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Rogue
Valley Poetry An oxymoron? SONG . . . By W. H. Appler.
Columbia's sons'
adopted daughters
Shriek aloud o'er land and waters The Indians have come to quarters. CHORUS.
Rise, rise, ye
Oregon's rise,
Oregon
Statesman, Oregon City, August 14, 1852, page 1Rise, rise, ye Oregon's rise, Hark, hark, hark, how the eagle cries Rise, rise, ye Oregon's rise on the Indians, rise. Sam, he was a great warrior, He was corralled between two waters, Capt. Lamerick brought him to quarters. Rise, rise, rise, &c. Table Rock is a pretty elevation, A splendid view o'er the Indian nation, The place where the chieftain took his station. Rise, rise, rise, &c. The Indians now are in subjection, Old Sammy made a bad selection, His chaparral was no protection. Rise, rise, rise, &c. MACHINE POETRY.
WRITTEN BY H. H. KING, AT THE BIG MEADOWS, ON ROGUE RIVER, JUNE, 1856.
The following ballad is a reminiscence of the Indian war in Southern
Oregon in 1855-6, and we republish it for the benefit of the old
pioneers.
In Meadows Fort of
loud report,
Douglas Independent, Roseburg,
November 11, 1882, page 3As fancy leads my song, Both Walla Walla men resort, And Tarheads of renown. Old John, and Limp, and Tyee Sam, With braves a hundred more, Are stowed in thick as they can cram, On south Rogue River shore. To rout this band, our General brave With Chapman, Bruce and Dawn, The aid of Keith and Blakely craved, With Massey and his boys. Then Wilkinson and Williams too, With Miller, Nolan, Yates, Old Kelsay next came in, you know, To storm the Meadows' gates. Then Hawley, Cox, Riggs and Hess, With Wallan, Curry, Moore, McBride the next in order stands, With Adjutant Cranmore. Our sergeants next in order stand, With corporals quite a string. And then within our surgic [sic] band, We're honored with a King. Our chaplains, too, we should respect, Bogar and Bilyeu, When Sunday comes they ne'er neglect To trot us devils through. Two Walkers next are in the field, With Bibles in their hands, And we poor devils sure must yield, Obedient to commands. Who though no Indian face we see, Nor track of hostile foe, Sure we possess the "illahee," And that's enough to know. Now let me say to Siwash bands, And all our border foes, From henceforth let all treaties stand, That all our wars may close: The volunteers must soon return, For harvest bids them come; Their wives and children smiling run And shout them welcome home; Then who'd exchange a home and ease With loving friends to cheer, And roam o'er mountains, hills and vales But the brave volunteer? For, when his country calls for aid, And hurls her flag in air, He bids adieu to home, sweet home, And starts a volunteer. The volunteers have now returned And glad they are to find To laurels they so richly earned, The people are not blind; Buchanan now is in the field, And Captain Smith's his man, But John surrounded him, you know, And brought him to stand. Full ten of his brave men were slain, And twenty more did bleed; While he beheld with inmost pain, The Indians strip his dead; Thirty long hours they were entrenched Before the Colonel came, And many spots of earth were drenched With life's red lurid flame. But was it so with Limp and George? Did they stand to the fight? When volunteers rushed to a man They took to instant flight. Their squaws and children were all left To shift as best they could, Of blankets and of "ictas" reft, They ran to save their blood. Thus they were all compelled to yield For well our shots did tell, And woe to them who hindmost were, For they in battle fell. Next, John, to try our grit, came up, His lead like hail it fell, Then soon to save his hair, he left, But where we cannot tell. We've hunted him both up and down, And many a mountain through, E'en to the ocean--all around, And valleys through and through. Three months we've spent in marching round Three months of toil and pain; We've whipped the Indians whenever found And not a man was slain. 'Tis true some sickness we have had And wounded, only two-- But now in health and spirits--glad We are to meet with you. We love to see your smiling face, We love your company. We hope to stay at home from this, From wars and turmoils free. We all admire your courage bold, Your love--your constancy-- You've guarded well affairs at home, While we were in the spree. Our Major is as brave a man As e'er commission bore; In fight he always led the van, Nor left till all was o'er. Our Captain too's as true as steel, Our officers are all good, And every man that's in the field Up for his country stood. Success to every honest man, And success to the brave, Who fought old George, Limp and Sam, Their wives and babes to save. Sweet peace is now restored to us, We'll cultivate our lands; We'll plow and sow, we'll reap and mow And work with our own hands. Now let us shout and swell the song, And give three hearty cheers, That we may all remember long Our brave young volunteers. May peace forever reign on earth; Good will to all mankind-- Our lands be free from future dearth, And science feed the mind. May arts and science flourish here, And knowledge more increase, And nations all from year to year, Live in eternal peace. Shooting of the Cow
Come all you jolly
huntsmen
And I will tell you how William Courtney's son-in-law Happened to shoot his cow. He, being a shotgun man And thinks he's some on ducks He thought he'd take his rifle And try to kill some bucks. He started out one morning He took his dog and gun And said to his Beaver dog "We're going to have some fun." They traveled on for quite a piece The dog could nothing smell When into a train of thoughts This youthful Nimrod fell. He scratched his head and blew his nose Said he, "I've heard it said This is the season of the year The bucks are always red." "I've also heard that when they run They go it with a rush"-- Just then he saw (or thought he saw) A shaking of the brush. He raised his gun up to his head And that was very tall And when he let it down again He heard a mighty fall. "Now Beve," said he, "we've got an elk And you must quickly catch There is no hunters in the wood That is to us a match." Then Beve ran up and wagged his tail And gave a big bow-wow Which was as near as he could say "Oh, Master, you've shot your cow." "Composed
by William M. Griffin about Dick Griffin shooting
his cow. First sung by Wm. Griffin and George Griffin, who was 3 years of age at the time. (This was dictated to me by Aunt Sallie, who recited it from memory.)" From an undated typescript. George H. Griffin was born in October 1874. ON ROGUE RIVER
(Dedicated to Bill, Joe and Jim.) Oh, it's pleasant on the river on a sultry summer day, when the temperature is boiling and the town is none too gay; there to wade out on the riffle, or fish from some shady nook; oh, it's pleasant on the river--when the steelheads take the hook. Oh, it's pleasant on the river when mealtime draweth night; when the beans and bread and spuds and fish are piled up mountain high on the table at the fish camp; oh, it surely, surely is very pleasant on the river when the cook is doing biz. Oh, it's pleasant on the river when the evening shadows come and the smoke from a dozen good old pipes put the mosquitoes on the bum; when the yarns are spun 'bout fish and deer and bear--a hundred or more; oh, it's pleasant on the river--when the liar has the floor. Oh, it's pleasant on the river at the first gray streak of morn, when the trout are biting lively and you're glad that you are born; but when it's time to go back to town to the heat and the work and--well, there's no mincing about it, that's little short of h----. Central Point Herald, July 19, 1906, page 1 LATEST AUTO SONG.
The following verses were
composed by a Central Point lady especially for the Herald. It has a
true ring about it as though written by one who was there.--Ed.
My
husband lies under the auto;
My husband swears under the car; We've sent to the city for someone And asked them to come where we are. We're lonesome, lonesome, Lonesome out here where we are. My husband lies under the auto; My husband swears under the car; He can't get the engine to working, And so we must stay where we are. We're lonesome, hungry and Angry out here where we are. He's sent to the garage for someone To tow us to town before dark; He can't get the spark plug to sparking It simply refuses to spark. The spark plug, the spark plug, It simply refuses to spark. --KWAHAFSRM. Central Point Herald, October 10, 1907, page 3 By Clark M. Hawk--Mrs. Frank A. Hawk. REUNION
TIME.
Composed by Comrade E. E.
White
and read by him at the closing exercises of the recent reunion of the
Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Southern Oregon at Camp J. W.
Merritt, Central Point, Ore., September 11, 1908.
