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John
T. C. Nash and His Hotel Nash bought the Hotel Medford (at the southeast corner of Main and Front) in 1894 and the next year enlarged it into the Nash Hotel, designed by architect W. J. Bennet. The contract for the new Medford hotel was let to Childers & Son for $4369, this being the lowest bid. Mr. Byers' bid was $4845. The hotel is to be built on Front Street on Naylor & Hamlin's lots, and is to be 100 feet in depth and two stories high. The stockholders are Hamlin, Naylor, Barneburg and Galloway. The object is to begin work at once.--[Monitor. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, July 3, 1885, page 3 T. A. Harris and Ed. Worman have taken charge of the Grand Central Hotel, as well as the saloon in the same building. Harry McClallen will conduct the hotel for the present. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 9, 1890, page 3 
P. W. Croake, The Rogue River Valley, "The Italy of Oregon," Glass & Prudhomme, Portland, Oregon. Undated, written March 1891. Harris & Purdin now fatten their own fowls for the table at the Grand Central, having last week erected a neat house in the rear of the hotel for that purpose. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 10, 1891, page 2 Some new floors have been put down this week in the Grand Central. S. W. Speas has been doing the work. "Local and General," Southern Oregon Mail, October 28, 1892, page 3 The looks of the Grand Central Hotel bar has been greatly improved by the paperhanger and painter. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 2, 1892, page 2 Miss Lee Daniels is again employed in the dining room of the Grand Central Hotel, which is gratifying to her many friends here. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 9, 1892, page 2 A handsome brick building, with a fifty-foot front, will ornament the corner on which the old Medford Hotel formerly stood. M. Purdin has changed the name of the Grand Central Hotel to Hotel Medford, and as he has been busy in making long-needed improvements in the arrangements and management of the hotel, the traveling public will soon have to admit it to be one of the very best-managed hostelries in the southern part of the state. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 6, 1893, page 3  January 20, 1893 Southern Oregon Mail Weeks Bros. of this place have just finished and put in place one of the finest bars in the county for landlord Purdin, of the Medford hotel. It was nearly all of hard wood and finely finished. "Phoenix Items," Ashland Tidings, April 7, 1893, page 2 A new and much larger safe has been added to the necessary office furniture of the Hotel Medford. "All the Local News," Medford Mail, July 28, 1893, page 3 "Glendale," Roseburg Plaindealer, August 17, 1893, page 2 Capt. J. T. C. Nash has sold his placer gold mine in Cow Creek Canyon to Col. W. H. Taylor of the International Nickel Mining Co. and associates for a consideration of $10,000 in the coin of the realm. The new owners will at once begin operation on an extensive scale, and put in a system of water works that will enable them to work all the year round. The Nash mine is probably one of the richest in Oregon and was sold dirt cheap. "The City and Vicinity," Roseburg Plaindealer, August 24, 1893, page 3 Joe Savage has severed his connections with Hotel Medford and Tuesday morning left for San Francisco. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, September 29, 1893, page 3 "All the Local News," Medford Mail, October 6, 1893, page 3 John Faris is the new dispenser of refreshments at the Hotel Medford. He is recently from Oroville, Cal., and is an adept and old hand at the business. "All the Local News," Medford Mail, February 23, 1894, page 3 Hotel Medford Improvements. Landlord Purdin realizes the necessity of giving ample room to his traveling patrons, and to better accommodate them he is having some of the smaller rooms made larger, by removing the partition between them and making one good-sized room from two small ones. Mr. Purdin is fully cognizant of the fact that a traveling man, even though he is ofttimes small in stature, requires plenty of room in which to navigate. "News of the City," Medford Mail, April 6, 1894, page 3 MEDFORD HOTEL PROPERTY SOLD.
The Building To Be Enlarged and Remodeled.
Last
Friday a deal was closed by which the Hotel Medford became the property
of Capt. J. T. C. Nash, of Corvallis, Oregon. The consideration was
about $8,000, and the property included 75x100 feet on the corner of
Seventh and B streets and the large two-story brick building thereon.
Mr. Nash will enlarge the building and improve the accommodations. It is not yet decided whether another story will be added or the addition made on the ground. The new work including the renovation of the interior of the present building will cost near $4,000. Messrs. Hamilton and Legate, the genial landlords who hold a lease on the property, are much pleased with the prospects for more room and the interior improvement. For some time past the house has been crowded beyond its capacity in sleeping apartments. South Oregon Monitor, Medford, December 4, 1894, page 3 The Medford Has Changed Hands.
Many improvements have already been mapped out for this property, but only a few of them will be put into shape this winter. Those to receive immediate attention will be the repainting and papering of several rooms, among them being the office, dining room and saloon. That large tree on Seventh Street will also be cut down and an awning built along the north side. The improvements promised for the spring are the addition of another story to the main building, two stories to the barber shop and stores on the east, and on the vacant lot to the south three stories, making a solid brick building 75x104 feet in size and three stories high. [The Nash didn't become three stories until circa 1907.] In front of this building, on both sides, will be put down a solid cement walk. There will also be an elevator put in the building, which, if satisfactory arrangements can be made, will be operated by water from our city water works. The cost of the improvements to be made will fall not many dollars short of $10,000. Among the several changes to be made will be the entire remodeling of the interior of the house. A hotel, be it good or bad, shapes the stranger's opinion of the town--and Medford has had nothing to crow over in that line in the past, but thanks to good fortune, "the Medford" is now in the hands of a gentleman with modern and advanced ideas and capital sufficient at his command to carry out his every notion. Under the management of Hamilton & Legate the hotel has grown in popularity far in excess of their expectations--but what will be the new Medford under the new arrangement?--simply elegant and without a superior in Southern Oregon. Medford Mail, December 14, 1894, page 4 Shawver & Nicholson and Mrs. Bradbury had the plans last evening, figuring on the construction of the new Hotel Nash, and it is probable that other contractors will be given an opportunity in turn. Capt. Nash will stay several weeks. South Oregon Monitor, Medford, February 8, 1895, page 3 "News of the City," Medford Mail, May 24, 1895, page 5 Landlord Hamilton has added a new beauty to the Hotel Nash office. It is a beautifully made oak receptacle for letters, stationery, toothpicks, ink stand and diverse other small articles. There is a bronze statue in the center and around the outside are well arranged advertisements of business houses of the city--among those most prominent is a picture of Mackey, the photographer. Shorty has also put in a clock that plays a tune every time it strikes the hour. Among other things most noticeable about this place is the painting and penciling of the outer walls. Medford Mail, May 22, 1896, page 4 Monday morning the work of putting down the cement walk around Hotel Nash was commenced by Theo. Dunn and Adam Clinedienst, the contractors, and will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. At the corner of the hotel, leading to the main entrance of the office will be something far out of the ordinary in workmanship and beauty. This part of the walk will be laid with diamond- and half-diamond-shaped blocks, stained with the national colors, red, white, and blue, and the large curbstone will have the name of Hotel Nash cut on it in large letters. It will require about a month's steady work to complete the walk. "News of the City," Medford Mail, January 8, 1897, page 7 No person has a license in saying that the new cement walk which Adam Clinedienst and Theo. Dunn are putting down in front of Hotel Nash is anything but an improvement of which the city ought to be proud. It is being so solidly and well put down that the pedestrians will not come thick and fast enough to wear it out--not in a thousand years. The walk will necessitate the outlay of nearly $500 and Captain Nash is entitled to the commendation of our whole town for the enterprise displayed. It is of such improvements as these that prosperous, solid towns are made. "News of the City," Medford Mail, January 29, 1897, page 7 Capt. Nash ordinarily is not a gentleman who allows his wrath to get so far beyond him that it is not an easy matter to reach out and haul in sails, but when he appeared on the street Monday morning his wrath was waterlogged and would not respond to the rudder. He was just naturally hot, and there were grounds for this heated condition. He is the owner of a fine brick hotel and has recently had built a splendid cement walk about the building, and the captain prides himself in keeping things neat about his premises, and when he discovered, lined up against his nicely painted walls and new cement walk, a furrow, deep enough to plant sugar beets in, of old quids of tobacco, cigar stumps and thick molasses-colored expectorant, he was just riled "clean through and through." Just why people who feel they must use this vile weed have not enough of manhood left to respect and keep neat and clean things that are beautiful is past finding out--but without any exaggeration whatever that sidewalk was a disgusting sight Monday morning. An anti-spit law that would protect such places ought to be passed by our city council. "A Grist of Local Haps and Mishaps," Medford Mail, April 30, 1897, page 7 THE NEW HOTEL NASH.
