Extensive preparations are being made for celebrating the completion of the Jacksonville-Medford railroad on New Year's Day. Buildings are being decorated, and the town will be illuminated and lighted with bonfires in the evening. There will be public speaking and a grand ball at the U.S. Hotel. The train that runs through on that day will be gaily decorated with evergreens and flags, and everywhere the important event will be heralded with unbounded enthusiasm and rejoicing. Anvils will be fired and bells rung, and flags flying from every staff and steeple in the town.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1891, page 2


    An engine from the "Oregonian" road arrived at Medford the first of the week, to be used on the Jacksonville branch, having been leased for that purpose. It is too heavy for the road, and a lighter one from the U.P.R.R. was sent out from Portland yesterday.
    The people who are building the Jacksonville branch railroad have been experiencing some of the troubles and annoyances that go to offset the advantages and pleasures of the managers of the big railroads of the country. In the hurry necessary to get the road put through and ready for operation by the first day of January of this our new year, the engine was started over the track toward Jacksonville Tuesday on a roadbed which has not yet been made solid by the required ballasting. The engine in use is a heavier one than should be used, and the first trouble of the management was the ditching of the engine. Of course there was nothing serious about the accident except the delay it occasioned, but that was a serious matter for the builders of the road. After much trouble, the engine was placed on the rails all right again by Wednesday morning.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1891, page 3


    The Jacksonville-Pacific--our railroad--did not get here on the first of January, and public enthusiasm has fallen several degrees. However the new contractors have taken hold of the enterprise with a view that warrants the belief that the road will soon be completed.
    Miss Laura Harrison, our obliging telegraphic manager, is studying stenography under the direction of Miss Kate Lemburger and is making good progress.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 2


    G. L. Davis and M. H. Huff have formed a co-partnership and will put in a fine line of groceries. They have rented the building formerly occupied by D. T. Pritchard.
    C. C. Ragsdale has leased the Clarendon Hotel and has already taken charge of it. C. C. Is a businessman and a good rustler and will no doubt make a success as landlord of this popular house.
    Several new crossings have been built across the street--an improvement very badly needed.
    The following ticket was nominated at a convention held in the opera house Tuesday evening: Mayor, G. W. Howard; councilmen, A. A. Davis, J. W. Short, F. M. Plymale, Frank Galloway; recorder, J. H. Faris; Treas., G. H. Haskins; marshal, H. G. Nicholson. The election takes place next Tuesday.
    The side track from the main track to the distillery is now completed and work has already begun on the buildings. They will be pushed as fast as lumber can be had.
    John Edwards, who was so badly injured in a sawmill near here some time ago, is improving rapidly and it is hoped that he will fully recover.
    The Medford Roller Mills, which have been closed for a week past for repairs, started again Monday morning. They are now running on full time.
    Born--In Medford, Jan. 5th, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Sears, a daughter.
Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 2


    The railroad company is putting in a spur track for the new distillery company at a point about half a mile north of the Medford depot.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3


    Mayor G. W. Howard, of Medford, has been in town a day or two this week on insurance business.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3


    The Medford Mail says Central Point wants a newspaper, and the Times says Medford is to have a Democratic sheet in the near future.
    Peter Henderson, of Medford, has been experimenting recently with a 4-candle miniature incandescent electric light, which proved so satisfactory that he will equip his shop with a number of them.--[Times.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3


    The Jacksonville-Medford railroad builders have had good weather for their work since New Year's Day.
    An engine from the U.P. road arrived for the Jacksonville branch road this week. It is a little lighter than the one that has been on the road for several weeks, but it, too, is heavier than it should be for the track. McCarthy in passing Medford noticed a familiar look about the machine, and found it to be an engine he had run on the O.R.&N. road eight or nine years ago.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3




    Now that the distillery project is assured the farmers should not let the enterprise fall through for lack of their support. Corn is in demand and will continually be in demand and farmers should plant large fields of it. The market will be strictly a cash one and cannot be flooded.--[Medford Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3


