Weeks Bros. and Weeks & Orr were early orchardists and furniture manufacturers.



    Mr. A. J. Weeks, who has the fruit farm near Medford, will set out several thousand more young trees this year. None of his trees are in bearing yet.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, December 25, 1885, page 3




    A. J. Weeks, of Phoenix, who purchased P. W. Olwell's upper mill site, has the machinery in place to carry on an extensive box factory next summer.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 16, 1890, page 3


    Weeks Bros. are keeping their furniture factory in constant operation at Phoenix, and will doubtless build up a fine business.

    Weeks Bros. are putting up a two-story frame building at Medford for a furniture store.
"Pressed Bricks," Valley Record, Ashland, Oregon, December 14, 1893, page 1


    Messrs. Weeks & Orr made a shipment of a carload of Ben Davis apples to Portland last week. Receipt of their arrival was postscripted with a note saying that they were a very prime article and nicely put up.
"All the Local News," Medford Mail, December 22, 1893, page 3


    Weeks Bros. brought to Medford from their factory at Phoenix, Tuesday, a full wagonload of furniture. These people have engaged the services of W. H. McGowan, son-in-law of one of the firm, as their Medford salesman, and the gentleman expects to commence housekeeping in the city as soon as Mrs. McGowan shall have recovered her usual good health. The lady has been very ill but is now able to be about the house and improving rapidly.
"All the Local News," Medford Mail, January 26, 1894, page 3


    Weeks Bros. are having a front put into their new store building, on West Seventh Street, that is truly a beauty. All the crooks, turns and funny businesses were turned out at their factory in Phoenix as well as all doors, sash and trimmings. Contractor Lyon is doing the carpenter work on this building, which will be completed now pretty soon.
"All the Local News," Medford Mail, February 16, 1894, page 3


    A. Fetsch, the tailor, returned last week from his visit to San Francisco. Since his return he has leased the store building, corner Eighth and D streets, and as soon as the building is vacated by Weeks Bros., which will be about April first, he will take possession and open up for business, his stock of goods having already been ordered.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, March 23, 1894, page 3


    A. Fetsch, the tailor, has leased the building on the corner of 8th and D streets, now occupied by Weeks Bros., and will take possession about April 1st.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 26, 1894, page 2


Some More Fine Cabinet Work.
    Weeks Bros. have commenced on some more of their most excellent work in the bar fixture line--for Wright's saloon. They have also put up some very fine store fixtures for Mrs. C. W. Palm's new millinery store, consisting of counters, shelving and a millinery case.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, April 13, 1894 page 3


Moved to New Quarters.
    The furniture stock of Weeks Bros. has been moved to the firm's new and spacious sales rooms, on Seventh Street, where W. H. McGowan is in charge as salesman.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, April 13, 1894 page 3


    Messrs. Weeks & Orr shipped a carload of dried prunes--last year's crop--to Topeka, Kansas, last week. They expect to realize a fairly good price, particularly because of the fact that the fruit is not only first-class but the entire carload runs very even as to grade. These people still have about ten tons of last year's crop, which they expect to ship soon. Their crops this year, while not as large as last, is some better in quality.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, September 14, 1894, page 3


    W. H. McGowan is making preparations for putting in a complete stock of groceries with his China Bazaar.
South Oregon Monitor, Medford, February 19, 1895, page 3


    STOCK SOLD.--Assignee of D. T. Lawton has sold the stock of groceries in the Wilson store to W. H. McGowan & Co. This firm has moved them to the stand occupied by the China Bazaar opposite the Clarenden Hotel, and will add to the stock. The fixtures of the Wilson store have not yet been sold, and the assignee states that it will be at least three months before final settlement is completed.
South Oregon Monitor, Medford, February 19, 1895, page 3


    Weeks & Orr, the celebrated and very extensive orchardists, expect to put up 10,000 pounds of evaporated prunes this year--which fact is conclusively evident that the prune crop is a long ways from being a failure--this off fruit year of ours.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, October 2, 1896, page 7


    Weeks & Orr and F. M. Stewart are loading a car with evaporated prunes this week. The former will load 16,000 pounds and the latter 8,000 pounds, which will be shipped to Chicago, where a fair price is being paid. That the fruit will bring the top notch in price no person doubts who knows of the excellent manner in which these gentlemen put up their fruit.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, November 13, 1896, page 7


    J. H. Stewart is making ready to ship apples next week. He estimates he will have twenty-five carloads of this kind of fruit. Weeks & Orr are figuring on their crop for about twelve carloads and will commence shipping next week.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 28, 1897, page 7


