Josephine County Historical Society

Josephine County Historical Highlights - compiled by Edna May Hill

2012-02-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

Josephine County Historical Highlights is a great reference tool.

Whether your interests lie in the early settlers, mining districts, towns, bridges, railroading or industries of early Josephine County, this book is the place to start.

There are many wonderful photographs and explanations of how towns got their names and why many of them went through a series of different names.

In this volume, you'll find the political history of Josephine County as well as short biographies of early pioneers.

There is a memoir contained in this book titled "The Galice Road" by Edith A. Keyte that is very entertaining and you'll wish it went on for much longer!

There are also several railroad tales that are truly delightful!

Josephine County Historical Highlights is the who's who and what's where of early Josephine County.

Josephine County Historical Highlights can be purchased now for just $15.00.

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

President's Day - A Photo Tribute

2012-02-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

The following is a series of photos of life-size bronze statues of our Presidents.

The are located in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. They were created by five South Dakota artists.

George Washington

1789 - 1797

Thomas Jefferson

1801 - 1809

James Madison

1809 - 1817

James Monroe

1817 - 1825

John Quincy Adams

1825 - 1829

Andrew Jackson

1829 - 1837

Martin Van Buren

1837 - 1841

William Henry Harrison

1841 - 1841

John Tyler

1841 - 1845

James Polk

1845 - 1849

Zachary Taylor

1849 - 1850

Millard Fillmore

1850 - 1853

Franklin Pierce

1853 - 1857

James Buchanan

1857 - 1861

Abraham Lincoln

1861 - 1865

Andrew Johnson

1865 - 1869

Hyrum Ulysses Grant

1869 - 1877

Rutherford B. Hayes

1877 -1881

James Garfield

1881 - 1881

Chester Arthur

1881 - 1885

Grover Cleveland

1885 - 1889

Benjamin Harrison

1889 - 1893

Grover Cleveland

1893 - 1897

William McKinley

1897 - 1901

Theodore Roosevelt

1901 - 1909

William Taft

1909 - 1913

Warren G. Harding

1921 - 1923

Calvin Coolidge

1923 - 1929

Herbert Hoover

1929 - 1933

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

1933 - 1945

Harry S. Truman

1945 - 1953

Dwight David Eisenhower

1953 - 1961

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

1961 - 1963

Lyndon B. Johnson

1963 - 1969

Richard Millhouse Nixon

1969 - 1974

Ronald Reagan

1981 - 1989

George Herbert Walker Bush

1989 - 1993

William Jefferson Clinton

1993 - 2001

George W. Bush

2001 - 2009

I apologize to:

John Adams
1797 - 1801

Woodrow Wilson
1913 - 1921

Gerald Ford
1974 - 1977

Jimmy Carter
1977 - 1981

for missing their statues.

If you find yourself in South Dakota, I highly recommend a visit to the "City of Presidents" in downtown Rapid City.

Happy Birthday Grants Pass, Oregon!

2012-02-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Grants Pass was incorporated 121 years ago on February 18, 1891!

Looking southward on 6th Street.

Here are a few other notables that happened on this date:


photo courtesy of: Tedder

This is a photo of Clatskanie, Oregon, which was also incorporated on February 18, 1891.

George Washington (Zip) Zabel, a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs was born on this date.

Henry Hastings Sibley, Union Army officer and the first governor of Minnesota died on this date.

On this date, William H. Appleton was awarded the Congressional medal of honor for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company H, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry on this date. The Civil War had been over for 26 years!

The Arizona cities of Phoenix and Yuma flooded on this date.

Gates Home Furnishings - Grants Pass, Oregon

2012-02-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Josephine County Historical Society is pleased to welcome Gates Home Furnishings as one of our business supporters.

George Gates Jr. established Gates Furniture in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1946. The original 5000 square foot store was located on the corner of 7th and H Street. In 1952, George’s wife Lois assumed the position of store manager after George contracted polio, which left him a quadriplegic confined to respiratory equipment.

With George acting as consultant and Lois physically running the operation, Gates Furniture quickly gained a trustworthy reputation within the community. With their focus on providing great furniture values and customer satisfaction, Gates Furniture became one of the Rogue Valley’s most popular furniture stores of the 50’s and 60’s.

In 1973, after graduating from college, George and Lois’s son Giff temporarily joined the firm. Law school had been the plan for Giff until he unexpectedly found himself loving the family business. Giff Gates assumed the manager position in 1977. 2012 starts Giff's 39th year in the family business, and he says he still enjoys what he does and what Gates Home Furnishings stands for in the community.

Nick Gates, Giff's son, is the next generation of the Gates family to be in the family business, and his dad says, "To see my son Nick enter his third year in the business is very gratifying as his passion may even exceed mine."

Gates Furniture has gone through many changes over the years. It’s gone from 5,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet, expanded to larger buildings and it’s even changed its name to Gates Home Furnishings. What hasn’t changed in over 60 years is the stores commitment to its employees, its customers and its community.

If you'd like to learn more about Gates Home Furnishings, please visit their website at: www.gatesfurniture.com/

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know that 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold during the week leading up to Valentine's Day?

Putting this into perspective,

it would take 245 rail cars to carry all that chocolate!

That would be a sight to see!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Josephine's Daughters - edited by Jean Boling for the Josephine County Historical Soceity

2012-02-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Josephine's Daughters was published for the 50th anniversary of the Josephine County Historical Society.

It contains the stories of women who were born or who have lived in Josephine county over the course of more than a century.

These ladies all share a pioneering spirit and tenacity whether they were civic leaders, miners, reporters, educators, business owners, wives or mothers.

It includes the story of Josephine Rollins Ort (who Josephine county was named for), who came here with her father in 1851; she didn't stay long, but was the first white woman to live in this valley.

