The telephone today is looked upon as an indispensable convenience if not a commercial and social necessity, but there was a time in Medford when it was viewed as an extravagant and unnecessary luxury. And Charles Strang, owner of Strang's Drug Store, recalled today just when it was when telephones were frowned upon in this locality.
    The memory took Mr. Strang back to 1898, when Medford's first switchboard was installed in the back of his pharmacy, then situated where the Economy Meat Market now stands [at 206 E. Main].
    At that time the Pacific States Telephone Company had just linked up San Francisco and Portland and was endeavoring to build up its telephone business along the line. Switchboard service had already been inaugurated in Ashland and Jacksonville, and the company sought to establish its business here, Mr. Strang recalled.
    The result was that a small board was set up in the rear of the Strang drug store, and Mr. Strang became the first operator. He built up his patronage to 15 to 16 subscribers, but there the expansion stopped, as no one outside of a few physicians and business men showed even passing interest in the blessings and conveniences the telephone was supposed to bring, Mr. Strang related.
    Despairing of the poor showing, an official of the company came to Medford from San Francisco and asked Mr. Strang if he had no suggestions as to how the patronage might be increased.
    "Yes, I have," Mr. Strang replied. "Establish free service between Medford and Jacksonville."
    That was done, Mr. Strang said, and tolls between the two points were eliminated. Business began to grow from then, for Jacksonville was at that time the county seat, and there was naturally considerable communication between the two cities. Soon it became necessary to install another switchboard in the pharmacy, and it was not long before a third board was needed to handle the increased business, Mr. Strang said.
    The first full-time operator to be employed at the drug store switchboard was Lillian Barr, now Mrs. Ralph Woodford of this city, it was recalled by Mr. Strang's son, Fred, who by then had become an interested observer of the telephone business. The second operator was Florence Toft, who subsequently married and now resides in Los Angeles. She was a sister of the late Ray Toft. The third operator to be employed at the drug store was Miss Edna Eifert, who now is bookkeeper at the Hutchison Mercantile Co.
    Mr. Strang said for his compensation he received a percentage of the phone rentals and tolls, out of which he had to pay the employees and take care of other expenses. He recalled with a chuckle that it always cost him more to operate the service than he received.
    After ten years the subscribers exceeded 600 in number, Fred Strang related, and a separate office was established by the telephone company. While a student at the University of Oregon, Fred himself worked for the company during vacations, his job being to drive about the countryside in a buggy to collect rentals and to remove the wall phones when payment was refused, though he was called upon seldom to snip the wires, he said. "Those were the real horse and buggy days," the younger Mr. Strang commented.
    Strang's Drug Store, incidentally, was the first pharmacy to be established in Medford. It was opened by the elder Mr. Strang in March 1884, when the city's population was only 200, Mr. Strang having come here from Jacksonville, where his parents resided.
    Mr. Strang has now passed his 76th birthday, but he is still hale and hearty and in active charge of his pharmacy, which he has conduced here continuously since 1884.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 27, 1935, page B1


    TELEPHONE.--Wm. M. Turner has the agency of the Bell Telephone, for this county, and proposes to erect lines wherever sufficient inducements are offered.
Ashland Tidings, July 19, 1878, page 3


    The telephone has struck Ashland.
    E. H. Autenreith has introduced the Bell telephone in Jacksonville. On last Sunday evening an exhibition of its workings between that place and Yreka was given to a crowd of astonished natives, who assembled in the Sentinel office.
"Local Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 13, 1878, page 3


    TELEPHONE.--Mr. C. K. Klum has a telephone in operation between his store and house--a distance of about 300 yards--and its working is quite satisfactory. Ordinary conversation can be distinctly heard, as also the striking of a clock, etc. in the room, at some distance from the instrument. The "acoustic" is the name by which this kind of telephone is designated. There is no electricity required, the waves of sound being conveyed by the vibrations of the connecting wire itself, which is of copper, and very small. The call is made by tapping against the button which is fastened to the diaphragm.
Ashland Tidings, December 13, 1878, page 3


    TELEPHONE.--This novel instrument will be in operation in the residences of E. H. Autenreith and W. M. Turner, and the curiosity of those who have never seen it may soon be gratified--admission free.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 15, 1879, page 3


