E. G. Trowbridge,
C. P. Danielson.

MEDFORD IRON WORKS ENLARGING ITS PLANT

    WRANGEL, Alaska, May 17.--Harold accidentally shot himself today. Wire disposition of body.
    The above telegram was received Sunday night by E. G. Trowbridge of the Medford Iron Works, bearing the sad news that his son Harold, employed as engineer for the gasoline launch at the Madden & Hanley cannery, was accidentally shot and killed Sunday morning. Details are lacking, but he and Houston Ling of this city and other friends were on a hunting trip. The first message brought the bare news of the death. The second told meager details.
    Harold, it is gathered from the second telegram, tripped while carrying a gun and the load struck him in the side, causing almost instant death.
    Harold would have been 18 years of age in June. He was born in Roseburg, but has resided in Medford the past ten years and was well known and popular. The news of his tragic death brought sorrow to scores and has prostrated his mother.
    The remains will be shipped to Medford for burial.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 20, 1914, page 2t

    The Trowbridge Cabinet Works is one of the most up-to-date manufacturing plants of the valley. They recently built a new factory and put in the latest machinery and manufacture all kinds of mill work. They are now doing the mill work for the new Cargill apartments, Dr. Barber's, C. A. Knight's and Crary's new residences, office fixtures for Interurban Auto Company, in Medford and Grants Pass, Plaza Confectionery at Ashland and several other jobs. Furniture and cedar chests made by this company grace many of the offices, stores and residences in the valley. Mr. Trowbridge reports a heavy business this year.

    The sad and surprising news of the unexpected death at Portland this morning of Benjamin James Trowbridge was received here this forenoon and threw a cloud of gloom over the city, as he was one of its best known and most beloved citizens.
    While it had been generally known that Mr. Trowbridge had been in poor health for the past year and that some time ago he went to Portland to be under the care of specialists at the Portland Surgical Hospital, word reached the city from him yesterday that he was feeling fine. It was at first thought that he had stomach trouble. Examination disclosed, however, that such was not the case, and that he only needed rest and building up.
    Hospital attendants on entering his room about 9 a.m. today were surprised to find that he had passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Harry G. Wortman [has] gone to Portland to take charge of the body and is expected back with it Sunday. Funeral announcement will be made later.
    No man in Medford had more warm friends and acquaintances than Benjamin J. Trowbridge. He was especially well known in local fraternal circles. Of a mild, genial and home-loving disposition, he was one of those rare men who seemed to be full of good will and friendship towards everybody. It is said of him that he never uttered a word detrimental to anyone.
    He was born in Hancock, Mich., August 19, 1864, and was 58 years old at the time of his death. His early life was spent in Hancock, where he followed the occupation of builder, carpenter and mechanic. He went to Alaska with Governor Swineford, the first governor of that territory, at the latter's behest, and built the first governor's house and the first Catholic church in Alaska.
    After four years spent in Alaska he returned to this country and located in Roseburg, Ore., and engaged in the general mercantile business in Camas Valley, Douglas County, for 12 years. There his first wife died. He then returned to Hancock, Mich., for a short time and there married Mrs. Alice E. Flynn, who survives him.
    Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge came here from Hancock in 1902. Mr. Trowbridge and John F. White were engaged in the insurance and real estate business here for years, and after Mr. White's retirement in 1912, the former had continued the business ever since under that firm name.
    Mr. Trowbridge was always active in local Knights of Pythias circles, was one of the leading members of Talisman Lodge No. 31, and was one of the organizers of the local D.O.K.K. He was past grand chancellor of the lodge and at the time of his death was its treasurer. He was also a prominent officer of the D.O.K.K. organization. Mr. Trowbridge was also a member of Medford lodge No. 90, F. and A.M., and of the local camp, No. 103, of the Woodmen of the World.
    He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Edgar A. Elkins of the Philippine Islands, Mrs. George Peake of Grants Pass and Miss Ione Flynn; six sons who are Ronald, Ray and Bennie Trowbridge, and Tom, Alfred and Diamond Flynn, two brothers, Edwin G. Trowbridge of Medford, and A. H. Trowbridge of Hancock, Mich.; and one sister, Mrs. H. D. Farnsworth of Hancock, Mich.
    Mr. Trowbridge had served two terms in the Medford city council.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 15, 1922, page 1