MERRIMAN--In Medford, Jan. 12th, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. George Merriman, a son.
HALL-OWEN--At Medford, Oregon, Jan. 8th, 1891, Mr. J. C. Hall and Miss Mabel C. Owen, Rev. M. A. Williams officiating.
Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Frank Conley, who brought the large C.P. engine to Medford to make the trial trip over the new railroad, returned with it to Portland last week.
    The contract for the immediate construction of a neat, substantial depot building and warehouse, at this place, for the Jacksonville & Medford railroad, has been let to Chris. Ulrich by Honeyman and DeHart, half owners in the road.
    The first train over the Medford & Jacksonville railroad reached Jacksonville last Friday evening, January 16, 1891, and marks one of the most important events in the history of the place. The citizens were not aware that Friday had been set as the day for the trial trip, and when the engine's whistle awoke the echoes of the evergreen hills that surround Jacksonville and the train rushed into town, people ran from their houses, the school was dismissed, everyone hurried to the train and a scene of the most joyous excitement prevailed. Anvils were fired, bells were run, mill whistles were opened, and the enthusiastic crowd sent forth cheer after cheer. On board the train was J. D. Howell, one of the contractors, Hon. J. D. Whitman, W. I. Vawter, G. W. Howard, C. K. Fronk, P. B. O'Neil, Dave Miller, Newell Harlan, editor of the Mail, and many other prominent citizens of Medford. About 2 o'clock the train started back to Medford loaded with Jacksonville people. It was a gala day for Jacksonville and one which will be long remembered as the inauguration of renewed life and prosperity into the grand old pioneer town.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 23, 1891, page 3


    A number of children in Medford seem to be afflicted with a general epidemic which is going the rounds in shape of a bad cold and a high fever.
    The Baptist Academy Association, of Medford, filed articles of incorporation with the secretary of state last Monday, W. J. Crawford, E. P. Pickel and G. W. Howard, incorporators.
    Work on the distillery at Medford is still going on. The large building now in course of construction will be completed, and the machinery in place, in about four months. It is 40 feet wide by 160 feet deep, and will be about 60 feet high at the highest point. Another building, the same size, will be erected this year, nearby.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 30, 1891, page 3


    The young people of Jacksonville have taken advantage of the downgrade of the new M.&J. railway, and of an evening enjoy themselves by riding on the push cars which go toward Medford at a rapid rate of speed.
    The track of the Medford & Jacksonville railroad is all laid and a large force of men are at work leveling, ballasting and putting the road in good condition. Chris. Ulrich is finishing up the depot buildings, which will be completed and put in order by Saturday of this week. Construction trains have been hauling heavy loads of ties and rails safely over the road for the past week, and there is no doubt now but that the road, as far as completed, is a good one. Regular trains will run from Jacksonville and connect with all trains at Medford after the first of February.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 30, 1891, page 3