Oh
days of yore, so sad and long,
When we were young and in our prime, Now happy days and happier song, At reunion time, reunion time; For here we're met again to greet The gray-haired boys with weary feet, Who've wandered here again to say, "This is our glad reunion day." How often now our memories call Up battle scenes or prison wall, Or of some incident in camp Long years ago, when on the tramp; So here's a few that're from the "joint" That were camped four days at Central Point, And all the campers know full well That it's the truth which I now tell. There was nothing safe around the camp, For everyone was bound to steal, But the two who won the nicest stamp Were May Downing and Flo McNeal; The watermelons, large and fine, Disappeared all along the line, While Comrade Spencer's greatest boost Was making his bed a chicken roost. Then there was the place where we went to eat, In the old horse stalls at the end of the street, And the well close by with its water cold To slake the thirsts of the young and old; There were youth and beauty and old gray hair, And "Old Glory" floating high in air, But I'll never forget till the day I die, Of watching a grasshopper eating pie. Talk about times; well, I guess, yes; We made a lieutenant colonel out of Jess; Mesdames Beach and Andrus roped a man so neat That it won applause, also a treat, And a Dakota comrade, so 'tis said, Got straw enough to make his bed, While the best of wishes awoke in the "joint" On the old fairgrounds at Central Point. Central Point Herald, September 17, 1908, page 4 The program as arranged was greatly enjoyed. Jack Withington was there with a number of his screamingly funny stories told in his masterly way, and Mr. Walters, an old opera singer, made the hit of the evening with a number of operatic selections and comic songs. Colonel F. L. Tou Velle pleased with a ballad which set forth the charms of a bachelor life who had what he wanted when he wanted it. But it remained for Frederick Haslund to sing two songs, the words being localized, to bring down the house. His first song, to the tune of "It's Just the Same Old Moon," ran as follows: Same Old Train.
In dark ages since
many years have passed,
Six miles an hour was considered pretty fast; But now in nineteen hundred and nine That's some speed on Barnum's line! Same old wheezing engine and car Starts for J'ville with an awful jar; Foxy Barnum rents his whole depot And makes us wait out in the snow. Chorus: It's just that same old train that's running In just that same old jerky way; No wonder we are always kicking At the price we have to pay; Oh, won't you tell me when we'll get there? Oh, won't you use a little more wood? Same little jolly, it gives one a pain; Same little jerky, same old train. Teddy says railroads must be controlled; Honest voter does as he is told; Legislature yields to people's will, Railroad c'mission just fills the bill. Then the c'mission comes to Jacksonville, Calls in Barnum; also John and Will. Asks them questions, tells them what to do; Goes away, thinks its labors through. Chorus: It's just that same old train that's running In just that same old jerky way; No wonder we are always kicking At the price we have to pay; They didn't mind the old c'mission, They go right on the same old way. Same little station; folks raising Cain; Same busted schedule; same old train. His second, to the tune of "Harrigan," ran as follows: Medford--That's It.
"Joshes Handed with Lavish Hands at Banquet," Southern Oregonian, Medford,
January 13, 1909, page 6Where
is the town that skins them all a block?
Medford--that's it. Where is the town where's always a crime to knock? Medford--that's it. For it's just as proud of its name, you see, As New York or Frisco or Milwaukee Where is the town that's a-boosting all the time? Medford--that's it. Chorus: M-e-d-f-o-r-d spells Medford; Proud of all the booster men that live here; Divil a joint in town a-selling near beer. M-e-d-f-o-r-d, believe me. It's a name that brings fame to anyone connected with Medford--that's it. Where is the town that is never out of doubt? Medford--that's it. Where is the town that the supreme court made wet? Medford--that's it. For the folks that come here all stick to it, And it sticks to them, too, in return, you bet; Where is the spot where it's never too cold or hot? Medford--that's it. Chorus: M-e-d-f-o-r-d spells Medford; Proud of every railroad magnate in it.; Every man has got a water scheme that's in it. M-e-d-f-o-r-d, believe me. It's a town that renown always has been connected with Medford--that's it. HORATIUS UP TO DATE.
Or How the Rogue River Romans Saved a Crop. Jack Frost of Nova
Scotia,
By his blue nose he swore, That to those Medford fruitmen He'd hand a jolt once more. By his blue nose he swore it, And he named a biting night, And bade the Weather Bureau say He'd kill the fruit off right. East and West and South and North The Frost predictions sail, The fruitman saw the bulletins, His face grew deathly pale. "Alas! Alas! my crop is lost," He was heard to loudly shout, "My dreams of wealth and easy times Have all gone up the spout." The fruitman's brow was sad, The fruitman's speech was low, And glum he watched the weather gauge For the coming of the foe. "We will before ten hours have passed Be visited by Frost, What hope is there for future pears? My crop is lost, is lost!" Then out spake brave Horatius, The driver of the mules, "Every man who lives should work, And those who loaf are fools. And how can man work better Than to scrap the elements, To save his boss 'spondulics' That comes in future tense? I, with two more to help me, Will save our boss from loss By building fires and making smudge. What dost thou say, O Boss? Bring out damp barnyard garbage, Tree prunings and crude oil, And 'gainst the bitter biting Frost, The whole long night we'll toil." Then out spake strong Hans Schmider, A Dutchman broad was he, "Unt I will shtandt at your back-hind hand To make dot smudge mit zie." And out spoke brisk Pat Murphy, A Yankee from Cork was he, "Be Jabbers, Oi'l stant at yer iny could hand As long as ye'll stand wid me." "Horatius," quoth the orchardist, "As thou sayest so let it be." And out against the elements Forth went the dauntless three. For hired men working for their boss We're faithful, strong and bold,' And worked instead of bossing then, In the brave days of old, And while the three were gathering Their tools upon their back, The boss he was the foremost man To take in hand an ax. Then every mortal on the place Seized hatchet, saw and crow, And 'gan to split up kindling wood To keep away the foe. And then, with fuel and kindling, Forth went the gallant three And made their fires to fight Jack Frost 'Neath every blooming tree. The orchard soon was palled in smoke And Jack Frost, coming nigh, Saw shine the little fires and laughed And winked his wicked eye. But, wow! he found the laughed-at smoke Resisted well his bite, And after six hours' scrap he said He'd come another night; And with joking and laughter Still is the story told, How well Horatius saved the crop In the brave days of old. Moral:
Then while you sit
a-smoking
Around the cheering fire; And thinking of the votes you'd get If you should run for squire; And sons are planning hunting trips, And daughters making fudge; Remember Frost is rough on fruit And be prepared to smudge. --Edison T. Marshall. Medford Mail, February 12, 1909, page 4 THE KNOCKER.
Once
there was a rabid knocker
Living in a little town And he was a darn good knocker With a motto "keep her down." Years
went by and he kept rapping People stared at him in wonder Then the knocker grew excited Then the booster, hale and hearty, But the knocker sad and lonely Soon he died, but still kept rapping, Central Point, June 29th. COTTON. Central Point Herald, July 1, 1909, page 1 THE REVERIES OF THE PIONEER.