You'll learn about Violet Bozarth Clements Ahlf, born in 1883; who became the first woman lawyer in Josephine county and established the Zonta Club of Grants Pass in 1947.

There's the story civic-minded Anne G. Basker who arrived in Josephine County in 1953 and help to found Rogue Community College in the 1960's, founded the Southern Oregon Resource Alliance in 1977, and was elected to the board of county commissions in 1972; she was the first woman elected to this position. Cherryl Walker, who wrote Mrs. Basker's story said, "Her service to Josephine county is unmatched by any man or woman."

In this book you'll read about Lois Giffin Gates and Beulah May Momsen who found themselves suddenly thrust into the position of business owners; they both met their new challenges with strength and became successful in their new ventures.

You'll meet sure-shot Mabel Dysert Ramsey, born in 1892 at the Columbia Mine near Placer, Oregon. She could run a hydraulic giant better than most any man, and is described as a "take-charge-and-get-it-done-lady."

Several of Josephine's Daughters came here via the Oregon Trail, including Caroline Stumbo Niday Sexton. The 29 year-old widow fought Native Americans and helped defend Ft. Leland in 1855. When she remarried she signed a "Declaration of Women's Rights;" a precursor to the modern day prenuptial agreement. She was the first woman to have signed this document in Josephine county, and possibly the first in Oregon.

Esther Bristol, who wrote her own story, arrived in Southern Oregon in 1934. She was a reporter for the Grants Pass Daily Courier, and during World War II became its editor while most men were away fighting. Ms. Bristol does a beautiful job of describing the scenery and events that took place during her time here.

The ladies in Josephine's Daughters, whether they were Oregon Trail Pioneers or came later all share a love of Josephine county and contributed so much to the rich history we have today.

Josephine's Daughters can be purchased now for just $30.00

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

Happy Anniversary Rough and Ready Lumber Company

2012-01-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Rough and Ready Lumber Company! They are celebrating their 90th year in business this year.

Rough and Ready is the only remaining sawmill in Josephine and Jackson counties. During the early 1940's there were more than two dozen sawmills operating in the Illinois Valley alone. Rough and Ready's success is remarkable when you consider all of the government controls working against them.

Perpetua Forests Company, a sister company of Rough and Ready Lumber will also be celebrating a milestone this winter when they plant their millionth seedling.

As a business supporter of the Josephine County Historical Society and a stop on the 2010 "Passport to History" program, we thought it would be a good time to revisit Gary and Wendy Swanson's trip to Rough and Ready Lumber Company.

Rough and Ready Lumber Co. was started in 1922 by the Krauss family, who first settled in the Illinois Valley of Oregon in the late 1800's. The mill originally was portable, and timber cutting and milling was done in the forests.

Rough and Ready Lumber Co. has been in its' current location since 1943.

What a tour we received! And what a company! We were welcomed by owner Jennifer Krauss Phillippi and her Sales Manager, Ed Cunningham.

We completely forgot that is was 100 degrees outside as we stepped into a prospering and fast paced, obviously well run company! Our guides enthralled us with the operations of the only remaining lumber mill in Josephine and Jackson counties.

The company specializes in high-grade lumber, and sells to high-end companies who manufacture windows and doors, such as Pella, Anderson Windows, Rogue Valley Door, and many others.

As we began our tour, it was like walking across a New York street. Everywhere we went we had to watch for forklifts, loaders, etc. constantly passing in all directions. I'm sure the drivers were more aware of us than we were of them, but we immediately realized the need for the orange safety vests.

We are looking at an $8 million dollar "biomass co-generation plant." This facility produces renewable power, while drying lumber using forest biomass and wood waste. The overhead pipes that you see coming into the buildings are bringing waste materials from the sawing operations, such as sawdust, bark, and other waste pieces to the furnaces. The other pipe coming from the other direction brings forest waste material brought in and dumped by other companies, which helps the other companies to dispose of their waste, and adds to the fuel for drying the lumber and generating electricity. The electricity generated is sold to Pacific Power, which I'll cover more later.

In 2009 Rough and Ready Lumber Co. was "green" certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), it makes sure that products for customers come from well-managed forests, and that the timber is grown, harvested, and processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

This is a view of the hopper where the material is piped in from the overheads shown in the previous photo. It is ground up suitable for burning.

The furnace supplies the heat for the kilns and to generate electricity.

The operation is computer controlled, and the following photos show some of the equipment necessary for this process.

This is the massive generator that creates a tremendous amount of electricity. As previously mentioned, the power is all sold to Pacific Power, and Rough and Ready Lumber Co. buys the power back for the lumber operation from Pacific Power. The one problem with that arrangement that I can see is what's happening right now, where Pacific Power has been granted a rate hike, but Rough and Ready Lumber Co. is still locked into to their contracted rate, and they don't automatically receive more money for the power they are selling to Pacific Power. Plus that, because Pacific Power is charging more, Rough and Ready Lumber Co. is subject to increases just like the rest of us. I had no idea when I heard they generated their own power, that they weren't able to take what they needed and sell the rest. That would make a lot more sense, but when have we ever won against a power company?

From this juncture, if I can remember what our guides, Jennifer and Ed said, from here the heat goes to the kilns, and the exhaust from the entire operation goes up the pipe on the left.

Take a close look at the tip of the exhaust pipe -- this is the exhaust from a furnace going full-blast in the middle of the operation.

In order to explain this process, I had to refer to Wikipedia for a complete definition; An electrostatic precipitator (ESP), or electrostatic air cleaner is a particulate collection device that removes particles from a flowing gas (such as air) using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. Electrostatic precipitators are highly efficient filtration devices that minimally impede the flow of gases through the device, and can easily remove fine particulate matter such as dust and smoke from the air stream. In contrast to wet scrubbers which apply energy directly to the flowing fluid medium, an ESP applies energy only to the particulate matter being collected and therefore is very efficient in its consumption of energy (in the form of electricity).

