturday
    Farmers of the valley have started to plant their corn, and praying for rain.
    The city council has ordered the removal of the water meter from the Garnett-Corey Building.
    W. R. Coleman plans to spend most of the summer prospecting in the south end of the county.
    The first band concert of the season will be held in the city park next week, weather permitting.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, April 13, 1930, page B2


Monday
    The balmy evenings of the past week have caused a revival of joy riding, and the attention of the juvenile authorities has been called to a number of boys and girls who do so without the knowledge of their parents. Ashland is the mecca. Motorcyclists have also been afflicted with spring recklessness.
    The graduating exercises of the senior class of the Medford high school will be held at the Page Theater May 28.
    Couple are wedded under an oak tree at Jacksonville by Rev. Costlett.
    Hall Taxicab Company discontinues daily stage to Grants Pass.
    The Medford Drama League endorses the class play of the high school seniors.
    Espee to put on a new daylight train to care for exposition travel.
Tuesday
    Pioneer resident of Table Rock district cuts an entire new set of teeth, necessitating the discarding of false teeth.
    Merle Kellogg's bulldog and a long-haired collie engaged in a fight at Main and Central this morning, attracting a crowd of 150. It was the best dog fight of the year, and everybody in six blocks was in attendance except a policeman, who is a humane officer ex officio.
    Attorney Gus Newbury is erecting a small house on his Applegate ranch for summer use.
    First band concert of the season is pronounced a success. Music lovers were disturbed, however, by small boys running and yelling while the band was playing. This is very annoying, and the police and parents should unite to stop it if they can.
Wednesday
    Ashland will hold a special election to vote on immediate park improvement. Little interest is manifested in the election.
    Chan Egan, the local golfer, has returned from San Francisco, where he played in the exposition tournament. He was beaten by a couple of Californians.
    The police have put a ban on small boys using the downtown portion of Main Street for a skating rink.
    Talent spite fence case under way in circuit at Jacksonville.
    Community lunch will be held Saturday afternoon in the city park, and the C. of C. invites the entire county to attend.
Thursday
    Orchardists are warned to fight the sawtooth larva, which recently made its appearance in these parts.
    Rain is predicted for the official opening of the straw hat season.
    Ashland passes city ordinance prohibiting prize fight pictures and fortune telling.
    Orchards sustain no damage from prevailing wintry conditions.
    Rogue River bank is robbed of $800 by lone bandit who overlooked $500 in greenbacks after throwing ammonia in cashier's face.
Friday
    A wonderful transformation can be made at small cost with a little paint. As an example, the appearance of the historic Nash Hotel has been improved a hundred percent by its new coat of white. The paint has not only improved the appearance of building but the appearance of the city. Others should do likewise.
    Southern Oregon Presbytery to meet here next year.
    A young son of O. C. Boggs, while playing with matches near a barn at the family home on Orchard Street, set fire to a barn, which was destroyed. Later in the afternoon a barn on South Central belonging to C. I. Hutchison was burned down, origin unknown.
    A wedding which came as a surprise to their many local friends occurred at Redding recently when Miss Blanche Wood and Herman Powell were married. The groom is a graduate of Cornell University, where he was a famous football player. He is erecting a home near the city reservoir.
Saturday
    Two girl hikers walking across the continent to appear at the Star Theater as a special attraction for three days.
    Bank robbery at Rogue River remains a dark mystery without a single clue, save that Seely Hall, a stage driver, saw a tall man running down the Pacific Highway shortly after the robbery towards a gray Buick car. Cashier Rossier is still suffering from a heavy blow he received on the head and from the fumes of ammonia thrown in his face.
    Odd Fellows and Rebekahs hold picnic in Ulrich's grove at Jacksonville to celebrate 96th anniversary of the founding of the order.
    J. A. Perry reelected president of the Rogue Fruitgrowers Cooperative.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, April 20, 1930, page B2


    A petition is being prepared by the friends of Major Canton of this city to endeavor to obtain a pardon for that gentleman. No action will be taken about the case until the prosecuting attorney receives the mandate from the supreme court at Salem.

"Local and Personal," Medford Sun, April 22, 1915, page 6



Monday
    The cooperative cannery will start operations in mid-June.
    Pinkerton detectives busy trying to find Rogue River bank bandit.
    Greater Medford Club votes to issue life memberships for $10.
    Edward W. Carleton, secretary of the Farmers and Fruitgrowers League, issues a call for the second annual meeting.
    The Grizzly Hiking Club will hike to the Sterling mine on next Sunday, if it does not rain.
    Governor James Withycombe will be the main speaker at the picnic of the Valley Pride Creamery to be held on the Applegate May 20th.
Tuesday
    The Tuesday Luncheon Club and the Girls' Thursday Bridge Club will hold a joint session on next Wednesday.
    George E. Johnson is named superintendent of the P.&E. to succeed William E. Gerig, who has been called to St. Paul to take charge of
drainage operations at a new rail terminal to be constructed there.
    Frost danger passes when clouds roll in from the west.
    The fish ladder at the Ament dam has been ordered closed for two weeks under pretense of making repairs to the
speedway. Local fishermen are indignant because juries have failed to convict poachers at the ladder.
    Homegrown strawberries are appearing on the market, the berries ripening rapidly the last three days.
    Work on the new federal building is delayed because the government refused a large shipment of brick because of poor coloring.
Wednesday
    The chilly weather of the last two days has decimated thousands of house flies in their infancy, according to Dr. E. B. Pickel.
    City joins with Salem and Roseburg in an effort to have the Liberty Bell be routed over the Southern Pacific so the patriots of Oregon will have an opportunity of seeing the historic relic.
    Police receive reports that flower thieves have been active on South Central Avenue and on the East Side.
    Local apples suffer in England because English drink more beer than they eat apples.
    John
Kazmarek, a telegraph operator, had a $90 diamond stick pin stolen from his tie while watching a ball game, and Al Hagen is deprived of a $20 diamond pin by a room thief.
Thursday
    This is the glad May day, and the official opening of the straw hat season is delayed by rain.
    Central Point wins the county track meet.
    Frost danger of the 1915 season is declared officially past.
    Ministers of city approve plan for a police matron.
    Chief of Police Hittson serves notice that places that do not clean up will be cleaned up and the costs assessed to their property.
Friday
    In accordance with the will of the late C. C. Beekman, steps to close the Beekman banking house after more than 50 years of business here. All depositors are instructed to remove their deposits without any unnecessary delay.
   
Ralph Cowgill measures Bear Creek for the government and reports 110 second-feet of water passed under the bridge over a 24-hour period.
    When Oregon goes dry, so to speak, January 1st, 1916, there will be opened a distillery warehouse at Hornbrook, Siskiyou County, California, the purpose of which will be to supply the thirsty of this side of the state with booze. A warehouse is now under construction at the above-named point, and [it] will be stocked ready for business when prohibition comes. Shipments will be made by mail or express.
Saturday
    Only four feet of snow covers Crater Lake park, and [a] water shortage faces valley.
    Fishermen send four resolutions to game commission condemning lack of fish in Rogue River.
    Irate subscriber, aroused by the interest shown in a dog fight on Main Street, writes to the editor, "The Darwin theory is right, and several gents in Jackson County have not shed their tails." He charges Mayor Emerick and Chief of Police Hittson were interested spectators and failed to set a good example.
    Plans completed for the first Jackson County Community Day next Saturday.
    Dr. J. M. Keene declares, "There will not be another Republican president until 1920," as "the people have not suffered enough for their folly in going Democratic." Dr. Keene further declares, "I can stand it as long as the Democrats can."
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, April 27, 1930, page B2