By O. C. APPLEGATE. Young man, let's rest from our labor and sit in the shade for a while, Where the trees are rich with foliage and the golden sunbeams smile; Where this roaring stream is splashing from the mountains of lasting snow, Filling with verdure the valley that lies in its beauty below. "How time keeps ringing its changes!" It's only a short time ago Since this land.was asleep in its wildness. Only that mountain of snow Poured forth its tribute of waters through forests primeval and vast, And bruin, abroad in his freedom, was "fat as a swine on the mast." The antlered pride of the shadeland whetted his horns on the trees, And the cry of the wildcat or cougar oft dismally rang on the breeze. At midnight, the forests were vocal with the famishing gray wolf's howl, Mingled in strange combination with the mournful hoot of the owl. The grizzly, king of the forest, peerless in courage and brawn, Wandered abroad in the valley, in the shadowy gray of the dawn; And the panther, a ruthless assassin, oft hung on this beautiful brink When the fleet-footed doe with her offspring, stole cautiously down for a drink. Swift as a steed of Arabia, the antelope spurned the wide plain, Now marked with its angular fences, and rich with its acres of grain, Bright with its flowering fruit trees, and with meadows so green, Presenting a landscape unequaled--a bright and beautiful scene! In thickets of bright manzanita the gray rabbit sat in his dread, Resting his ears on his shoulders, eyes ever bright in his head-- Listening for the scream of an eagle, or the treacherous wildcat's tread. The wildcat born for the thickets, with confidence followed the trail, With eyes all aflame in their sockets, and tireless swing of the tail, With toenails hooked and prehensile, and nostrils ever at play, Transcendently fitted by Nature to sift the air for its prey. And, adding a human feature to the wild and primitive scene, Like shadows the dusky hunters threaded the forests of green, With sinewy bows in their quivers, yew bows of cunning design, And arrows barbed with obsidian, strong and straight as a line. For ages and ages these red men had built by the side of this stream, Their conical mansions of cedar, where now these housetops gleam; But the curling smoke was an emblem, as it rose on the wings of air, Of a life as vain and transient as a shooting meteor's glare; Of a hope as evanescent as the gleaming dews of the morn-- Faded and lost like the velvet that grows on the mule deer's horn; For the tramp of the paleface echoed, as he came with his tireless trains, And strong were the souls that struggled in clouds of dust on the plains! They were marvelous days of effort, for their wagons became their biers, And the thirsty sands of the desert were watered with woman's tears. Far away from home and kindred were the forms of dear ones placed, And the voice of mourning echoed through the wide and.treeless waste. Some lingered and perished in snows where the grim Sierras from; In their merciless surge, the rivers carried their victims down; The chilling hand of disease on many a heart was laid, And many a pilgrim fell in the sweep of the savage raid. No trackless waste disheartened, no mountain snows appalled, For they were strong in their purpose; and, like a serpent, crawled The weary ox teams westward--Then did their rifles blaze, And in the dust rode heroes, like knights of olden days. And the same long rifles glistened in the rays of the setting sun, As they stood by the wheels of the wagons when the long day's march was done, With the grave-marked desert behind them and the land of promise before; Young man, strong hearts were needed in the trying days of yore. O, the restless tramp of the leaders, as they led the devious way! O, the boundless wish for rest that came with the close of day! O, the pain of thirst and hunger, that the very heartstrings wore! O, the matchless patience of mothers, who their silent burdens bore! Young man, the age is a fast one; 'tis hard for us to keep pace With the brain and brawn achievements an ever-resistless race; For the giant of progress is ever abroad with his strength in the land; His spirit inspiring the millions to work with the brain and the hand; To pluck the blossoms of science, and the secrets of Nature divine Failing the reins of the millions as with a mystical wine; Waking to life the solitude, from the ages of quiet repose, Making the mightiest desert to blossom and bloom as the rose; With the curve of the gleaming plowshare turning the stubborn clod; Making the flowers of plenty to glow on the virgin sod; Filling the shadowy forest, where erst did the wild beasts roam, With the thrilling music of labor and the pleasant voices of home. "The iron steed flies like an arrow, barbed with a wedge of steel, Spurning the ringing pathway, with the might of his iron heel," And fields of corn flash by him, and beautiful cities stand And even the white man's cattle have driven the buffalo back; The plow of the settler has covered the old-time emigrant track. He has gathered the iron of wagons, covered with an age of rust, And has mingled his golden corn with the old-time leaders' dust. From the elder hive of the eastward, to the land of the closing day, Proudly the favored pilgrims ride the black charger today. Do they think of the trials and sorrows, as onward the great car rolls, Of the leaders, so strong and faithful, "in the days that tried men's souls"? As we think of our early struggles, of our lot in the wilderness cast, Let us hold in kindly remembrance those shadowy days of the past, When cabins were hewn from the forests that margined each valley and plain, And the fertile soil first yielded its tribute of golden grain; The day of the trail and the foot-log and the flying pony express, When the antlered pride of the forest yielded his skin for a dress, When blankets were parted for leggins, tied with a buckskin thong, And over the mantel, the rifle hung from an antler's prong; When threadbare garments betokened only the common distress, And moccasins, beaded so deftly, were part of the bodily dress; When blankets, with hole in the center, were overcoats stylish and gay, And the men were buckskinned and spurred like the heroes of olden day. Privations and wants were many, advantages ever too few; But mutual helpfulness reigned, and friendships were steady and true; And whatever there was to divide was often dealt out to the poor, Or given, when hunger oppressed, to drive the wolf from the door. Often the Indian's wigwam was the white man's cabin near, And the settler bartered and labored, with scarcely a thought of fear. But anon the burning cabins lit up the midnight sky And the forest depths re-echoed the redskin's appalling cry: "The tomahawk, not the laurel, was the mead of daring then," And the times called up for action, strong and fearless men; But the youths stood by the elders, as the old-time records show, And mothers, to save the children, courageous, faced the foe. And the long and fearful struggle spread victims far and wide, By the river's raging flood, on the mountain's rugged side; And many a hero sleeps where his work was done right well, And many a thrilling story no tongue is left to tell. Young man, those days have faded, like a dreamy fabric away, And the land is at rest, in a mantle of plenty and peace, today. The fields are sure in their promise; sounds of battle are o'er, And the marvelous march of progress is changing us more and more. The rough old cabins are fallen, the wigwams of cedar are gone, And still the march of improvement, like the restless tide, moves on The skill of the Saxon has harnessed the thundering mountain stream, The monsters of labor struggle, their ringing muscles gleam. Learning has planted her standard, through all the years to endure, May her motto ever be onward! May her teachings ever be pure; And may our temples of worship betoken, for aye, to the mind, That chiefest of cardinal virtues, which suffereth long and is kind. May peace, with all the world, endure, as we enjoy it now, And public virtue, justice power, our noble state endow; May time but add new beauties to gladden our homes of peace, And honest thought and generous deeds, on every hand increase. As in the glowing harvest time, we think of the sower's toil, So shall we talk of the noble deeds of them who won the soil; And point our children to their lives, so simple, yet so pure, A noble legacy of ours, while memory shall endure. O.
C. APPLEGATE.
Ashland Tidings, August
26, 1909, page 8
The banquet board, under the
able direction of the management of the Louvre Cafe, was weighted with
a multitude of good things to eat, those present doing full justice to
the occasion.
The program as arranged was greatly enjoyed. Jack Withington was there with a number of his screamingly funny stories told in his masterly way, and Mr. Walters, an old opera singer, made the hit of the evening with a number of operatic selections and comic songs. Colonel F. L. TouVelle pleased with a ballad which set forth the charms of a bachelor life who had what he wanted when he wanted it. But it remained for Frederick Haslund to sing two songs, the words being localized, to bring down the house. His first song, to the tune of "It's Just the Same Old Moon," ran as follows: Same Old Train. In
dark ages since many years have passed,
Six miles an hour was considered pretty fast; But now in nineteen hundred and nine That's some speed on Barnum's line! Same old wheezing engine and car Starts for J'ville with an awful jar; Foxy Barnum rents his whole depot And makes us wait out in the snow. Chorus: It's just that same old train that's running In just that same old jerky way; No wonder we are always kicking At the price we have to pay; Oh, won't you tell me when we'll get there? Oh, won't you use a little more wood? Same little jolly, it gives one a pain; Same little jerky, same old train. Teddy says railroads must be controlled; Highest voter does as he is told; Legislature yields to people's will, Railroad c'mission just fills the bill. Then the c'mission comes to Jacksonville, Calls in Barnum; also John and Will. Asks them questions, tells them what to do; Goes away, thinks its labors through. Chorus: It's just that same old train that's running In just the same old jerky way; No wonder we are always kicking At the price we have to pay; They didn't mind the old c'mission, They go right the same old way. Same little station; folks raising Cain; Same busted schedule; same old train. Medford Daily Tribune, January 8, 1909, page 1 (Harper's Weekly)
"It has been proposed to establish a new state in the union, made up of
lower Oregon and northern California, a peculiarly rich and fertile
region with vast harbor facilities. It is to be named Siskiyou."