    A Good Templars lodge will soon be organized in Medford.
    The Orchard Home Association are planting out 3,000 fruit trees on their tract near Medford.
    Doil Albury's house in Medford caught fire from the front room stove pipe last week, and the entire roof was burned from off the dwelling.
    Ashland is not the only town in the valley that is to have the benefit of a change in the insurance rates. Medford is also on the anxious seat, and as Mr. Lloyd, the surveyor, went to that place in the interest of the Insurance Union, when he had completed his labors in Ashland, last Sunday, the inference may be had that the Medfordians are to have whatever advantage may accrue from their water works.
    On Wednesday of last week a lad known as "Monkey" Robinson fell from a train on which he was stealing a ride at Medford, and had both feet run over diagonally by the wheels. While they were badly crushed, amputation will not be necessary. It is a very singular wound, and it is supposed he slipped and fell while attempting to get off the train at the crossing, and his feet were caught by the edge of the wheel while they were on the plank, which is put in at every crossing and which is a trifle lower than the rails.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    Miss Emma Tolman has a class of twelve pupils at Medford, to whom she gives instructions in drawing and painting one day in each week.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    The people of Crescent City, California, are very anxious that the Medford & Jacksonville railroad be extended to the coast and there is a movement on foot among capitalists and those interested to bring about this desired result. The extending of this branch line would open up a wonderfully favored country. The Siskiyou Mountains, through which this road must pass, are latent [laden?] with nearly all the valuable metals and ores known to commerce. Among these are gold, silver, platinum, copper, iron, lime, coal, marble and associate metals and minerals. The timber adjacent to this road would be almost inexhaustible, besides the numerous rich and fertile valleys thus thrown open to profitable cultivation. Such a consummation as the building of this road would bring southern Oregon rapidly to the front.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    The Medford-Jacksonville railroad began running regular trains yesterday meeting each train on the S.P. line--fare 20c.
    Rev. E. Russ, of Medford, offers for sale a lot of about 7000 choice home-grown apple trees of twelve standard varieties--a chance for some people who are planting apple orchards to get the best stock to be had.
    On Saturday last the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. Its principal office is stated to be in Portland; its capital stock is $100,000 divided into 1000 shares. The object is to construct and equip a railroad from Medford, in Jackson County, to Jacksonville, and two miles beyond. Wm. Honeyman, E. J. DeHart, W. C. Crawford, J. D. Howell, are the incorporators.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 13, 1891, page 3


    Judge Willard Crawford will open a mining assay office in Medford.
    Roberts & O'Neil have sold five acres of their land near the bridge at Medford to Mr. Shawver for $800.
    A. Darnell of Applegate, who has been nearly blind from some eye disease, was at Medford recently under Dr. Geary's treatment, and went home able to read.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 2

    The time schedule of the Medford & Jacksonville railroad--the "Rogue River Valley Railroad," appears in the ad in this issue of the Tidings.
    Frank Galloway, of Medford, is an applicant for the position of storekeeper of the distillery to be established there, and has sent to the Oregon congressional delegation a petition for the appointment containing the names of many of the leading Republicans of the county. As there is no opposition to Mr. Galloway's petition in this part of the state, so far as [is] known here, it is likely he will be given the appointment. The Oregonian of Monday stated that the Oregon delegation had endorsed the petition with their own recommendation and submitted it to the U.S. commissioner of internal revenue.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Awbrey, the section boss of the R.V.R.R., and family are occupying the Turner residence on Fifth Street, and think of locating here.
    The depot buildings with their new coats of paint and neat fixtures look quite "stylish," and when the people turn out en masse to see the train, Jacksonville presents a lively appearance.
    On last Thursday the regular trains of the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company began running between Jacksonville and Medford. Many prominent citizens of Medford availed themselves of the opportunity and paid Jacksonville a pleasant visit. On board the train also was Superintendent Buckman and Howell Bros., part owners in the road. The passenger train makes three trips over the road daily. The schedule time is as following: Leave Jacksonville at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Leave Medford at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Trains will also stop at Harbaugh's on being signaled. The new owners will extend the road to the lime quarries on Jackson Creek almost a mile above town, as soon as the road is put in order between here and Medford. This will be of much benefit to Jacksonville, as a large number of men will necessarily be employed in the quarries getting the stone ready for shipment. The hills west of town are bountifully stored with the finest of lime rock, which, when a commodity of commerce, will be of great value. What a grand opening for someone with capital!
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Conrad Mingus is having his land near Medford divided into five and ten acre tracts for sale.
    Mr. P. W. Croake, formally [formerly?] of the Pacific Publishing Co., is in town this week gathering data for a handsome, illustrated pamphlet description of the Rogue River Valley, which is to be published soon. His prospectus is an attractive one, and he has met with satisfactory encouragement at Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland. He will also visit other towns of the valley.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3


