Editor Southern Oregon Mail:
    Saturday, the day fixed for holding the picnic of Table Rock Lodge of the Farmers' Alliance, was ushered in by a bright sun, which gave promise of a glorious day. At an early hour people began to assemble in the beautiful grove on the banks of the charming river that gives its name to this valley, and found that the committee in charge of the festival had prepared a convenient stage, and seats sufficient to seat comfortably a large number. On the stage was a splendid organ, loaned for the occasion by our worthy citizen, Mr. E. P. Pickens, and which during the day gave forth sweet sounds under the fair fingers of Miss Harding. Ten o'clock having arrived, the crowd had increased to many hundreds composed of people from nearly all sections of our county.
    Many of the candidates of the People's Party were present. The so-called Democracy had Messrs. Owens, Nickells and others on the ground shaking hands with the "Old Hayseeds" and urging them to stand by the old party.
    After music and a song by the glee club, Bro. Nealon arose, and calling the meeting to order, extended, on behalf of Table Rock Lodge, a cordial welcome to all.
    The candidates on the People's Party ticket who were present were introduced, one at a time, to the audience, and each of them made a brief address on the questions now agitating the country. The remarks of Messrs. Breese, Wisner and Marksberry were concise and to the point, and were well received and loudly applauded.
    Mr. Nealon, candidate for representative, defined his position as to the legislation required. He advocated a new constitution for Oregon, one in accord with our present needs as a state.
    At noon the heavy baskets, filled with good things provided by the ladies, were unpacked and a bounteous dinner spread, to which the hungry multitude did ample justice.
    Dinner over, the crowd strolled by the sparkling waters of our beautiful river, drinking in the inspiration of the scenery until again called to order. The speech of Gov. Pennoyer was read by J. S. March, Esq., and was listened to with marked attention. It was amusing to note the wry faces of our Democratic brethren as its telling sentences fell on their listening ears.
    The entertainment closed by a short address from that old war horse of reform, S. H. Holt. His convincing words and well-selected anecdotes made many converts to his cause.
    The music and singing were much enjoyed, adding greatly to the success of the picnic. A more orderly and happy crowd never assembled. There was not an unpleasant incident occurred the entire day.
    The citizens of Table Rock are congratulating themselves on the success of their first effort and grateful to the Alliance people for taking the matter in hand.
Southern Oregon Mail, Medford, May 20, 1892, page 4


    A picnic near the bridge on Sunday was lightly attended.
    Barley heading will begin in this neighborhood next week.
    Haying is in full blast in this neighborhood and is turning out well.
    Mrs. V. N. Taut, of California, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Spencer Childers.
    Wm. Bybee passed through this precinct Monday on his way to Bybee's springs.
    J. O. Johnson has completed a new barn 40x46 feet on the upper end of his ranch.
    Several families from the valley attended camp meeting near Central Point last Sunday.
    Quite a number of homeseekers from the East are looking through Sams Valley with an eye to purchasing.
    Teams are passing daily with lumber from Welch's mill for the large granary being erected for the Central Point flour mill.
    Mr. Arnold and family, from Idaho, passed up to the Meadows last week. They will make their home in Jackson County.
    The Rogue River water ditch is now completed to the ranches of Hanson and Johnson, and the water is making the second crop of alfalfa look fine.
    Some fine trout are being caught near Rogue River bridge, one party securing seventeen very nice ones last Sunday. Would give names, only camp meeting was in session and they may have been taken there.
    Mr. Bailey, of California, while visiting friends in this vicinity, went to upper Table Rock on last Saturday, and while there killed the largest rattler that has been heard of from that rock, it having nineteen rattles.
Medford Mail, July 21, 1893, page 2


    The event of the season in this district was the entertainment and Christmas tree at the new school house on Christmas night. The neighbors set out to make it a success and they did, each trying to assist in the best way to make a merry Christmas for the children. But when it comes to staying from start to finish, Lee Vincent carries off the palm. Lee came at the first meeting and worked throughout, and was there to put out the lights after all was over. By eight o'clock standing room was at a premium and a more beautiful tree, or more tastefully decorated one, it has not been our lot to see in many years. Mr. Nealon was master of ceremonies. There was prayer by Mr. Dickison, after which Mr. Nealon delivered a very appropriate address; then came the declamations from most of the children of the neighborhood, and all did so nicely that it would be impossible to particularize anyone. The singing? Well, it was just fine. Among those who sang we may mention Mrs. John Vincent, sang "Gather Around the Christmas Tree," while the choir joined in the chorus, Miss Van Hardenberg, her two brothers and Mrs. McCoy, her sister, sang a quartette which was beautiful and well rendered. Mrs. J. O. Johnson presided at the organ the entire evening in a very able manner. To close the entertainment Mr. J. O. Johnson's three little girls sang "At the Cross," and received applause. That frightened Santa Claus, and he, in the person of Mr. Chas. Dickison, delighted and amused the little ones until the heavily laden tree was unloaded and all made happy by the numerous presents each received. It was then proposed to raise money to buy a flag for the school house. Mr. Pickens and Johnson went among the audience and in a few moments had sufficient subscribed to purchase a flag, and when school again opens in the Table Rock district the scholars will have the stars and stripes floating over their school building. This is the first move to place our flag on school buildings, that I know of in this county. It's a good one and should be followed by each district in the county. Too much praise cannot be given Mrs. Drum, Mrs. S. Childers and Miss Pickens, the committee on program, for the very efficient manner in which they arranged the same. The audience sang "God Be with You Till We Meet Again," and departed for their homes feeling that they had had an enjoyable evening.
Medford Mail, January 5, 1894, page 2