Horroo! hurroo!
For Siskiyou. A brand-new oar for the Yankee crew. A state that's broad, a state that's wide, With mountain tops, and ocean side. And hills of green, And pastures clean, Where flows the surging Oregon. A dream of plains with peaches on, And corner lots In plots and plots Where men may delve and men may dig, And feed the chickens and the pig On luscious fruits from out the earth Of wondrous worth. O Siskiyou! O Siskiyou! New star for dear old Uncle Sam, Thy praises let us loudly sing In songs to echo and to ring From far Key West to Hudson's Bay, O Siski-Siski-Siskiyay-- A spot where all is blithe and gay For Siskiyou and Siskimee. I hail thee true, I hail thee blue. O Sister Siski-Siskiyou! --Carlyle Smith. Central Point Herald, February 24, 1910, page 2 Jackson County. It's hazy, dreamy
summer time
In Jackson County's ardent clime, And smoke clouds drift upon the breeze From off the blazing forest trees, While in the vale there comes a calm As sweet as Gilead's soothing balm. Around us singing wild and free, We catch the notes of industry And see contentment written where The pioneer once wrote despair. From mountain's smoke-veiled snowy crest To where the valley spreads her breast The crystal waters plunge and swell, And seem to murmur, "All is well," The upland peeps beneath the haze, The laden orchard lends its praise, The breezes sighing through the pine In wind-sung melodies divine, Make e'en a saddened heart rejoice With love-words spoke in Nature's voice. On every hand the bended trees, Fruit-laden, swinging in the breeze, A wealth not half of which is told. The gleam of silver and of gold, The rainbow tints which greet the eyes And form an earthly paradise. Health comes on every breeze that blows, Health comes on every blushing rose, Wealth comes on every laden tree In this, our own serenity. Cool rivers wend through mead and field, The corn ears, prodigal of yield, Shoot forth their gift to Plenty's horn, While sweet delicious fruits adorn The endless miles, where peach and pear And apple greets us everywhere. Upon the hills now brown and sear, Green swards of grass will soon appear, And e'er the autumn blossom dies The winter garlands will arise. From cottage windows float the songs Of love for which man's spirit longs, And children busy at their play Turn life's December into May. Land of plenty, land of wealth, Land of love and land of health, Where happiness springs from the soil, And love but teaches men to toil. Breeze-kissed and fruit-bedecked you stand, Our own, our Jackson County land. In future years, no distant time, A million souls will seek our clime, Where summer's sun is always kind, And temperate the winter's wind. Where canyons spread and creeks descend, And laughing, cooling rivers wend, Where apple blooms embalm the breeze And clover blossoms kissed by bees From Nature's flower garden grand, In this, our Jackson County land. Charley L. Gant
Central
Point Herald, August 18, 1910, page 2We'll Build a City Here.
Keep crowing and
a-growing
And we'll build a city here That will make a pleasant showing In the future very near; But we'll have to keep on working And a-pushing up the grade, For there's nothing made in shirking Where a city's to be made. Let up knocking and a-rocking In an idler's easy chair; Dig your ducats from the stocking That is lying buried there; There's lots of land to irrigate And lots of land to clear, Keep a-sowing and a-hoeing And we'll build a city here. Keep a-yelling and a-swelling With the enterprising throng, Keep a-talking and a-telling, Sound progression's silver gong. There's nothing made in laying off While others toil and sweat, Keep a-crowing and a-blowing And we'll build a city yet. Quit your nagging, get to bragging, Keep in line from night to morn. There are other people living In this world beside yourself, It's only drones and lazy bones That lay upon the shelf. Keep going like the flowing Of the river from the hills, And keep singing like the ringing Of the water on the rills. Keep a-climbing up the ladder Where progression's bells are clear, Go on toasting and a-boasting, And we'll build a city here. Stop your fighting and backbiting With your neighbors one and all, There's no friendship made of fighting, There's no sugar made of gall. Take a little, give a little, Toil along from year to year, Keep a-crowing and a-growing And we'll build a city here. Charley
L. Gant
Central Point Herald, September 1, 1910, page 2 Rogue River Land. Go 'way now, Mr.
Preacher, you needn't talk to me
About a land that's paved with gold, beyond the jasper sea, Of course, no doubt, there's such a place, but don't you understand, The soil won't raise good apples like our own Rogue River land. I want to live among the bloom of peach and apple trees And drink the breath of sweet perfume that floats upon the breeze; To garner fruits from Nature's breast and watch the rainbow dyes Which glint the east and gild the west, where snowy mountains rise. I crave no shining harp of gold upon a golden strand, I'd rather spend eternity on this Rogue River land. I seek no blissful Eden, far beyond some mystic hill, When here we see for you and me this fertile soil to till; These meadows blooming rich and sweet and fields of yellow corn, Where Nature seems to empty out her very lavish horn. Here fruit and vine are oil and wine, Samaritan of good, And finite man can work and plan where he is understood. The orchards rare, the mountain air, the forest, field and brook, With sapphire sheens and pleasant scenes most everywhere we look; With silvery rivers spurting down from snowy mountains grand; I'd like to stay and live alway in this Rogue River land. No, thank you, Mr. Preacher, I wouldn't care to change These fields of green, this home serene, for some old Eden strange. I doubt not that your Beulah Land is full of harp and song, But not like Rogue a-singing as he gently flows along; Not like the soft winds sighing through the boughs of stately pine, Where the orchard croons to pippins in this valley home of mine. Where busy housewives hum the tunes that soothe the babe to sleep And gentle climbing roses 'round the cottage windows creep; Where Nature plays her minstrel lays which we can understand, And we till and fill our pockets from the rich Rogue River land. Charley
L. Gant
Central Point Herald, September
15, 1910, page 2
By
Alma M. Meacham
Oh
Medford, dear Medford;
Oh, how I love thee! In the Rogue River Valley, Yes, down by the sea. Your Main Street is handsome. Your park is a pride, Where autos are waiting To give you a ride. Your climate is balmy, As fine as can be, Moderated by breezes That float from the sea. The scenes around Medford Are grand to behold; Here are the mines of argonaut, Who came for the gold. The Rogue's noted for fruit, sir, As all the world knows, For Spitz or for Bosc, The finest that grows. Your valley's quite long, But not very wide, And the roads are all good For the "automoride." But your valley is sticky, And the sticky will stay If you don't like the sticky You'd best move away. Medford
Sun, February 7, 1911, page 3
No
title.
BE A BOOSTER Do
you know there's lots o' people
Settin' round in every town, Growlin' like a broody chicken, Knockin' every good thing down? Don't you be that kind of cattle, 'Cause they ain't no use on earth; You just be a booster rooster-- Crow and boost for all you're worth. If your town needs boostin' booster, Don't hold back and wait to see If some other feller's willin' Sail right in--this country's free; No one's got a mortgage on it, It's yours just as much as his. If your town is shy on boosters, You get in the boostin' biz. If things don't seem to suit you, An' the world seems kinder wrong, What's the matter with a-boostin' Just to help the thing along? 'Cause if things should stop a-goin' We'd be in a sorry plight. You just keep the horn a-blowin' Booster up with all your might. If you see some feller tryin' For to make some project go, You can boost it up a trifle. That you're one to let him know That you're not goin' to knock it, Just because it's not your "shout," But you're goin' to boost a little 'Cause he's got the "best thing out." If you know some feller's failin's, Just forget 'em, 'cause, you know, That same feller's got some good points-- Them's the ones you want to show, Cast your loaves out on the waters, "They'll come back," is a saying true. Maybe they will come back "buttered," When some feller boosts for you. Medford Sun, June 25, 1911, page 4 THE SPINNING WHEEL AND THE
BICYCLE.