    TELEPHONIC.--The "Bell" telephone, lately mentioned as having been put up between the residences of Messrs. Turner and Autenreith, has been fairly tested and is an undoubted success. Conversation between the two points is carried over the wire so distinctly that every word is plainly articulated and perfectly audible. The notes of a large musical box at one end and the tone of the instrument was as clear at the other end of the wire as if the music were in an adjoining room with only a slight partition between it and the listener. Voices of friends were easily recognized, and the striking of a clock, although some distance from the telephone, carried with great distinctness to the other end of the line. This is, perhaps, the most wonderful triumph of electrical science, but is so simple that it must become of universal use, either for purposes of business or social amusement. Mr. Autenreith is the agent here and always glad to explain and exhibit the telephone to those who have not seen it.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 29, 1879, page 3


    ANOTHER TELEPHONE.--Mr. M. Baum now has a telephone connecting his house with the store. It is one of the acoustic telephones, like that of Mr. Klum, of which we gave a description some time since. It took but a few hours to put it up, and it will doubtless be of great service, saving Mr. Baum much inconvenience. We interviewed him in the store the other day while he was finishing his noonday pie at the other end of the line, and could hear the raisin seeds crack as he brought his molars together upon them.
Ashland Tidings, February 7, 1879, page 3


    Ashland is blessed with two acoustic telephones, from the places of business of M. Baum and Charley Klum to the residences of those gentlemen. It is reported that when business is dull they enjoy the conversation of their better halves over the line when the hired girls are absent, and we believe the report to be true. The telephones are only a nominal price and said to be a success.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 12, 1879, page 2


    Telephones have been erected between the residences of C. K. Klum and M. Baum and their places of business in Ashland. They are of the pattern known as the acoustic telephone. While not as expensive and complicated as the Bell telephone, they are said to be as practical, though not capable of carrying sound as far.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 24, 1879, page 3


    If the telephones in Ashland keep on increasing the town will soon like a vast cobweb "to a man up a tree." The latest is between the residence and office of Dr. Inlow, but the telephone is not yet a success. The connecting wire is of iron, and it will not work. A copper wire would remedy the trouble.
"Brief Reference," Ashland Tidings, February 28, 1879, page 3


    Dr. Will Jackson has an acoustic telephone and will, in a few days, have it in operation between the residence of Judge Duncan and his own. The distance is about one thousand feet.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 26, 1879, page 3


    TELEPHONIC.--There are two acoustic telephones in operation in this city, one between the residences of Dr. Wm. Jackson to Judge Duncan's, a distance of about one thousand feet, and another from Dr. Jackson's to Mr. Turner's residence. They are working with perfect success, and the wonderful accuracy with which they transmit conversation is only equaled by their simplicity. Dr. Jackson will give any information concerning them.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 9, 1879, page 3


    TELEPHONES.--Dr. Will. Jackson has connected his residence with those of Judge Duncan and Wm. M. Turner by the acoustic telephone. This contrivance, though very simple and constructed at little expense, is operated successfully and, for short distances, is quite as practical as the Bell telephone, for the use of which a handsome royalty is charged. Conversation can be carried on and music heard perfectly at considerable distances. Several persons have availed themselves of the opportunity afforded by Dr. Jackson to test the wonderful qualities of the telephone.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 11, 1879, page 3


    E. H. Autenreith is constructing a telephone line between his office and residence.
"Brief Reference," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 11, 1879, page 3


    Telephones are plenty now; Mr. Presley's and Mr. Beggs' boys have constructed one between their parents' houses that is said to work well.
    Frank Ennis is to have a telephone from the mine to his boarding house. He gets so hungry that he wants to know the exact minute "grub" is ready, and desires to hear the sweet tones of a female voice mingled with the zephyrs and announcing hash!
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 16, 1879, page 3


    The telephone attracts much attention. Being constructed at little expense and affording much amusement, many of our citizens are investing in them.
    Frank Ennis has connected his cabin and boarding house at Sterling by an acoustic telephone. This is another triumph for the inventive genius of man, but it's bankruptcy to Frank's landlord.
"Brief Reference," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 18, 1879, page 3


    Frank Ennis threatens to "duck" some editor for exposing his telephonic arrangements. He remarked that his "Hollyhock" never says hash but yells out "Refreshments" in the most ladylike manner.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 23, 1879, page 3


    E. Dimick of Grants Pass will connect his residence and store by an acoustic telephone.
"Brief Reference," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 25, 1879, page 3