Monday
    City council grants merchants permission to hold their Community Day dinner in the city park.
    The exterior painting of the Nash Hotel has been completed. The changed appearance will cause other business houses to do [likewise]. The venerable landmark sure looks pert in its new dress.
    The Drama League
puts it stamp of approval on "The Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Page Theater.
    Flounce Rock correspondent reports "an epidemic of fights at the Trail dance."
    Herman Genss, the famous music teacher of San Francisco, will present Herbert L. Alford of this city in an introductory recital in San Francisco the first of next week. Mr. Alford is a graduate of the Medford high school.
Tuesday
    The senior class of the high school held their annual picnic at Bybee's Bridge today. Eight autos provided transportation.
    Gold Hill suffers the
heaviest fire loss in its history, when school boys thoughtlessly set fire in the Hodges livery stable. Besides the livery stable, the blacksmith shop, the jewelry store and three residences are burned, entailing a property loss of $15,000. The water supply weakened in a crisis.
    Destruction of this city by eruption of Roxy Ann is predicted by converts of the Rev. Dodge, who stood not upon the order of his going following an interview with men relatives of several of his own converts.
    Saturday to be gala day in [the] city as merchants entertain country folks.
Wednesday
    "Contractor Peckham is pushing work on the Ralph Jennings bungalow, which will be one of the most prepossessing houses on the Applegate." (Buncom Items)
    Chamber of Commerce opens war on dilapidated signs on the Pacific Highway, and President Gates appoints Guy Connor and S. Sumpter Smith to remove them.
    Medford people talk preliminary plans for Fourth of July celebration.
    The Grizzlies hold a picnic on Pierce Hill east of Medford. Treve Lumsden was in charge of the festivities. The Grizzlies plan a hike up Ashland Canyon at "no distant date."
    Agents of the British government have purchased 14 Rogue River Valley horses. They will be shipped to the war zone and will never see these parts again.
Thursday
    News that actual work has started on J. F. Reddy's railroad to the coast was hailed with joy in this city. The building of the line means much to the entire valley--not alone Grants Pass.
    Mother's Day to be observed in churches of city with special music and services.
    Page Theater to present vaudeville as "a special treat for the city and valley."
    Frost forecast work for the season is ended.
Friday
    Lusitania torpedoed by German submarine off coast of Ireland, causing a death toll of 1216 people, including 237 Americans. President Wilson urges calmness. Miss Dorothy [Conner] of this city on board ill-fated liner and rescued.
    Gold Hill to stage "Days of '52" with big dance and big salmon feed.
    Central Point names "Good Roads Day." C. E. Gates will make a speech.
    Ben. C. Sheldon invited to represent Southern Oregon at a Commonwealth Conference to be staged by the University of Oregon. Mr. Sheldon is undecided upon accepting the invitation.
    All traffic on Southern Pacific from south tied up by washout near Kennett, Cal.
    Advertising car No. 1 of the Sells-Floto Circus in city.
Saturday
    Roger S. Bennett receives a letter from John A. Zeller in Berlin, Germany and reports Rogue River apples selling for 24 cents each.
    Chief of Police Hittson has tested the warning signal of the Southern Pacific on Eleventh Street. He reports the contraption needs more adjusting. It ran 22 minutes after the approach of a northbound train, and did not ring at all for the approach of a southbound train.
    Attorney B. P. Mulkey and William H. Gore principal speakers at the Community Day festivities in the city park, attended by 1000 country people.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, May 4, 1930, page B2


    A. W. Walker, Medford agent for the Briscoe automobile, was a business visitor in this city Monday. He reports business in his line good.

"Local News,"
Jacksonville Post, May 8, 1915, page 3


Monday
    Portland Chamber of Commerce follows lead of Medford and issues poster stamps containing views of Mt. Hood and other scenic spots.
    Weather bureau established 15 cooperative stations in the valley for frost observation work in the future.
    Local citizens still stirred over sinking of Lusitania by German submarine.
    Owing to conditions abroad, shingle nails are advanced locally 20 cents per pound.
    Unknown man of valley, describing himself as of extreme exquisite build, age 22, no money worries, creates sensation by advertising in Minneapolis, Minn. paper for a wife.
    Court Hall has a carload of Dodge autos on the way from the East, and as soon as they arrive a trial run to Crater Lake will be made.
Tuesday
    Southern Pacific gets first through train in a week by flood district near Redding, Calif. Local mail is delayed.
    Rural residents busy burning slashings.
    County cuts wages for road workers.
    A number of Ashland teachers attend a public dance and "face discipline if not dismissal," as the "right-thinking public is thoroughly aroused."
    Valley doctors convene and feast at Ashland.
Wednesday
    Medford citizens bilked by gent who claimed he was "starving to death" and was afterwards found "stone drunk" in an alley with $4.15 in his pockets.
    Empress vaudeville engagements at the Page Theater canceled.
    Minister who predicted Medford would be destroyed by an eruption of Roxy Ann announces he will return in the fall.
    Survey shows three railroad crossings in four miles on Pacific Highway.
    Applegate residents prepare to entertain Governor Withycombe at picnic.
Thursday
    Dr. J. M. Keene bests Mose Barkdull and three other Democrats in street debate on merits of President Wilson's note to Germany. Large crowd hears spirited argument, which also causes a heavy editorial on the subject in this paper.
    Warm rains cause corn to sprout throughout the valley, but hurts the strawberries.
    The 500 Club of Central Point visits Talent in a body accompanied by Miss Pearl Ross.
    Dr. Jud Rickert addresses the P.T.A. of the Lincoln School.
    Raymond Whitcomb books 40 tourist parties to Crater Lake the coming season. They will be driven to the "scenic wonder" by Seely V. Hall, a young but expert driver, who knows the way backwards.
Friday
    Great crowds see Sells-Floto Circus here despite showery weather and a heavy rain during the parade.
    "Jackson County fishing exhibit at San Francisco fair making sublime hit," Colonel TouVelle of Jacksonville reports.
    H. Chandler Egan urges revival of golf in the valley "to take the war off the minds of business men."
    Robert Pelouze and Lloyd (Mutt) Williamson attend track meet at Eugene, under U. of O. auspices. Pelouze breaks a record for the quarter-mile run, and Williamson finishes fourth in the 220-yard hurdles.
    Charles Ray, a high school student, was fined $1.00 in police court for speeding. Ray was nabbed after a long chase and claimed he did not know the law was after him.
Saturday
    Judge Colvig in a 2500-word letter explains the origin of the name "Mt. Pitt."
    Medford defeats Eagle Point 13 to 2. Shorty Miles garners a home run while Eagle Pointers hoot.
    Epidemic of juvenile mischievousness annoys the police, who blame parents.
    The Liberty Bell, en route to the Panama fair, will stop thirty minutes in this city on the evening of July 16.
    Charles M. Schwab, the steel king, passes through the city in his private car and borrows a match from William R. Coleman, who does not recognize the great man.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, May 11, 1930, page B2


Community Day Held at Medford.
    MEDFORD, Or., May 10.--(Special.)--More than 1000 visitors from all parts of the county were entertained Saturday at the first community day in the history of the Rogue River Valley. After a parade from the Bear Creek bridge a luncheon was served in the city park, business men acting as waiters. The celebration was such a success that Medford business men have decided to make it a permanent monthly feature during the summer..
Morning Oregonian, Portland, May 11, 1915, page 11


