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The Infamous Black Bird Southern Oregon History, Revised


Notes on the Medford Post Office


    Ex-postmaster Howard in his work of taking down and placing to one side the old post office fixtures made the discovery of a curio--Medford's first post office. It is a wooden box twelve inches wide and twenty-two inches high and nine inches deep, and in it are pigeonholes in which was placed both the letters and papers coming through the mails for ALL the inhabitants of the town at that time, which was in 1884. The first registered letter which came to the office was entered upon the register book by Miss Nettie L. Howard, she who is now Mrs. B. S. Webb. This was in April, '84. J. S. Howard was the first postmaster, and it was in '85 that the town was incorporated--and in a cleanup of this week a large ugly-looking knife was unearthed, the same being the weapon with which he defended himself against an attack of Broback, one of the original townsite owners. The attack having been brought upon by Mr. Howard having posted in his store window a telegram from Salem announcing the fact that the incorporation bill had passed the legislature. Broback was opposed to incorporating and Mr. Howard favored it. Mr. Howard states that as now, for the first time in something like twenty years, he is not encumbered by any public office, he will give his attention to mineral surveying and engineering.
Medford Mail, February 21, 1896, page 5
MEDFORD'S FIRST POST OFFICE.
    Medford's first post office, made out of an old soap box, can be seen in the windows of Hussey's cash store, on West Seventh Street. It was constructed in 1883 by J. S. Howard, "the father of Medford," at that time postmaster, mayor, express agent, store keeper and general pooh-bah of the crossroads. [Howard didn't become mayor until 1885; Medford's first express agent was A. L. Johnson, Howard succeeding him in May 1884.]
    Though only containing a few partitions, the box was ample for the mail business of 25 years ago. Medford at that time had but one frame house, that occupied by Mr. Howard, who ran a general merchandise store, surveyed the townsite between times and did other public and private business of too many kinds to catalogue. [All three Rogue Valley newspapers of 1883 agree that the town site was surveyed by Charles J. Howard.]
    With the survey of the railroad through Medford began the growth of the city, which has continued steadily ever since. The soap box was soon too small and had to be discarded for more modern conveniences.
    From the small beginning of a soap box a quarter century ago, the post office has grown until it now occupies a storeroom 35x100 feet in size, and even it is too small. The half-dozen partitions have expanded into 500 self-locking boxes, with many more demanded. Instead of the two minutes a day taken to sort the mail of 25 years ago, the entire time of half a dozen people is consumed. The few straggling farmers coming for mail have been multiplied into thousands, and a long line of expectants stand in wait anxiously after every train. The $2 or $3 monthly receipts have now been rolled into over $1000 a month, and only the masterly inactivity of the city council in not enforcing street signs and house numbering prevents as many letters being brought to each house in the city daily as was brought to the Medford of 1883.
Excerpt, Medford Daily Tribune, December 15, 1908, page 2
DeSOUZA TAKES POSTMASTERSHIP MONDAY MORNING
    Postmaster W. J. Warner announced today that he had received official notice from Washington, D.C., of his retirement from office December 31, at which time attorney Frank DeSouza will become Medford's acting postmaster.
    Mr. Warner is retiring under the recently adopted retirement law, having completed 30 years of service with the Medford post office. He went to work here August 1, 1903, as mail carrier on R.F.D. No. 1, the first rural route established in southern Oregon.
    He has put in what he described today as "30 glorious years" here. They brought him steady advancement from carrier to postmaster and thousands of friendships, which he expects to continue in retirement. He has been postmaster since July 1, 1921. He was named acting postmaster June 3, 1920, following the death of George Mims, and was named his official successor the following year, having served as assistant postmaster since July 16, 1912.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 26, 1933, page 6
Warner Looks Back Over Interesting 30 Years
on Retiring As Postmaster
By Eva Nealon Hamilton
    In saddlebag, in two-wheeled cart, in automobile, he has watched the rural mail travel--from three to 35 members he has watched the post office staff grow, in the "30 glorious" years he has served the government here, W. J. Warner, who retires as postmaster December 31, recalled yesterday, reviewing his experiences associated during that time with the delivery of the mail.
    Comedy and tragedy have intermingled in his dealings with the public. Snow has lain deep in the Rogue River Valley, and floods have crossed the paths of many carriers. But the letters have never missed delivery in the 30 years. (How many postcards he read during the time, Mr. Warner didn't say.)
Started in 1903.
    On August 1, 1903, he entered the employ of the government as a rural mail carrier on R.F.D. No. 1, the first rural route established in southern Oregon. The roads were rough and transportation poor. In a funny little wagon, which resembled the modern milk delivery, he made the route. Six weeks of the winter it was necessary to desert the wagon to go horseback with the mail in the saddlebags. In the summer the same territory was often covered with a bicycle. During all the five years he carried the mail, he never used anything "fancier" than a two-wheeled cart, drawn by two horses, for the winter.
    While he was covering the Medford route the late Jim Grieve was taking the mail over R.F.D. No. 1, Central Point, which was established the following October.
Many Still Patrons.