    CURIOUS PHENOMENON.--A curious phenomenon occurred during the severe hailstorm on Friday, May 9th. The telephone wire connecting the office with Geo. Peck's residence, and which is merely an acoustic one, having no battery or ground connection, became so heavily charged with electricity that it emitted flashes of light. A careful examination was made at the time to ascertain if it had not come in contact with the telegraph line, but such was not the case. A person standing near the telephone wire could feel the shock of electricity passing from the wire through him to the ground most perceptibly. The main telegraph line during the hailstorm worked better than ever before known and was remarked by the operators at San Francisco and Portland. The effect was undoubtedly caused by the friction produced by the hail striking the wires.--Yreka Journal.
Ashland Tidings, June 6, 1879, page 4


Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 7, 1883, page 1


    Some of the "boys" say that a telephone line would pay well in Jacksonville. All who have seen it work in Portland are willing to subscribe to the capital stock.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 4, 1884, page 3


    Four hundred telephones are in use in Portland.
"All Sorts," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 31, 1884, page 4


    It is said that the Mackey-Bennett Telegraph Company will construct a telephone line between this place and Medford.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 20, 1886, page 3


    It is said that the Postal Telegraph Co., which will soon complete its coast telegraph line, will have connection with Jacksonville by a telephone line from this place.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 26, 1886, page 3


    There is some talk of building a telephone line between Jacksonville and Medford. It would prove a paying investment.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 15, 1887, page 3


    A. L. Reuter, Dr. Jackson and other residents of Jacksonville will soon organize a joint stock company for operating a telephone between this place and Medford. The poles have already been purchased and the batteries, etc., ordered from Portland, so that it will not be long before the line is in operation. It will be a great convenience to the public and will no doubt prove a paying investment. If it can be demonstrated that its extension to Ashland will prove profitable, no doubt the incorporators will extend the line to that place. We hope that they will.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 29, 1887, page 3


    A. L. Reuter, Dr. Jackson and other residents of Jacksonville will soon organize a joint stock company for operating a telephone between Jacksonville and Medford. The poles have already been purchased and the batteries, etc. ordered from Portland, so that it will not be long before the line is in operation.
"State and Territory," Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 5, 1887, page 1


    A telephone line between Jacksonville and Medford is being built and will soon be in operation. A point of the company, with a capital of $1000, and composed of: J. Nunan, A. L. Reuter, Will. Jackson, J. B. Riddle, has been incorporated. Their enterprise will no doubt provide a good convenience, and a paying one besides.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 6, 1887, page 3


    The telephone line between this place and Medford will soon be completed., when it will cost only 25 cents to talk a reasonable length of time over it. It will be a great convenience and will no doubt prove remunerative.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 13, 1887, page 3


    The telephone line between Jacksonville and Medford will soon be completed.
"News of the Northwest: Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, May 17, 1887, page 2


    The telephone line between this place and Medford is not complete yet, owing to the trouble of getting instruments.
"Jacksonville Notes," Oregonian, Portland, June 18, 1887, page 6


    J. B. Riddle of Medford and D. L. Curtis of this place have leased the Jackson County Telegraph Co.'s line and will put in Bell telephones at once. This will be a great convenience.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 18, 1888, page 3


     Col. J. B. Riddle has purchased a set of Bell telephones for his hotel, and we enjoy telephonic communication with our neighbors.
"Medford Items," Oregonian, Portland, June 6, 1888, page 3


    Medford and Jacksonville are joined by a Bell telephone, which extends between the U.S. Hotel and the Riddle House.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 6, 1888, page 3


    The telephone line between this place and Medford is now in first-class running order. The lowest possible rates are charged, they being only 15 cents for the first ten words and one cent for each additional word. We hope that this enterprise will prove successful.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 8, 1887, page 3


    A telephone line is to be established between Yreka and Montague. That between this place and Medford works satisfactorily.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 12, 1887, page 3


    Permits were granted to G. F. Billings, E. V. Mills, E. V. Carter and C. H. Vaupel to erect each a telephone line within the city limits.
"City Council Proceedings," Ashland Tidings, March 9, 1888, page 3


    A telephone line is being put up between the store and residence of D. R. & E. V. Mills. E. V. Carter, cashier of the bank, will also put up a line from his home to the bank building--distance about a mile. Other private lines will doubtless follow soon.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 9, 1888, page 3