Monday
    Dr. J. M. Keene pronounced Chamber of Commerce claim of 30,000 population for Medford in 1930 as "optimism gone wild, and devoutly to be hoped for, but if we have a third that many, and have no more booms, we will be lucky."
    Yreka promises to be mecca for valley merrymakers if Oregon goes dry next year.
    Fruit Growers Exchange at Ashland has a stormy session.
    Governor Withycombe addresses picnic on the Applegate.
Tuesday
    A chicken wandered up the Main Street Wednesday afternoon and was chased by a boy and long-legged colored man into Brown's pool hall. The police also received word Wednesday that a cow was loose eating up flower beds on South Central Avenue.
    Sam Hill, the good roads enthusiast, and Bert Anderson confer on local conditions.
    Ed White of the Climax district was in the city today on business.
    Boys and Girls clubs organized throughout the county.
    Medford flowers sent to San Francisco fair.
Wednesday
    A. C. Allen takes moving pictures of the Jackson County exhibit at the Frisco fair.
    Gold Hill serves notice that unless the Gold Hill band is made a part of the Medford Fourth of July celebration, Gold Hill will make the eagle squeal on her own accord July 4th.
    William Vawter of Medford is winning his spurs as a baritone soloist of the University of Oregon glee club. He is a freshman at the institution, and to be the soloist of the glee club is like an iron cross of the third degree.
    Corn planted in the valley fails to germinate.
    Sid I. Brown plans to leave soon for Seward, Alaska, where he has a position with the government railroad.
Thursday
    Wig Ashpole is walking with a cane, as he hurt his leg while riding a horse.
    A number of young folks attended a dance in Ashland last night, making the journey by auto.
    Tourists flocking to valley from San Francisco fair.
    California poppies very popular as decorations for local social affairs.
    Friends of A. F. Stennett surprise him by coming en masse with loaded baskets, after which 500 was played.
    Grizzly Club, Cole Holmes president, presents city library with a picture by Kiser of Crater Lake.
Friday
    Thief arrested in California for robbery of Gold Hill bank of $8000 in March; arrested in California, but saws way out of jail.
    Crater Lake trips offered as prizes to country girls for industrial fair work.
    A flock of seagulls visits the city on a strange flight. They were accompanied by droves of crows and circled low over the business district. One of the seagulls, larger and handsomer than his pals, squatted on the Main Street crossing. Policeman Crawford threw him a loaf of bread, which he devoured eagerly ere he winged to the west.
    Robert Pelouze of Medford is star of the Southern Oregon high school track meet.
    Mayor Emerick declares in reply to charges that Chief J. F. Hittson swears: "I have known Chief Hittson for years, and have never heard him cuss, though the Lord knows he has enough provocation, and nobody would blame him if he did."
Saturday
    Frank Upton of Central Point, while driving a horse and buggy, was struck by a Ford driven by a man named Ferguson. The Ford, after hitting the Upton vehicle, glanced off and knocked down a telephone pole, causing a temporary paralyzation of service.
    Thief steals a barber pole from in front of the Cottage Barber Shop on Central Avenue.
    Siskiyou unit of Pacific Highway to be opened within a week.
    A wanderer called at the home of Ed G. Brown on Crater Lake Avenue and being barefooted was given a pair of shoes by Mrs. Brown, also a meal. Two hours later the wanderer tried to sell the shoes to Mr. Brown, who claims they were the best pair of shoes he owns. He refused to sign a complaint against the unfortunate.
    Forty-seven pupils to graduate from the Medford high school.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, May 18, 1930, page B4


    The petition for the pardon of Major W. J. Canton has been signed by about fifty Medford and Jackson County citizens, and is now in the hands of Governor Withycombe, whose decision in the matter is expected this week. The pardon is based on the fact that justice has been satisfied by the anguish attendant upon the trial and that Canton served with valor in the Philippines.

"Local and Personal," Medford Sun, May 19, 1915, page 4


CANTON PARDON IS RIGHT, SAYS MULKEY
    "The pardon granted Major W. J. Canton by Governor James B. Withycombe meets with general approval," said his attorney, B. F. Mulkey, last night. "The pardon granted was unconditional and restores Mr. Canton to all the rights and privileges he enjoyed as a citizen before conviction last November. The governor states that the reason for the pardon lay in the grave doubts existing in the minds of the public as to Canton's guilt. Most persons who heard the trial of the case were unhappily disappointed in the verdict at the time.   
    "The firm stand the governor has taken for strict law enforcement will not preclude him from exercising executive clemency when the ends of justice clearly require it."
Medford Sun, May 20, 1915, page 64


    Mrs. Lydia M. Amy, wife of Frank Amy, a prominent citizen of Medford, died at her home in that city Wednesday evening. She was a native of Illinois and was aged about 47 years.
    W. R. Freeman, a Medford man aged 75 years, was found dead in a chair on the porch of his home in that city Wednesday night. It is thought that his death was due to heart disease.

"Local News,"
Jacksonville Post, May 22, 1915, page 3


Medford Pioneer Under Bonds.
    MEDFORD, Or., May 22.--(Special.)--George Hamlin, accused of an offense against a 10-year-old girl, was bound over to the next term of the grand jury today by Justice of the Peace Taylor, under $3000 bonds. Hamlin is a pioneer in this section and has a family.
Sunday Oregonian, Portland, May 23, 1915, page 2


Monday
    A black crow, believed to be a straggler from the recent invasion of seagulls, loafed around the business district this morning, and is taken to be an omen of a tragic happening by the superstitious.
    Gang of skunks invade the Oakdale district and make the late afternoon and evening hideous.
    Police announce that the riding of wheels on sidewalks in the business district will "not be tolerated by whomsoever."
    The sunshiny days have caused the insect life to get busy. Attorney Gus Newbury went on a picnic on the Applegate and reports ants by the billions.
Tuesday
    Entire male section of the graduating class of the high school ordered to pull weeds following their confession that they stole barber poles as "a prank." The offenders were Jay Gore, Robert Pelouze, Dean Carder, Harold Grey, Earl Hubbard, Dolph Phipps, Glenn Simons, Miles Gammill, Chester Baker, Walter Brown, Griffith Cowgill, James Vance, Glenn Stull, Charles Ray, Clinton Purkeypile and Claren Jaqua.
    William Aitken of this city has received a book from his old home in England showing the great deeds of British fighting men on land and sea.
Wednesday
    J. W. Lawton will be grand marshal for the Memorial Day parade.
    Herbert Alford, a member of the 1915 graduating class of the high school, will sing "Somewhere a Voice Is Calling" in his capable baritone voice.
    C. E. Gates terminates contract for the sale of Willys-Knight and Overland cars.
    Farmers favor proposed Big Butte irrigation project.
Thursday
    City pays loving tribute to heroes of the Civil War.
    Medford High School graduating class of 47, the largest in the history of the school, conducted their exercises at the Page Theater.
Friday
    Mrs. Marie Barkoff awarded $545, the price of a Ford, as a result of a broken wrist. John Prader, driving the Ford, upset the buggy being driven by Mrs. Barkoff.
    Griffith Cowgill and Dolph Phipps took no part in pulling signs down for senior play. Parents and business men regard situation humorous.
    Ashland class of 39 graduate at Vining Theater.
    A conundrum hour in Ashland west side circles schools is the latest innovation. Answers, especially by primary pupils, have been more disconcerting than edifying.
Saturday
    Stewart Torney and Robert Pelouze won the boys' doubles in the local high school tennis tournament.
    Twelve hundred witness high school graduation. Miles Gammill, the class orator, gave the closing address.
    The Pacific Highway over the Siskiyou Mountains will be thrown open to travel in a few days. The highway will be one of the scenic drives of America.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, May 25, 1930, page B2


    Sixteen young men, members of the senior class of the Medford High School, were hauled before the police court on a charge of tearing down and hiding business signs of the city Tuesday night. As a penalty they will be compelled to spend one day pulling up weeds in the parking strip in front of homes of the freshmen.