    R. E. Drum, our worthy postmaster of Table Rock, paid Ashland a visit last week.
    Mr. Moore, who bought the Sammy March place, is intending to do considerable improving the coming season.
    Mr. Van Hardenberg, who has rented the Hanson place for a term of years, has most of the land sown to wheat.
    Pinkney Pickens has moved just across the road to the Hunsacker place, from the farm he sold to a California man.
    R. E. Drum has sold 80 acres of his ranch to Mr. Pendleton, of Oakland, Cal., who with his family will in a short time move to this neighborhood.
    Denis Dugan has been appointed road-master in place of Uncle Jimmie Pankey, who resigned. Mr. Harris, who lives near Welch's mill, has been appointed road-master for the adjoining district. He has charge of the road from the bridge up the river for some distance.
    Several persons from this precinct have been compelled to do their trading at Gold Hill this winter on account of the bad roads between the bridge and Medford. There is talk that unless the roads are made passable there will be an effort made to form a farmer's union and establish a store and headquarters at some convenient point and furnish goods of all kinds to stockholders and others and handle all stock and produce raised by interested parties and thereby avoid a trip, over bad roads, to Medford.
Medford Mail, February 23, 1894, page 2


    Mr. Pelton is pasturing a bunch of fine cattle on Mr. R. Moore's place for a few weeks.
    John Vincent and others have been on Evans Creek examining some mining property.
    The Table Rock school will close a very successful three months' term on the 31st, Mr. Potter, teacher.
    The rain has enabled a number of ranchers to plant corn ground that otherwise would have lain idle.
    J. B. Welch will soon move his mill to the foot of Board Mountain, where he has a fine body of pine and fir timber.
    Lee Vincent is now living in the house formerly occupied by Spencer Childers, situated on upper end of Table Rock Ranch.
    E. P. Pickens is building one hundred rods of board fence along the county road on the Hunsacker place, now owned by Joseph Parker, of Dexter, Or.
    The Rogue River irrigating ditch has been repaired and cleaned out, and water is now passing through it onto the different ranches entitled to use water therefrom.
    There are lots of strangers in these parts just now. Very sociable gentlemen, all want to shake hands and inquire after your health, and hope you will have an abundant harvest. They will all get back home I guess by June 4th.
Medford Mail, May 25, 1894, page 4


    Candidates have all dispersed.
    Lots of rain interspersed with hail. Good crops in prospect.
    We have elected a Representative from this precinct, Hon. S. M. Nealon.
    Butter and eggs are being marketed in Gold Hill from this neighborhood.
    A large pine tree at the foot of Table Rock was struck by lightning on election day and cut off about 100 feet above ground. The two old political parties were struck as by lightning, (populists) the same day, and did not leave even a stump in sight, so far as heard from.
    J. O. Johnson and family, of Table Rock Ranch, left on last Sunday's train for a few weeks' stay at their old home in Pacific Grove, Cal., and to visit the fair. Mr. J. goes in the hopes of disposing of a part of his property interests in California, and should he be successful he will invest the proceeds in more Jackson County property.
Medford Mail, June 15, 1894, page 4


    Mr. Pendleton spent several days this week in Grants Pass.
    The frost of October 5th destroyed all vines left in the gardens.
    Pendleton & Frierson have been busy hauling and shipping hay.
    R. E. Drum has been busy since his return, entertaining homeseekers.
    Mr. Potter is teaching the fall term of school, with satisfaction to the patrons.
    Hon. S. M. Nealon has the lumber all hauled for his proposed improvements.
    Mr. Dickison has given his large barn a new roof, which greatly improves its appearance.
    Mr. Frierson is a good deal "under the weather," and left Sunday for Ashland sulfur springs, to recuperate.
    Mrs. Pickens and family are greatly missed. Mr. Pickens and Will still "camp" at the old place but find it very lonesome.
    We would call the attention of the road supervisor of this district to the bad condition of the bridges, some of which are almost impassable.
    Fred Harding, the active superintendent of J. O. Johnson's Table Rock Ranch, is busy hauling fine oak stovewood to the Medford market. Mr. Johnson and family came out to the ranch Sunday.
    The Sunday school disbanded September 30th, to reassemble in the spring. All those wishing to continue their Bible study will meet with Mrs. Pendleton at her residence each Sunday afternoon.
    Miss Annie Van Hardenberg and Mr. Geo. Clift were married at the residence of the bride's parents Oct. 3rd. We wish them a long life of happiness and prosperity. Mr. Clift is to be congratulated on securing such a sunny-faced partner for life's journey.
    Why doves not some enterprising merchant of our valley towns advertise by placing a public watering trough in front of his place of business? Country people would be sure to seek that store, and bless the proprietor both with words and cash.
Medford Mail, October 12, 1894, page 2