In layman's terms, it acts like a magnet that takes the particulates out of the air.

This blue overhead pipe is bringing in sawdust and other forest waste that is brought it by other companies, and dumped into a pile. Now, the next photos will show you how they unload the 18-wheelers that bring it in!

No drivers are allowed to remain in the vehicles, as these structures have been known to collapse, although it is rare. Jennifer said she has always wanted to ride up in the truck, but has not had a chance to do it.

All done, the ride is over!

These pieces of ponderosa pine stand at the end of the "green chain." The one on the left is probably worth about $250 wholesale. They are keeping water on them so they do not split, check or get "blue stain," which I'll show you later.

This is part of the "green chain," which I have always heard is the hardest job in the sawmill. This is where the "green" lumber is sorted as to its' size and purpose. All of the people pictured in every photo were working with very little conversation, intense concentration, and efficiency I could not believe.

In the distance you'll notice piles of raw logs, with sprinklers continually keeping them wet. Prior to the availability of sprinkling systems, that entire area up to the trees was a massive pond, where logs were kept until needed. I always thought that they watered them to prevent spontaneous combustion from starting fires, but our guides explained that the reason is actually to keep them from splitting, checking, and the dreaded "blue stain."

Now we enter the saw building, where all of the different types of blades are sharpened, repaired, welded and stored. These blades you're looking at probably start at $200 each, and go up.

Talk about band saw blades! These are the largest saw blades you could ever imagine. The ones that have been sharpened, or are brand new, hang from the ceilings, ready for use. There were band saw blades all over the place in every stage of preparation and sharpening.

There were operators standing by and controlling the sharpening processes. Even though it is computer-controlled, an operator must monitor and control the settings continually. These people are the best in the business! Ed Cunningham, who has been with the company for 35 years, and has done everything in the operation has also worked in this room before being promoted to Sales Manager.

You can see how exacting a process this is, and you don't learn this job overnight!

Here is an example of glass insulators that evidently at one time had been attached to a living tree, rather than using a separate pole, which was quite common years ago. Eventually, the tree grew around the insulators, and can you imagine how devastating it was when the saw blade cut through them? Not only ruining the saw blade, but also a tremendous danger to the operator!

Everything has been found in trees, all types of spikes, nails; and the gentleman pictured in the saw room (sorry I can't recall his name, but the racket was so tremendous in the sharpening room, and we were wearing ear protection) recalled the time when they found a musket inside of a tree, which was probably set down by a hunter and forgotten about. How many years has it been since anyone fired a musket? It must have been from the 1700s anyway.

After being scanned from end to end, and on all sides by metal detectors, the logs are brought from the yard to the mill.

They are brought forward until the operator takes over and brings the logs in one at a time. Note the blue mark on the end of the log. This is how they mark them on the lot so they can tell when a log has made a complete rotation for the person doing the metal detection. You saw previously how dangerous it is to have any metal in a log at all.

Here the operator is stripping the bark from the log.

The log is next cut to the desired length,

and continues on to the next process, where the next man takes over.

Next, an outer layer is sliced off the log, so the operator can view the inside structure and determine what section of this piece will best fit the orders that he has in front of him. Note the operators' glassed in booth, in the very upper left corner of this photo. Mike is an expert in "reading" a log, so as to maximize its potential.

These are the screens in Mike's control tower, and the one with all the numbers on it are the orders he must fill. As a tree grows, the lower branches will gradually fall off, and the quality of the lumber will vary throughout the log, the better parts being where the branches have left little or no trace. We watched him slice off a section of a log, analyze it, and immediately determine how large a section he can cut out that will have no visible knots. It was fascinating to see how much experience it takes to be able to just look at a side of a log and know what your end product is going to look like.

This man controls as many as four saw blades at a time. He is trimming off the edges with laser guidance.

We have now arrived at the beginning of the "green chain" that we observed from the other end when we first came in.

The "green chain" continues down the line, with men at every stage, constantly pulling out the correct sized pieces for their station.

The silos are compartmentalized to house the various non-usable pieces, such as bark and wood chips. You can see the conveyors on the left that reach up to sort the materials into the bins. From there they will go to various places, such as wood chips will go to paper companies, bark and other scraps will continue to through the pipe on the upper right to the co-generation plant.

The finished product has been through the kiln and is ready to be packaged for market.

This is the sight we have been waiting for; the culmination of everyone's hard work. The truck leaves Rough and Ready Lumber Co. and enters the Redwood Highway (Highway 199), headed for its' new home.

Our sincerest thanks to Jennifer Krauss Phillippi and Ed Cunningham. Ed, I really must apologize for "sawing off" the top of your head in this photo, as even the camera was suffering from heat stroke.

But I want you folks to know that this was the most impressive operation that I have ever seen. Your employees were amazing! Everywhere we went, everyone was working hard at their jobs and they all seemed to know exactly what to do at every stage. There was no wasted effort, and everyone was working at top speed.

I've observed a lot of companies, and there's always somebody goofing off somewhere, but not in this company. You can be very proud of your employees, and they must really be proud of their employers, because it really shows!

Jim Bridger and the Oregon Trail

2012-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

The terms mountain man, army officer, trail blazer, trader, trapper, explorer, guide, merchant and interpreter all describe one man; James Felix "Jim" Bridger.


From the Noah H. Rose collection.

Fort Bridger, the Bridger Mountains, Bridger National Forest and Bridger Pass are all named after Jim Bridger.

He stumbled upon Utah's Great Salt Lake while mapping a trail between Bear River and Cache Valley. He mistakenly thought it was the Pacific Ocean; and was perhaps the first white man ever to see this huge body of water.