(By Albert G. Rockfellow.) The
wheel, the wheel, the spinning wheel;
Our mothers used to run it; And many a day and many a year Our sisters, too, have spun it. That was the wheel that spun the yarn That made our fathers’ breeches, And spun the flax that made the thread That sewed the trusty stitches. There was a time when that old wheel Was high in estimation Of folks of high or low degree— By every class and station. No matter if they had to walk And turn the wheel by hand, sir; They wrought with all the cheerfulness That mortal could command, sir. But that old wheel is laid away To moulder in seclusion; Our sisters now can ride and spin— And this is no delusion. Ah, yes! and spin two wheels at once— Our spinsters, too, can spin them— And court and woo as the lassies do, The shy old larks and win them. Our married sisters, too, can bike And congregate together, And drink their tea and spin their yarns, In fair or foulest weather. Whilst hubby he will stay at home, To wash and scrub, it may be, And darn and sew the buttons on, And cook, and care for baby. Our sisters now don’t stay at home And drudge and drudge forever; They mount their wheel just like a man, And not a whit less clever. They spin away to shop and store, Dismount and stop a minute, Then out and mount the wheel again— How gracefully they spin it. The drive so long, the time so short, How can the dear ones make it? Ten blocks are passed and shadows flown Ere camera can take it. "Come, oh, my lover, come along, And ride with me today, sir. I'll spin for you a yarn, my boy, That is no childish play, sir." The stakes are up, the wheels are off— The stakes are hearts and rider— Her speed is pressing two and ten, And he is right beside her. Now, wheel and wheel, right on they go, And each with strong endeavor, Is striving hard to win the race, By beating it? No! never! And so 'tis plain that both will win, And they will be in clover— Two hearts will beat in unison, When racing time is over. So then farewell, ye old-time wheel, And the dear old folks that spun it; Farewell, ye bonnie barefoot girls Who helped the old folks run it. And now hurrah! for the brand new wheel, And the brand "new woman" on it; Hurrah! for the jolly cyclers, all, Hurrah! for the hat and bonnet. Ashland Tidings, July 25, 1912, page 3 \ The Logtown Rose
Christmas
Vacation.By Frederick Mansfield Law, 1879-1952 To
the young and the old and one who knows
Let me tell you the story of the Logtown Rose. It's the emblem of beauty that does display the old Pioneer of an early day. It was back in the year of '63 When to Forest Creek came John McKee And then his friends that gathered around Cut logs for his home in old Logtown. When his home was built, it was snug and warm; It protected his children through winter storm. And Mirum spun yarn to make socks and hose, And once in spare time planted a yellow rose. It was a tiny slip she placed in the ground; Then its roots spread out and slips gathered 'round And as the years came, and as the years go, Its friends would die while the rose would grow. It was a beautiful flower of yellowish hue And over 50 years it weathered through. To live as it did you would never suppose But it really did, the Logtown Rose. Now the nails that they used have turned to rust, And the logs that once stood have turned to dust, But remaining there, waving as winter wind blows On a historic spot stands the Logtown Rose. Protect it, friends, as you pass by Give it a drink, don't let it die In the earth so dry from the sun so hot, Please let the rose live on this sacred spot. Place some strong posts deep in the ground And spike strong boards all around, Protect it from those who may pass by That would trample it down and let it die. It's a friend of the family of John McKee And also a friend to that old oak tree. But too far away from the shade it gives Through the summer heat so it may live. So take care of it, friends, and do it soon And in a very short time for you it'll bloom You see, my friends, it cannot cry; It can only bloom and say goodbye. Its breath is sweet its heart is gold, Now this is the story as I've been told And long may it wave in sweet repose, And bloom for you all--the Logtown Rose. From a typescript dated 1913. Christmas
vacation is almost here,
And boys and girls are full of good cheer; They will greet Santa with a smile, For he has come many a mile, Oh, the joys of vacation! Now for the ride to Grandpa's farm, Now for the romp in the big old barn; Now for Grandma's turkey and pie; We'll all eat till we nearly die. Oh, the joys of vacation! When vacation is over and past, And we have returned home at last, Back to our study, rested and fine, With pleasant thoughts of the good, good time. Oh, the joys of vacation! --Margaret Harvey, age 9, Medford, Oregon. "Public School Compositions," Oregon Teachers Monthly, January 1914, p. 279 FOR SALE--One Ford car with piston rings, two rear wheels, one front spring. Has no fenders, seat or plank. Burns lots of gas. Hard to crank. Carburetor busted half way through. Engine missing; hits on two. Three years old; four in the spring. Has shock absorbers and everything. Radiator busted; sure does leak. Differential's dry; you can hear it squeak. Ten spokes missing; front all bent. Tires blowed out; ain't worth a cent. Got lots of speed; will run like the deuce; burns either gas or tobacco juice. Tires all off; been run on the rim. A durn good Ford for the shape it's in. Clark & Childers, 127 North Riverside. Classified ad, Medford Mail Tribune, April 12, 1920, page 2
Jackson County jail, at the present moment, numbers among its inmates a
literary gent of exceptional ability. If you don't believe it, read the
following effusion from the gifted pen of Jack O'Donovan. Poetry is
easy for Jack. Given plenty of writing material and a certain latitude
in treating his subject and he will tear off anything from a rippling
couplet to 97 cantos of heavy blank verse at a moment's notice. Jack
announces his return to the hoosegow thusly:
Again in Jail I Lay
Once
more a commitment has been passed;
Once more in jail I lay. June 22nd these lines are cast, As my timely pencil I betray, And now a few do shout, "Hurray!" They gave me a debt to pay; And thanks they give, as well they may; While in Jacksonville jail again I lay. I hear the R.R.V. Ry. going past-- I see the lawn spray's scattered spray; Where'er I turn, iron bars are massed, The inmates a card game start to play, For well they may sing and be gay, They have learned what it is to be free. June 22nd I write this lay, As again in jail I am to be. What awful luck and how vast Does the law threaten with its sway, And with what fear we stand aghast As we see ourselves that monster's prey. How calm the future we survey, They have us whom their hearts have craved. And so, June 22nd I say Again in jail I am to lay. J. R. O'D. Jacksonville Post, April 25, 1921 To the Editor. Have a pity. The lines below have never been proofread, may not be poetry, but sure is history. If your heart is bigger than your wastebasket, please remember me. B. F. DOWELL,
Chief Fire Dept., Portland, Ore. Born March 22,1870, Jacksonville, Oregon.  The Dowell House, circa 1971. The Old Brick House. There
is an old brick house near the mountains
In an old Southern Oregon town That Montgomery-Queens' circus passed through Where I saw my first circus clown. There will never be another So sweet as that I know, As that old brick house near the mountains, My old home thirty-five years ago. I rambled in that valley in my childhood, Through Heber's Grove with flowers so wild, Where the Crescent City winds of summer Touched my face with breezes mild. Where I gathered the pine nuts and speckled lilies, That only us schoolchildren knew, That grew round the old brick house near The mountains in eighteen eighty-two. The bull fights in Beekman's pasture, Entertainments in those times were few, Professor Merritt let out school at nine-thirty A.M. The bull fight was in full review. Friends remember my pony Moscow, Sancho, dog, as well, That whipped Jimmy Wilson's sky terrier, In front of the U.S. Hotel. You remember the water bucket where we used to cluster The stories the big boys would tell. How they stuck arrows in the school house, At night rung the big school bell. You remember the hot chimney of the U.S. Hotel Where we stood in out of the rain, Where the marshal, Ad Adams, chased us Down into Dunlap's field of grain. You remember our beautiful cemetery, With its trees of green and red, There are not as many now living in Jacksonville As are up there with the dead. Now in my fancy as I grow older, As sometimes people do, I remember my old school friends, And I am lonely for them, too. I can see the wooden court house On the corner, the rock jail as well, That clustered round the brick [omission] Many years have passed, still I see him, Father Bell, long since dead, The old church and church yard, The blessings that he said. He left us quite unexpectedly Many years ago; Close to the brick house near the mountains, I am sorry he had to go. Remember Dutch Johnny's pool on Daisy Creek So the miner could get his pay, Where Kubli-Orth-Crystal-Linn went as minors But not that kind they say. Truly this is a wonderful country, Down Medford way, But I was shipped to Portland, There I had to stay. In this great city of Portland With its ever-changing crowd, In my dreams my mind keeps wandering Through its streets and fire department proud. But my heart goes back to Jacksonville ever To that old town now tumbled down, To that old brick house near the mountains, Where the first gold in the state was found. The old brick house was a landmark Beautiful to behold, Covered on the outside with English ivy, By love on the inside, I am told. In memory I smell the lilacs and roses, And still see the grass so green, It's the only home I ever had Since I was seventeen. Undated Medford Mail Tribune clipping, circa 1922 The Death Knell of Gold Hill Living