    Ashland charges three dollars for a permit to put up a telephone line within the city limits, and regulations as to size, style, color and manner of setting the poles are prescribed by ordinance.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 16, 1888, page 3


    The new telephones in town work admirably for instruments of the kind, using no electric current. The longest line thus far is that of E. V. Carter, about a mile, and ordinary conversation is carried on by it at that distance without difficulty. G. F. Billings will have one put up between his office and farm a little longer distance. The telephones can be laid down in Ashland for less than ten dollars, and common grain-binding wire is used.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 23, 1888, page 3


    Telephone wire at Ashland Fence Works.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 6, 1888, page 3


    Messenger & Smith will put up a telephone line between their planing mill and furniture store.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 6, 1888, page 3


    Telephones, telephones. Warranted to give satisfaction or no pay. Will sell the instruments alone or put them up. D. R. & E. V. Mills.
    Says the Yreka Journal: The residents of Little Shasta are much elated over the great benefit of the telephone communication with Yreka, by Vance & Walbridge's line, now completed as far as Montague. It will be a great convenience to the public as well as Vance & Walbridge in communicating between Yreka, Montague and Little Shasta, and a line extended on to Butte Creek Valley would be a still greater benefit.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 20, 1888, page 3


    S. B. Whittle put in the Jacksonville-Medford telephone instruments of D. L. Curtis and J. B. Riddle last Friday. They are able to have quite a confab with one another nowadays.
"Brevity Basket," Valley Record, Ashland, June 7, 1888, page 3


    A tight-wire telephone conducts the depot section and the center of town. It is for public use, the depot end being near the Shannon house and the downtown end at Van Sant's store.


    The Grants Pass Observer says that a gentleman was in that city last week, looking up the matter of establishing a telephone system. The intention is to connect Grants Pass with Jackson County towns, and eventually with Portland.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 29, 1893, page 3


    The patents covering the Bell telephone having expired, this valuable means of communication will soon be in reach of all communities. A line connecting Jacksonville with other towns of the valley and Grants Pass would find enough business to make the investment profitable.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 19, 1894, page 3


    A. M. Kerr, representing the Cushman telephone company, has been in Medford for the past several days endeavoring to interest some of our people in a telephone line project between this city and Jacksonville. He is also in hopes of putting in private lines about the city. These are pretty close times to open up new projects, but inasmuch as our people are a people of progress it is more than probable the gentleman will meet with some success.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 8, 1894, page 3


    Mr. Kerr, the telephone man, was engaged last Friday and Saturday in putting up poles and wire by which the residence of druggist Chas. Strang and Dr. W. S. Jones and the Strang drug store are supplied with telephone communication. It's an almighty convenient arrangement, that telephone, and it is particularly so to doctors and druggists. Mr. Kerr, we understand, has partially negotiated with several more of our citizens for instruments. The wires, which are now in working order, are doing the job up fine. Every sound uttered through the 'phones is very distinct, which is evidence of the excellence of the instrument used. Tuesday Mr. Jones kindly favored us with several fine piano selections at the doctor's residence and which were listened to by us in Mr. Strang's drug store. The music was well executed, and the sound lost none of its sweetness by being transmitted over a wire for a distance of several blocks. During the rendition of the music little Maud's voice could be heard chiming in for a chance to "talk to the 'phone," and then followed admonitions from Mrs. Jones. More of these instruments in use would save our business men many blocks of travel.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 15, 1894, page 3


    Since our last issue three more 'phones have been put in in Medford. The wires from these connect Dr. E. P. Geary's residence with the Haskins drug store and druggist Haskins' residence. The convenience of the telephone will be fully appreciated by these gentlemen, as much walking and time will be saved. When the doctor has a call at night for a prescription he can "ring up" Mr. Haskins and have that gentleman at the drug store by the time his prescription gets there--just same with Dr. Jones and the Strang drug store.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 22, 1894, page 3




    The work of digging holes for the telephone poles will be complete by tomorrow night, and by next Saturday night it is expected the insulators will be on and the poles set, and possibly some wiring will be done. The line will follow the Medford-Jacksonville county road.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, June 29, 1894, page 3


    Ashland and Medford are to have a telephone connection.
"Suggested Comment," Capital Journal, Salem, August 1, 1894, page 2