*Photographed by and copyright of (c) Robert Corby 2006 *Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Fortbridger.JPG en-wp]

He went on to establish Fort Bridger along the Green River in Wyoming. Fort Bridger was an important stop for Oregon Trail travelers.

In 1850, Bridger was hired for a surveying expedition, and while evading the Ogalala Indians (a sub-tribe of the Lakota people) he ended up shortening the Oregon Trail by 61 miles. This pass he found is now known at the Bridger Pass.

This route on the Continental Divide became the course for the Union Pacific Railroad and Interstate-80.

Happy Birthday Josephine!

2012-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Josephine County! Today, January 22, 2012 she is a spry 156 years old.

According to Wikipedia, "Josephine County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. According to Oregon Geographic Names, the county is probably named after a stream in the area called Josephine Creek, which in turn is probably named after Virginia Josephine Rollins Ort. In 2010, its population was 82,713. Grants Pass is the county seat."

We all know Josephine County is much more than this. From her beginnings at Sailors' Diggings to now, she has gone through many changes, yet maintains her independent, pioneering spirit.

At the Josephine County Historical Society we strive to share the rich heritage of our past. Our mission is all about collecting, preserving, exhibiting, promoting and interpreting local Josephine County history.

In our Research Library we have a large collection of photos, newspaper clippings, books, maps and family stories. The public is welcome to view our collections and conduct research Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This service is free for members and $5.00 per visit for non-members.

We also have a Bookshop located in our Research Library, where you'll find many Josephine County related subjects. Whether you're interested in reading about the early settlers, specific towns and areas, Indian wars, or the geography of Josephine County, we've got a book for you. Many of these books contain photographs you will not find anywhere else. Our books may also be purchased online, just click here.

We have many events through out the year, and most are free to the public. Our "Living History Players" provide entertainment at our events as well as presenting outreach programs to schools, civic groups and others. Click here to check out our event schedule.

The Josephine County Historical Society also operates the Schmidt House, a historical house museum. Tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Anna and Flora Schmidt gifted their house to the Society in 1978. It is the only still existing historical home in Josephine County that was continually occupied by the same family since being built in 1901.

If you have any family history, stories or photos you'd like to share with us, we'd love to have them. Please feel free to stop by the Research Library, give us a call at 541 479-7827, or use our website jocohistorical.org.

If you're not yet a member, are you interested in joining us? We'd like to encourage you to join the fun and become a member! You can stop by the Research Library Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 508 SW 5th Street in Grants Pass or sign up online by clicking here.

Interviews of Illinois Valley Old-timers

2012-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Interviews of Illinois ValleyOld-timers is asmall gem “in the rough.” Thiscompilation comes from some recently discovered pages found in the archives ofthe Josephine County Historical Society’s Research Library.

These pagesare biographies of elderly Illinois Valley residents taken by studentsattending Kerby Union High School, circa 1944.

If you’vespent much time in Josephine County, Oregon you will probably recognize quite afew of the names of the “Old-timers” being interviewed as well as the studentsconducting the interviews.

These Interviews of Illinois Valley Old-timersshow how the same events are remembered differently by those who werethere. For example, some of theOld-timers remembered the Great Depression as barely touching their lives,while others saw it as one of the “worst hard times.”

These minibiographies show us a glimpse in the lives of some of our earlier residents ofthe Illinois Valley, and it is well worth the short time it takes to read them.

What awonderful idea the teacher of these students had. I would give them all an A+!

Interviews of Illinois Valley Old-timers can be purchased now for just $10.00

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

Valentine's Day at the Schmidt House - Grants Pass, OR

2012-01-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Is "Historically" For Sweethearts.

Are you looking for an event to get you in aromantic mood for Valentine’s Day?

Photo courtesy of Steve Henke at www.s tevehenke.com

Stop by the Schmidt House and Barn and join usfor red wine and chocolate.

Visit the Schmidt House and see the collectionof beautiful vintage wedding gowns. Inaddition to Mrs. Herman Schmidt’s wedding dress, the gown from the firstwedding held at the Oregon Caves Chateau will be displayed.

You will also enjoy viewing the Schmidt Ladies’lovely collection of antique Valentines.

Costumed Docents will be on hand totalk about the bridal gowns and pour wine from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday,February 11.

We are inviting membersof the public to attend this free event as well. Please tell your friends!

For more information, please call the Josephine County Historical Society at 541 479-7827.

Massacred For Gold by R. Gregory Nokes

2012-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

Massacred For Gold by R.Gregory Nokes intertwines enticing descriptions of magnificent viewsin the Hells Canyon area in Northeastern Oregon and Western Idahowith the tragic murders of Chinese miners and the shocking lack ofconcern shown by the local population.

Mr. Nokes painstakingresearch pieces together the story of how such a large number ofpeople could be massacred, and why the known killers were allowed togo free.

The killers were motivatedby greed; after all some of them were known rustlers and thieves. What this well-written story also shows us is how lack of knowledgeof other races leads to intolerance and injustice, especially whenthey make no attempt to assimilate into American society; and how thepower struggle among the politicians leads to finger-pointing andtrying to shift blame to the other party.

This attitude toward theChinese workers started with the railroads, and continued with thegold mining throughout the West. In many places the shooting of aChinese worker carried no penalty for the killing itself, butoftentimes there would be a small fine for discharging a firearm inthe city limits.

Unlike many history books,“Massacred For Gold” tells a cohesive story and moves along at anice pace that makes you want to learn more about how the murders ofsuch a large number of people could have happened with hardly anyoneoutside the Wallowa region knowing about it. It is well worth theread.

Please call the Josephine County Historical Society at (541) 479-7827 if you would like to purchase Massacred For Gold.