    Weeks Bros., the Phoenix furniture manufacturers, have purchased the lot and building formerly occupied by Hugh Elliott on the west side and will remodel the same into a store and salesroom for undertaking goods.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 8, 1898, page 7


    Court Hall has been having his Turf Exchange refitted in fine style. New paper and paint abounds everywhere--put there by the master hand of Messrs. Ling and Russell. A new refrigerator--and a good one--the work of Messrs. Weeks Bros., has also been put in. 
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, June 10, 1898, page 7


    Weeks & Orr, of Eden precinct, are planting 34 acres in apples and pears, and will then have over 200 acres in orchard. They sold a large quantity of fine fruit at big prices last season.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 19, 1899, page 3


    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.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, July 20, 1900, page 7


    Weeks Bros. have been awarded the contract for putting the shelving and counters in the F. K. Deuel building. The work will require about two months' time.
"Additional Local Items," Medford Mail, September 28, 1900, page 6


    Messrs. Weeks & Orr, the orchardists, have just finished packing and shipping ten carloads of Yellow Newtown apples--the majority of which were shipped to eastern cities, where fancy Oregon apples bring the top-notch price on the market. In these ten carloads there were an even 6000 boxes, and the price they received for them here was close to a dollar a box. In all, Messrs. Weeks & Orr have shipped about eighteen or twenty carloads of fruit, including three or four carloads of Ben Davis apples and a half dozen or more of Bartlett and Winter Nellis pears. These gentlemen, as do a few other orchardists hereabout, put their fruit up upon honor and with a view to establishing a permanent trade wherever the excellent qualities of their fruit becomes known. The fruits of Southern Oregon have created an envious reputation in many of the best markets of the world--and it is the painstaking efforts of such gentlemen as these which have given it that reputation.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, November 23, 1900, page 7


    Quite a number of the orchardists hereabouts have purchased gasoline engines with which to furnish power to operate their spraying pumps. The Olwell boys experimented with one last year and found it to be a great saving in labor and added proficiency to the service. The gentlemen who have made recent purchases are Messrs. Weeks & Orr., C. E. Stewart, Capt. G. Voorhies, J. A. Whitman, John Gore and Olwell Bros. The Mail has also purchased one, of the greater horsepower than the spray engines, for use in operating its presses.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 15, 1901, page 7


    Fred Weeks of Medford, a subject of the King of England, has declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 4, 1901, page 5


    Contrary to expectations, the valley has been visited by heavy frosts during the past few days which have materially damaged the fruit crop in some sections of the surrounding country. The pear crop has suffered the greatest damage. The orchards of Weeks & Orr, Clint Stewart and G. Voorhies were affected to a greater extent than the orchards nearer Medford. This is due to the fact that a heavy fog settled around Medford Saturday and Sunday mornings, which protected the orchards within the limits of its visitations. It is to be hoped that future developments will demonstrate that the injury done is not so extensive as at present appears. In view of the events derogatory to the fruit interest during the past week it is extremely fortunate that we have had a late, backward spring which precluded the too-early awakening of the fruit buds, in which case the fruit crop of the whole county would have been jeopardized.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 26, 1901, page 7


    Dr. Robinson has embellished the City Drug Store with a large, handsome showcase, manufactured by Weeks Bros. of Medford, in which he is displaying a number of works of art and beautiful articles suitable for presents.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 2, 1901, page 5


    T. E. Pottenger, proprietor of the Central Meat Market, has recently placed in position a large refrigerator, the handiwork of Weeks Bros. It adds materially to the appearance and convenience of his market.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, June 7, 1901, page 6


    It is with much regret that The Mail publishes the fact that Eugene Orr, of the firm of Weeks & Orr, orchardists, is quite seriously ill with Bright's disease of the kidneys. Dr. Pickel is attending, and Mrs. Osborne is nursing. Wednesday he was somewhat improved, but at four o'clock Thursday morning a change was experienced and the symptoms were less favorable.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, August 30, 1901, page 6


    Arthur Weeks has sold his 160-acre orchard, south of Medford, to C. H. Lewis, of Portland, for $16,000. Mr. Weeks has purchased 160 acres of the Mike Hanley ranch, between Jacksonville and Central Point, paying $40 an acre, and will plant it to fruit trees this winner.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, October 11, 1901, page 6


    A. J. Weeks has completed the work of planting one hundred acres of apple trees on the property he recently purchased west and north of Medford.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 14, 1902, page 7