    The Rogue River Valley Telephone company has decided to extend its line to Ashland, taking in Talent and Phoenix on the way. This is a continuation of the line which now connects Medford with Jacksonville, which is proving itself such a great convenience to the people at both ends of the line. The work of digging holes for poles was commenced Tuesday morning, and inside of four weeks it is expected the line will be completed and in good working order. An instrument will be put in at Phoenix and another at Talent, at the latter place to be in the store of Barkley & Son; at Ashland the instrument will be in the Barrett drug store. The charges for a message will be twenty-five cents for a five minutes' talk with parties at any one point on the line.
    These telephone connections are surely going to prove of great value to the cities and towns of the valley, and too much credit cannot be given these citizens who have a spirit of enterprise sufficiently developed to warrant this outlay of money by which the connections are made, and we all ought to turn to and give the company a boost whenever occasion offers. To Mr. Kerr, the gentleman who is putting in the line for the company, ought as well to be extended a goodly amount of credit for his persistent efforts to make the proposition a thing of material substance.
Medford Mail, August 3, 1894, page 3


    The telephone line connecting Jacksonville with Medford has been extended on through Phoenix and Talent to Ashland; the wires strung, and the talking machine was made ready for talking business yesterday between the above-named places.
    The work of constructing the telephone and telegraph line between Crescent City, Cal., and Grants Pass, Or., is progressing fast, under the supervision of Mr. Johnson. Poles have been sent to the foot of the Howland hill, about two miles from Crescent City. From that place on to Gasquet's, 16 miles, not many poles will be used, as there are trees along the route.
    The line connecting Washington and Northern Oregon has just asked Roseburg for a charter and will extend their line from Eugene to that place. This will leave but a small connecting link between Medford and Grants Pass and Grants Pass and Roseburg, which will undoubtedly be built before another year rolls along.
Valley Record, Ashland, August 30, 1894, page 3


    The Rogue River Telephone Company are laboring under no small load of inconvenience at present. But their inconvenience is in one sense no greater than the many patrons, or rather, would-be patrons, of their line. When the telephone proposition was first talked of it was the intention to place one of the instruments at Jacksonville in the courthouse, but when arrangements had been made with one of the county officers to place the instrument in his office and the work of putting in the wires was about to commence, Judge Neil put his objection oar into the before-placid waters and there was great disturbance. He wouldn't have the telephone placed in the courthouse under no consideration--and it didn't go there. Now that the wire between Jacksonville, Medford and Ashland is in working order the inconvenience of the Judge's obstinacy is noticeable, as nine-tenths of the business transacted over the line is with the courthouse officials. Just why the Judge should have objected is not quite clear unless he found this arrangement would have given Medford and Ashland attorneys an even footing with the great head of Jackson County in matters pertaining to courts and the courthouse regime. As it now stands if any one of the several hundred people along the line want to talk with the county officials, upon official business, they will needs call up Jacksonville and send a courier to the courthouse to bring the official to the 'phone. It was an almighty small piece of business, the refusal by Judge Neil, but what matters the inconvenience of the rest of the county so long as his point is gained.
Medford Mail, October 12, 1894, page 2


    The people of Talent and Phoenix are arriving at a positive conclusion as to the advantages to be derived by the telephone line. Last week for several days the wires were kept busy by these people asking for the services of professional men, at both Medford and Ashland. It is only a matter of a few months until this line will have many patrons. We need become accustomed to its great convenience before we will fully appreciate its worth.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, October 19, 1894, page 3




    Telephone connections have been made with Gold Hill, an instrument having been placed in the post office in that town this week. The line will soon be completed to Grants Pass, when all the towns in the valley, along the railroad, will be in speaking distance of each other.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, September 27, 1895, page 5


    Telephone poles for the line connecting Grants Pass with Medford, Jacksonville, Ashland and way points have been placed in position in Grants Pass.
Capital Journal, Salem, October 18, 1895, page 1


    Two carloads of poles for the Sunset Long Distance Telephone Co., which is building a line between San Francisco and Portland, were unloaded at this city last week.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 21, 1898, page 3


    The material for the Sunset Telephone Co., which is building a line between San Francisco and Portland and also putting systems in different towns along the route, has arrived.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 8, 1898, page 3


    The construction crews of the Oregon and Sunset Telephone companies will meet at Wolf Creek, Josephine County, before long and complete one of the longest telephone systems on record. The line will reach from Spokane, Wash. to San Francisco, and conversation can be successfully carried on over it.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 11, 1898, page 3