    The sum of $12,000 will be expended by E. G. Trowbridge, Jr., for the construction of six dwellings on West Eleventh Street at a cost of $2000 each, according to building permits issued today.
    A permit was also issued to S. M. Scott to construct a rabbitry on his home place on Capitol Hill at a cost of $200.

    It is always a pleasure to note the success of a citizen who enjoys the good will of all and who has materialized his plans to a degree of community importance.
    E. G. Trowbridge, Jr., owner of the Trowbridge Cabinet Works, came to Medford in 1908 from the state of Michigan and with a heart full of self-confidence, and a willingness to work, started into business for himself in the vicinity where now stands the First Presbyterian Church. That was nearly twenty years ago. From the beginning his close application to business fidelity to the merits of the quality of his manufactured products and by prompt service his business has continued to expand until he now has one of the largest and best-equipped plants in his line in Oregon.
    Mr. Trowbridge has gathered into his working organization some of the most skillful artisans available. He operates the year 'round, and has played a big part in the building and interior finishing of business houses and residences. He specializes in store fixtures, built-in supplies and pews for churches.
    Ably assisting Mr. Trowbridge constantly in the office is Mrs. Trowbridge, who is among the exceptionally capable business women of Medford.
    During 1927 Mr. Trowbridge erected a large building to house his new lumber yard and building materials headquarters in the city. This annex to the cabinet works business affords facilities to supply a customer with everything he needs in home building, from foundation to chimney top. Nationally known brands of materials are carried in stock and in sufficient quantities to take care of any and all orders.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1928, page F3

    The Trowbridge Cabinet Works is now completing the installation of the quarter-sawn oak fixtures for the new office of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company in this city. These hardwood fixtures are finished in the natural color, forming a pleasing contrast with the green marble base of the counter and the special green linoleum desk tops.
    This local factory has also recently installed fixtures and show cases in the new Pig Tail market, and also in the Ethelwyn Hoffman shop. The Unique Cleaners, whose modern establishment will open for business in a few days, are completely equipped with new desks, counters and garment cases made in the Trowbridge shops. These fixtures are made of fir and are finished in the natural color of the wood.
    The California Oregon Power Co.'s new store in Glendale, Oregon, the Trowbridge Cabinet Works made all the fixtures. Philippine mahogany was used in the construction of the counters and show cases which were installed in this store. This wood has a very beautiful ribbon grain, which makes it very popular for store fixture and residence work.

    An old-time friendship between Mrs. Alice Guck Trowbridge of Medford and John D. Ryan, billionaire finance baron of New York City, was renewed recently through a box of golden Bosc pears sent by the former from a local packing house. An immediate reply, in the simple, appreciative language of a truly big man, was received by the local resident yesterday.
    Although J. D. Ryan is often referred to as the "richest man in the world," whose wealth, according to Mrs. Trowbridge, even surpasses that of Henry Ford, he never forgets an old friend, and enjoys nothing better than to return to the haunts of his early youth and the folks who knew him when he was a struggling young man on a salary.
    "It was his personality and brains that lifted him to the position he now holds in the world of finance--not pull, nor luck, nor any of the other elements which have helped other powerful men up the ladder," said his local friend.
    Mrs. Trowbridge knew "John D." when he was a young boy, back in Hancock, Mich. In those days she ran what was considered the largest dressmaking and millinery establishment in the northern part of the state. She had 30 girls in her employ at that time, and her place of business was patronized by the most prominent families in northern Michigan. She designed and made the garments worn by all the women of the Ryan family.
    There came a day when the announcement of the engagement of young John D. Ryan caused quite a stir in the city of Hancock, and receptions and parties for the young couple were in order. No place in the town was more affected by the news than was the dressmaking and millinery establishment of the present Mrs. Trowbridge, which not only had to turn out the reception frocks for the Ryans and their feminine friends, but the trousseau for the bride herself.
    In the meantime, John D. Ryan had gone out to Butte, Montana, where, according to Mrs. Trowbridge, his clever mind and his lovable personality won him his first success in a large measure. From his activities in the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, of which he now is president and holds a controlling interest, he branched out into other mining projects, accumulating fabulous wealth and prestige throughout the country.
    He now is interested in rich mines, not only in every section of the United States, but in Africa and other foreign countries.
    During the World War, John D. Ryan was appointed director of aircraft production by President Wilson, also chairman of the aircraft board, and second assistant secretary of war. He was a member of the war council, and an active worker and contributor to the Red Cross. He is now 65 years old.