    Hon. S. M. Nealon is erecting a neat new cottage in front of the old buildings on his ranch.
    E. P. Pickens and family have moved from the Hunsacker place, and will spend the winter in Central Point.
    The cattle belonging to Polk Hull, of Evans Creek, which are pasturing on Mr. Pendleton's alfalfa, are looking well.
    J. O. Johnson and family are spending a couple of weeks on Table Rock Ranch, putting up hogs for feeding and arranging to put in the fall crop.
    Mr. Potter, our most efficient school teacher, was compelled to dismiss school for a couple of days last week, on account of hoarseness--brought on by a bad cold.
    Our worthy postmaster, R. E. Drum, and family have returned from a visit to friends in Portland. Mr. Drum will leave for Arizona in a short time, in quest of health. The family will remain on the ranch during the winter.
    Miss Harding, of Woodville, is a young lady who appears to be able to hold a team level. Last week she loaded up a load of wheat, took it to Central Point mill, remained overnight with friends, had her wheat ground into flour, and the next day returned home--without the advice or company of any of the stronger sex.
Medford Mail, October 26, 1894, page 4


    Mr. Pickens was fortunate enough to recover his pocketbook. We congratulate him.
    Mr. Witcher has secured a place near Bear Creek, and will soon move onto it with his family.
    One of the Nichols boys was selling fish to the farmers Saturday, at about 4 cents per pound. They were excellent.
    Mr. Potter was obliged to close school the last days of the week, owing to his having contracted a severe cold.
    Several deer have been seen in our neighborhood lately, heavy storms having driven them in from the mountains.
    Mr. Drum has just finished gathering his corn, which is of excellent quality. He is feeding about thirty head of hogs, and they will soon be ready for market.
    Mr. and Mrs. F. Harding visited his parents at Woodville several days the last of the week. They are soon to make their home on Evans Creek. We wish them success.
    We are glad the Mail has started the ball rolling for general road improvement. We need just such a movement here. If our neighborhood were canvassed it is probable that plenty of gravel could be furnished.
    We noticed the editorial in a recent issue of the Mail, relating to the planting of fruit trees along the public highway, and thoroughly endorse it. This brings to mind the unshaded condition of our schoolhouse yard. Why not devote next Arbor Day to the transplanting of maple and poplar trees from the river bottom? The school law provides for Arbor Day exercises. One of the ditch owners has consented to irrigate the trees for the first year.
    We submit this item, copied from the October number of the Farm and Home: "Notwithstanding the prevalence of common schools which all children are required to attend, illiteracy is increasing in this country. Nebraska makes the best showing, 96 percent can read and write, while in Alabama and Louisiana only 55 percent have the rudiments of an education. The increase of illiteracy is due to the immigration from Southern Europe. Most of those who come here can neither read nor write. Think of millions of voters who cannot read the constitution of the state in which they live or of the United States! Is it any wonder that corruption in politics prevails?" We think not.
Medford Mail, November 2, 1894, page 4


    We understand that Mr. Hansen is thinking some of farming his own place again.
    Mr. Van Hardenberg and family are occupying the Charlie Dickison house at present.
    A. Sisemore, of Sams Valley, has finished hauling the hay which he purchased of Mr. Frierson some time ago.
    Mr. Potter is keeping "bachelor's hall" with Mr. Pickens during the few remaining days of the present school term.
    Mrs. Wm. Dickison was with her daughter-in-law, near Medford, several days this week, the latter lady being quite ill with the measles.
    Hon. S. M. Nealon is having the brick hauled for a double fireplace in his new house, the carpenters suspending work till the masons are through.
    Postmaster Drum spent a few days in Ashland this week. He has found a purchaser for his fat hogs, E. P. Pickens having contracted for them.
    A flying trip to Sams Valley revealed the fact that the farmers generally were improving the good weather by cultivating the sticky. At the McClendon farm things were particularly lively.
    J. C. Pendleton is hauling alfalfa hay to Central Point, for Grants Pass customers, and on the return trip brings out lumber for the cottage he is soon to erect on the 80 acres he bought of Mr. Drum, about a year ago.
    Messrs. Hubbs' teams are busy plowing on the farm of O. Frierson. Mr. F. has been confined to his bed for more than a week, but is rapidly improving under the care of Dr. Cole. Mr. Frierson is quite "taken" with this part of the country.
    Mr. Pickens has been hauling pumey [pumice] and gravel upon the piece of raised road directly south of the Hunsaker house. This will be remembered as having been, last winter, the worst piece of road between the Dickison corner and the Hansen lane. Neighborly enterprise graded it up last spring, and the timely work of Mr. Pickens will render that mud hole a thing of the past. If the old adage, "Let everyone sweep before his own door," was applied to our county roads, this complaint of "bad roads" would also be numbered among the things of the past.
Medford Mail, November 16, 1894, page 4


    Mr. Dickison is plowing, early and late.
    Mrs. Nealon is reported quite sick. Her mother, Mrs. Laws, is with her.
    There was a considerable sale of potatoes at the Hanson farm Saturday. Did not hear the price paid.
    Jack Frost has started everyone to getting in their winter's wood. His visits have been quite frequent of late.
    Polk Hull now has his beef cattle on the Drum farm. He thinks of feeding for a month or two. They are a fine lot.
    Several hog buyers have been in our neighborhood lately, but most people preferred feeding for a time, waiting for better prices.
    Considerable stray stock reported in the neighborhood. Owners had better look them up, as they are becoming a nuisance.
    Mr. Picket has re-rented the Hunsaker farm and is now busy preparing to seed. Glad he is to bhe with us another summer.
    Mrs. Helen Harding, of Woodville, visited friends here last week and then on to Central Point to see her mother, who is in poor health.
    Otis Frierson has sufficiently recovered as to be able to take a trip to Grants Pass and Ashland. His many friends rejoice to see him out once more.
    J. O. Johnson and family came out from Medford and spent a few days at their Table Rock Ranch last week. Mr. J. has driven his fat hogs to Medford for market.
Medford Mail, November 23, 1894, page 4