here in Gold Hill seems so very tame,
Thought we'd start some trouble and make a bid for fame, "Pinched" a passing tourist, going 13 miles an hour, Which proved to be unlucky, for it turned the "Three A's" sour. Now they've got us listed as a "funeral on the pike"; They warn the passing tourist to "drive slow, when on a hike"; We're goin' to build a smelter, or so the papers said, But the tourists say: "I smelt her, for poor Gold Hill is dead." Outside our little city, they've placed the warnings bold The tourists kindly notice: "Drive slow inside" they're told; "Please don't disturb our slumber--drive quiet, and keep still; We warn you all, don't move too fast, when driving through Gold Hill." Someday, a wreath of poison oak around our neck they'll twine; We'll be so dead by that time, we'll think it 'suckle vine; The tourists all will shun us as a "dead spot near the stream"; The future that we've longed for will prove to be a dream. With "concrete dust" upon our roofs, and "fly cops" on the trail Of every passing tourist; our efforts naught avail; We're digging our own narrow grave, which soon we'll tumble in; --'Twill be too late to longer rave o'er what we might have been. Oh, don't disturb our slumber, friends; we've settled down to die; --It rankles us to see the crowds along the highway fly; Be quiet for one moment, please, while Gold Hill breathes her last; Keep closed your muffler, don't you sneeze, and please don't drive too fast. Undated Pacific Record Herald clipping, circa 1920. Pioneer Road Builders. A tribute to the 15 pioneers who built the Old South Road in 1846. I
will tell you a tale of valiant men,
Fifteen brave souls and true. Who shouldered their rifles long years ago, Courageous deeds to do. Though scorched by the rays of the noonday sun, And chilled by the midnight dew, They faltered not whatever the task Their brave hearts found to do. They climbed the mountains through forests dark, Braved terrors the desert had; The swollen tongues, the bleeding lips The thirst which drives men mad. But they opened the road to the sunsets red; Then the covered wagons came. And the valiant men--though they knew it not, Had climbed the ladder to fame. And the covered wagons followed on Wherever the builders led, And grateful immigrants knelt in prayer, In the light their campfires shed. They have traveled the road to the great unknown, These heroes whose tale I tell. They rest at last in their long, long sleep, In the land they loved so well. --ALICE APPLEGATE SARGENT, Jacksonville, Ore., Oct. 23, 1924. "Ye Poet's Corner," Medford Mail Tribune, October 27, 1924, page 4 MY ORCHARD 'TIS OF THEE
(By Mary Agnes Daily) My
orchard 'tis of thee
Peach, pear and cherry tree, Of thee I sing. No more thy blossoms bright Cheer me up day and night; The truth I may as well indite, I have the blues. In debt I'm immersed quite, And freedom's holy light Don't shine for me. All sorts of insect pest Doth thy fruit buds molest, I fain would treat it as a jest But I cannot. God save us from the blight; No longer does my might Avail to curb it. From frost I try to shield, Smudge pots adorn my field. Oh! would I had the power to shield Thee from thy plight. My orchard now to thee I owe my poverty And I shall quit. I cannot help my fate; My sleep you dissipate; With gloom you saturate My entire being. So now I'll sell thee cheap, For some poor cuss to keep Till he's tired, too. And when at length I'm free With naught to worry me, My orchard 'tis of thee I'll sing no more. But when I part with thee Some other industry Will claim my tin. Perchance 'twere raising wheat, Or else the sugar beet With motions deft and sweet May rope me in. But whatever it may be I still will think of thee But not thy bounty. No doubt I soon shall be Housed, clothed and fed you see, By Jackson County. Ashland Tidings, April 22, 1918, page 8 In Jacksonville Nestled
among the green-clad hills,
Sheltered by pine and palm; Perfumed by beautiful roses; With air like healing balm; "City of Gold," it welcomes you; It's the place to build your home; Historic, happy Jacksonville, Bids you never more to roam. Back through the years it leads your thought To the olden days of gold; Its memories with dreams are fraught, As its story it unfolds; Again we see the rugged folk Of the hardy pioneer days, Again we see them dig and wash The dirt from the creek that pays. Those days are gone, but their memory still Guides the bright star of New Jacksonville. Brave hearts beat again as hope grows strong-- The New Jacksonville is now calling to you; "Come here, 'neath the palms, by the friendly green hills, And build your new home in the New Jacksonville." Anonymous, Pacific Record Herald, October 1, 1925, page 5 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Hark,
the sudden sound is heard
Jacksonville Post, November
5, 1926, page 1Ringing clear from earth to sky? Let us move the county court house To a town that's nearer by. Never mind, if crops are failures, Ye, who till the valley's soil; Be good sports and move the court house It will save us gas and oil. Never mind, though you are burdened With taxes more than you can pay Boost them up a little higher What's the difference, anyway? Medford wants the county court house, Wants to be the "County Seat"; Dig down deeper in your pockets Make her happiness complete. Never mind what it may cost you For the bills of course you'll meet; Think how proud we'll be in Medford Just to be in the county seat. COURT HALL HAS TOUCH OF POETRY AND RHEUMATISM
J. Court Hall, orchardist and sport authority, baseball magnate and
fisherman, is suffering from his annual touch of the rheumatism, and
while applying poultices and liniment evolved the following snappy poem
on the airport election, entitled: Medford's a Go-Getter":
If airships over Medford sailed
Medford Mail Tribune, March 30, 1929, page 2With no landing place to stop, Other towns would say we failed And laugh about our flop! The Medford spirit always wins In business, athletics, and all-- So let the airships spin Around the field this fall. Want it? Of course we do; Business and working men and all Will help to build one new-- The old one is too small! Fruit mail all goes by air The fastest it can be tote; Tuesday we will all be there In the little booth to vote. Vote to get the airfield through-- Don't mind about the dollar; When finding it makes you two, You'll never make a holler! Then our little town will grow, And business will be better For all the world will know MEDFORD'S A GO-GET-TER! The Rogue Elk Inn
Rustic setting in the mountains,
Advertisement, Medford Mail Tribune, September 28, 1929, page 3Where the pine tree lifts its head, Where the Rogue River murmurs softly, As it flows o'er rocky bed; Where Elk Creek's lazy waters Blend with Rogue's cold dashing spray, That's where Rogue Elk Inn awaits you, Waits, and welcomes you to stay. On the way along Rogue River, Where the gamy steelheads wait, Where the friends of Izaak Walton Pause to troll with shining bait, Where the pine trees on the mountains Murmur soft, as breezes wake Sweetest music mid their branches, On the way to Crater Lake. Under tall trees by the river, In the welcome shade, so cool, Here the traveler loves to linger, By the side of sparkling pool, Where the speckled beauties glisten, Here is where real life begins, On the banks of the Rogue River At the famous Rogue Elk Inn. Endless pleasure here awaits them, If they love the larger life In the mountains, near to Nature, Far removed from strife, Listening to the gentle murmur Of the Rogue, at close of day, Or the whispers in the pine trees, At the time when fairies play. Evening's lure, so well portraying, At the setting of the sun. As they dance amid the shadows When the work of day is done; Here we find, amid the mountains, At the close of summer's day, Quiet, peace, and joy entrancing, "Tis our wish to always stay. Nature calls us with the music Of the water and wind, Bids us look to God who loves us, Bids us take our cares to Him; And if we would learn life's lessons. Learn for us the one best way, We should spend some time with nature, Where the fairies dance and play 'Neath the tall and bending treetops In the shadows, and the moon Seems to hang so close above us Coaxing lovers fond to croon Of the future days, so splendid, As they their new life begin; Such a place you'll find near Medford, And 'tis known as Rogue Elk Inn. Famous for fine chicken dinners, Famous for its paintings rare; Famous for its sylvan setting, Famous for its mountain air; On the banks toward of the Rogue River, On the road toward the rim Of Crater Lake, you're welcome, At the famous Rogue Elk Inn.