"Our Business and
Professional People Briefly Mentioned," Medford Mail, May
28, 1897, page 3I. L. HAMILTON, PROPRIETOR.
This
hostelry is owned and partly managed by Mr. I. L. Hamilton, who is a
genial and clever gentleman. A good hotel is a haven of rest to weary
travelers. It is the temporary home of the many, and where comfort is
found, good fares served, courteous and polite attention given, it is
often with reluctance that the visitor or business man leaves it. Too
much praise can not be bestowed on the people who know how to keep a
hotel. Our host of the "Hotel Nash" answers this description,
and is a
successful hotel keeper, as is asserted by the numerous patrons he
accommodates. Bountiful fare is provided, the rooms are comfortable,
airy and cleanly kept, and in all its appointments "The Nash" is
strictly first class.
HOTEL NASH BARBER SHOP.
One
of the most necessary and convenient institutions of the times is a
well-conducted barber shop, and the one to which we refer here is well
known as one of the best arranged and most ably conducted
establishments of its kind in Medford. Its proprietors, Messrs. Bates
Bros., are artists of merit in this line. Their shop is handsomely
furnished with all modern improvements and appliances, and their bath
rooms are always neat, clean, and the best of service given.
BATES BROS., PROPRIETORS. Capt. Nash had the American flag fluttering on the breeze from the flag pole on Hotel Nash, Wednesday, in honor of the dead sailors of the battleship, and to rejoice a little because of the fact that their awful fate is to be avenged by our government. The graduating class of the Medford High School conferred like honors by hoisting the school flag. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 22, 1898, page 7 Hot baths at Hotel Nash barber shop. Medford Monitor-Miner, June 16, 1898, page 3 Capt. Nash will enlarge his hotel in a short time, so as to cover the lot adjoining on the south. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 9, 1899, page 3 Miss Lena Carter, who has been connected with Hotel Nash for some time, is stopping with her parents, who reside on Williams Creek, Josephine County. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 9, 1899, page 3 Fred Miller has been promoted to the position of Col. Hamilton's first lieutenant and is looking after the interests of the patrons of Hotel Nash in the most scientific manner. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1899, page 3 The story of how the brothers learned that all three were living is told in the following paragraphs from the Rockland (Maine) Courier-Gazette: "Capt. E. R. Nash and M. H. Nash were rendered very happy this week by receiving news from a brother whom they had supposed dead many years ago. The missing relative is J. T. C. Nash, who is now located in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon. He was East in 1863, and after disposing of certain business interests, returned to the West, where it was supposed he would resume his occupation of mining. Strange to say, however, he was never heard from although his brothers wrote to him repeatedly. After 38 years of silence on his part, it is not to be wondered at that his relatives here in Rockland mourned him as dead. "A few weeks ago, Postmasters Lovejoy received a communication from a Mrs. Nash in Oregon asking if any survivors of Thomas and Rebecca (Elwell) Nash were living in this city. He forwarded the name of Capt. E. R. Nash, and the latter received a letter from Mrs. Nash explaining that J. T. C. Nash was living and wanted to hear from his relatives if any were living. Capt. Nash was a trifle skeptical, but wrote to Mrs. Nash, and a later mail brought back a letter from Mr. Nash together with photographs of himself, wife and child. This completed the identification, and the brothers here forwarded their own photographs and are waiting for a lengthy letter containing an account of the missing brother's wanderings. This will be published in The Courier-Gazette immediately upon its receipt. "In his letter Mr. Nash, of Oregon, states that he supposed all of his relatives dead. He had read of the loss of the schooner Moses Waring in which he supposed Capt. Nash was a victim, and had also understood that M. H. Nash met death in an accident. His delight at hearing the opposite knew no bounds, and he was too agitated to write collectedly. A sister of the Nashes, Mrs. Mears Orcutt, is also living, her home being in Brookline, Mass. "Capt. E. R. Nash is the commander of the schooner Morris and Cliff, and M. H. Nash is the well-known restaurant man. Both are receiving hearty congratulations." As information to those people back in Maine The Mail will say that Capt. Nash, since leaving Maine thirty-eight years ago, has traveled all over the world, both on water and land; he has dug yellow gold from the depth of Mother Earth; he has amassed a fortune of over $50,000 and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors as a retired capitalist. In '97 he married a very fine lady, Miss Ella Brown, of Columbia City, Ind., and they are now proud parents to a boy baby, which bears the name of Elwell Crawford Nash. Medford Mail, March 2, 1900, page 6 "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 5, 1900, page 3 Capt. J. T. C. Nash last week received news from his old home in Maine for the first time in a number of years and thus learned that two brothers he had long thought dead were still in the land of the living. He had also been mourned by his family as dead. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 8, 1900, page 3 T. J. Goodwyn and C. E. Tull, of Bonanza, Klamath County, have purchased the Nash Livery Stables from Perry & Foster. The new proprietors arrived here with their families Wednesday. These gentlemen come here highly recommended, and if they prove themselves as worthy citizens as their predecessors there will never be reasons to regret their coming. Mr. Perry will remain in Medford and devote his attention to the warehouse and commission business. Mr. Foster will visit his old home at Albany, but will return to Medford later and undoubtedly make this place his home. "Additional Local Items," Medford Mail, April 6, 1900, page 6 The City of Paris Dry Goods Co. of San Francisco have on display at Nash Hotel an elegant line of millinery, tailor suits, jackets, skirts, waists, underwear, neckwear, and novelties in dress goods. Mrs. Bostwick, representing the house, invites the ladies to call. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 13, 1900, page 7 B. M. Edwards is now day clerk at Hotel Nash, he having taken Louis Warner's place. "Additional Local Items," Medford Mail, May 4, 1900, page 6 The foundations are being laid this week for the Hotel Nash annex and A. M. Helms' saloon building. The Nash annex will be 25x100 feet in size and one story high. The Helms building 25x60, one story high, both of brick. G. W. Priddy is doing the mason work. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, May 25, 1900, page 7 On and after July first I. L. (Shorty) Hamilton will again have charge of Hotel Nash. Mr. Hamilton has a great many friends on the road and among the forming population of the county who have missed him from his accustomed haunts during the last twelve months--and all will extend to him the glad hand after July first. Mr. Reeves, the retiring landlord, has proven himself a host worthy of all the compliments which have been paid him. He has not decided as yet what he will do, more than that himself and wife will rest for a few weeks--and in the meantime cast about for a business opening. S. R. Reeves, having disposed of the Hotel Nash to I. L. Hamilton, will locate in Ashland. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 14, 1900, page 3 Hotel Nash Changes Management.
On
Saturday night, June 30th, Hotel Nash changes proprietors, S. R. Reeves
retiring as proprietor and I. L. Hamilton assuming that role.