"Local News,"
Jacksonville Post, May 29, 1915, page 3


Monday
    [Forty-six] Grizzlies hike to summit of Grizzly Peak and "have their eye on Mt. McLoughlin."
    Flower thieves operate throughout city and leave a spade in the yard of the University Club.
    G. Ray Satchwell made a motorcycle trip to Grants Pass and returned "bruised and battered and the worse for wear and tear."
    Former Medford telephone girl weds a Santa Rosa, Calif. millionaire.
Tuesday
    George and Ned Vilas returned from their studies at the state college.
    Seely Hall drives auto to Klamath Falls "in remarkable time of six hours and 17 minutes."
    Crater Lake Union Christian Endeavor opens district convention.
    Swimming season formally opened by boys going swimming in Bear Creek.
Wednesday
    Miss Carmen Hittson graduates from the pharmacy department of the O.A.C.
    A. C. Mayfield complains to the police that he bought a horse from a stranger for $18 and is unable to find man, horse or his $18.
    According to Wilbur Ashpole 18 different makes of autos are owned by residents along Butte Creek. He defies any other creek to make as good a showing.
    Seasonal rainfall shy 11.43 inches.
    Dr. J. M. Keene declares "high school boys who took barber poles should not be condemned, as worse things have happened in this city."
Thursday
    Burglar cache found along the banks of Bear Creek.
    There appeared upon the editorial page of the Mail Tribune yesterday a picture of Princess Wewona of the Sioux tribe. Chris Gottlieb knows the lady, but says her name is Lucy Smith and that she is a crack shot with the pistol.
    Attorney Gus Newbury reports haying in full swing on the Applegate. "I wish I could get out into the field with a pitchfork," said the popular attorney as he returned to his law office. Sergeant Pat Mego of the police force said he could see nothing that was keeping attorney Newbury from his desire to work.
    The Farmers and Fruitgrowers Bank install a new burglar alarm system.
Friday
    City without gas for several hours when workman fails to return from fishing trip on time. This newspaper [was] out of commission all morning.
    Threat of water shortage to bring new regulations.
    The city council has dodged the responsibility of enlarging the city hall by referring it to the people at the fall election.
    Court Hall is planning to make a trip to Crater Lake in a Dodge auto in an effort to make a new record for endurance, mileage and elapsed time.
    Water users plan campaign to educate farmers to needs of irrigation.
Saturday
    A calf wandered into the business district this morning and emitted one mournful bawl. The young bovine eluded the efforts of the police to impound him. He was finally captured by Wig Ashpole, who nearly twisted the tail off the beast when it balked.
    The mercury rose to 92 degrees yesterday--the hottest of the year.
    First grass fire of season on West Jackson Street.
    Police stop tightrope walker from performing on Main Street unless he provides something softer than the pavement.
    Five Medford property owners fined for not turning off lawn hose on time.
    Police declare war on reckless motorcyclists.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, June 1, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Irrigation meeting at Oak Grove School postponed on account [of] heaviest rain in years.
    R. Saito sells laundry, wagon, horse and will depart for Japan.
    Grants Pass and Ashland have taken steps for the establishment of free auto camps for tourists. Medford took the lead, and our sister cities followed.
    Auto accident attributed to glaring lights on both cars.
Tuesday
    Proposed Pacific Highway route from Central Point to Seven Oaks, with seven right angles and two railroad crossings abandoned for a straight line.
    The Greater Medford Club has adopted the practice of distributing flowers on Southern Pacific trains to leave a good impression with travelers.
    Road to Crater Lake park line in fine condition.
    C. Martin, a country visitor, turned his horse and buggy around in the middle of Main Street. Chief Hittson told him the traffic rules. Martin said they were no news to him, whereupon he was taken to police court and fined $1.
Wednesday
    The heavy bank of clouds to the westward failed to bring the rain the farmers need.
    R. F. Antle, cashier of the Farmers and Fruitgrowers Bank, and daughters Hazel and Mildred, leave for a fortnight's visit at the San Francisco fair.
    The Grizzlies will leave the Rogue River Valley depot for Jacksonville at 1:30 Sunday afternoon; from there they will walk to the Sparks Hill and back to Medford.
    Apple juice manufactured by the Bagley Cannery wins gold medal at San Francisco.
Thursday
    Valley promised sugar factory if sugar beets can be raised successfully here.
    Guy W. Conner and family leave for two weeks at San Francisco.
    The police announce that violations of the traffic ordinances by autoists who ignore the main avenue crossing watchman by driving their machines in front of approaching freight and passenger trains will be prosecuted. The last week autoists in a hurry have sped past the flagman. One machine was loaded with women and children and was so dangerous that even a brakeman standing on the top of a moving boxcar emitted a cry of alarm. The watchman will take the numbers of all courting an accident.
Friday
    Oliver Davidson reports to police that his blooded bulldog was stolen by a tourist.
    D. M. Lowe wins medal for best farm exhibit at San Francisco fair.
    Four wanderers sleeping under the water tank were ordered by the police to pitch hay or leave town. They did the latter.
    Attorney B. R. McCabe and David R. Wood are the latest local folks to acquire Fords.
Saturday
    Butte Falls residents file petition for better road.
    Three auto accidents were reported so far this week, none being on the same day.
    Emerson Merrick has returned from the University of Oregon for the summer.
    H. Chandler Egan leaves for Tacoma, Wash. to play golf in the Northwest Tourney.
    There will be another band concert, but steps have been taken to curb the kids who run wild during the rendition of the pieces.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, June 8, 1930, page B2


AERIAL FLIGHTS GIVEN JUNE 19
    Aviation day will be held in Medford June 19. Aviator Fred DeKor of Los Angeles has been secured by the Medford Chamber of Commerce for the occasion. In connection with the aviation several automobile races will be held. The affair is to be under the auspices of the Medford Chamber of Commerce. Special rates on all railroad lines running into Medford have been secured.
    DeKor is said to be one of the most daring birdmen in the country, and he comes to Medford at considerable expense to the local organization. The birdman will make the exhibition in the latest model tractor biplane.
Medford Sun,
June 11, 1915, page 4



Monday
    It looks like rain.
    Belgian horse belonging to C. E. Austin, of the Antelope, disappears from his pasture, and fears are felt he has been stolen.
    Two citizens caught gaffing salmon in Rogue River, near Ament Dam, unable to pay fines, languish in the county bastille.
    Music lovers implore police and parents to stop children from yelling during the weekly band concerts.
Tuesday
    "Motorcyclists think they are the only pebbles on the beach," declares Chief of Police Hittson, following the arrest of four for speeding on West Main. "They are a worse nuisance than the flies," declared the official.
    Governor Withycombe to visit city and valley June 29.
    Company 7 departs for annual encampment at Fort Stevens.
    Jack Gill of Dunsmuir, Calif., a former resident, well known as a ball player of no mean ability, is visiting in the city.
    Maude Adams, famed actress, appears at Page Theater in "Quality Street."
Wednesday
    "On arriving home at 6 p.m. I learned that the Talent ball team had come up here and were so badly beaten that the four young men and two ladies at the Sunnyside refused to give me their names, for they did not want anybody to know they were there, they said. They were in a Ford, No. 6367. Eagle Point won 4 to 33." (Eagle Point correspondence.)
    City council ponders question of giving city firemen two weeks leave on pay.
    Appropriation committee of Congress passes through city on tour of West.
Thursday
    Central Point garage man, Clarence Lovern, claims he drove to Portland in 14 hours, and claim is verified by Fred H. Hopkins.
    Three injured, one fatally, when speeding auto crashes into pole at P. and E. crossing on Pacific Highway.
    Mrs. Nellie McGowan, past grand matron of the Eastern Star, is presented with a diamond ring at the grand lodge session in Portland.
    Luther Deuel of this city has returned from Culver, Ind., where he attended the Culver Military School. He was joined in San Francisco by his sister, Susan.
Friday
    Court and Seely Hall have returned from Portland with a new Cadillac for the Crater Lake run. They made the journey in two days.
    Experts explain how to combat alfalfa weevils.
    Farmers are rushing around endeavoring to get their hay up before the rains, and are using the police to procure help.
    DeKor, the birdman, is making daily flights at the fairgrounds. DeKor uses a biplane of the same type as used by the Allies on the western front.
Saturday
    Three runaways caused by careless Ford driver.
    Band of 100 gypsies visit city. Police warn citizens to keep their back doors locked and their hands on their pocketbooks.
    Burglars enter the Eads Brothers transfer office and rob the safe of $4.
    Miss Vera Olmstead returned from the University of Oregon for the summer vacation. She is an Alpha Chi Omega.
    Unknown thief steals silk tent from rear seat of W. F. (Toggery Bill) Isaacs' automobile.
    Catherine Swem, Jean Budge, Herbert Alford and Carter Brandon enjoyed a swim at Helman's Baths Thursday evening.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, June 15, 1930, page B2


PIONEER REVISITS VALLEY SCENE
    "It is indeed a pleasure to visit Medford and the Rogue River Valley," states S. Heimroth of Portland, who with Mrs. Heimroth is visiting in the valley for the first time in twenty-seven years. Twenty-seven years go Mr. Heimroth left Medford for Portland, where he worked for several years at the plastering trade. A few years ago he established himself in business and is now the owner of considerable property in the northern city. Mr. Heimroth plastered the old Christian Church of this city, installed the boiler in the old A. A. Davis flour mill and was one of few who made the trip on the first train that crossed the Siskiyous. "There were but three brick buildings in the city when I left," he said last night, "and now it has grown almost beyond recognition."
    Mr. and Mrs. Heimroth have relatives living on Griffin Creek.
Medford Sun, June 18, 1915, page 2