Golden Days and Pioneer Ways – by Ruth Pfefferle

2012-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

The term“Gold Rush Days” make many people think of the gold strikes in California orAlaska, but the Illinois Valley of southern Oregon has its own unique tale of“Gold Rush Days.”

Golden Days and Pioneer Ways written by Ruth Pfefferle takes uson a wonderful journey of the life and times of those who settled in theIllinois Valley of southern Oregon. Ruthshares the history of the different communities in the Illinois Valley; such asBrowntown where as many as 6,000 miners once lived; and Waldo, the firstJosephine County seat. Waldo in additionto having the usual frontier establishments – a blacksmith shop, saloons, dancehalls, a livery stable and gambling establishments also had a skating rink. You’ll learn about how Kerby was settled; theonly remaining town of the three largest original settlements in the IllinoisValley.

Golden Days and Pioneer Ways tells us stories of the few luckyminers who struck it rich, and many who never found their “pot of gold.” In addition to the miners, you’ll also learnabout the hearty pioneers who settled the Illinois Valley with their farms andbusinesses. Although they weren’t famous,these were hardworking people, who were brave and generous.

Mrs.Pfefferle has arranged Golden Days andPioneer Ways in easy to read sections from the history of the IllinoisValley, mining, pioneer life, schools, transportation, Oregon Caves and severalothers.

Mrs.Pfefferle dedicated her book to her beloved husband Phayo Pfefferle who was agreat inspiration to her while she was writing a column for the Illinois ValleyNews in Cave Junction.

Golden Days and Pioneer Ways is an enjoyable history lesson foranyone interested in Josephine County’s Illinois Valley. Mrs. Pfefferle describes history this way,“History is important because if we have no knowledge of the past, we can notappreciate the present or look forward to the future.”

This bookalso contains great information for genealogists whose ancestors settled in theIllinois Valley.

Golden Days and Pioneer Ways can be purchased at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

Mining The Illinois River Valley

2012-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

The following post is provided courtesy of Gary Swanson.

Mining The Illinois River Valley - Southern Oregon

"Suckers" from Illinois found gold in Oregon!

The Illinois River Valley was named after a group of miners who hailed from the state of Illinois in about 1852. "Sucker" creek was also named for the same group, as Illinois was known as the "Sucker State."

Well, the gold seekers tore through the Illinois River Valley along both sides of the Illinois River. The vast piles of "tailings" stretches for miles in this beautiful valley as evidence of the wealth in gold, silver, and platinum that came from Mining The Illinois River Valley.

Just northwest of Little Falls, the Illinois River Valley widens, and this wide area made it profitable to bring in the big guns for the hydraulic operations.

We discovered these ditches starting high up the valley sides, which were built to bring massive amounts of water down to the hydraulic Mining In The Illinois River Valley. Chinese laborers were often used for the backbreaking work of building these miles of waterways.

Water coursing down the mountain and funneled down through ever constricting flumes and hoses creates tremendous water pressure, which was used to blast the hillsides to separate the gold and minerals from the surrounding rock.

Whether dredged, or hydraulically mined, the huge piles of remaining rocks are referred to as "tailings." I would assume the word was derived from the workings of a dredge where the material went in the front, and ended up coming off a conveyor in the rear or "tail" after the gold had been extracted.

The Illinois River Valley has largely "grown over" the scars left by gold mining, but there are still signs of the gold miners scattered throughout the Illinois River Valley area, as you will find all over Josephine County.

Sunsets

2011-12-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

The following quote was taken from Henry David Thoreau's journal, dated December 27, 1851.

"The man is blessed who every day is permitted to behold anything so pure and serene as the western sky at sunset, while revolution vex the world."

Christmas Folklore

2011-12-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

A little Christmas Folklore...

It was thought that one who sits under an Evergreen on Christmas Eve will hear angels singing.

If the sun shines through fruit trees on Christmas Day, the trees will bear a lot of fruit in the coming season.

A white Christmas is a prediction of a prosperous year.

May we all have a white Christmas!

Will You Have Music In Your Soul?

2011-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

In days of yore, Bulgarian peasants ate sparrows on Christmas Eve so that they would have music in their souls and would feel as if they had wings.

The sparrows were caught in wheat fields weeks before Christmas, killed and hung to dry.

On Christmas Eve they were soaked, broiled and eaten.

Merry Christmas!

Poem For December - "How Still, How Happy!" by Emily Brontë

2011-12-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

On this first day of Winter:

Portrait of Emily Brontë by her brother Branwell Brontë.

The following are the last three stanza's of Emily Brontë's poem "How Still, How Happy!" It was originally published December 7, 1838.

It is but thought - full many a night

The snow shall clothe those hills afar

And storms shall add a drearier blight

And winds shall wage a wilder war,

Before the lark may herald in

Fresh foliage twined with blossoms fair

And summer days again begin

Their glory - haloed crown to wear.

Yet my heart loves December's smile

As much as July's golden beam;

Then let us sit and watch the while

The blue ice curdling on the stream -

Yorkshire Christmas Pie

2011-12-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

This illustration was provided courtesy of Emma Cowley. Emma is a London-based illustrator, and this piece is currently on display in the Association of Illustrators' Images 34 show. Visit her website: http://www.emmacowley.co.uk/ or blog: www.emmacowley.blogspot.com to see more of her terrific work.

The following recipe for Yorkshire Christmas Pie comes from Mrs. Hannah Glasse's "Art of Cookery" 1774.

Make a crust with sides and bottom thick and large enough to hold a turkey, goose, fowl, partridge, and pigeon, all boned. Season well and place the meat as close together as possible in the crust. Fill the spaces with woodcock, moor game, and any other wild fowl at hand. Add four pounds of butter, lay on a top layer of crust, and bake for at least four hours.