    Weeks Bros. have the contract for putting in the fixtures for Mr. Humason, the druggist. They will be finished in pure white with gold mountings.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 21, 1902, page 7


    The store fixtures for the Medford Drug Company were brought from Weeks Bros.' mill at Phoenix Monday, and the carpenters and decorators are now busily engaged in getting them in shape for Humason to open his store. Messrs. Ling & Boardman are doing the decorating work.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, March 28, 1902, page 7


    C. H. Lewis, of Portland, owner of the Weeks & Orr orchards, was in the city Monday. He visited the farm while here and seemed well satisfied with the condition of things and the progress being made with the routine farm work. There is little danger of Alf Weeks, the manager, doing other than the right thing at the right time.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, April 4, 1902, page 6


    Mark Baker, an employee at the Weeks Bros. furniture factory at Phoenix, met with quite a severe accident last Friday. He was operating a cutting-off saw, which was running at full speed, when his left hand came in contact with the saw, striking the third finger not far from the end, and splitting that member to the knuckle joint and on into the hand for a distance of nearly two inches. He came to Medford immediately, and the wound was dressed by Dr. Pickel. It is getting along all right and he will not lose the finger, but it will probably be stiff. It seems almost miraculous that his hand was not severed completely.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 4, 1902, page 7


    The shelving, counters, cabinets and prescription case [in the new Medford Drug Store] were manufactured by Messrs. Weeks Bros., and upon every piece is plainly discerned the work of the artist hand that molded them. Much of the work is hand carved. All this woodwork, which is of native sugar pine, is painted a pure white with gilt mounting and tracing.
"Medford's New Drug Store," Medford Mail, April 11, 1902, page 6


    The Oregon Granite Co. is building the foundation to the neat residence G. L. Schermerhorn will put up for W. H. McGowan of Medford.
    Mark Baker, the well-known mechanic, has purchased an interest in the retail furniture business conducted by Weeks Bros. in Medford.
    The fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John Weeks of Phoenix will be celebrated at the residence of their daughter, Mrs. Dr. Hargrave of Phoenix, July 8th. The worthy couple have many friends who hope that continued happiness and good health are in store for them.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 19, 1902, page 5


    The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. John Weeks was celebrated Tuesday evening grand style at the residence of Dr. Hargrave of Phoenix, their son-in-law. The worthy couple were the recipients of many congratulations and best wishes, in which we join heartily.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 10, 1902, page 5


