In the town, the first building attacked [by the flood] was Plymale's Livery Stable. The water was high enough to run around the building on the side fronting "C" Street. Great fears [were] entertained that the waters would break through in the old drift or tunnel running down "C" Street, in which case the whole creek would probably have cut a channel, discharging into Rich Gulch, at the Clerk's office.
"The Late Storm," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 26, 1867, page 2  The County Clerk's office would have been on the same block as the Jackson County courthouse--today's Jacksonville city hall.


    On the east side of town considerable damage was done by the freshet from Rich Gulch, owing to the choking up of the channel by drift during the night. The residences of Messrs. Fay, Jacobs, Judge and others suffered considerably--the lots surrounding some of them being covered with water to the depth of eighteen inches. The brick foundation of Mr. Judge's dwelling (so recently erected) was undermined and the cellar caved in. Part of the overflow from Rich Gulch also made its way through the garden of Mr. Bilger, doing much damage.
"The Great Storm in Southern Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, February 8, 1867, page 1


    Just before the rain ceased, a trembling of the earth was felt and an immense body of water came pouring down Jackson Creek in a breast probably ten or twelve feet in height. . . . Meanwhile, at the other end of town, the water was pouring down Rich Gulch in a fearful torrent.
"The Storm of Tuesday," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 31, 1869, page 2


    HOUSE MOVED.--The house used by the Sisters of Charity as a school house was moved, this week, from their old residence to their new home, on California Street--lately, the residence of John S. Drum. The house was moved by Linn & Hall--chimney standing--without the least injury. The building was taken over Rich Gulch on a bridge built for the occasion.
Democratic News, Jacksonville, April 30, 1870, page 3


    The Treasurer . . . recommends that Third Street be opened out to the south line of the corporation and a bridge built at the crossing of Rich Gulch, and proposes to improve Oregon Street south from Wetterer's brewery.
"Board of Trustees," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 25, 1871, page 3


    The subject of building a bridge over Rich Gulch, where it crosses Third Street, has been agitated, at intervals, for years.
"Third Street Bridge," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 27, 1871, page 3  The bridge was built that summer.


    LEG BROKEN.--We regret to learn that Miss Mary Fehely met with a serious accident on Tuesday afternoon. She was in the act of crossing a small ditch on Rich Gulch on a board which broke, precipitating her into the ditch, and fracturing her leg in two places.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 22, 1872, page 3


    FIRE.--John Blattner's house, on Rich Gulch, was burned to the ground last Saturday, and everything therein consumed, while he was at work in his claim. The origin of the fire is unknown.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 13, 1872, page 3


    GREAT EXCITEMENT.--Quite a furor was occasioned last week by the reported discovery of the remains of a German, who mysteriously disappeared about four months ago. He was supposed to be possessed of considerable money, and as there was no apparent reason why he should have absconded, it is surmised that he has been foully dealt with. Suspicion seems to rest upon a half-breed, named Albert Johnson, who has been spending money rather promiscuously lately, and who was, upon testimony of a squaw, seen prowling about the missing man's cabin the same day it is thought he disappeared. A short time ago a foul stench was discovered issuing from a tunnel on Rich Gulch, which he passed on his way to town, and the conclusion was immediately arrived upon that his remains were hid therein. District Attorney Neil set several men to work cleaning out the opening, but nothing further was elicited, except that a fire had been built in the tunnel at one time. The latest conclusions arrived at seem to be that, alarmed by the stench, the assassins burned the body and removed the bones. The tunnel is of great size, and it will take much money and time to thoroughly examine the many recesses.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 24, 1874, page 3


    CHINAMAN CAPTURED.--For some time past Adam Schmidt, living on Rich Gulch, has been troubled by several felonious visits from persons supposed to be Celestials. His premises having suffered again from these depredations last Friday night, and tracks being numerous the next morning, he followed them up and came across a Chinaman, whom, with the aid of a double-barreled shotgun, he safely escorted to town. Justice Stinson fixed his bonds at $150, to appear before the next grand jury, in default of which he was sent to jail. Bail was subsequently furnished by Lin and Chow, and he was released.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 28, 1874, page 3


    S. J. Day, street commissioner, was empowered to purchase lumber to repair bridge on the road from Jacksonville to Yreka, crossing Rich Gulch.
"County Court Proceedings," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 18, 1875, page 3


    James A. Wilson has had a force of men engaged grading California Street, between Fourth Street and the bridge crossing Rich Gulch, by order of the Town Trustees, and navigation in that section is much improved thereby.
"Local Brevities," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 3, 1876, page 2


    A resolution passed authorizing the Committee on Streets to have the walk extending from Smith & Hockenyos' shop, over Rich Gulch, protected by a suitable railing on each side of the walk and report expense to the Board.
"Board of Trustees," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 14, 1876, page 3