    Jacksonville will be included in the Sunset Telephone Co.'s system between Spokane and San Francisco, which is now being put in. A carload of poles was unloaded here yesterday.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 18, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co. now has its force of men at work in the vicinity of Medford, who have the line almost completed to that place from the south. It is expected that the through connection will be made at Wolf Creek, by October 1st. When completed this will be the largest telephone line in the world, reaching from San Diego, Calif., to Spokane, Wash., and connecting nearly 2000 towns.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 29, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co. will have its line completed to Jacksonville by this evening.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 1, 1898, page 3


    Medford now has direct communication with many of the cities and towns of California by telephone, the Sunset line having been completed to this city from the south a few days ago.
    Ralph Woodford has charge of the main office of the Sunset Telephone Co. in Medford, which is located in Chas. Strang's drug store. Ralph will no doubt prove himself popular in his new position.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 1, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co.'s office has been located in the Kubli building, with K. K. Kubli in charge.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 5, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co. completed its line into Jacksonville last Thursday, and opened an office at Kubli's hardware store, where K. K. Kubli will be manager. Contracts have been made for connection with the courthouse and many of the business houses in town.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, September 5, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co. is fast completing its lines, and the whole of southern Oregon will soon be connected with San Francisco and Spokane.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 8, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Company have their office in the Kubli hardware store. Miss Valerie Kubli will be in charge.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, September 9, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Company, in setting the poles for their line between Medford and Ashland, set them so close to the line of the Rogue River Telephone Company's that the wires of the latter named company rested in many places against the taller poles of the Sunset line, which made it impossible to transmit messages over the local line for a few days this week. The Sunset people have agreed to remedy the matter by moving their poles or putting insulators on them for the local line.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 9, 1898, page 7


    The court house will be connected with the R.R.V. Telephone co.'s system. The 'phone will be located in the county treasurer's office.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 12, 1898, page 3


    The refusal of the [Grants Pass] city council to grant the Sunset Telephone Co. a franchise to put in a local telephone system, thus placing us in direct communication with every town and city along its line from San Francisco to Spokane, occasions much surprise.
"Josephine County Items," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 18, 1898, page 2


    Oregon and San Francisco were connected by telephone last Friday, and the event was celebrated by the Sunset Co., which allowed its patrons here to converse free of charge with people at the other end of the line.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 29, 1898, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Company has its offices in Dr. Hinkle's drug store.
"Central Point Items," Medford Mail, September 30, 1898, page 3


    A new telephone line is being erected between Central Point and Eagle Point by the Holmes Bros. These gentlemen have business interests in both of these towns, and a telephone connection will be of the greatest advantage and convenience to them, and to the other business men of the towns. Such improvements are worthy of more than passing notice, and these gentlemen should be regarded as public benefactors.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, May 19, 1899, page 7


    Holmes Bros.' telephone line between Central Point and Eagle Point is well under way. It will prove of much convenience to many.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 29, 1899, page 3


    Last Tuesday the force of men employed by Holmes Bros., of the Snowy Butte mills, finished digging the holes for their new telephone line and are having the poles placed as fast as possible, and it will not be long before we will have communication with the outside world without having to depend on the stage.
A. C. Howlett, "Eagle Point Eaglets," Medford Mail, June 2, 1899, page 5


    The old 'phones in the offices of the county officials were taken out today, and better instruments substituted therefor.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 24, 1899, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Co. has set a number of new poles in town, which do not embellish our streets by any means.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 31, 1899, page 3


    The R.R.V. Telephone Co. has put in fine new instruments, which improve the service very much.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 4, 1899, page 3




    The central office of the Sunset Telephone Company has just had installed a new machine in this city. It is a "calculagraph," and automatically measures and records time used by patrons in long-distance phoning.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 22, 1900, page 3


    The Sunset Telephone Company has extended its line into East Medford and has put a new 'phone into Dr. Jones' residence. 'Phones have also been placed in the Rialto cigar store, G. W. Isaacs' and Mrs. J. H. Whitman's residence.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, May 25, 1900, page 7





    The Rogue River Telephone Company has sold its line, about sixty miles in length, to the Sunset Company. The property has not been turned over as yet, but it is not expected that any hitch will occur in the proceedings which will in any way interfere with the sale.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, December 28, 1900, page 7