The Airport of the Siskiyous
O, sleeper, when your eyelids lift,
But daydreams yet around you drift, And you would travel far and wide, Where health and beauty fondly bide, If on the western trail you go, The town of towns you then should know, The Airport of the Siskiyous, Within the vale of mountain views, Where balmy breezes gently blow, And all the year the rivers flow; Where progress rules and business thrives, And thousands live their outdoor lives, Between the Caves and Crater Lake, Where marvels on the vision break, Yet learning beckons boy and girl, And art appeals amid the whirl. But yesterday a frontier land, Yet now in power so nobly planned, That ere a single season goes, Some greater function freely flows, Where deeds of courage thrill the heart, And leaders live in sport and art; Where spirit governs more than gold, And many worthy dreams unfold, While science comes, in thought profound, And guards the health-promoting ground, As mountain air and water pure And kindly clime good health ensure; Where time its cooling mark has left, And earth no more by quake is cleft; Where life is safe and free of shock, And only Time its aim may mock. Here music broods and issues forth And brings to life the things of worth, As dreams and duty gladly meet, And purpose moves with certain feet, While through the miles of fruitful bloom The air is filled by faint perfume, And in the vistas of the blue You find the purple tinting through. Ah, yes, when on the trail you go, The town of Medford you should know, Within the vale so fair and wide, Between the peaks that long abide; Where in the groves or on the links, Or by the crystal water brinks, Or on the shining mountain peaks, The grandeur of the open speaks. --Delroy Getchell
Medford Mail Tribune, October 2, 1929, page B1
Your Mother
Your mother is the best of friends,
She'll stick to you through sorrow and sin, And if some of the boys today should say, "Scarey Cat," 'cause you won't disobey, Well--what do you care? So long as she lives, you are sure of a friend; So remember, my boy, as you stand in life's test, Always give your mother your best. Walter Holmes--[grade] 6B.
"Jackson School," Medford Mail Tribune, May 11, 1930, page B4 The McCully House, circa 1965. She
lives in the hamlet of J'ville,
This "auntie" so dear and so kind; At the turn of the highway on Main; No truer friend one ever would find. She's truly an angel of mercy, Placed there by the Father above, To be a friend of mankind, And reveal to the world His love. Kindly word she speaks to the passer, With her cheery "Hello" and sweet smile, "Won't you come in and rest for a moment; Just sit where it's cool for a while?" To the young she cheers the dark future; She comforts sad mothers in tears; And, alas! before they can know it, Her love has chased away fears. She knows how to ease every burden, And laugh with the baby who coos; Yes, she's the dearest kind "auntie" That anyone ever could choose. And now that she's read life's long journey, And reaching the bend of the road, We ask God to keep and protect her, As she still helps to carry the load. Of those she meets on life's pathway, And cheers weary hearts by the way, Father, draw near and hear her; oh, gently At the last of life's battle fray. And in that great day of all days, When around Thy white throne we shall meet, Grant we all may be there to meet "Auntie," As we lay our crowns at Thy feet. We know there'll be many in Heaven She has helped by her kindly hand, And with joy abounding we'll greet her, As we pass over Jordan's bright strand. --A Friend. "Ye Poet's Corner," Medford Mail Tribune clipping, circa 1934. Written in honor of Isadora "Issie" McCully. Pioneer Days
Poem written by John B. Griffin, former pioneer of Jacksonville, now
living in Santa Rosa, Calif., for the reunion of Southern Oregon
pioneers last week. Mr. Griffin is the son of the late Burrel Griffin
and the fourth white child born in Southern Oregon. The poem was
read.at the reunion by Mrs. Lulu Strohmeier.Another year has rolled around
We all are here once more, Except the ones who have passed away, Whose career on earth is o'er. Only a few are left now Who helped to pave the way To this land of peace and plenty We all are enjoying today. 'Tis a long, long road they traveled With many hardships on the way, But they bore it all with a brave heart And are with us here today. In this beautiful Rogue River Valley Where pioneers have lived and died And been laid away to rest. Only a few are left now They will soon be a thing of the past, But they will never be forgotten As long as our lives shall last. How their hearts must have leapt with gladness When they started across the plains, Tucked away in a covered wagon As they followed along the train. We can see them at night by the campfire Hear them shouting with joy and song, We can see them yoking their oxen Getting ready to travel along At Inst they came out on the plain, Where the buffalo roamed at will, Where Indians were stealthily watching For a chance to see someone to kill. The wagons were placed in a circle The cattle and horses inside. Then they all went to bed in their wagons With their good trusty guns by their side. At daybreak they are up and stirring, Perhaps cooking some buffalo steak, And baking bread in an oven, The kind that real women could make. At last their breakfast is over The oxen are yoked up once more, And they move along on their journey Just the same as the day before. They must have had wonderful patience And their hearts were wonderfully strong To be singing with joy and gladness As the oxen moved slowly along. But at last their journey was ended, They landed in old Oregon, And found the most beautiful country That ever the sun shone on. Their hardships were now forgotten Their troubles a thing of the past They could settle down and be happy They had found them a home at last. The oxen have gone to the boneyard, The covered wagon long ago rotted down, The buffalo all have been butchered, By men who now lie under the ground, The people now travel in autos, And the world is going so fast That everyone now is guessing Where we all will be landing at last. And while we are traveling so swiftly, Do we think of the old Pioneers Who crossed the plains with their oxen And christened the land with their tears? For the loved ones they lost on the way By sickness and death on the plain, And friends who were murdered by Indians That they never could see again. Let me ask the young who are traveling At such a fast and furious pace. Do you stop to think for a moment Where you'll land at the end of the race? But I hope you will pause in your travels And think of the good that was done By the women and men who first came here And gave their lives to old Oregon. Now may God bless them The ones that have gone away, And may his blessings rest upon The ones that are here today. (Written by John B. Griffin for Pioneer Day, October 2, 1930.) Medford Mail Tribune, October 5, 1930, page B4 Ye Poet's Corner
The following poem was read by John B. Griffin at the 57th annual
reunion of Southern Oregon pioneers held in Jacksonville yesterday:THAT GOOD OLD TOWN
I was born in good old Jacksonville,
An old old mining town That nestles in the foothills, Where lots of gold was found. Of eighteen fifty-three, It was in mid September, And there was only one boy That came ahead of me. His name was Jim McCully And we used to play together, When the sun was shining nice and bright, And sometimes in rainy weather. But dear old Jim has passed away To that blessed land above, Where there is no sin or sorrow And all is peace and love. But still he's living in my heart And always will I know For I never will forget him Till my time has come to go. Then perhaps we'll be together In that land beyond the skies, Where we will live forever, Where no one ever dies. Sometimes I wander back To the good old town again But so many good old friends are gone It fills my heart with pain. The most of them are lying In the graveyard on the hill And they are softly sleeping Where everything is still. The last of them will soon be gone No one left to tell Of the early days in Jacksonville, The days we loved so well. When farmers everywhere around Could come on Saturday And sell their stuff and buy their goods And then go on their way. But we will never say goodbye To the good old days of yore, For Jacksonville may yet come back, Be like it was before. For there's no better place to live Than that old mining town Where I was born in 'fifty-three, And it's mighty hard to down. Now when the Pioneers shall meet In nineteen thirty-two I hope I'll be alive to read This poetry to you. Medford Mail Tribune, September 30, 1932, page 10
The Rogue River.