    Lorraine Bros. have put up a hydraulic on their placer claim on Rich Gulch.
"Local Brevities," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 3, 1877, page 3


    Lorraine Bros., who have good diggings on Rich Gulch, will carry on mining operations more extensively than heretofore. They propose increasing their hydraulic power, having ordered more pipe.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 30, 1877, page 3


    Courtney & Smith are sinking a shaft south of town, near the Crescent City [sic] road, in the hopes of finding a continuation of the channel of pay dirt which made Rich Gulch so famous in early days.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1877, page 3


    Smith & Courtney are sinking a shaft near their shop, in hopes of finding the channel of Rich Gulch.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 1, 1878, page 3


    Lorraine Bros., who have a hydraulic in operation on Rich Gulch, are tearing away the ground at a lively rate.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 15, 1878, page 3


    Smith, Courtney and Waisman are now running night and day on their Rich Gulch drift. The surface water causes them considerable trouble and keeps the steam pump busy.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 22, 1878, page 3


    The vicinity of Rich Gulch has been improved considerably in the past few years. Lorraine Bros., J. Schmidling and others have fine vineyards growing, which promise well.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 26, 1878, page 3


    STOPPED WORK.--On Wednesday evening Street Commissioner Young, by order of the Street Committee, turned the water of Rich Gulch into the mining works of Smith & Waisman, flooding their shaft and completely stopping their work.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 12, 1879, page 3


    Smith & Waisman, having about worked out their ground on Rich Gulch, will suspend mining operations in a few days.
"Brief Reference," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 2, 1879, page 3


    Pony Hampton and Chas. Schultz have commenced cleaning up at their Rich Gulch claim.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 14, 1880, page 3


SILVA--On Rich Gulch, April 18, 1881, A. J. Silva, aged six months.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 23, 1881, page 2


    Chas. Winters has sold his place on Rich Gulch to S. Booth. Consideration, $150.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 30, 1882, page 3


    Frank Lorraine and several other French residents of Rich Gulch are in dispute over the property on that creek, and a lawsuit will probably result.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 17, 1885, page 3


    Edward D. McMahon, aged 11, was drowned the other day, while bathing in a reservoir in Rich Gulch, near town. He could not swim and ventured beyond his depth, drowning before the eyes of a still younger companion, who was powerless to help him.
"Jacksonville," Oregonian, Portland, May 25, 1886, page 2


    Eddie McMahon, age 11 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pat McMahon, of Jacksonville, was drowned in the mining reservoir on Rich Gulch near that town on Monday afternoon, while in swimming in company with another boy. The drowning was not made known till ten o'clock that night, when a party of men from town went and drew the water from the reservoir and found the body.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, May 28, 1886, page 3


    STRANGE CASE.--A man named Evans, a mining partner of Richards the jeweler, had an attack of epilepsy last night and stood in one position near Johnny Ramsdell's place on Rich Gulch all night, unable to move. He was noticed there early in the evening, and this morning he was still standing in the same position when Fred Luy and several other parties tried to walk him back to town. Finding him unable to navigate, they packed him to town and under the treatment of Dr. DeBar he recovered in a short time. The report that he has since gone back to the same place and was standing there as before is without foundation, and Luy has positively refused "to go up after him anymore," even if such should be the case.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 3, 1886, page 3


    A petition for the erection of a street lamp near Rich Gulch has been presented to the trustees and should be granted without delay. The board does not act promptly enough in many matters.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 12, 1886, page 3


    J. Schmidling and son, who are mining on Rich Gulch, have struck some very good prospects. We learn that they took $8 from a bucketful of dirt they hoisted out of their shaft one day this week.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 4, 1887, page 3


    Emil Berbe and F. Lorraine, who are looking for the old channel of Rich Gulch, which paid enormously in early days, have run a tunnel nearly 100 feet long.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 1, 1887, page 3


    Rich Gulch, alias Daisy Creek, has been full of water during the week, and the footbridge across it, near the residence of Mrs. J. McMahon, would have collapsed but for the timely arrival of Street Commissioner Eaton.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 3, 1888, page 3


    F. Grob and J. Schmidling, who are mining on Rich Gulch, brought some fine specimens of gold to town this week, a few of which were sold for several dollars each.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 24, 1888, page 4


    The railroad company contest the right of John Beavenue, Sr., to file on his claim at the head of Rich Gulch, although he has been in possession and had substantial improvements on the claim since about 1881. The company hold that he has forfeited the right to file through his negligence. The bulk of the decisions are in favor of the settler in such cases, and the Roseburg land office has uniformly held that the "bona fide" settler who had improvements on his claim prior to the withdrawal in favor of the railroad should be allowed to file and prove up.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 19, 1888, page 3