3000 SEE DEKOR MAKE FLIGHT
    An estimated crowd of 3000 people witnessed the aviation meet at the fairgrounds yesterday afternoon. Fred DeKor, the southern California birdman, made a most creditable flight but unfortunately did not show himself as he has on other occasions. He is not satisfied with the entertainment and will make another flight this afternoon immediately after the ball game. In the first attempt yesterday afternoon DeKor's engine did not work properly, and he was forced to hold the machine in check. However, after the engine was repaired the aviator looped the loop and did surprisingly clever stunts in his machine. This was after the majority of the gathering had gone home.
    The slow auto race on high gear for "6's" was won by Perry Ashcraft driving a Chalmers, and for "4's" by A. A. Bernard in a Dodge.
Medford Sun, June 20, 1915, page 3


FLYING MACHINE COLLAPSES IN AIR: AVIATOR UNHURT
    Fred DeKor, aviator, gave a $2500 thrill at the fairgrounds Sunday afternoon when his machine dropped about 100 feet when he was attempting to land, after an exhibition before 2000 people, 1800 of whom viewed his work from outside the gates. The biplane is not worth much now; the planes are smashed; the propeller broken and otherwise damaged. Souvenir seekers with a pair of nippers took pieces of the guy wires. DeKor was uninjured, though when the machine went hurtling through space the spectators thought they had witnessed a grim tragedy of the air.
    It was while the aviator was attempting to land that he met with misfortune. He was making long, sweeping circles to the ground when suddenly the purr of his engine stopped and the next instant a cloud of dust showed where he had struck. Scores of people rushed to the scene. DeKor extricated himself from the wreckage before the crowd arrived and was highly indignant at the turn of events, giving opinions not permissible in print. His flight was made Sunday upon a guarantee of $50. After the wreck valuable parts were stolen, and their return is asked by DeKor.

Medford Mail Tribune, June 21, 1915, page 2


Monday
    William Howard Taft, former president, will pass through the city in August en route to San Francisco.
    Fred DeKor, birdman, wrecks airplane at fairground flight. Will get a new one and try again.
    Dr. Pickel goes to San Francisco to attend national medical meet.
    The Grizzlies, headed by Treve Lumsden and Cole Holmes, will hike to Squaw Lake next Sunday.
Tuesday
    "Motorcycle cop to curb speeding." After the sun goes down the reckless driving begins, and owners of horse-drawn vehicles complain that they have to go in the ditch, or be ruined.
    "All men who have religious or social tendencies are urged to attend a meeting at St. Mark's Hall tonight."
    A breeze from the north moderated the heat, which registered 92 degrees.
    Undressed stone delays work on new federal building.
Wednesday
    Five tons [of] Royal Anne Cherries shipped to California canneries.
    Portland auto club boosts Pacific Highway.
    Better pack of fruit wanted for San Francisco fair exhibit from this county.
    Jacksonville railroad sold to S. S. Bullis for $60,000.
    A carload of Imperial Valley watermelons reaches city and enjoys brisk demand.
Thursday
    Harry L. Walther is elected president of the newly organized Medford Auto Club.
    Boys start a grass fire near Jackson School which frightens the womenfolks of the neighborhood.
    Autoists are ignoring the signalman at the Main Street crossing, and some are even ignoring the trains.
    Boudinot Conner was fined $2 in police court for turning his auto around in the middle of the street, and Glen Fabrick was fined $2.50 for allowing chickens to run at large.
    Seely Hall returned this morning from a trip to Crater Lake and nearly reached the rim.
Friday
    William Aitken given contract for installing water system at Crater Lake.
    A special train bearing 100 prominent Midwest Swedish-Americans passes through city.
    Mayor Emerick leaves on annual trip to Idaho, and councilman Medynski is acting mayor.
    Water Superintendent Ole Arnspiger left this morning for the city intake to inspect conditions there.
Saturday
    Joy riders made the welkin ring on South Riverside with loud yelling and unbecoming conduct.
    14 citizens fined by Police Judge Gay for violation of the water regulations.
    The trio of gypsies who have been camping along Bear Creek were told to vamoose by Chief of Police Hittson.
    Carpenters and plumbers to start work on federal building August 15, according to present plans.
    The police have declared war on the practice of autoists, particularly boys, from making wide, sweeping curves at intersections for the purpose of scaring pedestrians.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, June 22, 1930, page B2


CIRCLING CAUSE OF AIR WRECK
    Fred DeKor, the Los Angeles birdman, will never make another flight when his engine is not hitting properly. "It's too great a chance," said DeKor Sunday afternoon, after his machine had fallen to the ground. The aviator was not injured.
    "I was attempting to fly circles too close to the ground," said the birdman. "My engine was not working properly, though I thought that with careful managing I could keep it striking."
    DeKor was giving an exhibition flight when the accident occurred. He had looped the loop, tangoed and was attempting to circle when his engine stopped and threw the machine to the ground. The damage to the machine is estimated at $2000. Mr. DeKor left last night for Portland, where repairs will be made.
Medford Sun, June 22, 1915, page 6


    DeKor, the aviator who gave the exhibition at Medford Saturday and Sunday, is said to have made an excellent flight on the latter day, but when attempting to land the engine went dead and the machine fell about 60 feet, smashing it into splinters. The aviator fortunately escaped with a few bruises.

"Local News," Jacksonville Post, June 26, 1915, page 3



    The biplane which was wrecked at Medford last Sunday by Fred DeKor, the Los Angeles, aviator, is being overhauled and repaired at the Jefferson Street repair shop of Fred Dundee preparatory to being shipped to Salem, where it will give an exhibition this week at the cherry fair. Mr. DeKor has a modern military tractor biplane that is equipped with a 100-horsepower American-built engine.
"Prominent Portlanders Who Motor,"
Sunday Oregonian, Portland, June 27, 1915, page D6


Monday
    Lower transcontinental rates granted to Southern Oregon by Southern Pacific.
    Attorney Gus Newbury visited his ranch on the Applegate and meddled with the irrigation system to the great annoyance of his hired man. Attorney Newbury switched the water the way he thought it should go, and as a result the field was so dampened [that] hay hauling will be delayed a week.
    Old's Drugstore and blacksmith shop at Talent destroyed by midnight fire of unknown origin.
Tuesday
    Close watch on an orchard in Talent districts showed that a porcupine was guilty of stripping the bark from the trees. Deer were first accused.
    The hot weather has acted as a damper on the perambulations of the Grizzlies, the well-known hiking organization of which Cole Holmes is president.
    The Southern Oregon Traction Company formally takes possession of the Barnum railroad.
     Hottest weather of the year prevails, with mercury mounting to 101.
    "Several of our citizens have treated themselves to new Fords." (Eagle Point Items)
Wednesday
    Former residents of Kansas in valley decide to hold a picnic.
    Easterners attracted by poster stamps of the Commercial Club.
    H. Chandler Egan, winner of the Northwest Open golf championship, comes home.
    Slightly cooler weather predicted for valley after four hot days.
Thursday
    Seasonal rainfall shy 12.4 inches, with the driest June in years.
    Medford to celebrate the Fourth of July with music, baseball and horse races.
    Flowers and fruit distributed by Chamber of Commerce to a special train of Brooklyn Eagles.
    The Chamber of Commerce moves the thermometer from the sunny side to the shady side of the building.
Friday
    Seely Hall drives an auto to the Crater Lake rim, 12 days earlier than ever before known.   
    Herbert K. Hanna of Jacksonville reports that a good streak of gold has been struck by the Jacksonville Mining and Milling Company.
    Great excitement over showings of Medford folks in the movies at the Page.
    Medford enjoys a safe and sane Fourth of July with no casualties or auto smashes reported.
    12 local citizens sustained slight injuries when baseball special between this city and Montague collides with second section of No. 12 in Ashland yards. Claude (Shorty) Miles got a twisted knee.
Saturday
    City serves notice unmuzzled dogs will be shot.
    Rain cools the air and extinguishes several forest fires.
    W. H. Gore loses $1500 worth of hay in fire. The same day his automobile, left standing in the Siskiyous, plunged over an embankment and was completely demolished.
    C. W. (Wig) Ashpole appointed deputy stock inspector for Jackson County by Gov. Withycombe.
    S. S. Smith ill from eating too much fried chicken at Kansas picnic held in Ashland.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, June 29, 1930, page B2