Mr. Reeves has been in charge of this popular hostelry for the past twelve months and has proven himself to be a hotel man of ability. The house has been conducted upon plans that have been inviting and, while some may have taken exception to some of Mr. Reeves' eccentricities, none can deny the fact that he has conducted the hotel in a very praiseworthy manner. The dining room has been amply supplied with the very best of everything that could possibly be secured, and served in a manner most inviting. The sleeping apartments have been kept in splendid order--the linens scrupulously clean, no dust, no litter anywhere, and the same scrupulous cleanliness has been manifest in every nook and corner of the house. Mr. Reeves is truly a neat, tidy and painstaking hotel man. In leaving Medford both Mr. Reeves and his good wife leave behind them many warm friends whom they have made since coming to our city, and all will wish them unstinted success wherever they may decide to locate. They will go from here to Ashland, there to remain a couple of months, during which time they will probably decide upon a location. Mr. Hamilton, the gentleman who will assume the responsibility of proprietor, is too well known to need a lengthy mention by us. He is one of our most able business men, having previously conducted the Nash for a number of years. He has friends in untold numbers in the city, country and on the road--all of whom will extend him the glad hand upon his return to his old position as host. He is promising that no stone will be left unturned to make the Nash as popular as any of the best hotels in the line--one such as the traveling public will enjoy stopping at. "Shorty" is one of the most congenial fellows in the whole country, and with his other excellent traits as a hotel man he is accommodating at all times--many times greatly to his own inconvenience, but 'tis his little accommodations that have made him so popular with all classes. Almost an entire change will be made in the hotel help. The night and day clerks, C. O. Ramsey and Benj. Edwards, will turn over the office keys when the proprietors change. Harry Jackson, the cook, and his wife will leave after the Fourth for a visit with relatives in the Willamette Valley, after which they will go to California to locate. Harry is a cracking fine young man, and both himself and Mrs. Jackson have made many friends in the city. The dining room girls, Misses Tessie Saltmarsh and Emma Perry, will take a vacation for a month, the former visiting relatives in the Applegate country, and the latter relatives at Eagle Point. These are two of the best girls ever found in a dining room, and the hotel that secures their services is fortunate. L. H. Settles, "Shorty's" man Friday, who has been with the hotel for a number of years, will continue in his old capacity. He is as faithful as the days are long in summertime--and the best that's going isn't too good for Friday to get a liberal sprinkling of. Medford Mail, June 29, 1900, page 6 Capt. and Mrs. J. T. C. Nash and the boy, Master Elwell Crawford Nash, left Medford Tuesday evening for Rockland, Maine, where they will visit for a couple of months. The object of their visit at this particular time is to enable Mr. Nash to be present at a grand celebration which is to take place at Rockland, which is to be what is termed an "Old Home Week" for the state and is to cover the time from August 6th to August 13th. Mr. Nash was especially invited by the governor of the state and the mayor of Rockland. It is expected that all old-time residents who have moved from the state and located elsewhere will be in attendance. It was forty years ago that Mr. Nash left the state, and he has not since stepped a foot on Maine soil. Mr. Nash has acquired a fortune in his years of mining work in the West, and there is not a man in all Oregon who gets more enjoyment out of his years of leisure and rent collections than does he--and this trip to his old home with wife and baby is one of those events in his declining years which affords more pleasure than any other--and his family enjoy it as fully as does he. The Mail hopes his fullest anticipated pleasure will be realized, but he will not find the old brindle cow he "pailed" forty years ago waiting his coming beside the garden wall. There will be some solace, however, in the fact that the bumblebees will be bumbling in the same old humble place and their stingers will be just as stinging as were their ancestors'. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, July 20, 1900, page 7 Hotel Nash has been taking on more style this week. Messrs. Weeks Bros. have put a new and much larger counter in the office--and on it is seen more of their exquisitely beautiful handiwork. It's a beauty on all sides and is another added ornament to "Shorty" and clerks Mahoney and Carver. Other improvements are being made about the hotel, chief among them being a ventilator and skylight for the kitchen, for the construction of which a contract has been let to contractor E. W. Starr. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, July 20, 1900, page 7 J. T. C. Nash and family have gone to Maine, to visit the Capt.'s old home in that state. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 26, 1900, page 2
New gutters are being built along Hotel Nash.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville,
July 30, 1900, page 3The city of Rockland [Maine] was astonished by the return of Captain John T. C. Nash, of Medford, Ore. He had not been heard from in his town for thirty-eight years, and he returned to meet two brothers who have been keeping the old home. He had been supposed to be dead for many years, and he in his turn believed that his brothers had been lost at sea. During the time that he has been in the West he has moved through all the gold-producing states and is now said to be the wealthiest man in his town. He owns the principal blocks and controls large interests. Now that he has found his people again he will spend most of the summer at the old home. "Old Homes Revisited," The New York Tribune, August 12, 1900, page 13 Among the contemplated improvements for Medford is the probability of a third story being added to Hotel Nash. The building with its present capacity is inadequate for the demands. The rooms are full every night, and many rooms in various parts of the city are used by landlord Hamilton. This is an inconvenience to patrons, as they prefer to eat and sleep under the same roof. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, September 28, 1900, page 6 Capt. J. T. C. Nash and family returned Saturday from their extended trip to Maine and other eastern states. The captain reports having had a delightful trip and a most enjoyable visit with relatives and friends whom he has not seen in forty years, but his delight at reaching home tells plainly of his preference for the Pacific Coast as an abiding place. Speaking of the return to Medford of Mr. Nash and his family the Rockland, Maine Courier says: "Myrick H. Nash returned Tuesday from Boston, where he was present at a farewell reception given to his brother, John T. C. Nash, and family, previous to their departure for their home in Medford, Oregon. The happy reunion took place at the home of Capt. E. R. Nash's daughter, Mrs. Alex B. Smith, in Quincy, Mass." "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, October 12, 1900, page 6 Capt. J. T. C. Nash is now contemplating the construction of another story to Hotel Nash. This will make the building three stories high and will add forty additional sleeping rooms to the hotel, making seventy in all. The work would have been done this fall but for the fact that we weather has set in too soon to admit it. However, the addition will be made as early as possible in the spring. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, November 2, 1900, page 7 Capt. J. T. C. Nash has sold his brick livery stable, but to whom is not written. There is a little rivalry on between two would-be buyers. R. S. Lane, of Roseburg, is one of the gentlemen who wants to buy it, and York & Wortman as well have a buyer for it. The price paid, or to be paid, is $2600. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, November 30, 1900, page 7 Hotel Nash is crowded, and landlord Hamilton is often compelled to engage rooms elsewhere for some of his customers. Another story will probably be added to the building next year. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 3, 1900, page 3 Cal. Slagle is officiating as night clerk at Hotel Nash, vice B. L. Stoner, who has taken the road for Palm, Whitman & Palm. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 24, 1901, page 3 Sherman Orton, formerly cook at Hotel Nash, has returned to Medford and accepted that position again. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 14, 1901, page 2 Jas. Eaton has resigned his position as wine clerk at the Nash Hotel bar and has been succeeded by Chas. Gay, an experienced mixologist, until recently engaged in a similar capacity for a Portland home club. Mr. Eaton expects to leave Medford soon, and will probably go to Mankato, Minnesota. "Additional Local," Medford Mail, June 14, 1901, page 6 Charley Gay is chief mixologist at the Hotel Nash bar, which position none can fill better than he. He always gives satisfaction. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 18, 1901, page 5 Capt. J. T. C. Nash returned Wednesday morning from his mining property, near Leland. He has recently purchased 120 acres of railroad land and 160 acres of government land and is opening up an immense placer mine. The land is about five miles from Leland and is near the celebrated mine which Mr. Nash sold a few years ago for a fabulous sum. Mr. Nash has had five miles of ditch surveyed and expects soon to commence work on its construction. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, July 19, 1901, page 6 Capt. J. T. C. Nash left Monday evening for his mining property, near Leland. He has let a contract for digging eight miles of ditch and the construction of a wagon road, also has lumber ordered for buildings at the mine. He expects to have water on the ground and washing dirt by the middle of January. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, August 30, 1901, page 6 Judge James Stewart has taken a position as night clerk at Hotel Nash. Legal and office business requiring his attention will be looked after during the afternoon of each day. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 27, 1901, page 7 Capt. J. T. C. Nash left Tuesday morning for his mine near Leland. He started with [a] team, taking a full complement of housekeeping necessities--evidently intending to remain several weeks. E. W. Carver has taken a position as wine clerk at the Hotel Nash bar. W. F. Taggart has taken a similar position with the Medford Distilling and Refining Company and Chas. Hay is performing like duties in W. J. King's Turf Exchange. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, October 25, 1901, page 6 Capt. Nash is at his mines in Grave Creek district. Dr. Carver is doing the grand mixologist act at the Hotel Nash bar. He is always a winner. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 31, 1901, page 2 Capt. Nash is in Grave Creek district, looking after a big mining enterprise he is inaugurating. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1902, page 4 Mrs. J. T. C. Nash will leave next week for her old home at Denver, Ind., to visit her mother, who is quite ill. She will be accompanied by her brother, who resides in California. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, March 7, 1902, page 6  Nash Hotel 1902 "City Happenings," Medford Mail, March 14, 1902, page 7 Many of our citizens are feeling unkindly towards members of the city council who were instrumental in causing the electric wires connecting Hotel Nash to be cut, and this at a time when Mr. Hamilton, the proprietor, was in Portland. Before leaving for Portland Mr. Hamilton asked Councilman Deuel, chairman of the light and water committee, to permit the lights to remain in the hotel until he returned, and he was given to understand that they would remain undisturbed until that time, but Mr. Ulrich, another member of the council, disregarded the commitments made by Mr. Deuel and on April first by his (Ulrich's) orders the wires were cut, and the hotel was left without means of lighting save by coal oil lamps. It was this act which caused Mr. Deuel to tender his resignation as councilman. Inasmuch as Mr. Ulrich is not a member of the light and water committee, his act seems to have taken on a spirit which could hardly be termed one of fairness and justice. It is hardly the mode of procedure usually adopted by men possessed with a desire to deal fairly, one with another. In view of the further fact that Mr. Hamilton has been a monthly contributor to the city fund to the extent of $27 for a number of years it would seem but right that his wishes be respected, notwithstanding the fact that he had declared his intention to remove the lights. This cutting of the wires grew out of an order made a few weeks ago requiring all owners or renters of buildings to pay for the wiring in said buildings, and the payment of the amount assessed to him was refused by Mr. Hamilton. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 11, 1902, page 7 Landlord Hamilton has put in a new coal oil gas generator lamp in the bar room of Hotel Nash. He will also put a lamp of similar make in the office and dining room. These lamps give our a splendid light, and one of them is equal to several electric lights in lighting power. One coal oil generator will afford lights for all the lower story of the hotel. "Additional Local," Medford Mail, April 18, 1902, page 6 Capt. J. T. C. Nash has found a receipt from J. C. Baird for $123, which amount was paid Mr. Baird for placing the electric light wires in Hotel Nash--and the city does not, nor never has, owned the wires in this hotel--but a councilman ordered the wires cut just the same. Mr. Hamilton has redress in this matter--he could sue the city for damages--but he will not do it. He realizes that while the city is liable for the acts of a councilman, the citizens and taxpayers are not directly responsible for mistakes they may have made or honors they have undeservedly bestowed, and he does not propose heaping upon them the expense of a law suit. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 18, 1902, page 7 Chas. Gay, the expert mixologist, officiates at Hotel Nash bar again. He succeeds E. B. Hamilton, who will go to Portland soon. Capt. Nash has been in Josephine County for several days, looking after the mining enterprise he inaugurated some time ago. He has been quite successful [in] this line, but feels that his latest venture will prove the best of them all. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 2, 1902, page 5 George Porter is now temporary night clerk at Hotel Nash--doing service while the regular clerk--Judge James Stewart--is doing some campaign work. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, May 9, 1902, page 7 Capt. Nash has returned from his Josephine County mines, which he is developing on a large scale. They will be ready for operation when the rainy season comes. Miss Tessie Saltmarsh will leave this week on an extended visit east. She has been employed at the Nash Hotel for over two years, and during that time made many friends, who will wish her a pleasant time. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 12, 1902, page 8 Hotel Nash will probably be remodeled and enlarged in the near future. Architect Palmer is drawing the plans. "Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 31, 1902, page 2
Mrs. J. T. C. Nash received telegraphic information on Tuesday of the
death at her home in Denver, Indiana, of her mother, Mrs. Rebecca
Brown. The cause of her death was cancer of the stomach.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 17, 1902, page 7 Judge Mahlon Purdin, charge d'affairs Hotel Nash, has made different arrangements all 'round. A new cook, S. L. Hampton, has been secured from San Francisco and is now in charge with Dave Gibson as helper, and Mrs. Hampton, wife of the cook, has been duly installed as head waitress. Both are experienced in their respective lines and are serving the patrons of that house in a manner most pleasing--and creditable to themselves. The hotel office has been repapered and repainted and presents a very cheerful appearance. J. W. Ling is the gentleman who has thus artistically adorned this particular part of the hotel. D. W. Crosby, as day clerk at this hostelry, is doing everything possible to make the guests comfortable--and he is succeeding admirably in his undertaking. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, December 19, 1902, page 7 Landlord Ragsdale is doing some improving at the Hotel Nash. He has torn out the partition between the room formerly occupied by Bates Bros. and the other sample room next door, and intends making a billiard and pool parlor thereof. Only two tables, one billiard and one pool table, will be put in now, but there will be room enough for another as the business demands it. The new room will be handsomely painted and papered and will be second to none in their appointments. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 25, 1903, page 7  Captain Nash was born in Knox County, Me., March 31, 1833, and when ten years old put to sea as a cabin boy on the ship of his father, Capt. Thomas Nash. The latter was also a native of Maine, as was also his wife, Rebecca (Elwell) Nash, the mother of four sons and three daughters, of whom John T. C. was the second. Capt. Thomas Nash began at the bottom round of the ladder in a sailing vessel, advancing to the position of able seaman, finally assuming command of the ship, upon which his death occurred when his son John T. C. was eighteen years old. True to teaching and example, the latter also advanced in nautical lore, took kindly to the freedom-loving existence, and courted rather than shunned danger and adventure. In 1848 he became mate of the William Jarvis, and in 1849 was quartermaster on the steamer Philadelphia. Some time prior to coming to the Pacific coast Captain Nash was employed on the Mississippi River, sailing the steamer Lyon until it was blown up. Later he sailed the steamer New Guatemala between New Orleans and Havana, Cuba. For a time thereafter he mined in California, but soon returned to his former business and had charge of the steamer Patagonia, plying between Valparaiso and London, England. This was followed by a return to California, where he was employed in the mines until placed in command of the clipper ship Silver Sea Wing, running from Valparaiso to Manila. He made two voyages. The captain has had many narrow escapes from a watery grave. At one time he was off Cape Horn in a terrible storm, during which the ship was [dismasted] and the rudder lost. Later the ship came into port with nothing but her lower sails and a jury rudder, which had been improvised from a barrel of water. Another narrow escape occurred off Cape Hatteras, when everything above deck was swept into the sea, and but for