    The road has been lively with teams hauling hogs to the Medford market.
    Israel Harris, our esteemed road supervisor, has been drawn to serve on the next U.S. grand jury.
    Chas. Dickison and family have moved from near Medford and are stopping for the present with Mr. D.'s parents.
    Postmaster Drum wrote from Mojave, California, that he had enjoyed a pleasant trip to that point of his journey.
    P. Hull has moved his beef cattle to a point near Medford, where he will put on the finishing touches for an A.1. Christmas roast.
    The sheriff's sale of hogs, which was to have taken place at the Hansen farm on Friday, was postponed on account of some legal hitch.
    If anyone thinks that Hon. S. M. Nealon can't use a paint brush, just let them watch the change in the complexion of his new house.
    A. C. Bagby, Sheriff Patterson's legal superintendent in this section of late, has left for his old home in Texas, to settle up an estate in which he is interested.
    Mr. Cole, an old gentleman residing at Sams Valley, last week met with an accident which may prove fatal. He was hauling cordwood to Gold Hill, and while going down a steep pitch reached for the brake, but missed it. The horses started into a run and overturned the wagon. The whole load fell upon the old gentleman, and there he lay for half or three-quarters of an hour before his groans were heard by his friends, who hastened to his relief. At last accounts he was very low, and as he is over seventy-two years old there seems little hope of his recovery.
Medford Mail, December 7, 1894, page 2


    Chas. Dickison is greatly improved in health.
    James Owens paid Table Rock a brief visit Thursday.
    J. O. Johnson's little girls are on the high road to health again.
    Fred Hansen is in frequent attendance at court, in Jacksonville, these days.
    Mrs. Drum and Mrs. Pendleton spent Friday in Central Point, trading and visiting.
    Mr. Van Hardenberg hauled hay last Monday from Mr. Dickison's, where he has had it stored.
    Friday last Will Pickens brought a load of groceries over from Central Point for Otis Frierson.
    Clint Hubbs is confined to the house with a sprained ankle, which has been exceedingly painful.
    There are not many teams on the road now, still some light rigs are seen and a little hauling is being done.
    All our citizens are horrified at the Silver Lake disaster. Many had friends or acquaintances among the victims.
    We neglected to mention the return of Mrs. McCoy and little Miss Margaret, from St. Louis. Mo., just before the holidays.
    To start the ball rolling we submit the following weather report for the first seven days in January, 1895. We use the word "pleasant" to indicate days of cloud and sunshine but no storm. January 1st, cloudy--one inch of snow that night; 2nd, showery; 3rd, rain; 4th, clear in the early forenoon, then showery; 5th, pleasant--rain with a little snow during the night; 6th, pleasant; 7th, clear and frosty--thermometer at 24 at 8 a.m.
Medford Mail, January 11, 1895, page 2


    Table Rock wants a daily mail instead of semi-weekly.
    Elmer Nichols and family contemplate moving to Illinois Valley soon.
    J. E. Potter is to "wield the birch" at Chaparral school district, Miss Hattie Bliss at Antioch, and L. A. Simons at Table Rock.
    There will be a basket picnic, flag-raising and tree-planting at Table Rock school house, on Saturday March 16th--everybody ought to be there.
Medford Mail, March 15, 1895, page 1


    Robt. Moore's granddaughter is suffering from lung fever.
    Miss Kate Hansen, of Ashland, is visiting her parents at this place.
    Ralph Dean, of Willow Springs, was courting here last Sunday as usual.
    Otis Frierson made a flying trip to Jacksonville, Ashland and Medford last week.
    Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dickison have both been confined to the house with severe colds.
    La grippe is raging here at present. One case of diphtheria--Mr. Kellogg's child--is also reported.
    Assessor Geo. A. Jackson has been interviewing the citizens of this precinct during the past week.
    Messrs. H. Rippey, Wm. Nichols and Thos. Lever, bug-killers of Central Point, have been raining brimstone on the fruit pests of this neighborhood lately.
    Everybody seemed to have been quite ready for the last rain. Grain will now shoot forward with rapid growth, and all our neighbors will expect a bountiful harvest.
    Some of our people are righteously indignant because the Medford Mail does not get to this office until the week following its publication. If they only know who to kick it would not be long before the injured parties would be heard from.
    The dwelling and household goods of Mr. Jones, near Moonville, was burned on the 20th. Mr. Jones and most of the family were away from home when the fire was discovered. Before assistance could arrive the house and nearly all its contents were in flames. The fire started in a defective chimney.
    It is sincerely hoped that the mania for good roads that has taken hold in many sections of the eastern states will very soon strike here, and strike hard enough to knock out all the stumps, trees, broken bridges and telegraph poles in the Medford-Central Point road, and all others in the county, before the present long list of accidents from these obstructions have to be still further lengthened.
    News has been received of the death of R. E. Drum at Emporia, Kan., March 21st. Mr. Drum has been suffering from consumption during the past two years. Thinking that a change of climate would improve his health, he went to Kansas last fall to spend the winter with relatives, with whom he remained until his death. The sudden news was a very severe shock to his family--for they have lost a kind and devoted husband and a loving father to his two little boys. Mr. Drum was one of our most industrious and most respected citizens, a man whose word was never questioned, for "Truth" was his motto. All who knew him will sincerely sympathize with the grief-stricken family. He was laid to rest beside his mother, in the old home cemetery near Waverly, Kansas.
Medford Mail, March 29, 1895, page 2