    Ray Bunch of Medford, who formerly conducted a barber shop in this city, was a visitor here Monday. Mr. Bunch is moving his family to California, where they will reside in future.
    Chief Hittson and Sergeant Mego of the Medford police force indulged in a wordy conflict a few days ago. Left-handed compliments and some cuss words were tossed back and forth pretty freely, according to the spectators. The conflict subsided without anyone being seriously injured.
"Local News," Jacksonville Post, July 3, 1915, page 3


Monday
    Owners of dogs obey the law requiring them to be muzzled, following fines. The favorite alibi is to claim that the dog broke away while being fed and came uptown.
    County court decides to install a speed cop on North Riverside Avenue as a check on reckless driving.
    The Packard car of W. H. Gore that toppled off a grade in the Siskiyous was not as badly damaged as supposed and has been repaired and is as good as new.
    Bud Anderson, former pride of Medford, gave up the sponge in the 14th round of a contest at Pendleton.
Tuesday
    Fishermen protest the Ament Dam in Rogue River.
    C. E. Gates received a carload of eight Fords. Eleven people were waiting for them.
    Road to Crater Lake very muddy, following heavy rain.
    Medford folks hie to the hills to escape the heated period.
    Former Iowans to picnic July 30th.
Wednesday
    J. R. Robinson of Central Point narrowly escaped death when he failed to beat an S.P. train to a grade crossing. His auto was hurled ten feet in the air. The accident was witnessed by Postmaster Ralph Woodford, who appraises the present value of the car at 25 cents. With Horace Pelton he extricated Robinson from the wreckage, and he was uninjured.
    Mass meeting called to discuss the Medynski plan for rebonding the city.
    The Grizzlies, headed by vice president Treve Lumsden, walk to Griffin Creek despite the heat.
    Youths held as suspects in the robbery of the Lou D. Jones home.
Thursday
    City plans a noisy welcome for the Liberty Bell when it passes through the city next week.
    Wilson Wait left this morning for Crater Lake where he will help build the rim road.
    An auto driven by Z. Cameron crashed into the front door of Hubbard Bros.' store in an attempt to avoid a collision with a woman driver.
    George Porter and family returned from a two days' auto trip to Crater Lake.
Friday
    Attorney Lincoln McCormack becomes a piscatorial enthusiast and writes the editor a long letter about it.
    Fifty men engaged in building dam at Fish Lake.
    Hob Deuel leaves for the San Francisco fair in a new Ford.
    Mose Barkdull escorts a party of Boston tourists to Crater Lake.
    Ben Collins, well-known resident of Jackson, who was hit in the eye with a skyrocket during a celebration at Palmer Creek July 4, will not lose the member, according to Dr. J. J. Emmens.
Saturday
    The Liberty Bell passes through the city at 2 o'clock in the morning and is viewed by 5000 people from all parts of the country.
    Judge Colvig defends keeping of the money in the treasury.
    Floyd Hart entertains a number of friends with a swim at Ashland.
    Mrs. Polk Hull of Griffin Creek presents the editor with two large lemons grown on trees in her yard. Ah, there! California, concludes the item.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, July 6, 1930, page B2


Monday
    California-Oregon Power Company offers to sell its electric light and power business to the city, price to be fixed later.
    Twenty-two special trains carrying Shriners to San Francisco to pass through city.
    One of the spring fights came off rather late. It occurred Saturday night. Reports say it was over a card game. (Eden Precinct News)
    Travel to Crater Lake exceeds all records.
Tuesday
    The camping ground for tourists back of the Natatorium is now ready for use and will result in great advertising for the city and valley.
Wednesday
    State Highway Commission is charmed by view of the Siskiyou highway.
    Bud Anderson, former pride of Medford, was terrifically mauled by Billy Weeks at Tacoma last night.
    Glen Fabrick holds a salmon bake on his lawn on East Main Street.
    Move launched to rebond city for paving debts.
Thursday
    Another hot spell threatens city and valley.
    Klamath Falls defeats Medford, 4 to 0, in a hair-raising ball game.
    Forest Service completes preliminary survey of a road from Tiller to Trail.
    Water users association opens campaign for establishment of irrigation in the valley.
Friday
    Emissary of the French government buys 25 valley mules for use of the battlefields of Europe.
    The mercury rose to 99, and it looks like thunderstorms over Roxy Ann.
    Governor Hammond of Minnesota passes through city en route to San Francisco fair and is greeted by local Minnesotans, who drive him to Ashland by auto.
    Hob S. Deuel, cashier of the First National Bank, returns from a Ford tour to San Francisco.
    Al Jolson, "the mangler of melancholy," to appear at the Page soon, in the theatrical event of the season.
Saturday
    "How many want salvation in the shape of irrigation?" queries an editorial.
    Theodore Roosevelt, ex-President and generally conceded as the leading "war jingo" by virtue of recent utterances, passed through Medford this morning on the Shasta Limited at 2:30 a.m., and Fred Mears and Colonel Abrahams and the rest of the thin-ranked local brigade who imagine he is the savior of the land slept on. There were none to greet him, no flowers, no fruit, no tribute of devotion. Roosevelt never knew he was in the home town of his most ardent devotees, for he slept on and sent no message.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, July 13, 1930, page B2


Monday
    A silk petticoat was found this morning by the police hanging on a fence on South Riverside, and considerable mystery is attached to the find.
    Users of Fish Lake water complain the irrigation ditches are full of young trout, which they can eat, under the law.
    The police last night chased out three beggars, and this morning there were 11 new beggars on the street.
    Several dog owners of the city are evading the ordinance providing for the muzzling of dogs by pulling a contraption on the hounds which leaves the lower jaw free and able to bite.
Tuesday
    The Medynski plan is the chief topic of conversation on the street corners.
    T. E. Daniels has returned from a well-earned vacation in the South, as lively as ever.
    A. S. Rosenbaum and Ben Garnett and wife motored this morning over the Pacific Highway as far as the state line. Mr. Garnett said that he was thunderstruck by the beauty of the route and has become a rabid good roads booster.
    William J. Bryan assures local Democrats he will speak in the city park the evening of July 29.
Wednesday
    People who present checks for tickets at the Southern Pacific depot need not be surprised if they are refused, as orders have been issued to reject unless the presentee is personally known to the clerk.
    Governor Dunne and party of Illinois stop at Medford and are driven by auto to Ashland to catch their train. Governor Dunne was amazed "by the beauty of Medford," as he had been told "this was just a water tank."
    John Connor and "Grandpa" Thomasen report to police they were robbed on the Bear Creek bridge by a pair of giant thugs, who relieved them of $48. Victims described robbers as weighing 250 pounds each, and over six feet tall.
Thursday
    John Austin Hooper, arrested at The Dalles, Ore. as the lone bandit who held up the Rogue River Bank last March, is "a Jesse James with a real record for crime," according to [the] Portland Telegram.
    Further operation of the Blue Ledge mine still an undecided issue.
    Owing to the extremely hot weather and the heavy use of cream there is apt to be a shortage of ice cream, which is more popular than beer as a quencher of the throat.
    Police disperse orators indulging in spirited discussion of the merits and demerits of William Jennings Bryan, soon to visit this city.
Friday
    5375 acres of land in the valley sign up for irrigation through a canvass by the Water Users League.
    Police place ban on practice of "rushing the can" [i.e., urinating] in downtown alleys.
    Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Emmens will leave August 1 on a three weeks' trip to Lake Tahoe.
Saturday
    Farmers of valley urged to build corn silos.
    Mrs. John P. Sousa, wife of famous band director, visits Crater Lake.
    Emil Mohr of the Hotel Medford is confined to his home with what he calls rheumatism, but his friends call gout.
    Hills in Willow Springs district swept by damaging fire.
    Fred Lockley, staff writer of the Portland Journal, describes Crater Lake "as masterly gem of all Nature's rare jewels."
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, July 20, 1930, page B2