    G. W. Isaacs and Saml. Murray have opened a butcher shop at Medford.
    A steer belonging to Fred Barneburg was accidentally shot by one of a party of Medford rabbit hunters not long ago and the hunters went down into the pockets and made up the price of the animal to its owner.
    The Mail reports that a number of persons who have left Medford for other places within a year or two will return--J. O. Johnson, who has been at Fairhaven, and A. Childers, who also has been up in Washington, are among them.
    Said the Medford Mail of last Thursday: A. M. Wilson informs us that his father, Jesse Wilson, is quite ill at his house and will probably not recover. The elder Mr. Wilson is 94 years of age and is well known by all, having come to the valley in an early day.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3


    The track running on the RR.V.RR. is conveying a goodly number of passengers between the terminus towns. Three new stations have been created on the road, the first from Jacksonville to Whetrock, next Harbaugh's, then Davisville and last of all is Medford. The road has been extended up Jackson Creek and the construction train conveys gravel to the place where the road is being ballasted.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3

    J. S. Howard, Medford's popular postmaster, was in Jacksonville during the past week; he regard the new railroad as [a] great convenience as he will be enabled thereby to visit his many Jacksonville friends more frequently.
    The Western Union Telegraph Office has removed to the depot building, where the efficient operator, Miss Laura Harrison, will also act as ticket seller for the Rogue River Valley Railroad.
    Traveling is increasing daily on the R.R.V. railroad, and the business interests of the town of Jacksonville are looking up accordingly.
    Misses Alice and Ella Hanley visited Jacksonville Saturday and availed themselves of our new railroad facilities to spend part of the day with Medford friends, preferring "rapid transit" to the old-time style of buggy riding.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 2


    The connection of the track of the Medford & Jacksonville branch railroad with the S.P. main line at Medford was made last week, and the business of carrying freight was begun by the branch road the first of this week.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    Engineer D. McCarthy has turned his engine over to Jim Porter for a week or two, having been employed for some days past in getting the better of a threatened attack of fever. He is able to be out this week.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    Charley Howard has moved from Grants Pass to Medford. Mr. Howard understands civil engineering in all of its branches, and J. S. Howard & Son will indeed make a strong team.--[Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    At the school meeting for Medford district, on Monday of last week, I. A. Webb was elected as a trustee to serve for three years, in place of W. H. Barr whose term of office had expired. G. L. Davis was elected to fill the vacancy made by I. L. Hamilton.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, March 13, 1891, page 3


    W. I. Vawter and wife and Mr. [and] Mrs. J. Goldsmith, of Medford, spent Saturday in Jacksonville. Mr. and Mrs. Vawter came over to avail themselves of our superior photograph talent to have their dainty little darling, that has lately blessed their home, photographed.
    This morning the working crew on the R.R.V.R.R. boarded the gravel car to run down on the road as usual, trusting the brakes to hold it. The brake beam broke on the heavy down grade, and all the hands jumped off but four, who probably took the fastest trip of their lifetime; down below Harbaugh the car stopped on an up grade and the engine ran down and brought it back; the regular morning train was a little late in consequence of the accident. Nobody was hurt, and the gravel train will probably have an engine in future.
    One of the delightful events of the past few weeks was a trip over the R.R.V.R.R., in company with the pioneer poet, historian and philosopher, Gen. E. L. Applegate. He is equally as familiar with the people and events of pioneer history as he is with the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and it is one of the privileges of a lifetime to listen to his thrilling anecdotes of pioneer days or to hear him tell, in classic story, the history of buried ages, while he stands with his majestic intellect, a grand connecting link between the present and the past.
    James McCarthy and William Johnson, who burglarized a freight car in Medford Saturday, were arrested by Sheriff Birdsey near Ashland Monday and a part of the stolen goods found in their possession; they were brought before Justice Walton of Medford and pled guilty to the charge of burglary, and placed under $500 bonds to appear before the grand jury. They could not furnish bonds and were brought to Jacksonville and lodged in jail. The goods stolen were household and mercantile, belonging to D. G. Coy. Among them were 22 pair of blankets; the prisoners pointed out a woodpile in Medford where they told the sheriff he would find two pairs of blankets, and he found them as they had stated. They deny all knowledge of the other articles and District Attorney Colvig will investigate the case.
    The R.R.V.R.R. is increasing in passenger traffic daily, and freight trains are running regularly. The outlook for the new enterprise is extremely favorable notwithstanding the low rates of 4 cts. per mile. It is said to be paying running expenses and will soon pay dividends on the original investment. Business is looking up in Jacksonville, and the coming year will see the town improve in every way.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 13, 1891, page 3