    J. O. Johnson and family spent Friday and Saturday in Medford.
    E. P. and Will Pickens went to Central Point to enjoy the Easter festivities.
    Potato planting has been keeping our farmers busy for the last few days.
    Miss Nellie Van Hardenberg spent several days this week with Mrs. Dickison.
    Cabb Law, of Willow Springs, has been helping Mr. Nealon with his crop planting.
    Lee Vincent went to Central Point Saturday, and brought back a load of fine seed potatoes.
    Miss Kate Hansen left Thursday to spend a week or more visiting friends at Medford and Ashland.
    Rev. Adams preaches at the Chaparral school house every Sunday. Everybody cordially invited to attend.
    Before hay is cut again this side of the valley will be a little short of feed. Only one or two have any to spare now.
    The hard winds of Tuesday wrecked many fences here, and twisted our school house a little, but the damage was slight.
    Mr. Grooves, a professional market gardener, lately from Seattle, Wash., is taking charge of Fred Hansen's "truck patch" this year.
    Mrs. Nichols has been very sick for a week or more. We are glad to say, however, that she is much better at this writing. Dr. Lee, of Central Point, has been attending her.
    Easter was observed with appropriate services at the regular Sunday school meeting, and was well attended. The house was nicely decorated with a profusion of wild lilies and pear blossoms.  Everyone present seemed well pleased with the services. Sunday school will hereafter meet at 10 a.m. and we hope to have a good attendance. Everybody invited to attend.
Medford Mail, April 19, 1895, page 2


    Mrs. Drum visited Ashland friends last week.
    Some of our farmers talk of beginning haying next week.
    Mrs. E. P. Pickens is visiting old friends and neighbors here.
    Chas. Dickison and his father went to Welch's saw mill Saturday for lumber.
    Pelton Bros. were to start for their Eastern Oregon range Tuesday, with about four hundred head of young cattle.
    Mrs. S. M. Nealon went to Willow Springs Saturday to see her mother, Mrs. Laws, who has been quite ill for some time.
    Rev. Kennedy, of Central Point, will preach at the schoolhouse on the evening of June 4th. Everybody cordially invited.
    Lee and John Vincent, with their families, left last week for the coast to spend about two weeks. Crescent City will be their headquarters.
    The cold winds of late have not been good for the crops; while they are looking well now, unless we have rain soon many crops will suffer.
    There have been quite a number of people from Ashland, Medford and Jacksonville, out to view the country from Table Rock lately. It is quite a climb to reach the top, but the sights are well worth the time and labor.
    We are to have a "hard times" school picnic and flag raising on the 30th. At the schoolhouse a short program will be rendered, and Old Glory will be hoisted to the breeze; then all will repair to a beautiful grove on the river where the children will entertain the crowd with songs, recitations and games. This is not to be a "dress up" affair, but everyone can come expecting to have a good social visit, and find good things to eat. Let all of our neighbors be present.
Medford Mail, May 24, 1895, page 7


    Mr. D. Anderton, of Talent, paid Table Rock a visit last week.
    Mrs. Drum lost a valuable yearling filly Saturday from a snake bite.
    Mr. and Mrs. I. J. Hansen and party came over from Central Point Sunday.
    Several people went to Moonville Sunday evening to hear Rev. Mr. Kennedy's sermon.
    Fruit Inspector Morris paid our part of the valley a visit last week. We hear that he found some scale, but not as bad as he feared.
    Mr. Wills came over Monday and got a drove of beef cattle belonging to Mr. Wilkinson, the Medford butcher, that has been on pasture here.
    Tuesday we had a regular old-fashioned thunder shower, and it fairly made "Rome howl" for a while. Lightning came thick and fast, but no fatal accidents are reported. A large pine tree was struck near J. O. Johnson's place and completely shattered.
    Someone who has little respect for the country that protects him has taken the liberty to appropriate the rope from the school house flagstaff. A reward of ten dollars is offered by the directors for information that will lead to the conviction of the guilty parties. If the rascal can be found he will certainly pay dearly for his pilfering.
    Rev. Mr. Kennedy, of Central Point, preached Sunday morning at the school house--and Moonville in the evening. He will hold a basket meeting here the first Sunday in August, preaching in the morning and afternoon. We surely hope for a better attendance when he comes again, as his sermons are always earnest and instructive, and it is discouraging for a minister to come so far and then have a small congregation.
Medford Mail, July 5, 1895, page 2


    Hon. S. M. Nealon visited Central Point and Medford Saturday.
    Mrs. Drum has been marketing blackberries in Central Point for a week or more.
    Mr. Marquis, ex-foreman of Bybee's farm here, is out east on a fishing trip with his family.
    Bert Nichols has returned from a trip east of the mountains. He reports everything very dry out in that country.
    Mrs. Welch and Mrs. Pickens, of Central Point, were visiting friends here the latter part of the week and securing blackberries of Mr. Nichols.
    Miss Kate Hansen, with her friend, Miss Newbert, of San Francisco, came down from Ashland last Monday to visit her parents and have a little outing.
    B. Vincent and family talk of moving east of the mountains to spend a year. Mr. Vincent has been in poor health for a long time, and it is to be hoped that the change will work wonders for his benefit.
    Carpenters are busy now getting timbers ready for laying new stringers on the Bybee bridge across Rogue River. It will take about a week to complete the work, and for a number of days the bridge will be impassable.
    S. P. Gardner, of the Fort Klamath creamery, stopped on his way home to get some blooded horses that have been on pasture here. Mr. G. thinks someone would make a big hit if they would start a creamery in some central location in this valley.
    A basket meeting will be held at or near the Table Rock school house next Sunday, August 4th. Everybody cordially invited to come and bring their basket and enjoy a few hours in some of our shady groves. Rev. Mr. Kennedy, of Central Point, will conduct the services.
Medford Mail, August 2, 1895, page 2


