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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    "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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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."
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
     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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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."
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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."
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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 club 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.
    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."
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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."
    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


    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.
    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.
    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."
    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.
    While the fish are plentiful in Rogue River, they are not biting as briskly as expected by local piscatorial enthusiasts.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    "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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


The Chicago Packer, August 28, 1915, page 12


    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    [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."
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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


    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.
    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.
    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.