    County Assessor I. L. Hamilton this week sold out his interest in the Grand Central Hotel at Medford to M. Purdin.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 3


    One of the most distressing accidents which ever occurred in this city was the death of the little two-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Walters of this place Saturday. The little one had been given a piece of bread and butter to keep her quiet while the mother was washing the front windows and had at once started out of the kitchen door to play in the yard. Shortly after the mother went to look for her child, imagine her anguish and terror when she beheld the little one head downward in a tub of water which was standing on the back porch. The child was immediately taken into the house and a doctor summoned but nothing could be done. The little one had strangled before she was taken from her position. The mother was driven nearly frantic with grief but was finally reconciled to the loss of her child. The funeral took place on Sunday from the house, quite a number of friends of the family being present.
Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 2


JACOBS--In Medford, Oregon, March 18, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Jacobs, a son.
Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 3


    Post office inspector and road agent Samuel Flint, of San Francisco, was in Jacksonville Monday, looking after postal matters and arranging for the transferring of the mail contract between this place and Medford to the R.R.V.R.R.
    Rev. M. C. Aldrich of Medford occupied the pulpit of the M. E. Church in this place last Sunday morning and evening. Although his audience was small on both occasions his sermons are pronounced of more than ordinary excellence. Our people should not miss an opportunity to hear him.
    M. Purdin, the Medford lawyer, has purchased the Grand Central Hotel at that place. He can now be "admitted to the bar" without any special examination. He is a capable man of business, courteous and obliging and the Grand Central will continue to be the leading hotel under his management.
    W. L. Miller has purchased the telegraph line between this place and Medford and has an independent connection with the Mackey-Bennett line, for which he is now operator. He has also accepted the position of Associated Press correspondent and telegraphic and general correspondent of the Portland Telegram. He will attend to all the business promptly and acceptably.
    The home of Prof. N. A. Jacobs, of Medford, was made happy on March 18th by the advent of a bouncing baby boy. Brother Jacobs is Grand Treasurer of the R.D.C. and members of the Degree will join us in the wish that little one may inherit all the good qualities of both father and mother and become in time a shining link in the order.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 27, 1891, page 3


    Mrs. Barrett, the evangelist, finished her work in Ashland and went down to Medford last Saturday to hold a series of meetings. It is announced that she will return to Ashland after the completion of her Medford engagement and deliver a course of temperance lectures here.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    Says a Washington dispatch to the Oregonian: The postmaster general has informed Representative Hermann, in reply to previous application made to him, that the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company declines to transport the mails on its line between Medford and Jacksonville for the compensation provided by law for ordinary railway service. The postmaster general decides that it is not discretionary with the department to allow a greater compensation than is provided by law.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    The little 12-ton engine which was ordered especially for the R.R.V.R.R. has not yet been [made] to work satisfactorily, and it is feared that it will not do the work on the road, as the grade is heavy all the way from Medford.
    William Ulrich, the irrepressible insurance agent of Medford, was in town during the week. When he concludes to insure anybody's property they had better capitulate at once, as he don't know any such word as fail, and everybody feels better and happier when their property is insured in a reliable company, especially if there is a fire soon after.
    Wednesday night of last week a .44-caliber pistol cartridge was placed on the R.R. track near the Times office, and was exploded as the train came in, the shell passing very near Mr. Nickell, who was going to the depot. The next night the  track was greased on the heavy grade near the Cardwell farm residence and the train was delayed nearly an hour. There is no clue as yet to the perpetrators of the dastardly outrages, but they indicate clearly the presence of a lawless, reckless hoodlum element that will sooner or later fall in the hands of the law, and be justly punished for their misdeeds.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    Medford is again without a jeweler.
    J. W. Miller of Central City, Neb., has been in Medford representing a colony of 100 families who desire to obtain cheap land in Oregon.
    The cars, three in number, consisting of a mixed baggage and express, a flat and a box car, for the R.R.V.R.R., are expected this week. The new engine will not be put on the road for regular trips until they arrive.--[Medford Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 10, 1891, page 3