    A correspondent writes us from Table Rock like this: On Thursday, August 1st, a few of the friends and acquaintances assembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Van Hardenberg to witness the marriage ceremony of their handsome and accomplished daughter, Miss Martha Nellie, to Mr. Albert Gall, the efficient and gentlemanly postmaster and druggist at Sams Valley. After much well wishing and many encouraging words for the happy couple, whose hearts are thus blended, the guests were ushered into the dining room where stood tables groaning under the weight of good things to eat. After partaking of this bounteous feast several hours were spent in social chat, when the guests departed. Rev. Slover was the officiating clergyman.
Medford Mail, August 9, 1895, page 8


    J. O. Johnson is hauling some fine oak wood to Medford
    Clint Hubbs returned from east of the mountains last week.
    Lee Vincent has finished hauling wheat. He sold to Central Point mill.
    Fred Hanson is marketing vegetables from his garden that can't be beat.
    Wm. Dickison has been hauling some most excellent fruit to the Medford evaporator.
    A daughter of Mr. J. K. Moor, of Sams Valley, is reported very ill. Dr. Drake, of Gold Hill, is in attendance.
    Frank Hubbs has a good crop of fruit on the Curry place this year. He finds an easy market for most of it.
    Mrs. McClendon and daughter, of Sams Valley, and Mrs. Ross, of Central Point, were visiting at Table Rock last week.
    Mr. Savage's thresher finished work for Mr. Nealon and Mr. Frierson and went to Central Point the first of the week.
    The basket meeting, on the river, which was given out for September 1st, has been postponed because of so many being away on camping trips.
    Geo. Hendrickson was badly injured last Saturday while working with Savage's thresher near Antioch. In some way the derrick wagon overturned, catching Mr. H. His left foot and ankle was badly bruised and sprained, but no bones were broken. It will be weeks before he can resume work. Dr. Patterson, of Central Point, dressed the wound.
    Last Friday Otis Frierson, T. H. Pendleton, Prof. L. A. Simons, Mrs. Frierson, Misses May and Lottie Pendleton started for a trip to the mountains. At the Jackson place, on Rogue River, they were met by Horace Pelton, Linsy Sisemore, Mrs. and Miss Sisemore, Miss Barnes and several others. The party will visit the berry patch, Crater Lake, Fort Klamath, Pelican Bay and back home to Dead Indian and Ashland. They expect to be gone three weeks.
Medford Mail, August 30, 1895, page 2


    Mr. Marquis sent a load of fine apples to Ft. Klamath Friday.
    The Table Rock post office has been moved to Mr. Hansen's farm. Mrs. Drum turned over the office to Mr. Hansen on Sept. 4th.
    The Table Rock school will begin on the second Monday in October. Miss Clements, of Central Point, has been engaged for the term.
    The fish trap, on Rogue River, below the Bybee bridge, is quite a success. They are getting quantities of fish, and they are A-1 in quality.
    Mrs. Gigray and two little daughters, of North Yamhill, arrived last Tuesday to visit her brother, W. H. Arnold. They will spend the winter here.
    People returning from the berry patch complain of Indians scaring their horses away. One party had several days' tramping to recover their steeds.
    It is reported that Wm. Witcher's family are heirs to a large estate now being settled up in the city of Baltimore. His friends all hope it is as good as reported.
    Jack frost made a raid on the gardens Thursday night, cutting many of the tender plants and changing the complexion of the corn fields. It appeared to go in streaks.
    Mrs. Drum moved to Medford last Thursday, where she will be glad to see all her old friends from this section. Mr. Arnold has rented her farm and will live on the place this year.
    Some of our farmers are sorely disappointed because of Owen Bros.' hay press being broken, as it lays about a hundred tons of hay liable to storm, but the boys are hustlers and will be on deck as soon as repairs can be made, ready to do as good work as ever.
Medford Mail, September 13, 1895, page 2