    The Trowbridge Cabinet Works, which is largely responsible for the smart appearance of the new home of McPherson's Men's Clothing Store, has a history showing rapid development since 1908.
    Twenty-two years ago Ed Trowbridge came to Medford from northern Michigan and started a furniture-making business with headquarters on Holly Street. For several years Mission furniture was the only type in demand for homes in this part of the valley, so that was the only kind made by Mr. Trowbridge and his one assistant.
    In 1911 there was sale for other types of furniture and the plant was enlarged. Following the end of the World War the Trowbridge Cabinet Works was moved to its present location, at the corner of Tenth and Grape streets. Eighteen men are now employed to turn out an increasing amount of high-grade furniture and fixtures work.
    McPherson's store is the latest job to be completed by Trowbridge Cabinet Works. Philippine mahogany was used for all of the fixtures and woodwork throughout this large establishment, which covers a floor space of 25 feet by 92 feet.
    Designs for plans and arrangements were made by Trowbridge, in addition to manufacturing all of the attractive equipment. The six movable wrapping counters are novel features which add much to the appearance of the store.
    Those who attend the opening of McPherson's tomorrow will be interested in inspecting these Medford-made fixtures which reflect the excellence of products of this well-known home industrial concern.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 1, 1930, page B1

    E. G. Trowbridge bought the Medford Iron Works in 1903 and was located where Hall's cafeteria now is until 1920 when he patented the Medford Quartz Mill and moved to his present location to secure more room. Before selling his patent in 1926 he sold over 300 of these mills to customers all over the West.
    Mr. Trowbridge says that due to high labor costs mining has fallen off in the last 27 years but that the company has recently received more inquiries from all over the country than they have for many years.
    The iron works has grown with the city and now has a complete foundry and modern equipment.
    Mr. Trowbridge is an expert in his line.
"Brief History of Old-Time Medford Firms Given," Medford Mail Tribune, September 29, 1930, page 8

    E. G. Trowbridge, Jr., started in 1908 to make "Mission furniture" and has gradually grown into the cabinet and millwork business.
    Mr. Trowbridge's father taught him the cabinet building when he was just big enough to stand up to a bench, and he is the only one in the business who has stayed here more than 20 years. Now he has a modern-equipped mill and instead of only one or two employees has from 16 to 20. He has furnished a large number of the homes and business buildings in the valley with all their mill work, including modern showcases and enjoys a large business in northern California.
    Three years ago he added a lumber yard which carries everything in lumber and building materials.
"Brief History of Old-Time Medford Firms Given," Medford Mail Tribune, September 29, 1930, page 8


    Celebrates Birthday--Mrs. A. E. Trowbridge of Medford, who celebrated her birthday Monday, was surprised Sunday when her son, D. L. Flynn, also of Medford, brought her to Grants Pass to spend the day with her daughter, Mrs. George T. Peake. The following enjoyed a dinner and visited for the afternoon: Mrs. A. E. Trowbridge, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Flynn and daughters Dorothy and Jacqueline, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Peake, and Patricia, Hollister and Betty.--Grants Pass Courier.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, November 4, 1931, page 7