the timely arrival of another ship everyone would have been drowned. In 1850 Captain Nash first touched western shores as quartermaster of the sailing bark Illinois, having rounded the Horn and reached San Francisco just as the mining excitement was at its highest point. Quitting his ship, he engaged in placer mining on the Yuba River, and in 1852 took advantage of the exodus to Minnesota, Cal., where fortunes were supposed to await all who journeyed hither. A year later he went with renewed confidence in golden reports to Gold Lake, but for a year looked in vain for the wealth he had so fondly hoped for. These disappointments caused renewed faith in the occupation of sailing, and the year 1855 found him again in Maine, where he purchased a sailing craft called the Shenandoah, of which he became commander, and contracted to carry rock for the government to Staten Island. In 1857 he sold his vessel and came to the West by way of the Isthmus, engaging in mining at Monte Cristo, the following year going to La Porte, Cal., and later to Bald Mountain, at that time yielding large amounts of gold, but which has since then been phenomenally remunerative. He was the fortunate discoverer of the Yankee mine in 1859, upon which he erected a mill, but finally sold it, becoming identified in a similar capacity with the Black Bear mine in Siskiyou County, which he also sold, but which is still being operated. During 1859 Captain Nash returned to the East via the Isthmus of Panama and in 1860 was again in California, mining there and in the Boise Basin, Idaho, in the Caribou district, and in other parts of the Northwest. During the early days of the mining excitement in Idaho, Captain Nash, with a party of five other men, went on a prospecting tour, and while in the Green River country a band of one hundred wild Indians attacked them. When the Indians were within two hundred yards the men opened fire upon them, causing a lively retreat on the part of the Indians. About thirty Indians and horses were killed, and this so incensed the Indians that they renewed their attack upon the white men, who were saved with one exception, owing to the fleetness of their American horses. Picking up their dead comrade they carried him on a pack horse until they were out of danger, and then buried him. In his mining experiences Captain Nash was successful beyond his expectations, and in 1865 returned to California and mined in Trinity County until 1886. Near Riddles, Douglas County, he engaged in farming on four hundred acres of land for one year, during which time he continued to mine and prospect on Cow Creek, where he opened and developed the Victory mine, which has proved quite remunerative. Retiring from the farm, he located in Medford, as heretofore stated, and has since made this place his home. October 14, 1897, Captain Nash was united in marriage with Miss Ella Brown, a native of Columbia City, Ind., and a daughter of Daniel Brown, who lived and died in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Nash have one son, Elwell Crawford, born May 27, 1899. Fraternally the captain is widely known and is associated with Blue Lodge No. 103, A.F.&A.M., and the Royal Arch Chapter of Jacksonville. In national politics he is a Republican, and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Hale and hearty and good-natured, Captain Nash is a typical pioneer, broad-minded, liberal and humane, and with a fine capacity for making and keeping friends. In his travels Captain Nash has been around the world once by water, has visited all the large cities in the world, and been in all the seaports from Alaska to Cape Horn on the Pacific, and from Cape Horn to Prince Edward Island on the Atlantic. The last ship which he sailed on was the clipper ship Pride of the Ocean, in the service of the East India trade. Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, page 735. The Pride of the Ocean, a 1,400-ton clipper, in 1854 was one of the five ships that carried England's 17th Lancers from Portsmouth to the Crimea--and the Charge of the Light Brigade. HOTEL NASH IMPROVEMENTS
Medford
can now boast of a first-class hotel in every respect, just as good a
stopping place as there is anywhere between Portland and San Francisco.
When Dr. J. F. Reddy took charge of the hotel he inaugurated a campaign
of general cleaning up and refurnishing, the results of which are
manifest at the present writing.
Every bedroom in the house has been repapered, repainted and refurnished. The floors of the halls have been covered with heavy matting and the walls all cleaned and papered. Every bit of old furniture has been removed from the rooms, and new iron bedsteads, of the most approved modern pattern, take the place of the old wooden bedsteads. New springs, new mattresses and new bedding have been placed in every room. The chairs, dressers, washstands, wash bowls, etc., are all new, and a general air of newness prevails all over the house. The furniture for the parlor has not arrived yet, it having been necessary to have it made to order. It will be of antique oak of the "Old Mission" style, as will also be the five dozen rockers ordered for the rooms. Every outside room in the house, except two, has a stove in it. They are large, light and airy and good for anyone. The inside rooms have received the same care and attention as the outside ones, and are just as neat, comfortable and pleasant as it is possible to make them. In the "annex," in the Wilkinson building on D Street, Dr. Reddy, has fitted up ten rooms, which are furnished on the same general plan of the main hotel. The building has been generally renovated and so improved as to be almost unrecognizable to people who knew it in days gone by. On the lower floor of the annex a sample room is being fitted, and this will give the hotel three large and commodious sample rooms for the accommodation of commercial men. Dr. Reddy is deserving of great credit for his efforts toward giving Medford a first-class hotel. The amount expended in these improvements has been considerable, but the result is one to be proud of. Medford Mail, February 10, 1905, page 1 Jos. Duhamel now has charge of the desk at the Hotel Nash. Miss Mamie Ragsdale, who has had charge of that part of the hostelry during the past several months, has made a host of friends, who will miss her as day clerk, but the genial Joseph will fill the place acceptably to all. "Additional Local," Medford Mail, February 17, 1905, page 3 This week the Hotel Nash changed hands, C. H. Edmunds having purchased the interest of Dr. J. F. Reddy, comprising a majority of the stock of the Hotel Nash Co. Mr. Edmunds will conduct the hotel in person and intends making it a first-class hostelry in everything the name implies. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, August 18, 1905, page 5 The new barroom of the Hotel Nash was formally opened Thursday afternoon. This department of the hostelry has been moved to the room formerly used as a billiard room, which room has been entirely refitted in the "Old Mission" style, giving it a handsome and unique appearance. The room formerly occupied by the bar will be fitted up in the same style as an office and lobby and will be connected with the present office by a large archway, throwing the two rooms into one. The "Mission" style will be followed throughout the first floor of the hotel. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 22, 1905, page 5 Among the prospective improvements which are booked for commencement early next spring it may be mentioned, authoritatively, that two additional stories will be built to the Hotel Nash. Capt. Nash, who is now here, has made a statement to the effect that this work will surely be done and that it is only the inclement weather which may be expected at this season of the year which prevents him from going ahead with the project this fall. It is also currently rumored, and authoritatively told, that three of Medford's men with money and a Portland capitalist have perfected arrangements for the erection of a $40,000 hotel in this city in the spring. The site for this structure has not as yet been decided upon, but there are said to be a number from which to select. Should all these additional hotel accommodations be given Medford there surely ought not to be reason for complaint from visitors because there is not room to properly house them. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 13, 1905, page 5 C. H. Edmonds:--"You keep your eye on Hotel Nash. Just watch her grow next spring. Capt. Nash, the owner, has promised Dr. Reddy and myself that he will make all kinds of additions to the building another season. Here is the plan as the Captain has it mapped out: What are now inside rooms on the ground floor are to be removed entirely, and all this center made into a large sitting room. Two more stories will be added and a four-story electric elevator will be put in. There will be no inside rooms in these two stories, as the entire center will be an open court. The rooms will be in suites, and each suite will have a bath in connection. This change above will in no way interfere with the improvements now being made about the office and lobby.You will notice, if you look, that all the improvements and changes which are now being made are very substantial and indicate a permanency--especially pleasing to Dr. Reddy and myself--which have a time lease on the building. Yes, business is good--first-class--and when we get straightened a little we will be in better shape to give proper attention to our many guests." "Street Echoes," Medford Mail, November 3, 1905, page 1 A FINE OFFICE
Dr.