    Mr. Hammersley's family moved from Gold Hill to Lakeview on Tuesday.
    Smith Bros. of Ashland have rented all of the north side of the Hansen place.
    Prof. L. A. Simons has returned from his mountain trip and opened school at Moonville Monday.
    Someone set fire to Hansen's pasture and burned eighty acres of fine feed and a quarter of a mile of rail fence.
    Mrs. E. P. Pickens has returned from her trip to Siskiyou County and was out on the ranch during threshing.
    Wm. Dickison and Mr. Pickens finished threshing Saturday. Yield of grain fair, the wheat going beyond expectation.
    Mrs. Gigray is stopping with Mrs. Whiteman, of Central Point, for a few days. She is a dressmaker and is looking about for a place to locate.
    The Olsen saw mill, of Sams Valley, and the Welch mill, at the Meadows, find it difficult to keep enough lumber on hand to supply the demand.
    Your correspondent took a trip to Grants Pass week before last, found business up to expectations and the people there looking for good results from the mines in the surrounding country this winter.
    A party from Central Point visited lower Table Rock Sunday, and the local camping party held a reunion on upper Table Rock, ascending it on the eastern slope. They pronounce it fully if not more interesting than the lower rock, though at this time of the year the lake is nearly dry. Verily, we do not have to travel far to gain a point from which sights can be seen that are well worth the seeing.
    The Sams Valley and Table Rock camping party returned on the 15th, hearty and happy, none the worse for the few showers they encountered. Report scenery grand, huckleberries to satisfy all. Crater Lake a sight never to be forgotten and a good time generally, in spite of a broken wheel and the sudden death of a horse. They found plenty of small game and several fine deer, but not a word do we hear about that "b'ar."
    Your correspondent, wife and son visited Ashland during the Soldier's and Sailor's Reunion. The veterans wearing the G.A.R. badge were all cordial and smiling, each being happy in hunting happiness for others, so it is no wonder that the general verdict is: "The reunion was a grand success." We noted the presence of Hon. S. M. Nealon and son Emmet, Otis Frierson and Fred Hansen, of Table Rock, and had the pleasure of shaking hands with editor York.
Medford Mail, October 4, 1895, page 2


    Mr. E. P. Pickens has been marketing wheat and hauling hay lately.
    Mrs. Drum came out from Medford last week to look after her farming interests.
    J. C. Pendleton and Otis Frierson have been hauling and shipping baled alfalfa for a week.
    Miss Hattie Sisemore and Miss Frankie Barnes, of Sams Valley, were visiting Table Rock friends Friday.
    The Bybee Bros. have brought in some fine beef steers from the range, which they propose feeding for winter market.
    Quite a number of people find great sport in spearing fish by torchlight on the river, and every night they can be seen hauling out the great spotted beauties.
    Everyone in this end of the valley will be glad to know that Dr. Patterson, of Central Point, has decided to permanently locate where he is.
    Nearly everybody in our neighborhood has had a time with bad colds, but there is no serious sickness to report, and every farmer is working early and late getting ready for winter.
    Lee Vincent has been busy for several days getting out timbers for the new bridge across Rock Creek. The old bridge has been unsafe for a long time, and all rejoice to see the new one under construction.
    We hear lots of talk about the fair this season. Nearly everybody is talking of going. If the attractions are sufficient to hold the crowd, Southern Oregon should have about as good a fair as any district in the state.
    Last Saturday the big boiler from the Central Point planing mill was moved up Rogue River to a place about forty miles from here, where there is to be built a new saw-mill. The owners say they can supply our people with first-class finishing lumber at prices considerable below those of today.
    The owners of the Table Rock irrigating ditch have been greatly annoyed of late by someone meddling with the head ates. Two or three times the gate has been torn loose, letting a big head of water into the ditch, flooding land that had been laid by for the season, and in one instance breaking the ditch and washing out a box, which means considerable damage. Who it can be or what motive can prompt such actions no one knows, but it is certainly very risky business.
    October 1, 1895 was a day long to be remembered by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Pendleton. It being the tenth anniversary of their wedding day, they were tendered an anniversary dinner at the home of Mr. Otis Frierson, only relatives being present. Shortly after their return to their own home they were summoned to the door by a blast from a tin horn and were confronted by a host of smiling friends. The surprise was a complete one, nevertheless all were made welcome. Conversation, games and refreshments whiled away the hours till someone suddenly discovered that it was the morning of the 2nd. The gifts were numerous and useful, and Mr. and Mrs. P. will not soon forget the delight they felt on discovering they had made so many friends during their brief stay in Oregon.
Medford Mail, October 11, 1895, page 2


    Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Pickens went to Grants Pass on a visit Monday.
    The Holiness Band is holding a protracted meeting in the Chaparral district.
    J. O. Johnson took quite a band of hogs from his Table Rock ranch the first of the week.
    Nearly every family in this end of the valley was represented at the fair during the week.
    Hon. S. M. Nealon. one of the stock judges of the late fair, finished his labors and returned home Monday evening.
    Polk Hull's many friends, in this valley and the country over, were glad to know that he was able to attend the fair.
    Fred Hansen was fortunate enough to get a blue ribbon on his exhibits of farm and garden products at the fair.
    Dr. and Mrs. Patterson, of Central Point, made their Table Rock friends happy by spending Sunday evening with them.
    The following named people started to the Yreka fair Tuesday: J. C. Hall and wife, J. C. Pendleton, C. C. McClendon. W. G. Cleveland, Fred Jones and W. Marlin.
Medford Mail, October 18, 1895, page 2


    Fred Hansen has a large tract of farm and pasture land which he proposes to rent this year.
    A number of people from this section were in Jacksonville last week doing legal business.
    Several of our neighbors are killing hogs, preferring to make bacon to selling at the low prices.
    Our Sunday school is increasing in number, and there seems to be quite a revival in the interest manifested.
    The people of Table Rock, Sams Valley and Gold Hill will do their part towards making Thanksgiving Day a success at Central Point.
    The showers which came Saturday night brought a smile to the faces of most of our farmers. This has been a very dry fall, but soon everybody will be busy plowing.
    The Table Rock Irrigating Ditch Company have let a contract for about ¾ mile of ditch. Messrs. Nichols & Rippey, of Central Point, have the contract and are now at work.
    Last Tuesday night twenty-two head of horses and mules got out of pasture at Pendleton's and Frierson's places. They were till Saturday night recovering the straying animals, as some went to nearly every corner of the valley before being found.
    Miss Clements closed a very successful term of school with appropriate exercises last Friday. Those present had only praise to offer for the evident progress the pupils had made. The directors had made arrangements with Miss L. Pendleton to continue the school for another month, and she took charge Monday morning.
    Dr. Patterson assisted by Dr. Geary removed one of the metacarpal bones from the hand of W. R. Buck on the 5th inst. Mr. Buck has been under the surgeon's care for almost two months as a result of a briar penetrating the middle finger of the right hand. His friends will be pleased to know that he stood the operation well for a man who has passed the seventy-third year.
Medford Mail, November 15, 1895, page 8