(By Col. Robert A. Miller, Portland, Oregon) The River Rogue, as its name will imply,
"Ye Poet's Corner," Medford Mail Tribune, September 21, 1933, page 6Is stigma unsought, though you reason why. And yet, as it meanders untamed to the sea It is freighted with legends bold and free Of a pioneer age and a vanishing race; But the spirits wander leaving no trace. The River Rogue, for all must agree, Has many a mood on its way to the sea; For the stars look down as it steals away Into the night, but it laughs with the day, In a meadow far, and then through the hills, A vagrant, wandering wherever it wills. The River Rogue, like a jeweled bride Races afar on a turbulent tide. And lists to the call of the sensuous sea, Where the tides go down, and the rivers a-lee; And mystery is there, like a tale that is told; And the legends grow gray, and are old. The River Rogue, though tongued with pride, Is embowered with beauty on every side And it has the right, as a river may To sing its praise in its own made way; And to wander forever with a spirit free, To mingle its song with the song of the sea. C. C. C.
My papi in the
C.C.C.--
Up in the tall pine trees. Getting three squares a day-- Darn good job, if not much pay; Yeah--does get pretty lonesome, I know; Not much chance for a dance or a picture show. And forest fires I wouldn't like to fight. But then, everything can't be just right. And who knows--with Roosevelt's N.R.A. That maybe around the corner there's a brighter day. I'm not so good at writing poems, but I still believe That if I were a boy I'd join the C.C.C. --Miss Jackie Hood.
Medford Mail Tribune, February
21, 1934, page 6
Rogue River Valley. There is a little
white cottage where the trees are ever green
And the stream from the mountains doth flow, Where the wild turkey gobbles and the deer roam at will, And the big salmon flounder in the Rogue. We go up in the mountains and bathe in mineral springs Go and see the big nice ranches down below Show you wheat, show you cane, show you any kind of grain, In the beautiful valley of the Rogue. We'll go out in the orchard where the fruit is on the tree. This is the land where the premium pear doth grow; They are delicious, mellow sweet; you can have all that you want to eat, In the beautiful valley of the Rogue. Come and see us neighbors--come along, We'll be standing to greet you one and all; This, the finest country found; we will show you mills, we'll show you towns In the beautiful valley of the Rogue. --MRS. SUTHERLIN.
"Ye
Poet's Corner," Medford
Mail Tribune, March 20, 1934, page 6
The
Valley of the Rogue.
V. A. Davis Where
the
skies arch blue,
All the year through, And the birds sing their sweetest; There the mountains hold Like their treasure old, A valley the completest,-- The beautiful Valley of the Rogue! The Rogue's crystal stream, Glides like a dream By upland, lowland, and lea; And the stars bright eyes, Gleam their surprise, As they nightly joy to see, The charming Valley of the Rogue! Where the savage tracked, And ox-whips cracked, In the brave old days agone; Now the school boy plays, And the iron horse neighs, As he gaily speeds along The stirring Valley of the Rogue! Here's the stately home,-- The foundation stone Of our nation, strong and great; Here's the altar fire Bidding souls aspire, To reach the eternal state, Oh, inspiring Valley of the Rogue! Oh, sing as you please! No land o'er the seas,-- Though old in song and story, Has more of the charm Of village and farm, Than this of western glory,-- The smiling Valley of the Rogue! Old Time never dies, But lightly flies This lovely valley over; The days always seem Like Love's young dream,-- Too sweet to live forever, Oh, dreaming Valley of the Rogue! In the years to be, O'er life's rough sea, Should our ship sail a rover; We'll return some day, To rest for aye, Beside our early lover,-- The beautiful Valley of the Rogue! Central Point American, July 4, 1935, page 3 The Empire Builders
Folks,
I'm goin' t'tell you of the things that you will see
When we all get together for the Diamond Jubilee For this little town of Medford--finest city on the coast Always does the job up proper, when they're goin' t'be the host. First I'll tell you of the people--Can't beat 'em anywhere. When you come t'live amongst 'em they are sure to treat you fair. All the business men and merchants from up and down the state Are tryin' t'keep up the standard of a county that is great. The Jubilee Committee is a-workin' on the run Arrangin' entertainment for the crowds that are t'come. They are workin' with the people for many miles around. To make this show the greatest thing that ever hit the town. Now I should like t'tell you of each individual store In the little town of Medford, where your dollar brings you more. But when I look upon the clock I find I haven't time. I can only tell you about the oldest stories in every line. The Medford Ice & Storage Co. will deliver all the ice That you use in your refrigerator to keep your foods so nice. They ice the many trainloads of pears that leave our town, And travel broadcast o'er the land to bring our name renown. Now folks, I know the wife is doing her best to keep you clean. Why not help her out by buying a Maytag washing machine? Fick Hardware Company will deliver it at your door. In business here and Jacksonville for 25 years or more. The Medford Lumber Co. will deliver anywhere, Tree props for the orchards that raise our famous pears. They also keep a large stock of building material on hand. They can supply you with any grade of lumber on demand. The Woods Lumber Company has been around for 40 years or so When planning on a home to build this is the place to go. They feature Fuller paint, a product of our state. Why not try it when in need--'twill make your house look great. The Medford Furniture & Hardware Co. has been with us since 1904. If you want real quality hardware just look around this store. When you're coming to town, looking around for high-class merchandise. They will give you the very best you can buy at very lowest price. Hubbard Bros. Hardware is Medford's oldest store. They've been selling tools to farmers for 50 years or more. If you want to buy some hardware, a mower or a rake, Just go to Hubbard Bros. and you'll get the best they make. Enough of lumber and hardware, let's go to Strang's Drug Store. If you need relief from the Jubilee feed, just drop in at his door. Fifty years in Medford--he's been selling people pills, And bottles and capsules of medicine to cure them of their ills. Our pioneer dealer in motor cars is C. E. Gates. If in need of a truck or motor car look at the new V8. Classiest little car you see--hitting a 90-mile breeze. Why not bring the old bus in and trade it on one of these? Folks, I'm running out of space, I'll have to leave off here. But I'll tell you about the weather man, he's and old-time pioneer. He tells us when to smudge and smoke, to save our fruit from frost. If it wasn't for him and the County Agent all progress would be lost. Central Point American, May 17, 1934, page 2 Table Rock
Table
Rock, the landmark of the valley,
Stands majestic where the river flows. A strong formation of splendid beauty, The passing of time it never knows. The sentinel that directs the voyager, In silent wonder the passerby Gazed upon the rock with thoughts sublime, As the gorgeous beauty meets the eye. It told them a story of adventure, And made them know they were going right, That they were nearing their journey's end, The sentinel guards by day and night. The Rock has seen cruel and awful deeds, But a long and silent faith has kept, While many passing generations grieved, Fought and died, and sadly wept. But today Table Rock has been honored, Her namesake will sail the deep blue sea, With America's stars and stripes unfurled, Waving gently on the evening breeze. May good luck and justice be ever there, May God direct the hand at the mast, May Table Rock help win this awful war, Bringing to this world a peace at last. --Atlanta Parker Naffziger Central Point American, January 20, 1944, page 6 Written on the launching of the T2 tanker Liberty Ship Table Rock. Last revised April 16, 2024
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