    The "Uncle Tom's Cabin" company that showed in Medford Tuesday evening paraded our streets in the afternoon of the same day and afforded some amusement for the boys.
    Quite a number of Jacksonville people went to Medford last Wednesday evening to hear the much talked-of evangelist, Mrs. Malloy-Barrett; and found her to be a most entertaining talker.
    Several hands on the ballasting force of the new railroad struck for higher wages last week, which not being granted they promptly quit work. It appears that their expenses were in some way advanced and they in turn asked for additional wages from $1.50 to $1.75 per day.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 10, 1891, page 3


    Dr. Clark, representing the Paradox Medical Co. of Portland, who has been giving entertainments at Ganiard's Opera House for a fortnight past ["with performing dogs and other attractions"], moved on to Medford for a week's stay last Sunday. From there he goes to Grants Pass, to favor them with a two weeks' visit.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 17, 1891, page 3


    Messrs. Honeyman and Buchanan, of Portland, managers of the R.R.V.R.R., were in Jacksonville Wednesday.
    About 50 persons from Jacksonville attended the Alba Heywood concert in Medford last Tuesday evening, the R.R. running a special train for their accommodation.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 2


    Garrick, the tailor, has moved his establishment from Medford to Ashland, and has moved into Zoellner's old stand.
    Miss Mollie Merriman, formerly of Medford, was married in Portland April 6th, to G. A. Houston, a civil engineer of that city.
    J. W. Hockersmith says that arrangements are pretty well perfected for the organization of the Southern Oregon [Pork] Packing Co., which expects to start up the pork packing business at Medford this fall. Mr. Hockersmith as instigator of the scheme has canvassed among some of the solid farmers and hog raisers of the valley and secured subscriptions to the capital stock of the company which is placed at $25,000. Mr. Hockersmith thinks that the company will be able to secure 2000 hogs for butchering next fall.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 3


    N. L. Narregan has just finished the work of making a plat of Medford, which, considering the many additions, was quite an extensive job.
    Jacksonville and Medford are exchanging courtesies lately by means of the new connecting railroad. Medford people patronize Jacksonville entertainments in a body and Jacksonville people will no doubt reciprocate.
    Medford has called for a meeting of the legal voters in the school district tomorrow (Saturday) to vote on the proposition to levy a 20-mill tax to raise one-third of the money necessary to build a commodious school house for the district.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 3


    A neat little school paper called the "Young Idea" devoted to the interest of the second department of the Medford public schools, N. A. Jacobs, teacher, has been received at the Tidings office.
    Articles of incorporation of the Southern Oregon Pork Packing Company were filed with the county clerk Wednesday. The objects of the company as set forth in the articles are the purchasing and slaughtering of hogs, manufacturing bacon and lard and packing and curing meats and selling and disposing of the same for profit. The principal place of business is at Medford, capital stock $25,000 divided into shares of $100 each. Incorporators, Wm. Ulrich, Edwin Worman, J. W. Hockersmith, Wm. Slinger, W. I .Vawter.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Hutchison, depot agent of he R.R.V.R.R. of Medford, spent Sunday in Jacksonville accompanied by his wife.
    Mrs. S. R. Taylor went to Medford this week to buy furniture and carpets, wallpaper, etc., to be used in refurnishing her boarding house. Mrs. Taylor, by her industry and good taste, is making her place of business so attractive and comfortable that patronage don't have to be solicited, it comes for its own pleasure.
    Why is it that there is not a full line of house furnishing goods, wallpaper, etc., carried in Jacksonville as there used to be? There is certainly sufficient demand in this line to justify the establishment of the trade. Now that there is through railway transportation, our people ought to be able to buy these goods as cheaply at home as in their neighboring towns.
    Messrs. Honeyman & Buchanan, managers of the R.R.V.R.R., have been in Jacksonville during the past week superintending the completion of the road. They have everything completed and in fine order about the depot grounds. The $12,000 bonus was all paid over to them this week excepting $500 which they refused to take until some minor details of the contract are concluded. The gentlemen became partners in the enterprise through force of circumstances, but the outlook is so favorable they are now looking to the further extension of the road as profitable investment. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at Central Point Monday, for the purpose of trying to extend the line to Eagle Point. They contemplate going on the S.P. Co.'s line from Medford to Central Point, and on to the fine timber belt on Rogue River.
    A large delegation of Eagle Point citizens was present, and submitted an offer to secure a free right-of-way and do the grading for the whole distance of fourteen miles between Central Point and Eagle Point.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 3