    J. O. Johnson came out from Medford last week to visit his farm.
    R. L. Parker, of Jacksonville, was out looking the country over Saturday.
    Otis Frierson visited Central Point, Medford, Jacksonville and Ashland last week.
    Wm. H. Arnold and Clint Hubbs went to Applegate on a mining expedition last week.
    Dr. Patterson was out to attend Miss May Pendleton Sunday; the patient is improving slowly.
    Fred Hansen and son, Emil, spent a day on Table Rock last week and report plenty of deer but hard to find.
    On account of sickness and being called away from home, your correspondent has been obliged to be silent for three weeks.
    Messrs. Rippey and Nichols are making fair progress on their ditch contract and hope to complete the work by January 1st.
    Several of our farmers have their fall and winter plowing done and can rest until spring. Many are in the midst of the work now and hoping for good weather.
    Not very good weather for killing hogs, but still we hear the "popguns" going off, which means death to the swine. A spell of cold weather would suit a lot of farmers now.
    J. U. Mitchell, the veteran horse trainer, of Grants Pass, was out looking for new candidates for record honors last week. He found one to suit his fancy amongst J. C. Pendleton's standard youngsters.
    Mrs. Gigray took up the reins of school government at the Table Rock school house Monday. Although public money is not sufficient to keep school going, the people of this neighborhood will not see the little ones go without instruction.
    On Friday last Miss Libbie Pendleton closed her month of teaching, which had proved very pleasant to the teacher and both pleasant and profitable to the pupils, who had been very regular in attendance in spite of bad weather. The school room was tastefully decorated with evergreen, red berries and the ever-beautiful stars and stripes, and the program was listened to with pleasure by many patrons and friends of the school.
Medford Mail, December 13, 1895, page 1


    Fred Hansen went to Ashland Monday.
    J. C. Pendleton is busy erecting a barn.
    Lee Vincent took a load of fine dressed hogs to Central Point Monday.
    Frank Hubbs was paying his old neighbors a friendly visit last week.
    Mrs. Drum, of Medford, was out visiting Table Rock friends Friday.
    Wm. Dickison is making some nice improvements in his house and barn.
    B. Vincent, one of the grand jurors for this term, returned to Jacksonville Monday. He reports a lot of business on hand.
    Quite a number of people in this country are victims of the State Insurance Co.'s failure. While everyone who dealt with the company will lose something, there seems to be a way of saving part from the wreck. A few more such failures and people will be very timid in dealing with local corporations.
    Dr. Patterson was called to the Meadows Friday to attend Mrs. Welch, who had accidentally taken an overdose of morphine. It seems she was using the drug to stop the pain from an aching tooth and by some means swallowed some of the medicine. From last reports the patient was doing well.
    We have heard old timers tell about the big snow storms, etc., and when the snow was falling so thick and fast Monday we thought we were in for a sleigh ride sure. When two inches of the beautiful was spread over the country, the sun came out, and in an hour our hopes were blasted; now we will content ourselves with a mud wagon.
Medford Mail, December 20, 1895, page 1


    Fred Hansen returned from his business trip to Ashland last Wednesday.
    Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Dickison went to Medford Saturday to buy Christmas goods.
    We already hear some complaint of the game law being violated. Who will be the first victim?
    The many friends of Mrs. E. P. Pickens are sorry to learn that she has not been feeling so well of late.
    Otis Frierson, Mrs. Pendleton and Miss Libbie Pendleton spent Saturday in Central Point and Medford.
    W. H. Arnold has been suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism lately, but was able to be about on Monday.
    The late storms have driven the ducks in from the colder valleys, and now there is splendid shooting on and near Rogue River; several hunters have already made good records.
    Judging from the number of new houses and miners' cabins that have gone up on the road to Gold Hill, there must be new life in the mining business. Some of the men say that there is plenty of ground on some of the worked-out and discarded claims that will pay to work when water is plentiful, and they are taking advantage of the present supply.
    If we are rightly informed, the citizens of Sams Valley donated one hundred dollars in work toward graveling the road from Moonville to J. K. Moore's place at the lower end of the valley. We believe that to be the best-paying investment they could have made. A similar movement is being talked of here. Give us better roads and we can market our produce cheaper, save wear and tear on our wagons and have better horses to drive.
    Your correspondent accompanied by Will Nichols, Alex. Robinson and Otis Frierson make a flying trip to Gold Hill and the Foots Creek mine Friday. We found Gold Hill a busy place, and from appearances the merchants are doing a prosperous business. The stay at the mine was too short to give anything like a fair description of the extensive work being done there. They are working fifty-five men now and will increase their force as soon as possible to make room.
Medford Mail, December 27, 1895, page 1
Last revised February 14, 2025