    An invention which promises to be very beneficial to the Southern Oregon mining industry has been perfected by Ed Trowbridge and C. C. Clark, and will be demonstrated Monday afternoon at the Garfield used car lot on North Riverside, at 2 o'clock. It is an amalgamating pan which saves the fine gold, separates it from the pulp, discharges the pulp, and eliminates the concentrates, which are also saved.
    The pan is operated by a small half-horsepower motor and will care for 25 tons of tailings a day. It makes 100 revolutions a minute; each shake making a breadth of 10 inches. It works on the same principle devised by early miners in their panning of gold, the engine this time doing all the work.
    The tailings are placed in the pan, which is 36 inches in diameter, from the outside. The light material goes out through the center opening and the quartz stays in the pan, always in the outer edge. The concentrates are poured out the faucets opened in the sides of the pan.
    A special advantage of the pan is that it saves the fine gold, Mr. Clark, who has mined for 25 years, stated yesterday. The pan to be demonstrated is 86 inches in diameter, but one 56 inches in size, which will care for 50 tons of tailings a day, is also being made at the Trowbridge Iron Works.
    The machines will be sold by Mr. Clark, according to the plan, and if they meet with the popularity anticipated their manufacture will employ several men.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 17, 1932, page 7

    A "one-horse" shop started in Medford back in 1908 for the manufacturing of mission furniture has grown into the largest and most modern cabinet works between Salem, Ore., on the north, and Weed, Cal., on the south.
    The man who founded the small mission furniture shop, who nurtured it through the years of its infancy and gradually developed it into one of the leading industries of this city, and who has been its directing head through all of the quarter of a century of its existence, is Everett G. Trowbridge, whose name the firm bears today.
    Of the veteran businessmen who have been heads of firms in this city continuously for 20 years or more, Trowbridge is the first one noted as having come from Michigan, in which state he was born in 1881. Needless to say, he was quite a young man when he arrived in Medford 25 years ago and engaged in business, and is yet a young man, being only 52.
    It was the ambition of young Trowbridge to become a mining engineer. To that end he enrolled in the Michigan College of Mines, where he studied until sustaining a serious injury to his eyes. While awaiting a complete recovery from that injury, Trowbridge started work in his father's cabinet factory. "I always possessed a desire to create things of wood," said Trowbridge, "and my interest for mining soon centered in cabinet making."
    Some time before Trowbridge entered his father's cabinet shop his uncles, Ed and Ben, left Michigan and made the long trip out to Oregon, locating here in Medford. The desire to visit his uncles and to get a glimpse of the West induced the younger nephew to start for Medford.
    "I had no idea of remaining in Medford when I arrived here in 1908," said Trowbridge. "I intended only to visit Ed and Ben, and then return home. In fact, Medford looked none too good to me at that time. There was no pavement and the streets were either dusty or muddy, as the case might be. People, or some of them, were drinking water from Bear Creek, and altogether the town did not attract me. As the days passed, however, the town and valley grew on me, and it was not long until I decided to remain."
    Here Trowbridge relates that there was a marked demand for mission furniture, particularly mission electric fixtures. He rented a small structure on South Holly and opened for business under the name of the Mission Furniture Works.
    Trowbridge recalls that his products sold quite readily and soon he was forced to hire a man. Soon after another employee was added and he launched into the cabinetmaking business.
    Close attention to business, and following the never-failing policy of turning out high-quality work, resulted in a constant and all but rapid growth of Trowbridge's business. The small shop started in 1908, and in which he was the only workman for a time, expanded until 1919, when Trowbridge erected the plant that is now located on South Grape, and which occupies one-half of a block of ground.
    Upon completion of the new plant Trowbridge changed the name of the firm to the Trowbridge Cabinet works, under which it is operated today.
    When the Depression swept over the country the Trowbridge Cabinet Works . . .
[remainder of article not on microfilm; original newspapers lost]