    A fiftieth wedding anniversary is an occasion which few people hope or expect to celebrate. It is because that these occasions are rare that attaches to them the importance which commemorates the event. An half century of life is in itself almost the allotted period, and many people are a long ways on the downward grade when they have reached that age, but when one thinks of fifty years of wedded life, the thought appears to us as almost too marvelous to be true, and in this particular instance, where both the bride and groom of fifty years ago are as sprightly, almost, and as clear of mind as are any of their children, the fact seems even more marvelous. 
    It was upon Tuesday evening of this week, July 8, 1902, at the pleasant home of Dr. and Mrs. H. P. Hargrave, in Phoenix that Mr. and Mrs. John Weeks celebrated their fiftieth anniversary of blissful, wedded life. There were fully sixty-five relatives and invited friends present upon this occasion, many of them with silvered or whitened locks--relatives and dear friends of this good, honorable and upright couple. All had assembled to do honor to their aged, but very happy neighbors, and the glad expressions of good cheer which were so illuminously portrayed upon the faces of all told plainer and more forceful than words of the joy they felt. It was an evening of glad rejoicing and the congratulatory words spoken to and of this aged couple will be pleasant memories to those upon whose ears they felt. 
    Members of the family were very ably assisted in entertaining the guests by Mrs. Vawter, who sang several well-chosen and appropriate songs, Miss Webber with piano solos and the Misses Florence and Gracie Weeks, granddaughters of the host and hostess, gave two recitations each, all of which were listened to with much interest and pleasure, especially one by Miss Gracie, which was very appropriate and had been selected because of its being so fitting. 
    Later in the evening the guests were invited to the lawn, where beneath bows of pine and oak there was spread one of the finest feasts ever prepared by the deft hands of Southern Oregon women. The scene was well lighted with Japanese lanterns and a picture of plenty and grandeur was presented. When the guests had taken their assigned positions alongside this heavily laden table, divine blessing was pronounced by Rev. Clyde. After all had partaken of the hospitality of their host and hostess Rev. Clyde read a few well and carefully selected lines, which he had prepared, touching upon the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Weeks, as he had seen them from his ministerial vantage grounds. Rev. C. H. Hoxie pronounced the benediction, and the guests again assembled indoors and an hour or more of very agreeable interchange of pleasantries and "shop talk" followed and between twelve and one o'clock the guests began taking their departure, expressing as they did so the congratulations and good fellowship which they felt for their host and hostess of the evening. 
    Mr. and Mrs. Weeks were the recipients of many beautiful and valuable presents in gold, silver, cut glass and hand-painted china. 
    The home of Mr. Hargrave was beautifully draped in old gold silk, with decorations of roses and nasturtiums. The souvenirs of the occasion were old gold ribbons, pinned in a bow with gold headed pins, and upon the ribbons were printed the years, "1852" and "1902."
    Those of the relatives present from a distance were Mrs. McKay, sister of Mrs. Weeks, and daughter, Miss Ida, of Canada; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Weeks and son, Henry, of Oakland, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weeks and children, Misses Florence and Gracie and Master Stewart, of Oakland, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave, of Winnipeg, Canada.
    Those present from home and nearby points were: Ashland--Rev. and Mrs. Clyde, Mr. and Mrs. Mathes, Miss Jessie Mathes. Medford--Rev. and Mrs. Hoxie, Hon. and Mrs. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Vawter, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, Mr. and Mrs. Bliton, Mr. and Mrs. Webb, Dr. and Mrs. Pickel, Mr. and Mrs. McGowan, Mrs. Orr, Bertie Orr, Miss Webber, Miss Critchlow, Alfred Weeks, Mark Baker. Phoenix--Mr. and Mrs. John Weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Furry, Mr. and Mrs. Lehner, Mr. and Mrs. Epps, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. and Mrs. Foudray, Mrs. Culver, Mrs. Furry, Miss Gertrude Weeks, Mr. Fred Weeks.
    A bit of history regarding these people will not be out of place here. Mr. John Weeks was born in England in 1828. In early manhood he took passage in a sailing vessel for Canada, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Woodstock. On July 8, 1852, he was married to Miss Sarah Lateman. The wedding took place in Woodstock, where the happy couple began housekeeping and where they resided until eleven years ago, when, with their children, they moved to Phoenix, Oregon, where Mr. Weeks re-engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which business he still follows. Mrs. Weeks was born in Oxford County, Canada, in 1832. Ten children were born to them. Three of these died in infancy; the remaining seven are Arthur Weeks, of Oakland, Calif.; Alfred Weeks, Mrs. Eugene Orr and Mrs. W. H. McGowan, of Medford, Mrs. H. P. Hargrave, Miss Gertrude and Mr. Fred, of Phoenix. 
Medford Mail, July 11, 1902, page 2


    Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Weeks, who have been for the past three weeks on a visit with Mr. Weeks' parents at Phoenix and with relatives in this city, left Monday for their home in Oakland, Calif., accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave, relatives from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who will pass a few weeks in California, after which they will return to Medford and spend the fall, before returning to their Canadian home..
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 31, 1902, page 4


    John Weeks, manager of the Phoenix Furniture Manufacturing Co., who suffered a severe attack of paralysis four weeks [ago], which rendered him helpless and speechless, has recovered the full use of the left part of his body, and he has so far regained the use of his right arm and leg that he can feed himself and can walk about the house without assistance. The muscles of his face and throat [are] yet seriously affected, making it very difficult for him to talk, though he can make his wants known. Mr. Weeks has many friends who are very glad to know that he may yet enjoy his former good health.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 14, 1902, page 5