    George Andrew Jackson died at his home at Medford, Saturday, July 17, aged about 82 years. Mr. Jackson was a native of Sheridan County, Missouri, and came to Oregon in 1850. He owned and operated what is known as the "Dodge" ranch for a number of years, and because of his success in growing melons he earned the title of "Watermelon King." He was prominent in county affairs and filled the office of county clerk and county assessor. He is survived by his widow and one son, W. B. Jackson of Medford.
"Local News," Jacksonville Post, July 24, 1915, page 3


Monday
    At a meeting of the California fruitgrowers at Stanford University, Reginald H. Parsons of the Hillcrest Orchard predicts "a great future for pears."
    John Grieve of Prospect given contract for building Palisades unit of Crater Lake Highway.
    The mercury drops to 82 degrees, a pleasant relief from the hot spell.
    8,149 acres of land signed by the Water Users League for irrigation.
Tuesday
    C. E. (Pop) Gates, Republican war horse, named to introduce William Jennings Bryan in speech in this city.
    Ford factory band of 60 pieces, en route to the San Francisco fair, plays at the depot.
    Miss Elizabeth K. Richards and Walter F. Mundy wedded by the Rev. W. B. Hamilton.
    Chandler Egan defeats Boudinot Conner in the semi-finals for the tennis championship of Southern Oregon.
Wednesday
    Ten thousand people hear William Jennings Bryan, "apostle of peace," talk from the city park grandstand. Keynote of address is "America Should Remain Neutral in European Conflict."
    Sid I. Brown while taking a bath sustained a badly burned wrist when he stepped on a piece of soap. Mr. Brown grasped a gas heater in falling and seared the flesh ere he could let go.
    The annual excursion and picnic by special train of the Elks to Colestin is announced.
    Game wardens warn hunters not to rush the deer season.
Thursday
    Iowa Society of Jackson County holds annual picnic in Lithia Park, Ashland.
    Cement plant at Gold Hill, now under construction, now financed, J. G. Burch of Portland announces.
    Registration of births and deaths now compulsory in state.
Friday
    N. S. Bennett took a party of seven boys to the summit of Mt. Ashland, the climb being made by moonlight.
    The aged locomotive of the Jacksonville railroad sent to junk pile.
    Ernest Adams defeats H. Chandler Egan for the tennis championship of Southern Oregon in a hot match. Carpenter and Connor defeated Earl Tumy and Sprague Riegel in the consolation doubles.
Saturday
    Police warn merchants to watch out for good-looking woman check forger.
    Water Users committee [declares] halt to map further plans for securing acreage for irrigation, which is now over 11,000 acres.
    Agreement reached settling "the Rogue River fish question for all time."
    A Stanley steamer auto hits a horse and buggy occupied by two Talent women on the Pacific Highway and speeds on without offering aid.
    Harvey Fields returns from a trip to the San Francisco fair.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, July 27, 1930, page B2


    Ex-Secretary W. J. Bryan addressed an audience of more than seven thousand people at the city park at Medford Thursday evening. The theme of the address was par [sic] and peace, with special reference to the present conditions in Europe. The speaker advocated arbitration as the proper method [for] settling all international disputes. After the address Mr. and Mrs. Bryan were given a public reception at the Hotel Medford, where they were kept busy shaking hands for an hour or more. The distinguished visitor left at 2:18 a.m. for Albany, where he was scheduled for an address Friday.

"Local News," Jacksonville Post, July 31, 1915, page 3


Monday
    Police asked to keep eye open for tall negro who slashed a colored brother with a razor following an argument over a ball game at Yreka.
    Home of W. H. Gore threatened by fire in his stubble field.
    Water superintendent issues statement that water is purer than ever before this season.
Tuesday
    Otto Klum comes to this city from Ashland as high school coach. Fans hope he will be able to do something with local athletes, who have been winning most of their games around Crowson's stoves for the past two years.
    Old-fashioned county fair planned for this year.
    Delroy Getchell has returned from a trip to San Francisco fair.
    Farmers are warned that if their dog follows them to town they are apt to be impounded for violation of the muzzling law.
Wednesday
    Valley tomatoes ripening fast under warm August sun.
    Ad Wolgast, former lightweight champion, visits city to inspect the hog ranch near Eagle Point he purchased from Mose Barkdull.
    The first car of Bartletts for this season shipped out by E. M. McKeany.
    Greater Medford Club issues calls for dahlias to be exhibited at the coming county fair.
Thursday
    Pythians of Southern Oregon flock to Crater Lake for novel ceremony.
    Fruit exhibit of Jackson County at San Francisco fair is declared a "shame."
    Dr. J. J. Emmens, on trip to San Francisco fair, writes back that roads are in fine condition. Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Kidd accompanied the Emmenses.
    W. F. Isaacs on trip to Siskiyous killed a rattlesnake which he says is the largest ever killed in that section. The rattlesnake will be stuffed and preserved as a relic of the Isaacs prowess with a club.
Friday
    Hunters start exodus for hills for opening of deer season. Many of the more experienced hunters will either wait until the opening cannonading stops or go so far back in the hills they will be in no danger of being shot for a deer, except by themselves.
    Medford wins ten-inning game from Weed, Calif., six to five.
    Tourist travel to Crater Lake breaks all previous records.
    Jackson County movies shown at San Francisco fair by A. C. Allen.
Saturday
    Sugar factory promised valley by opening next year by Utah interests.
    Attorney E. A. Reames loses his fishing clothes somewhere between Bybee Bridge and Medford. A reward is offered for their return.
    William Budge has returned from a trip to North Dakota and reports the farmers are getting rich overnight selling horses to the Allies.
    The fear of the speed cop is in the hearts of the autoists, as they are obeying the state law to travel no faster than 25 miles per hour.
    Forest fires of incendiary origin raging in the Applegate.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 3, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Charges made that the Rogue River Canal Company is taking all the water in Big Butte Creek.
    A woman from the country, whose name was not learned by the police, while wheeling a baby buggy kitty-corner across North Central, had a narrow escape from being struck by a taxi. There is a law against "jaywalking," which is not enforced.
    All the forest fires in Southern Oregon are reported under control today.
Tuesday
    Firebug sets 21 fires in the Trail district, all within a radius of five miles.
    Public schools of the city to open September 6.
    The P. and E. will run a special excursion to Butte Falls to attend the celebration attendant to the completion of a road between that town and Prospect. Horse and mule racing will furnish the excitement.
Wednesday
    Police announce that the running of chickens at large must be stopped.
    Fish screen invented by Jock Aitken is adopted by the state game commission.
    Three hundred dollars in premiums for school children at the county fair.
    "Corbin Edgell, one of our enterprising, progressive and ambitious fruitgrowers, ate dinner last night at the Sunnyside." (Eagle Point Eaglets)
    Apple prices reported stronger in New York.
Thursday
    Zeppelin raids English coast, dropping bombs on the birthplace of Dick Sherwood of West Main Street.
    Thirteen thousand six hundred seventy-five acres signed up by the Water Users Committee for irrigation. Considerable difficulty is being experienced in convincing landowners they need water when they have none.
    Public Service Commission refuses request of Wells, Fargo Co. to close its office at Jacksonville.
    Gold Hill to build $1500 dance pavilion.
Friday
    Evan Reames unable to find his fishing clothes, which he lost last week from an auto. An alleged joker called the attorney up and told him he had found them, but refused to give his name or number.
    Residents of Ross Lane report that the Chinese pheasants are feeding with the chickens.
    Offices open for campaign to secure sugar beet acreage.
Saturday
    John Austin Hooper, Rogue River bank bandit, escapes from county jail at Grants Pass by locking sheriff in cell.
    Forest fire rages on Foots Creek.
    Poster stamps depicting valley scenery placed on sale in local stores. "They will be a great advertisement."
    A woman's hat was found hanging on the front door of the Hubbard Brothers store this morning; there are no clues to the identity of the owner, who probably was [a] joy rider.
    Pythians of state in attendance at grand conclave being held at Crater Lake.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 10, 1930, page B2