    The Sunset telephone monopoly has bought the local telephone line operating independently in the various towns of this valley between Ashland and Grants Pass, taking nominal possession the first of the year until they decide what portions of the line they wish to cut out. The R.R. Telephone Co. was owned by G. H. Haskins, Dr. B. F. Adkins, B. S. Webb and J. F. White.
Valley Record, Ashland, January 3, 1901, page 3




    The Sunset Telephone Co. has absorbed the local telephone company, and hereafter will control all that kind of business done in southern Oregon.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 10, 1901, page 7


    The Sunset Telephone Company's construction crew are here in town removing the old valley line and making necessary changes. They will soon begin the construction of the Gold Hill and Sams Valley line, the poles already being on the ground.
"Gold Hill Items," Medford Mail, February 1, 1901, page 3


    Miss Lillian Barr, the very efficient "hello" girl on the Sunset Telephone line at Chas. Strang's drug store, was ill this week with la grippe. Joe  Slinger filled her position during her illness.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 15, 1901, page 7


    J. W. Holman and his force are engaged in putting up the telephone line between Jacksonville and Ruch.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 14, 1901, page 7


    Miss Florence Toft has accepted the position of telephone girl at the central office in Strang's drug store, vice Miss Lillian Barr, resigned, who with her sister, Mrs. Ada Mills, will leave in a couple of weeks for San Francisco. Mrs. Mills goes to take her little son to the hospital for treatment, and Lillian will take a course in a business college.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, March 15, 1901, page 6


    The telephone line between Jacksonville and Ruch was completed today, and Applegate is now joined by wire with the balance of the world.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 21, 1901, page 5


    E. H. Parker, who has a force of men at work on the telephone line which is being constructed between here and Ruch, was in town last Wednesday upon business.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, March 22, 1901, page 3


    We are now in touch with the people of America by telephone from Sams Valley, after 1900 years of waiting.
"Beagle Items," Medford Mail, April 19, 1901, page 5


    The Sunset telephone line, recently built to Ruch, is already proving satisfactory to both Mr. Ruch and the company, although some had predicted but little patronage for such a line.
"Union Precinct News," Medford Mail, April 26, 1901, page 3


    According to reports there is a probability of an independent telephone system being established on the Pacific coast in the near future. The system, if established, is to extend all over the Pacific coast and will compete with the Pacific Coast Telephone Company, which recently has secured control of all telephone lines in Oregon, Washington and California, and which has turned down all competitive lines. The stimulus to a competitive service was given by a decision rendered in the United States court at Boston early in the year involving the validity of the Berliner patent on a transmitter. The court held in the suit of the American Telephone Company against the National Telephone Company and the Century Telephone Company that the Bell Telephone Company has not an exclusive right to the use of the transmitter and receiver employed in telephone conversation. Eastern capital is said to be backing the new company, which will build lines in Oregon, Washington and California, connecting with all intermediate points.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, May 3, 1901, page 7


    Jacksonville's telephone office has been located in J. Nunan's popular mercantile establishment. First-class service is assured the public.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 19, 1901, page 7


    Warren Williams, lineman for the telephone company, spent two days here, this week, putting in phones.
"Central Point Items," Medford Mail, October 25, 1901, page 3


    An ordinance was passed licensing [the] telephone company and restricting their operations as to putting up poles and attaching wires to buildings and trees. Consent must be secured from the street commissioner and interested parties before wires can be attached to any tree within the corporate limits of the city and from the owner or agent of any building. The license was placed at $100 per year, and the use of phones shall not be more than $1.50 per month.
"Meeting of City Council," Medford Mail, December 20, 1901, page 3


    H. D. Austin:--"Yes, sir, my business is first-class in every way. I am kept hustling to get in enough stuff to keep my customers supplied. Why, I am very much surprised that the flour and feed business amounts to as much as it does. Yes, we have free delivery and a telephone. Easiest thing in the world to place an order with us. You press the button, we do the rest."
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, January 17, 1902, page 7


    The Sunset Telephone Company has not as yet paid its annual license, of $100, into the city treasury as provided by an ordinance recently passed by the city council. The ordinance provides that the license must be paid by February 1st of each year. There is considerable speculation going the rounds as to whether the company will pay or will discontinue the service in the city.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, January 24, 1902, page 7