J. F. Reddy, one of the members of the hotel company, has a
well-equipped office, centrally situated, in [which] he will conduct a
mining business and general brokerage. Mining is Dr. Reddy's long suit,
and he is never quite happy or content unless he has from one to a
dozen big mining deals in hand.
In another part of the hotel lobby, Mrs. Updike has a stenographer's office, in which she is busy almost constantly, taking notes and doing typewriting for the guests of the house and for any others who may need such work. She is said to be very accurate and thorough in both these branches of office work. The recent improvements made in the interior of the Hotel Nash have added greatly to its convenience and appearance. The enlargement of the office has particularly helped in this. There is now ample office room for all purposes, made by throwing the old office and what was formerly the barroom into one large room connected by an archway. The Mission style of architecture has been followed here, as in other parts of the house--the chairs, desks and wainscoting of the room being finished in the plain, dark wood effects peculiar to the Mission designs. Landlord Edmunds is determined that he will have as comfortable and up-to-date a hostelry as there is in any city of Medford's size in the state, and he seems to be going at things in a way that gives assurance of his success. When other contemplated improvements are made, this city will have a hotel to be proud of. In mentioning the interior furnishings of the office the matter of the manufacture of the desk and other furnishings should not be omitted. All the office and bar fixtures were manufactured by Weeks Bros., at their factory in Phoenix, most of it from Oregon woods. It is a piece of work that will pass muster in any country, and one of which the builders may justly be proud. The carpenter and reconstruction work generally was done by the Iowa Lumber & Box Company, G. L. Schermerhorn, superintendent. Medford Mail, November 17, 1905, page 1 It is again being talked around that the Nash Hotel is to be enlarged some more. As it is impossible for the building to spread out any more on the ground, this time the expansion is going to be upward--and two stories will be put on this spring unless street talk has again been mistaken. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, January 26, 1906, page 5 A change took place in the management of the Hotel Nash on Friday last. P. J. McMahon, of Spokane, took over the interest of Harry Edmunds in the Hotel Nash Co. and will assume charge of the hotel on his return from Spokane, where he has gone to settle some business affairs. Mr. McMahon has had long experience in the hotel business. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 13, 1906, page 5 Capt. Nash, who is in Medford from Berkeley, Calif., is figuring on building a third story to Hotel Nash. The addition will be made if a sale of the property which is now contemplated should not be perfected. Should the sale not be made Mr. Nash will improve the property in several ways and will then take it off of the market. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, June 8, 1906, page 5 ADDITIONS TO HOTEL NASH
Definite plans have been drawn and arrangements made for substantial
and long-needed additions to the Hotel Nash building. The additions
will take the form of a third story of brick, complete with all modern
improvements, and will give Medford a hotel somewhat commensurate with
its size and importance.
HOTEL NASH OF THE PRESENT.The third story will contain a central court, twenty-two rooms and six bathrooms, and will bring the total of rooms in the hotel up to sixty. There has been a crying need for adequate hotel facilities in Medford for some time, but with the improvements on the Nash and the completion of the Moore building, on the west side, the shortage will be relieved for a time, at least. The contract has been awarded to G. L. Schermerhorn, which fact is a guarantee of first-class work. Medford Mail, September 21, 1906, page 1 Contractor G. L. Schermerhorn is getting along finely with his work of putting a third story on Hotel Nash. This was a big undertaking, especially as it was necessary to build up the walls, put in the floors and ceilings of the third story and at the same time be in a position to at all times make sure that there was a roof over the two lower stories. He has successfully accompanied this, and during the rain showers a few days since no water went below the third story. The job is unquestionably praiseworthy, and Mr. Schermerhorn is entitled to all kinds of credit--as it also his able band of workmen. The outside work on the building is nearing completion, and it will not be many weeks until the capacity of the Nash will be nearly doubled. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, October 19, 1906, page 4 P. W. Waschau is again in charge of the Hotel Nash Cafe. As a caterer to the tastes and fancies of the traveling public there is no person better qualified than is Mr. Waschau. He has had years of experience in this work in Chicago and other eastern cities, and it is this experience and his own natural turn in preparing dainty and tempting viands which so well fits him for the position he now has. The cafe will hereafter be run on the European plan. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, January 4, 1907, page 5 Mayor J. F. Reddy: "Yes, sir: I guess Medford is going some, and the Hotel Nash is not far behind the bandwagon. You may not believe me when I tell you that a 'stock ticker' has been installed in the Nash, but such is the case. There is getting to be so much dealing in stocks--Joe Bar, Bodger, Bloomfield, Crater Lake Railroad, and many other kinds of dope--that it became necessary to institute the 'ticker' system in order to keep tab on the rise and fall of stocks. I'll tell you it's going to be a great thing, especially when we get a street railway system, a railroad to the coal mine and have all these enterprises incorporated and the stocks on the market. I'll be there is not another town the size of Medford that gets the stock quotations right from the wire. No sir. How long have we had the 'ticker'? Well, we put it in on the first of April." "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 5, 1907, page 5  Nash Hotel circa 1907
In
the Hotel Nash the city of Medford can boast of one of the best
hostelries to be found in the state of Oregon, outside of Portland.
This popular hotel has recently received quite an addition to its
already fine equipment, in the shape of another story, which gives the
hotel fifty fine rooms for guests, in addition to a number for the help
employed.
Landlord P. J. McMahon piloted a Mail representative through the big establishment Tuesday, pointing out the extensive improvements which had been made, and the said representative found everything as neat and attractive as could be desired. Mr. McMahon, assisted by Mrs. McMahon, went to much pains and trouble to furnish the new part of the hotel in a very neat and comfortable manner. They studied the color scheme, fitting each room or suite with elegant Brussels carpet, with the tinting on the walls and ceiling to match, making the rooms present a most pleasing sight to the guests. Each room has substantial furnishings, the iron bedsteads, quartered oak or birdseye maple furniture adding much to the appearance. Neat, well-appointed toilet rooms are conveniently arranged, and hot and cold water are to be had in each room. Several suites are connected with individual bathrooms. Each room is on the outside, thus ensuring plenty of light and ventilation, and each has elegant lace curtains, while the tired guests will greatly appreciate comfortable thirty-pound mattresses and the strong steel bedsprings. Call bells are to be found in each room, and nothing is lacking to add to the comfort and convenience of the fortunate guests. 
The reporter was impressed with the idea that landlord McMahon had left
nothing undone that might add to the comforts of the traveling public.
As one enters the nice long hallways separating the rows of rooms, and
finds everything so neat and clean, he is struck with this thought and
then as he goes from room to room he sees nothing to change his
impression. In case of fire, ample provision has been made for the
safety of the guests, a fire escape having been arranged from the room
of the big hostelry, and, scattered throughout the building, are to be
found many "Patrol Fire Extinguishers," which will render invaluable
assistance in quelling the flames, should a fire break out.On the top of the big hotel is an ideal spot for one of those "roof gardens," the arrangement of the structure being such as to afford ample room for such a pleasure resort. Landlord McMahon may conclude to inaugurate such an innovation. Then, too, one obtains a magnificent view of the scenery roundabout this favored valley from the top of the hotel. This is to be found in few other places. This promises to be a popular retreat for sightseeing guests. The news-gatherer found nothing wanting in the large hotel that might add to the comforts of its many guests, and he could easily perceive why the patronage of this place has been constantly on the increase, under its present efficient management. Certain it is that Medford has in the Hotel Nash a hostelry of which it may well be proud, and one which will reflect much credit upon this entire community. Medford Mail, April 19, 1907, page 1 New Craft for the Captain.