Mrs. Glasse added that the crust should be "well built," requiring at least a bushel of flour.

Yorkshire Christmas Pie was popular in England in the 18th century, although only the wealthy could afford it.

Cross-section of a Turduckhen including a hen in the center with cornbread stuffing.

The Turducken is the American version of Yorkshire pie, although it doesn't contain as many different types of birds. It has been a popular dish in our Southern states for many, many years.

John Madden brought this dish back into fashion when he mentioned it during a football broadcast.

It became so popular that you can now find Turducken, ready to be roasted, in local grocery stores.

Boston Tea Party

2011-12-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

"The Destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor", lithograph depicting the 1773 Boston Tea Party by Nathaniel Currier.

John Adams' diary contained this entry on December 17, 1773:

"Last Night 3 Cargoes of Bohea Tea were emptied into the Sea. This morning a Man of War sails."

"This is the most magnificent Movement of all. There is a Dignity, a Majesty, a Sublimity, in this last Effort of the Patriots that I greatly admire..."

Josephine County Memories at the Josephine County Historical Society

2011-12-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

New Arrival! Introductory 10% discount plus free shipping for the holidays!

$35.95 plus free shipping!
~~$39.95~~ List Price (save 10%)

In-stock and ready for immediate shipping,
or pick up at the Bookshop in the Josephine County Historical Society Research Library at 512 SW 5th Street, Grants Pass.
We're open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

We are now selling Josephine County Memories - A Pictorial History from the 1800s through the 1960s.

This fascinating book from The Daily Courier, working with the Josephine County Historical Society is an heirloom-quality, coffee-table pictorial book on the history of Josephine County. This keepsake book features hundreds of stunning historic images from the late 1800s to 1969 from Josephine County. Order today for only $35.95 + free shipping!

Click Here to purchase your copy online!

Grants Pass Stage is Robbed!

2011-12-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

An out of state newspaper reported that the "William Creek-Grant's Pass" stage was held up by a lone man on December 13, 1902.

The news article goes on to say that the stage was on its way from Grants Pass to Williams when a young man wearing a red bandana stepped out of the woods, pointed a revolver at the driver and demanded that the driver and passenger stop and raise their hands above their heads.

The robber demanded that the mail bags be tossed out and then ordered the stage to go on its way.

The mail on this day was light, so the robber only got away with about $15 in loot.

Josephine County Sheriff Lewis and two of his deputies went out to the scene of the holdup where they found the opened mailbags.

You know, for just $15 you could become a member of the Josephine County Historical Society, and it's just $25 for your entire family. For this small fee, your benefits of membership include free research in the Research Library, a 10% discount on JCHS-printed publications purchased in our bookshop, a subscription to our newsletter, the Old-Timer, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a contribution to preserving local history.

Please join us and help keep our history alive!

Squirrel Causes Power Outage - November 1961

2011-12-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

There was a story published in the Daily Courier fifty years ago about a power outage.

An apparently daring squirrel playing near the Merlin power substation, "made a fatal leap," landing on a 60,000 volt power line.

The power was not restored to some residents for as long as six hours. It was reported that this was the fourth time that power was disrupted due to a squirrel. It's not clear whether they meant just in the year 1961.

Things haven't changed much in the last fifty years; at least as far as squirrels causing power outages in our area.

Squirrels are still causing power disruptions in Josephine County. I remember three years ago, our power was out for almost 12 hours due to a squirrel!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't happen this year, especially for the sake of all those daredevil squirrels!

A Pearl Harbor Day Tribute

2011-12-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

The following post was written by Gary Swanson. Thanks Gary!

I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to those honored dead whom we remember on this day.

I recalled finding this wonderful remembrance that was sponsored in the past by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

The following narrative was written by Robert Mitchum, and eloquently recited by John Wayne!

"Lest We Forget"

"Josephine County Memories" Is Now Here!

2011-12-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

New Arrival! Introductory 10% discount plus free shipping for the holidays!

Click Here to purchase your copy online!

Wonder How Wonder Got Its' Name?

2011-11-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how Wonder, Oregon got its' name?

It all started when John Thomas Roberson, his wife Anna, and Anna's daughter Ella Daveler, moved to the Slate Creek area in Josephine County from Texas sometime before 1900. When the Roberson's first moved here, John bought some land and started farming.

John was born April 28, 1857 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, but by 1880 the family had moved to McCulloch, Texas where John's father Robert was a farmer and John was raised stock.

He married Anna in 1889. "Annie," as Anna liked to be called, had been widowed in 1885 and was left to raise her four year-old Ella on her own.

Around 1902 John decided to open a general store, a couple miles south of current day Wilderville. The inhabitants of the sparsely populated community wondered were his customers were going to come from.

Hearing folks speculate about his business decision, Mr. Roberson decided to name his establishment "Wonder Store." The name must have caught on, because soon the United States Postal Service used the name Wonder for the name of the post office established there in 1903.


I wonder if that is Mr. Roberson standing in front of the post office?

Mr. Roberson became the first Postmaster for Wonder, Oregon. In addition to running his store, and serving as postmaster, he was also a correspondent for the Rogue River Courier (now the Grants Pass Daily Courier).

Sometime between 1920 and 1930 Mr. Roberson sold the "Wonder Store," and went back to farming.


photo courtesy of Jean Boling.

John Thomas Roberson and his beloved wife Anna were laid to rest in the Wilderville cemetery in 1934. John died on April 5th, and less than month later on May 1st Annie also died.

Would you like to know more about Josephine County's early residents? Visit the Josephine County Historical Society's Research Library.

Do you need a photo or information about a cemetery or grave in Josephine County? Just fill out the Society's "Cemetery Crawler" form.