    Many of the people served on that rural route are still patrons of the post office, Mr. Warner said yesterday, mentioning N. S. Bennett, Polk Hull, Bill Hansen, Mrs. R. E. Land, the Guches and the Lofland families.
    The mail was always light, for parcel post had not been established and the maximum weight was four pounds. Letters, newspapers and magazines made up the pack.
    The post office was located on [28] South Central, where the Klocker Printery now stands. In 1908 it was moved to the position occupied by the Medford Book Store. Then in 1916 Medford was granted a new post office, the present building [the federal building, NW corner Sixth and Holly].
Tragic Episode.
    The dynamiting of the mail train in the Siskiyou tunnel by the DeAutremonts Mr. Warner described as by far the most harrowing experience of his career. The mail inspectors were in this city at the time, and with them Postmaster Warner rushed to the scene of the explosion. He refused yesterday to describe the horror of the tragedy he witnessed there in the loss of Elvin Daugherty, mail clerk. But he quoted the mail inspector as saying "They put in enough dynamite to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge."
    Mr. Warner also sat in the county jail at Jacksonville while Roy DeAutremont made his confession. The investigation and the trial, he recalled yesterday as "very grueling."
Postmaster in 1921.
    After five years as a rural mail carrier, during which time he "wore out" 27 horses, Mr. Warner was promoted to the position of clerk in the post office. That was in 1908, and he continued in that capacity until July 15, 1912, when he became assistant postmaster. In 1920 Postmaster George P. Mims died and he was named acting postmaster and became his official successor in 1921. He has served Medford as postmaster continuously since that time.
    December 31 he will retire under the recently passed retirement law, to be succeeded by attorney Frank DeSouza, recently appointed acting postmaster under the new Democratic regime.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 27, 1933, page 5
HISTORY, ACTIVITY CITY'S POST OFFICE
TOLD FOR ROTARY
    Postmaster Frank DeSouza and Assistant Postmaster Rollie Beach entertained the members of the Medford Rotary Club at a luncheon in the basement banquet room of the Hotel Medford today, with an interesting talk and interview dealing with the history and activities of the Medford post office. In his excellent review of the local post office, tinged with generous bits of humor concerning the part politics play in the postal system, Mr. DeSouza paid tribute to J. S. Howard, the first postmaster, who assumed charge of the post office here upon its establishment in February, 1884. Mr. Howard also was the initial mayor of this city, was known as the "Father of Medford," and filled the office of United States commissioner. It was his son who surveyed the city of Medford, according to DeSouza.
    "With the establishment of the Medford post office here in 1884, this year of the celebration of Oregon's Diamond Jubilee might also be a year of celebration for the golden anniversary of this city," Frank DeSouza said. "Although the first train arrived in Medford in [1884], the recognition of this city by the postal department might be considered the real 'cradling' of Medford."
    D. H. Miller was Medford's second postmaster, followed by J. S. Howard for another term, M. Purdin, George Merriman, George Mims and W. J. Warner. The speaker also paid special tribute to the excellent administration of Mr. Warner, who served as Medford postmaster for 12 years.
    The first post office here was located on South Front Street, on a spot where hot dog sandwiches are now dispensed. The second location was next to the First National Bank, then the present location of Marsh's grocery [130 East Main]. Before the erection of the new federal building, the post office was housed in the building now used by Koke-Chapman [office equipment, 34 North Central]. In 1916, the fine new federal building was erected and immediately became the home of the post office.
    A small box, which was actually Medford's first post office, was shown by Frank DeSouza, together with a larger box which was used as the second mail container.
    As another feature of the program, Mr. DeSouza interviewed Rollie Beach, assistant postmaster, who has served in the postal service approximately 30 years. In Mr. Beach's interesting remarks, the method of handling mail was described and suggestions offered for more extensive use of various phases of the postal service. Mr. Beach called attention to the fact that 37 people are now employed in the Medford post office, with an annual payroll of approximately $65,000.
    Introducing the program for today, Wilson Wait's two band members, Jack Terrett and Cyril Sander, presented musical numbers. Jack entertained with a bass horn solo, and Cyril pleased the Rotarians with two fine piano numbers. Visiting Rotarians were G. A. Allen of Tacoma and W. M. Moses of Grants Pass.
Medford Mail Tribune, April1 7, 1934, page 7
HAMILTON TAKES OVER DUTIES AT LOCAL POST OFFICE
    Eleventh postmaster for Medford since the post office here sold its first stamp on February 6, 1884, A. Moore Hamilton took the required oath Monday and entered upon his duties as acting postmaster, succeeding Frank DeSouza, who retired after serving since January 1, 1934.
    Since taking office, Postmaster Hamilton has been busy receiving congratulations of friends, at the same time surveying the duties he will perform in one of the principal first class post offices in the state.
    "I realize there is much to do to make sure that Medford patrons of the office are taken care of in the manner the Post Office Department requires of its workers in the postal service," Mr. Hamilton stated. "We must do everything in our power to keep pace with this prosperous community. I find in this office well-developed plans for an extension of service to many who are not now fully served. This will be done as fast as possible."