Our
townsman, Capt. Nash, for many years of his life trod the quarterdeck
of an ocean "greyhound." He became such an expert at the helm that he
could dash into port with a full head of steam under "4 bells," and
amid the various crafts about him, bring his boat "up a-standing"
beside the wharf without the slightest jar. A few days ago he undertook
to manage his new automobile. He was returning home from a country
tour. As several neighbor ladies were standing on the C Street side,
admiring the captain's skill of management, he felt justified in
exceeding the speed limit. He passed them swiftly just where the road
turns into his barn, and in attempting to give them a graceful salute
the "helm" slipped in his hand, the machine made a straight dive for a
20-inch pine tree on the road side--the captain tells best, but he
says--"I pulled her hard aport, but got hold of the wrong rigging, and
she veered most heavily--I tried to shut off steam, but again pulled
the wrong lever, and she struck that tree 'cher bim' [sic] and up she
went
until she stood on her beam end, and left me setting just abaft the
binnacle, wondering what had happened. In my excitement, and forgetting
what kind of a craft I had in charge, I cried out 'down with the top
mast! yare lower! lower! Bring her to try the main course! Heh fly the
jib sheets! Take in the top sail etc. to etc.' Then I realized that I
was on land. My auto was standing on end with her nose sticking up in
that tree--give me a ship for safety, every time."
Medford Mail, October 18, 1907, page 4 When we stepped off the Pullman car at Medford [in 1908], we had only to cross the street in the mud in the rain to reach the old three-story Nash Hotel (now the Robinson building) with its flossy bar, the most attractive room in the hostelry. Seeing twenty-dollar gold pieces being tossed on the bar for drinks was a sight for a twelve-year-old boy to remember. Cowboys and other ranch hands, who received the current monthly wage of $30 per month with board and bunk, would tie their horses to the hitching rack in front and saunter into the hotel bar or one of several others in a two-block area on Front Street, known as "Saloon Row." Payday was the one night of the month for them to howl, and they would ride out of town the next day dead broke and with a hangover. Some of them went so far as to sell their horses and gear for as little as $25 for one more night in town. They would walk back to the ranch sadder but wiser after a gay weekend of drinking, dancing and getting acquainted with some of the girls in the brothels. Let it be said that it took the town officials ten more years to get around to the closing of those places of business in the white slave traffic. Medford appeared to us to be an up and coming town after our quiet, dying Wisconsin village. [pages 15-16] So many eastern college dropouts hit our town during the boom that even with double prices they kept the old Nash Hotel filled to capacity. These gay young blades would appear about noontime for a light breakfast and usually spent their afternoons leaning on the hotel bar getting oiled up for all sorts of hijinks at night. One of them drove a red Stutz Bearcat roadster, and a playmate drove a blue Mercer roadster. Luckily for these two young alcoholics, there was no suitable road for them to have a race. Just viewing these sports cars parked near the hotel made us drool with envy. "Peaches," the gorgeous, buxom, blonde cigar counter girl, and the two young women who were the Hotel Nash dining room orchestra, did right well by marrying sons of wealthy eastern parents, who were among the numerous playboys. Some of the parents, for reasons unknown, seemed to prefer sending monthly checks to their wild offspring to keep them well away from home. They were truly a devil-may-care group, these "young remittance men on the Rogue." In some cases the social-climbing parents had objected to the girl they left behind. [page 29] George W. Vilas, Tales of a Rogue Valley Rogue, 1974 The room formerly occupied by Miller & Ewbank as a meat market, in the Nash block, is being fitted up for a restaurant. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail, March 19, 1909, page 6 The Bates brothers yesterday sold to Clarence Noe and Homer Woods their barber shop at the Nash Hotel. The new owners will taken possession on or about the first of October. Medford Mail, October 1, 1909, page 5 Captain Nash has under consideration the matter of adding an additional two stories over the south portion of the Nash Hotel building. whether or not this work will be done at once will depend upon certain matters that have not yet been decided. This will make a five-story building of that portion of the hotel, and shows the trend of activity and development in Medford. Medford Mail, October 8, 1909, page 1 The extra stories were never added. TO REMODEL HOTEL NASH AT ONCE
Johnson Buys Half Interest for $15,000--Will Enlarge Building and Install Latest Conveniences
W.
E. Johnson of Spokane and Goldfield, Nev. has purchased from Dr. J. P.
Reddy a half interest in the Hotel Nash, famed up and down the coast as
one of the best hostelries outside the larger cities. The price paid
was $15,000. Extensive improvements and alterations are planned for the
immediate future, and every effort will be made to give Medford the
finest hotel that any city of its size can boast of.
144 HOTCAKES EVERY TIME THE BATCH
IS DONEMr. Johnson is a well-known hotel man and will have absolute control of the property. He has conducted hotels in Ritzville, Sprague, Spokane and other northwest cities and brings to his new task a ripened experience and qualifications possessed by few, for the successful hotel man is born not made. It is said that more money can be lost in a hotel than any other business, and the successful innkeeper is a rare bird. Among the improvements that will be made in time for the spring rush is the enlargement of the cafe, which will be extended to include the present kitchen. A modern kitchen, equipped in up-to-date manner, with latest appliances for the practice of the culinary art in its perfection, will be added on ground recently leased, adjoining the present kitchen, which will include pantry, refrigerator plant, etc. To Add Sixteen Rooms.
The
present hotel building is
L-shaped above the first floor. This vacant space will be built up
solid, providing 16 additional suites of rooms, which will be equipped
with baths, toilets and modern furniture. A false roof above the
present roof providing an air chamber between will probably be
constructed to cool the upper rooms during the summer months.When completed the cafe will have the finest dining room south of Portland. Music will be a regular feature for dinners, and the cafe will be kept open until midnight. Many other improvements are contemplated, which will keep the hotel as much in advance of the city as it has been in the past. It has been for several years a most desirable feature and advertisement for the community and has been the means of keeping in Medford many people who otherwise would have invested elsewhere, for nothing disgusts the man of means as much as poor hotel accommodations. With the new Nash and the Moore, Medford can continue to boast of its hotel accommodations, ahead of every city in Oregon outside of Portland. Mr. Johnson leaves for San Francisco to discuss improvements with Captain Nash, owner of the building, as soon as the road is open for traffic. Mr. Johnson has been in charge of the hotel for the past month and is satisfied that Medford is to be the metropolis of southern Oregon. Medford Daily Tribune, January 21, 1909, page 1 During Breakfast Hours Hotel Nash Can Now Supply 10,800 Hotcakes or Enough for 3600 Guests
One
hundred and forty-four hotcakes at one time, on the same stove, done to
a crisp at the same moment! Or enough in two minutes to supply 48
people their breakfast dish. Now how would you like to mix the batter
for all the hotcakes this range could supply during the breakfast hour
at the Nash--from 6:30 to 9 a.m.? Two minutes to a batch, and one has
time to cook 75 batches. To a batch 144 cakes, or a total of 10,800
hotcakes, or enough for 3600 people. Now how would you like to eat 'em
all?