Shop Small Business Saturday!

2011-11-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

Shop Local!

The second annual Small Business Saturday is tomorrow, November 26th! It's a great way to support our locally owned small businesses.

While you're around town supporting this great cause, don't forget to buy a raffle ticket for this beautifully decorated Christmas Tree!

The $5 raffle tickets can be purchased at Gasoline Alley Antiques located at 310 SW 6th Street, Grants Pass (they're open seven days a week), or at the Josephine County Historical Society located at 512 SW 5th Street, Grants Pass (open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm).

This fully decorated tree includes Christopher Radko and Old World Collectible ornaments.

The drawing will be held on December 17th at the annual "Celebrate Christmas Past" event held at the historic Schmidt House. This event is free and open to the public.

All proceeds benefit the non-profit Josephine County Historical Society. Membership dues and contributions enable the Society to fund its' mission. Which is all about collecting, preserving, exhibiting, promoting and interpreting local Josephine County history.

So don't forget to shop local for Small Business Saturday, and stop by Gasoline Alley Antiques to take a peek at the Josephine County Historical Society's raffle prize and buy a ticket!

Raise Funds for The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY at No Extra Cost to You!

2011-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Raise Funds for The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY at No Extra Cost to You!

The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is excited to announce its involvement as a Museum Partner with ShopforMuseums.com. As a Museum Partner, anyone shopping online with their favorite national retailers can have a portion of their purchase directed to The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY at no additional cost.

ShopforMuseums.com is nationally recognized with hundreds of Museum Partners across the country. Whether you are in the market for books, office supplies, apparel, gifts, travel reservations, home improvement, school supplies, toys, electronics, flowers or gourmet food…You name it, the place to start is at ShopforMuseums.com!

Participation is simple and secure. To designate a portion of your next online purchase to The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, simply:

Go to www.ShopforMuseums.com.

Select the JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY as your museum partner.

Then just click on the link of the store you want to visit and go about your shopping. Stores are organized by categories.

The percentage of your purchase will be tracked automatically as long as you begin each time at ShopforMuseums.com.

Please use ShopforMuseums.com each time you shop online and spread the word to friends and family.

The JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY appreciates your support.

You Can Win a Beautifully Decorated Christmas Tree!

2011-11-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

Have you purchased your raffle ticket yet?

This beautifully decorated tree can be yours! It is complete with lights, Christopher Radko and Old World Collectible ornaments!

Tickets are just $5 each and the proceeds will benefit the Josephine County Historical Society.

Tickets can be purchased at the Josephine County Historical Society's Research Library at 512 SW 5th Street in Grants Pass (Tuesday - Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm) or

at Gasoline Alley Antiques located at 310 SW 6th Street in Grants Pass. You can also take a look at this wonderful Christmas tree while you're there.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the annual "Celebrate Christmas Past" event at the historic Schmidt House Museum on Saturday December 17, 2011.

Your Josephine County Historical Society is totally non-profit. We do not receive any funding from the state or county, and rely completely on the generosity of our members and benefactors. Your membership and contributions are our lifeblood.

For more information about the "Celebrate Christmas Past" event, click on the candy cane.

Large Miners Reported in Leland, Oregon

2011-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

The following story was reported in the Rogue River Courier (now the Grants Pass Daily Courier) on November 20, 1901.

The Leland correspondent reports: "We have a miner who stands 7 feet 8 inches in his stocking feet. If anybody in the country can beat that we will look over our miners again and perhaps we can find a bigger one. Grave Creek is noted for its big men, also big women."

A Lady's Fashion

2011-11-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

While working on my ongoing genealogy project, I came across a photo of one of my second great grand aunts. This particular photograph was taken in 1890.


Courtesy, L.Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.

It reminded me of how many more layers of clothing women wore in the past than are worn today.

So how much clothing was required in the 1800's and early 1900's? I found a great website that answers this question.

Late 19th & Early 20th Century Ladies' Dress Glossary

(This information is provided courtesy of www.marquise.de.)

The parts of a lady's outfit in putting-on order

chemise or undershirt of cotton or linen
drawers / knickers /bloomers, worn with an open crotch until around 1900
corset shaping the body into the fashionable form by means of whalebone sticks and a busk in front
busk: two metal strips with nails and eyes that served a) to shape the front and b) to close the corset, making complete un-lacing unnecessary.
corset cover: a white, short, shirt-like garment worn over the corset to protect the taille from rubbing against the nails of the busk.
decency skirt, a narrow petticoat which protected the nether region from view if the skirt was blown up by wind
tournure or bustle shaping the skirt to overemphasize the backside - depending on the period a half-petticoat stiffened with steel or whalebone strips, a wire contraption that folded when the lady sat down, or a bag of cloth filled with horsehair tied round the waist. Worn mainly in the early/mid 1870s and early/mid 1880s.
petticoat / underskirt with volants (ruffles) and possibly pockets. In the late 19th century, two or three were worn, but towards the turn of the century, the slim line forbade more than one.
suit: Consists of floor-length skirt, sometimes with train, and taille. Dresses in the sense that upper and lower part are sewn together are not worn until turn of the century. Hat and gloves are compulsory.
taille / waist: A cross between the bodice of earlier times and blouses and suit jackets of today, it fitted the body very tightly, sometimes looked like a jacket and sometimes like a blouse. It was buttoned high up, had a standing collar and long sleeves. Low décolletés and short/no sleeves were reserved for ball dresses. Any impression of loose-fittingness is false as it consisted of a whalebone-stiffened lining taille and top fabric which sometimes was arranged in loose folds. These folds are part of the
garniture: decorative pieces of fabric or lace, ribbons, cord, ruffles and bows carefully arranged on the taille and skirt. a special part of the garniture is the drapery on bustle skirts. In the 1870s to 80s, garniture was almost exclusively on the skirt, then on both, and in the early 20th century only on the taille. The garniture is the most important part of late 19th century dress and absolutely typical of the era.
accessories: hat, gloves, umbrella (more against sun than rain), sometimes walking-stick if the lady had the courage (the walking-stick is a male utensil). A fan for the ball.