    Post Office Inspectors J. A. Eidswick of Medford and H. E. Young of Eugene checked the office Saturday and Sunday, and had matters in shape Monday morning to deliver all of the office equipment and assets, including the wholesale stamp stock of $150,000, over to the new official.
    Medford's post office was opened the same year as the arrival of the Southern Pacific [in 1884 it was the Oregon & California Railroad], two events which were rated as important in those early days. The postmaster was allowed $399.68 for three months expense and $25 monthly for clerk hire.
    J. S. Howard, under an appointment by President Chester A. Arthur, was the first postmaster, assuming his duties in February, 1884. He surveyed and platted the city in lots and streets [the surveying was done by his son Charles J. Howard], many of which had different names than they now bear. [The streets were only lettered and numbered originally.] He was elected the first mayor of the city [he became the first mayor with a charter change, but the first man elected mayor was E. P. Geary], and for many years was in civic matters. Much of his work and planning left a lasting imprint upon Medford.
    Postmasters who followed him were D. H. Miller, who was named by President Grover Cleveland in 1886, and followed by Mr. Howard, who returned to the office November 1, 1890 by reason of the election of Benjamin Harrison as President, which changed the politics of the party in power.
    Succeeding postmasters were as follows: M. Purdin, February 1896, by President Cleveland, who had been returned to power; George Merriman, March 1, 1900, by President William McKinley; A. M. Woodford, April 5, 1904, by President Theodore Roosevelt; F. Ralph Woodford, June 15, 1912, by President William H. Taft; George P. Mims, October 5, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson; W. J. Warner, June 3, 1920, by President Warren G. Harding; Frank DeSouza, January 1, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
    In 1928, the annual stamp sales were $88,055.42. In 1938, the receipts had grown to $110,800.52, and in 1946 reached $315,780.46. On September 15, 1909, R. G. Beach transferred to the office from Lincoln, Nebr., and in the same year he and H. H. Harvey, now retired, went into service as the first city delivery carriers. The roster now includes 22 city carriers, 26 clerks, three rural delivery carriers, two star route carriers, together with airport and depot mail messengers.
    Supervisors in the office with Postmaster Hamilton are the following: Hugo H. Guenther, assistant postmaster; Otto W. DeJarnett, superintendent of mails; Earl H. York, assistant superintendent of mails; and Henry Gault, building engineer.
    In 1915, while Wm. G. McAdoo was secretary of the treasury, Medford was given a post office building at an expenditure of $125,000. In 1940, the building was remodeled and refurnished at an expenditure of $275,000. It is now fifth in volume of business in Oregon, and continues to grow.
    In the early days of Jackson County, when roads were rough and travel was slow, small post offices, usually in a small country store, dotted the valleys and mountains. Of these established prior to Medford, with the date and name of the first postmaster, the following remain:
    Jacksonville, Feb. 18, 1854, probably James Dugan; Ashland, May 17, 1855, Abel D. Helman; Phoenix, Jan. 3, 1857, Samuel H. Miller; Applegate, Aug. 30, 1858, John O'Brien; Eagle Point, April 25, 1872, Andrew McNeil; Central Point, April 25, 1872, Const[antine] Magruder; Brownsboro, Feb. 13, 1873, John Bilger; Sams Valley, Feb. 13, 1873, James W. Hayes; Rogue River, Feb. 8, 1876, John Woods; Williams Creek, Mar. 14, 1876, John A. Lewman; Prospect, July 5, 1882, Harry P. Deskin; Talent, Feb. 5, 1883, C. M. Harvey; Colestine, Aug. 8, 1883, Edward J. Farlow.
Medford News, May 6, 1949, page 1
Pioneer Post Office Items Found in Vault
    Two items used by Medford's first postmaster were found recently by city employees during remodeling work at the city hall.
    The items are a cigar box-type container, used for incoming mail by Postmaster J. S. Howard in December 1883, and a 13-separation sorting box, used later when mail volume increased.
    They were found in a vault in the city hall during remodeling, and apparently were left there by the late Mayor Clarence Meeker. They were presented to him by W. B. Roberts, Wagner Creek Rd., Talent, grandson of Postmaster Howard, to be presented to the Southern Oregon Historical Society, of which Mayor Meeker was a member.
Used in Store
    The rustic post office pieces were used in Postmaster Howard's store, which at first consisted of a tent on what is now Front St. between Main and Eighth sts. He later constructed a wooden building to house the store and post office.
    The cigar box-type container was used for incoming mail, through which valley residents would sort to find their mail. When volume increased, Howard built a 13-separation sorting case, similar to the present-day general delivery facilities, and sorted them alphabetically for easier handling.
    Also found were survey chains, used by Howard, who also was an engineer. He surveyed the original city of Medford for [the] Southern Pacific railroad. [All three Rogue Valley newspapers of 1883 agree that the town site was surveyed by Charles J. Howard; the railroad in 1884 was the Oregon & California Railroad.]
Undated 1950s Medford Mail Tribune clipping



Last revised October 26, 2009