Yet this is what could happen in the Hotel Nash by using their large new range. It is 12 feet long and three feet wide, giving a total of 36 square feet of cooking surface, thus making it possible to cook 144 hotcakes at one time. Manager Johnson of the hotel, as one of the first steps towards improving the hostelry, ordered this immense range from manager Bigham of the Medford Hardware Company. It arrived on Tuesday morning and will be installed immediately. The new range is a Grand Niagara. It has three fireboxes and weighs 2060 pounds. It is the most complete and modern range in the city. Increased business at the Nash has made it a necessity. The hood to carry off the heat and smoke is a tremendous affair and was built in the tin shop of the Medford Hardware Company. Medford Daily Tribune, February 23, 1909, page 1 The Hotel Nash yesterday installed a new 12-foot Joesting & Schilling cooking range, which was secured for them from St. Paul by the Medford Hardware Company. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail, February 26, 1909, page 5 Medford's hotels, rooming houses and the like were never before so crowded with newcomers as they are at the present time. The Moore, the Nash and a host of rooming houses never before were doing as great a business. People have been turned away often or rooms found for them on the outside. The restaurants in the city are filled each day, and everything indicates that the present rate of business will increase as the summer comes on with the influx of people from the East. "I only wish that the Nash was twice its present size," states manager Johnson. "We are crowded every day and are forced to send people to other places because we have not the accommodations for them." All the other men in this line of business have the same story to tell. People are coming by every train and must be cared for. The local business men are reaping a harvest. The Nash some time since planned the erection of an addition [to] the "L" in the interior, providing 16 additional suites, with baths, but there has been no sign of building as yet. Neither has the Hotel Moore extended to the corner as once contemplated, the owner holding it more valuable for business purposes than for hotel. Mr. Moore, however, will provide a suitable site for a fine hotel on the West Side, and is understood to be figuring along these lines with capitalists. Excerpt, "Hotels Jammed with Newcomers," Medford Daily Tribune, April 1, 1909, page 1 E. J. Harrington has just completed the steam heat system at the Nash Hotel, and all the guests are rejoicing at the comfort the new system is affording. The steam was turned on Monday evening, and there was not a hitch in the entire system. With this addition of steam heat, the Nash is one of the most modern hotels in the state, and the management is to be commended for the public spirit exhibited in making such modern improvements. "Personal and Local," Medford Mail Tribune, December 21, 1910, page 7 CAPTAIN NASH IS ON VISIT TO
MEDFORD
Captain
J. T. C. Nash is here from his home in Berkeley, California. Captain
Nash is well known in Medford. He is the owner of Hotel Nash, and he is
here on one of his twice-a-year visits in the interests of his
property. While here he will consult with the hotel people and several
contractors regarding coming improvements and embellishments in the
hotel lobby.Captain Nash is an interesting personality, and is full of reminiscences of the West and the sea. He was long a sea captain, where he won his title. Medford Sun, December 27, 1910, page 1 Hotel Nash
The
Hotel Nash, the pioneer hotel of the city, continues to hold its own
with the trade, despite the fact that larger and new hotels have been
erected during the year in the city. The Nash for many years was the
leading hotel of the city, and its lobby was a favorite gathering place
for the business men of Medford. It was widely known over the Pacific
coast. This hotel continues to attract a large amount of trade as it
has recently been remodeled throughout, its interior being redecorated.
A large modern heating plant has been arranged.
The Nash is operated by J. D. Bell and J. T. Sheridan, both experienced hotel men. Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1912, page B4 Medford papers state that the Nash Grill of that place has closed its doors owing to lack of business. "Local News," Jacksonville Post, March 21, 1914, page 3 The exterior painting of the Nash Hotel has been completed. The changed appearance will result in other property owners applying paint to business blocks. "Local and General," Medford Mail Tribune, May 5, 1915, page 2  June 15, 1916 Medford
Sun
John T. Nash Passes Away
Captain
John T. Nash, aged 85 years, former well-known prominent citizen of
Medford, pioneer sea captain, California miner, builder of the Nash
Hotel, died at his home in Berkeley, Calif. Sunday evening. News of his
death came to Medford Monday morning in the shape of a telegram to L.
B. Brown, brother-in-law of the captain, from his sister Ella B. Nash,
the widow, who stated that the remains would arrive in Medford Tuesday
evening and requested that Mr. Brown make arrangements for the funeral
here Wednesday afternoon.
Captain Nash only returned home to Berkeley last Friday, after two weeks spent in Medford. He seemed exceptionally hale and hearty for one of his years while here, though close friends observed that his health was failing. At the depot last week while waiting for his train to return to Berkeley, Captain Nash was seized with a bad heart attack and had to be assisted on board the train. At that time he thought he would be all right after leaving this climate. Captain Nash was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was affiliated with the Royal Arch chapter of this city. Jacksonville Post, May 19, 1917, page 1 A deal has just been completed by which the Page-Dressler Realty Company closed a lease on the former Nash Hotel dining room fronting on 112 East Main Street between the hotel barber shop and the Postal Telegraph Company office and is remodeling the quarters into one of the finest real estate offices in southern Oregon. The company will move into its new quarters Sept. 1st from its old location at 320 East Main Street. "Page-Dressler Co. in New Quarters," Medford Mail Tribune, August 22, 1919, page 3 NASH HOTEL IS SOLD TO W. L. MILLER
W.
L. Miller, Medford baseball manager and realtor, bought the Nash Hotel
yesterday from J. W. Goswick for a cash consideration reported to be
$18,000.
The Nash is one of Southern Oregon's best-known hotels and has been in business ever since it was built back in 1886. Its pick, shovel and prospector's pan weather vane has seen Medford grow from almost nothing and has passed through many different hands. Goswick bought it from Jim Bell, who managed it for many years but was forced to sell on account of ill health and will go to Arizona. Mr. Miller will continue in the real estate business with the firm of Bennett and Miller. No changes will be made in the management of the hostelry, he says. Medford Daily News, July 28, 1927, page 1 BARNUM HOTEL SOLD; $65,000 PRICE
IS NAMED
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Goswick Purchasers--New Owners Plan Alterations and New Name--Deal Pending for Week.
Following
a week or more of negotiations, the Barnum Hotel and apartments on
North Front Street was sold today by W. S. Barnum to Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Goswick for a consideration made public at $65,000. The new owners have
taken possession and, according to present plans, will make
improvements within a year, with the purpose of eventually changing the
apartment house into a hotel, for which it was originally constructed.
The house contains 67 rooms, divided into 27 apartments, all of which are rented. It was constructed in 1915 by Mr. Barnum for a hotel, and at present has numerous hotel improvements. It is four stories high [and] is constructed of high-grade brick, making an attractive building, and is located directly across from the Southern Pacific railroad depot. Up until a month ago, Mr. and Mrs. Goswick were the proprietors of the Hotel Nash, the lease of which they sold to L. W. Miller, who is now managing it, and had been thinking of purchasing the Barnum building for some time. Both are veterans in the hotel business, having owned and operated hotels in Portland, The Dalles and Roseburg before coming to Medford. They plan to change the name of the business, but will continue to run under the present name until the establishment has been changed into a hotel. Medford Mail Tribune, September 12, 1927, page 1 NEW
IMPROVEMENT TO ALLEN HOTEL
The Allen Hotel, formerly known as the Nash Hotel and one of the
landmarks of southern Oregon, was opened Sunday under the new personal
management of Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Allen. The famous old building has
been extensively improved, and is due for even more complete renovation
in the near future.
A beautiful marquee, illuminated with neon, is being constructed, and will be supplemented in the front by an awning. A new hot water heater has also been installed, with shower baths in nearly every suite, and the old skylights will be replaced by new fireproof lights. Fire warnings on both floors and safety locks on every door are parts of the remodeling project. Telephones will be installed in every room, and a seventy-foot aerial will be installed for radio service. The lounges will be improved, and many of the rooms will be redecorated. Mr. and Mrs. Allen, who owned and operated the Ashland Hotel for the past several years, disposing of it last year, need no introduction in southern Oregon. Mr. Allen, who is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks, the Masonic bodies and the Shrine, is a booster for the community and is trying to make the site one of the most attractive corners in Medford. The hotel will still be identified by the age-old pick and shovel weather vane surmounting the building's cornerpiece. Medford Mail Tribune, September 2, 1935, page 6 Last revised May 18, 2012
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