    Considerable alarm was felt in the western part of town last night at the proximity of a forest fire on the divide between the head of Missouri Gulch and Rich Gulch, about a mile from town. The fire is moving this way but is being closely watched by residents of that vicinity.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 15, 1889, page 3


    Those boys who are in the habit of letting the water out of Johnny Ramsdale's reservoir on Rich Gulch will be arrested if they do so anymore.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 17, 1890, page 3


    Mrs. Bernard Lorraine died at the family residence in Rich Gulch district a few days since, after a brief illness. She was about 60 years of age.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 31, 1891, page 3


    Frank Lorran of Rich Gulch attempted to make final proof on his homestead entry this week, but a contest was instituted by his brother and others, who claim that the land is more valuable for mineral than agricultural purposes. There is about ten acres of it, most of which is planted in fruit trees and grape vines.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 22, 1893, page 3


    T. F. Dugan and Bernard Loran, who are mining on Rich Gulch, think that they have struck the old back channel and expect to be well rewarded for their work.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 18, 1894, page 3


    Earl Shepherd, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Shepherd, had a narrow escape from drowning last Saturday. In company with Dexter Patterson he went up to Rich Gulch, and they found a frozen reservoir and thought they would skate awhile. The Patterson boy skated across all right, but the ice was too thin for Earl and he went through. Dexter rushed to his rescue and with considerable difficulty rescued the lad from his perilous position. Earl was nearly frozen by his ice bath before he reached home, but has no serious results from the accident.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 7, 1895, page 3


    Bernard Lorraine to Emil DeRoboam; water right and water ditch taken from Poorman's Creek and conveying the water to Rich Gulch and placer mining ground being the nw¼ of ne¼ of se¼ and ne¼ of nw¼ of se¼ in tp 37, s r 2 w, 20 acres, $210.
"Real Estate Transactions," Ashland Tidings, September 9, 1895, page 2


    Urban Labordette, who has been ill for some time, died at his home on Rich Gulch, September 14th. He was a Frenchman by birth and was without relatives in this country.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, September 25, 1896, page 3


    The Jacksonville Times reports that Frank Loraine, of Rich Gulch, dug up four $20 pieces in his garden one day last week. They are supposed to have been buried there some time ago by his brother Bernard, who has been dead some time.
"Oregon Notes," Oregonian, Portland, July 8, 1900, page 4


    Rich Gulch, near Jacksonville, said to be the scene of the first gold discovery in Oregon, in 1851, is to be worked this winter with pipe and giant by the Beavenue brothers. The gulch paid an ounce a day to the man in early times and has been worked in a desultory manner from those times till the present.
Rogue River Courier, September 22, 1904, page 2


    Presentation of a beautiful gavel to President J. H. Richards of the American Mining Congress, manufactured of manzanita wood and gold taken from Rich Gulch, Oregon's first placer camp, recalled that work is still in progress where it began in the state 54 years ago. Two separate concerns are busy there this year, according to advices from Jacksonville. John Olney and George Beavenue have completed installation of a placer plant, and when fall rains give them sufficient head of water will commence hydraulic operations on the scene of the oldest mining in Oregon. August Petard, Sr., August Petard, Jr., and Albert Petard also have a hydraulic plant ready for the first flow of water, and will handle a considerable body of gravel in Rich Gulch. The gold used as a band for the gavel presented to President Richards came from this work.
Oregon Journal, Portland, September 23, 1904, page 12


    To the lover of the "wide open spaces" who enjoys viewing the scenery on foot, the country surrounding Jacksonville offers much. Local hikers on last Friday followed Oregon Street south, keeping to the right where the street becomes two, crossing Rich Gulch, and on out to the August Petard vineyard. The Petard home nestles in a sheltered spot, but the vineyard of about 20 acres covers the southeast slope of a hill--or is it a mountain? Anyway, it is quite a grade and when one reaches the top he realizes he has done some climbing. Mr. Petard, having finished pruning, was plowing his vineyard. The hikers watched him, and were convinced that it requires considerable work to properly care for a 20-acre vineyard. Then, turning and getting a view of the valley, they reasoned thus: "It isn't so bad after all. Indeed it is wonderful--following the plow and seeing the soft earth turned over like that--then, while the horse is rested at regular intervals, to have the privilege of beholding so fine a scene--the picturesque little city of Jacksonville below--the green fields and ranch buildings--and far beyond the snow-covered mountains. How much better than an office job, with only brick and mortar on every hand!" Passing through the vineyard and on to the top of the hill, the discovered Mr. Petard's mine, with great tunnels and a stream of water that was fed from a reservoir just above. Many wildflowers are blooming up there, spring beauties having put in an appearance. These hikers have had better luck hunting flowers than seeking gold. This trip is recommended instead of a "daily dozen" at home.
"Jacksonville," Medford Mail Tribune, May 22, 1927, page 10
Last revised January 2, 2026