Monday
    See Dave Wood about that fire insurance policy.--Office Mail Tribune Bldg.
    Medford baseball team loses to Klamath Falls by the one-sided score of 13 to 1.
    Visiting Pythians, on way to Crater Lake conclave, are entertained with banquet, speeches and musical program.
    The entire upper floor of the Amy and Pottenger building is being remodeled for Seventh Company.
    John Austin Hooper and Tony Breeke escape from Josephine County jail. Breeke was captured an hour after his dash, but Hooper [is] still at large, reported to have been seen near Rogue River.
Tuesday
    Hooper eludes posses. Cached $1,700 for escape.
Thursday
    An informal dinner dance was given at the University Club last evening in honor of Dunbar Carpenter, who leaves shortly for San Francisco to take a position with the Interstate Commerce Commission.
    Chris Gottlieb, June Earhart and William Earhart left today on a 10 days' hunting trip in the Blue Canyon district.
Friday
    Chief of Police Hittson is familiar with the territory swept by the [Texas] hurricane. He used to chase cows over the vast flat plains that border the Gulf.
Saturday
    The College "Hop" at the Natatorium was much enjoyed by all present. The music was furnished by Hazelrigg's orchestra.
    Superintendent Steel receives telegram to meet Stephen Mather, who will visit Crater Lake.
    Need of harbor at Crescent City most imperative.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 17, 1930, page B2


Monday
    Mr. Fletcher Fish in late popular and character songs, afternoon and evening. (Page Theater advertisement)
    Gasoline dealers of this city report the heaviest sale of the season Sunday, scores of the people going to the hills by auto.
Wednesday
    "Wig" Ashpole sustained a sprained thumb and badly lacerated hand when cranking his automobile.
    Gilbert H. Grosvenor, editor of National Geographic, says Klamath Lake most beautiful sheet of water he ever saw.
Thursday
    Ashland voters reject purchase of Oregon-California Power Company light plant.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 24, 1930, page B2


Picking Pears at Medford, Ore.

    Medford, Ore., Aug. 27.--The work of picking pears in this district is now in full swing. The first shipments were sent to New York, where it is expected to obtain a price of $1.25 per box f.o.b. Medford.   
The Chicago Packer, August 28, 1915, page 12


Monday
    Al G. Barnes circus appears in this city before large crowd.
    Talent farmers to form district to secure organized irrigation.
    Rainfall for the season is now 13.28 inches short.
    Forest fires in state critical, with all fires in Jackson County under control.
Tuesday
    A decided moderation in the weather brings out the first overcoats of the season.
    Judge William M. Colvig celebrates his seventieth birthday.
    F. W. Streets resigns as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.
    Premature explosion of a rifle severely lacerates hand of Ed G. Brown.
Wednesday
    The Grizzlies will journey to the top of Bald Mountain to hold annual election of officers.
    Brush fires rage in the Gold Hill district.
    Howells sell for $1.75 per box f.o.b. Medford.
    Local housewives report that the Oregon Agriculture College recipe for the making of syrup from watermelons will not work.
Thursday
    Federal survey of the waters of Rogue River ordered.
    Opening of the Medford city schools delayed one week on account of the opening of the Jackson County Fair.
    C. Wilbur Ashpole, deputy stock inspector, has completed plans for the enlargement of the local stock yards.
    Wild doves thick on the W. H. Gore place, and hunters have killed three roosters belonging to Jay I. Gore while trespassing.
    Leonard Carpenter has returned from San Francisco, where he was connected with the publicity department of the world's fair.
Friday
    Prominent citizens accused of killing deer at night at salt licks; face prosecution.
    Southern Pacific section busy repairing Main Street crossing for the fifth time this year.
    County fair to open Wednesday amid "a blare of trumpets and spirited horse races."
    James Couzens, vice president and treasurer of the Ford Motor Company, makes trip to Crater Lake in Cadillac and scoffs at Crater Lake as "not worth looking at," causing local boosters to be indignant.
Saturday
    Hob S. Deuel journeys to Klamath Falls in two days by auto.
    W. H. Gore declares irrigation will double value of land in the valley.
    Klamath Falls defeats Medford two games of baseball.
    C. E. Gates advertises as "the man who put Ford in Medford." Will H. Wilson comes right back with the claim: "I am the man who threw the bear in Bear Creek."
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 31, 1930, page B2


Monday
    [James] Stewart, the apiarist, harvests a ton of honey from his hives.
    Highway experts to discuss paving of roads in this county.
    Peter Steenstrup returns from South America to visit old friends.
    Medynski plan for rebonding of the city for its paving indebtedness tabled by the city council after stormy debate in which a councilman called a citizen "a foozle-headed kid."
Tuesday
    Thief takes two pounds of jerky from the automobile of Mose Barkdull.
    County fair opens with a good program.
    Rogue River fruit wins much admiration at the San Francisco fair.
    Public schools of the city to open next Monday.
    "DeVoe is giving away hand-painted pincushions with every can of Tuxedo tobacco." (Ad)
    Dr. E. B. Pickel reads a paper at meeting of state medical society in Portland.
Wednesday
    22,000 acres of land signed up in Talent district for irrigation.
    A half-dozen arguments arose yesterday on the street over the Medynski plan.
    The Medford National Bank drinking fountain is the storm center, and it is impossible to get a drink without running into an argument.
    Burglars entered the Medford Sash and Door Factory and stole 50 cents in stamps and spilled a bottle of ink over business papers.
Thursday
    The Espee flagman at Main Street crossing has received strict orders to prevent autoists from driving in front of trains, and while the autoists say unkind things to him, he stops them. He says the women drivers are the worst offenders, as "they think the trains should stop because it is they." All summer the flagman has been ignored.
    Bears are reported plentiful and fat as hogs in the Prospect district.
    Gold Hill plans "Roaring Camp" and huge salmon bake.
    Charles W. Gates, Governor of Vermont, and party spent the day in [the] city and valley.
Friday
    Griffin Creek residents demand the county court fix the roads in that region.
    The high school football team has started practice, under Coach Otto Klum, who has forbidden all smoking and social activities. The great fault with the local team has been that it never started practice until the day before the game.
    Crossing flagman to be empowered as a special policeman so he can arrest autoists who refuse to stop until hit by a train.
    Hope that the drizzle last evening was a forerunner of heavy September rains were dispelled this morning by a clear sky and warm sun.
Saturday
    Claude Saylor and family have returned from an auto trip to Pennsylvania.
    According to Wilbur Ashpole there are 2,000 fat hogs in this valley ready for shipment to Portland.
    Indian summer weather prevails, with all kinds of wild game plentiful in the hills. Fishing in Rogue River is very poor, due to the cannery at the mouth of this sporting stream.
    Authorities take steps to round up boys of school age who spend their time loafing downtown.
    Telephone line to Crater Lake completed and ready for use.
"Fifteen Years Ago This Week," Medford Mail Tribune, September 7, 1930, page B2


Monday
    A wave of athletic interest has swept the high school, and every able-bodied athlete is out nightly practicing football under the direction of Coach Otto Klum, who says he will select the first team according to ability, not social status, as has been the rule heretofore.
    W. E. (Dad) Dunlap appeared before the Board of Equalization and protested against paying taxes on his house that burned down last spring.
    T. A. Fifer of the Jackson County Bank is suffering from the effects of a carbuncle on the back of his neck.
Tuesday
    Package of Gruen watches stolen from Reddy's found in an irrigation ditch near Talent, where they were thrown by the thief.
    Annual reunion of Southern Oregon pioneers held at Ashland, and plans talked for the establishment of the historical museum at Jacksonville.
    Autoists continue to ignore the flagman at the Main Street crossing, and the Espee has erected two old-fashioned signs, reading: "LOOK! STOP! LISTEN!" They will do no good. The watchman reports the most flagrant violators are women drivers, and he predicts somebody will get killed.
    Every Western Union clock in town stopped at midnight, for some unknown reason.
Wednesday
    Patrio Gonzales, a Mexican, arrived in Medford yesterday afternoon suffering from chills. He was penniless and applied for medicine. He was given a dose of quinine and a drink of whiskey and went south on the first freight.
    Men and teams needed for work on the Fish Lake dam.
    TouVelle and Harris ship Newtown apples to be exhibited at San Francisco fair.
    Judge Taylor orders a fallen woman and a fallen man to leave town, following pleas of guilty in staging a fight in an alley with beer bottles. The third party in the fracas escaped on horseback.