    I. A. Merriman is the agent of the great Standard Oil Co. for Medford.
    Neil West and Bert Redden of Medford started last week with forty head of horses to Sierra County, Cal. They will take charge of a large band of horses at that place, which they will pasture on the large free range of that county. They form a partnership for the purpose of breeding and raising fine horses.
    The following is the Medford Mail's account of the big distillery being built at that place, and work on which is progressing: The lower part of the building which is 170 feet long by forty feet wide, is being subdivided into three apartments as follows; the store room which cuts off thirty feet from the east end of the building, the wine room which joins with it, the dimensions of which are about twelve by twenty feet, while the balance of the lower floor is devoted to the machinery. The partition between the different apartments are to be tightly sealed on both sides, the only means of entrance being from the outside. Uncle Sam carries the keys to the wine and store room which he only unlocks twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, when he draws off and stores the spirits. The east end of the building from the second floor up is to be partitioned off with four grain bins. The grain elevators will also be in this end of the building. The rest of the building will be used for the still, the pipes etc. which is necessary. The spirits which are to be made by this plant will mostly all find a market in the patent medicine and perfume plants on this coast. The utmost capacity of the mill will be 12000 bushels per day. The latest improved machinery will be used and the spirits will be entirely pure.
"Southern Oregon Items," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 4


    Grants Pass, Ore., May 5.--Oregon's distinguished guests arrived at Grants Pass at 10 o'clock last night and received a cordial welcome. The visit to Medford was acknowledged by a general illumination of the town, bonfires being particularly numerous. The local Grand Army [of the Republic] men were drawn up in line at the station and greeted their old comrade with cheers. The President [Benjamin Harrison] was introduced to the throng by the Mayor of Medford [G. W. Howard], and made the following speech:

    Comrades and fellow citizens: It gives me great pleasure to see you tonight, especially to have these old comrades' greeting. I would have you think of me as a comrade. I recall those army scenes which are fresh in your minds as well, the scenes of privation, suffering and battle; and I am glad to see that the old flag you took to the field and brought home in honor is still held in honor among you. It is a beautiful emblem of a great government. We ought to teach our children to love it and to regard it as a sacred thing, a thing for which men have died and for which men will die. It symbolizes the government of the states under one constitution, for while you are all Oregonians as I am an Indianian and each has his pride in state institutions and all that properly pertains to our state government, we have a larger and greater pride in the fact that we are citizens of a nation of a union of states, having a common constitution. It is this flag that represents us on the sea and in foreign countries; it is under this flag that our navies sail and our armies march. I thank you for this cordial greeting. I hope you have found in this state comfortable homes and that in the years that remain to you God will follow you with those blessings which your courage and patriotism and sacrifices have so well merited. (Cheers.)

"A Welcome in the Rain," New York Tribune, May 6, 1891, page 7

The President at Grants Pass.

AT MEDFORD.

MEDFORD, OREGON, MAY 4.

Where Shall It Be?

The Medford Distillery.

The Railroad Extension to Eagle Point.

Medford Notes.

The Eagle Point R.R.

BORN.