    ALFRED WEEKS. Among the successful fruit-grower and businessmen of Medford may be mentioned Alfred Weeks, whose public-spirited efforts have contributed not a little to the upbuilding of Jackson County. When he came here in 1887 Mr. Weeks had the advantage of several years of experience as a furniture dealer and manufacturer in Woodstock, Canada, where he was born September 15, 1856. His father was an ambitious and successful man who had gained a competence as a merchant, furniture manufacturer and farmer, and the son naturally followed in his footsteps, especially as he had been placed to work in the manufactory at an early age. The enterprise of this Canadian father seems to have been handed down to his sons, for one of them came to Oregon at an early day and started the first fruit ranch of any size in the Rogue River Valley. He was successful in his new home, and, being convinced that the country offered unlimited inducements to the industrious and painstaking, wrote home glowing accounts of the soil, people and climate. In 1887 the northern home was further depleted by the starting for the West of Alfred Weeks, who, with his brother-in-law, Eugene Orr, made the long trip successfully, and entered into partnership with their already well-established relative. The three men had every reason to rejoice over their prospects, for they had one hundred and forty acres of orchard, including peaches, prunes, apples and pears, and they found a ready market for their fruit, which was the best possible to be found in this state. In 1897 a new orchard of one hundred acres was set out, but by this time Alfred Weeks had succeeded to the principal management of the orchards, for in 1890 his brother and brother-in-law had opened a furniture factory in Phoenix, and devoted much of their attention to the mercantile venture. In 1901 Mr. Lewis purchased the interest of the brother and brother-in-law, since which time Alfred Weeks has been sole manager of the orchards. Mr. Orr died in August, 1901, but the furniture business, conducted under the firm name of Weeks Brothers, is still catering to a flourishing trade.
    Alfred Weeks is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has done much to elevate the standard of fruit growing in this county, and has given the subject that absorbing study into which all true agricultural enthusiasts are irresistibly led. He is a man of honor, intelligence and broad-mindedness, and commands the respect of all who are fortunate enough to know him.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, page 727


    Weeks & Baker are fitting up one of the Moore buildings on West Seventh Street for undertaking parlors. This step has become necessary in order to make room in the main store for their furniture stock.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 10, 1905, page 5


    Alf Weeks this week placed in position the new furniture for the K. of P. hall. Five fine native oak pedestals have been put in, also four large, massive officers' chairs. These articles of lodge fittings are unquestionably the best ever put into any lodge room in Medford--and we doubt if there are any better in the state. The design, workmanship and material cannot be excelled by any workmen in any country. The K. of P. lodge room is a place of beauty--and good to look upon. The lodge has expended fully $1000 in fitting up their new home.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, January 26, 1906, page 5


    Messrs. Weeks [&] Baker are contemplating the construction of a rather imposing brick edifice to house their steadily growing business. The intend to build on the lot now occupied by their store room and shop, and the adjoining vacant lot, owned by the estate of the late Mrs. Moore. Negotiations for the sale of this piece of ground have practically resulted in its sale to the firm, an order from the probate court to that effect being expected soon. They will have a frontage of 50 feet, with ample space for display of stock. It is their intention to have a first-class, up-to-date building.
"Many Projects Are Being Considered for the West Side," Medford Daily Tribune, June 30, 1906, page 1


    Architect Arthur Weeks, of Oakland, Calif., arrived Monday on a visit to relatives and friends in this section.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, July 6, 1906, page 5


    Weeks & Baker, the furniture dealers, are figuring upon the erection of a brick structure  to accommodate their business, but have made no definite plans yet as to the size and arrangement of the building.
"Things Boom on West Side," Medford Mail, October 5, 1906, page 1



    Weeks & McGowan are engaged this week in transferring their stock of furniture to their new quarters in the building just finished by them and opened up for business Wednesday. When fully arranged this will be one of the finest furniture show rooms in this part of the state. Large plate glass windows on the front and east corner furnish ample light for the front, and windows at frequent intervals on the east side makes the whole room light. The lower floor is devoted to the display of dining room and bedroom sets, sideboards and other heavy furniture, while a gallery in the rear is filled with chairs. On the second floor are displayed the carpets, rugs, curtains, portieres, couches, etc. This floor will be partitioned into departments, each one devoted to a particular line of goods, and the rooms will be tastefully arranged to show the goods to the best advantage. In the rear, upstairs and down, are large ware rooms; these also will be galleried. The one upstairs will contain the carpet sewing machine, mattresses, springs, etc., and the lower will be used as an assembling room for furniture. Take the store, "by and large" it is about as convenient and complete [a] furniture as could well be conceived. One of the most striking features is the abundant light. There isn't any dark corners, which counts a whole lot when it comes to showing goods.


    "All same Portland"--this will be the comment when Weeks & McGowan Co. get their new five-cluster electric light stands erected in front of the store on West Main Street. A visitor to Portland is struck with the beautiful effect of the five-cluster light stands erected on the edge of the walks in front of the stores and on both sides of the principal streets. Weeks & McGowan have decided to place the same kind in front of their store, and in a day or two one store in Medford will have the same effect as is produced in the largest city of the state.
    Nothing like keeping abreast of the times. Medford stores show as fine goods as can be seen in the cities--Medford merchants have as fine windows as those found in any city--Medford merchants advertise equal to most cities twice the size, and now the latest lighting innovation has been installed. Medford merchants will not be outdone.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 10, 1910, page 5