    Our city council has passed an ordinance requiring the Sunset Telephone Co. to pay a license tax of $100 a year. This is the right kind of legislation.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 30, 1902, page 5




    The Sunset Telephone Co. has commenced a suit in the U.S. district court for an injunction against our city government, which levied a license of $100 a year on that corporation's business in Medford, and was about to remove its poles and wires because it would not pay the tax. The expensive and protracted litigation which is promised should be averted in some way.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1902, page 5


    O. B. Gates of Hillsboro was in Ashland recently to arrange for the construction of the Ashland, Klamath and Lakeview telephone line, an enterprise started by his father, H. V. Gates. A carload of wire and tools have already arrived. The destination of the new line as already published is Alturas, California.
"Southern Oregon News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1902, page 2


From Monday's Portland Evening Telegram.
    Argument was heard this morning before Judge Bellinger in the United States Court as to whether the City of Medford has the right to impose a special yearly license of $100 upon the Sunset Telephone & Telegraph Company. The case came up on an order for the city to show cause why it should not be enjoined from imposing such a license.
    Last December the city council of Medford passed an ordinance by the terms of which the telephone company was to be required to pay a yearly license of $100, and also regulating the price of telephones, making the monthly price $1.50. As the company refused to obey the ordinance the city government was about to take down the poles when a bill in equity was filed in the United States Court, and the city enjoined from proceeding further.
    The company claimed that such an ordinance would interfere with interstate commerce laws, under which the Sunset Company acts; that the yearly tax was excessive, and that the city had not the right to regulate the price of telephones. It was stated that the company has 61 telephones in the city of Medford, and that while it would be willing to pay a yearly license of $20, it could not pay the larger amount.
    Watson & Beekman appeared for the City of Medford this morning. Judge Watson, who made the argument, admitted that the city could not interfere with interstate commerce, but contended that this was not a tax on the entire system, but on the local lines used in Medford, which, he said, the council has a right to impose.
    As to the matter of regulating the price of telephones, he admitted the city was going beyond its authority in that respect. E. C. Pillsbury, of San Francisco, who represented the company, argued that the entire ordinance was invalid, but said his company would agree to pay $20, which was a just tax in view of the small amount of business done in that city.
    The matter will be taken under advisement.
Medford Mail, April 11, 1902, page 2




    The Sunset Telephone Company has put an additional switchboard in its central station in this city, in the Strang drug store, and it will be put into service within a few days. There are now 198 patrons of the line in Medford and fourteen more to be added just as soon as the new board is hitched up. There have been fifty new 'phones put on the line this spring. The new board will handle all the long-distance work and the overplus of city work. The addition will necessitate the employment of two operators.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, July 14, 1905, page 5


    Rogue River Valley farmers are getting the rural telephone habit like the progressive agriculturists in other parts of the country. One or two lines have been built out of Medford, and the latest rural line is among the farmers of Talent precinct, who will soon be connected with the local exchange of the Sunset Company, at Ashland, and have free switching with the latter place. They are now building the line from the telephone company's main line, and will lease the telephones and have the company keep them in order.
"Wealth in Pines," Morning Oregonian, Portland, March 26, 1906, page 12

    Medford people, especially those who are patrons of the telephone system in the city, will be feeling pretty good when they learn of the improvements which are to be made in the system here. The telephone company's representative was in Medford last week, and in company with Chas. Strang, the local manager, made a tour of inspection of the entire line in the city, and as a result of such inspection the following letter has been received:
    PORTLAND, Oregon, June 19, 1906.
Mr. Chas. Strang, Agent.
    DEAR SIR:--I have your letter of June 18th as to improvements to be made at Medford.
    Our engineering department have already in hand an up-to-date common battery system for Medford, which means that most of the wires on the outside will be in cables, thus eliminating all trouble from crossed wires, and that each subscriber will have a new telephone of the common battery type; that is, all battery [sic] will be at the central office.
    There will be no cranks to turn; the signals coming into the central office by an electric light [sic] when the subscriber takes his telephone off the hook.
    This means that Medford will have a telephone system more modern and very unlike any other in Southern Oregon--and for all of which our good townspeople will be duly and sufficiently grateful. The old system has been a great annoyance--and in many instances very inefficient--but we are going to forget all about these perplexing circumstances and instances of the past and think only of the good features of the new arrangements.

Last revised November 2, 2024