(The following photos are also provided courtesy of: www.marquise.de.)

1865

1874 Evening Dresses


1902 Afternoon Gowns


1914 Walking or Travel Suit

It's no wonder most ladies boudoirs were furnished with fainting sofas.

Do you have an interest in vintage fashions? If so, the Josephine County Historical Society has a job for you! We are currently in need of a Costume Mistress to catalogue and care for our collection of historic clothing and accessories.

We are also currently looking for a Seamstress. Some of our Living History Players are in need of dresses and long skirts. The patterns, fabric and notions will be supplied.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at (541) 479-7827 or fill out our "Contact Us" form on our website: http://www.jocohistorical.org/contact-us

Grants Pass Centennial Notes "Special Edition" - by Edna May Hill, edited by Joan Momsen

2011-11-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Grants Pass Centennial Notes published by the Josephine County Historical Society is made up of scanned and enlarged copies of original newspaper articles first published in the Daily Courier in 1984 and 1985 to commemorate Grants Pass' first 100 years. It also contains many photographs from the Josephine County Historical Society's collection.

Centennial Notes with its stories written by Mrs. Hill and corresponding photos (with commentary) selected by Ms. Momsen paints for us a picture of Grants Pass' earliest beginnings, and shows us how the city and its inhabitants matured along the way.

Topics range from business development, new laws enacted, interesting characters, entertainment, and even some prejudices practiced. You'll read about local merchant John W. Howard, who after first operating out of a tent, built the first commercial building in Grants Pass, and would later go on to building our first brick building.

You'll find out how Grants Pass, Beacon Hill and Robertson Bridge got their names; and that the Masons and Oddfellows were here from the beginning.

You'll discover that a "Blue Law" was one of the first ordinances passed in Grants Pass and how Josephine County went dry in 1908. You may be shocked to read that the Ku Klux Klan was active in Grants Pass, and if you weren't white, protestant and born in the USA, you weren't welcome here.

There are stories about people with innovative ideas to put Grants Pass on the map, and while not all of them were successful, they were inspiring. For example, there's the tale of the Redwood Highway Marathon; a grueling 480 mile foot race from San Francisco to Grants Pass with its' 11 Native American contestants, of whom seven would finish. Then there were the failed attempts to build a railroad from Grants Pass to Crescent City, California.

Grants Pass had much to celebrate to mark its first 100 years, and Grants Pass Centennial Notes is a great way to experience it.

Grants Pass Centennial Notes can be purchased at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

Pioneer Recipes by Bobbie Kalman & Lynda Hale

2011-11-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Recipes is a wonderfully illustrated cookbook intended to introduce children to a pioneer kitchen.

This description short-changes this terrific book, because it is a great learning tool for adults as well.

It not only contains easy to make, authentic pioneer dishes, but also describes how our ancestors prepared their meals and their methods of cooking.

With it being Autumn, fresh apple cider is easy to find, so for my first recipe, I decided to make "Native Pudding." My husband and I share our home with three dogs and a cat, but since they don't eat pudding (although they'd probably like to), I cut the recipe in half.

It was interesting tasting, although the texture was not as smooth as you would expect pudding to be. This was understandable, as the recipe called for cornmeal rather than flour. This recipe also used molasses rather than sugar, so it wasn't as sweet as our modern puddings are. Ingredients such as flour and sugar were very expensive during "pioneer" times and were only used on special occasions.

When trying out these pioneer recipes, it is best you keep in mind that something sweet was a nice change from an everyday fare of meat (if Dad was a good shot) and vegetables.

Most of the ingredients for "Native Pudding" are still produced locally. Milk, cornmeal, apple cider, butter, eggs and raisins are fairly easy to find. You could make your own molasses from sorghum cane, which can be grown in Southern Oregon. You could also make salt the old-fashioned way by taking a trip over to the coast, filling a pot with sea water and boiling it down to salt and other minerals. The only other ingredient is cinnamon, most of which comes from Sri Lanka and South India.

Pioneer Recipes can be purchased at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

Trick Or Treat!

2011-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Tatanka and Dakotah...

All we want are treats please!

Art Alley, Rapid City, South Dakota - Art Or Graffiti?

2011-10-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Art Alley!

It is located in "Old Town" Rapid City, South Dakota.

Graffiti was becoming a problem in Rapid City. These photos show how that city creatively solved their problem.

They set aside a little used alley, between two busy downtown streets, for the use of any artist who wanted to use it.

What was once drab and boring, is now colorful, eye-catching and an interesting way to spend an hour or so.

Some of the work looks promising, while other parts just look like graffiti, but what a great way to let people express themselves without defacing the property that belongs to others!

Shuckin' The Corn

2011-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

If you need to prepare corn-on-the-cob for a crowd, here's a nifty way to do it, it's called "cooler corn!"

Photo courtesy of Scott DeSimon

Haul your cooler out; hey it's not too late for corn-on-the-cob!

Clean the cooler out and, add a bunch of shucked ears.

Pour two kettles full of boiling water of the corn, and close the cooler.

30 minutes later, you've got a cooler full of perfectly cooked corn! Keep the lid closed and it should keep to the right level of doneness for a couple of hours.

Great idea for camping or a barbeque!

Now, for those who prefer to stay indoors this time of the year, I found this neat demonstration of how to easily shuck an ear of corn.

Below is the musical version of Shuckin' The Corn.

Just some food and music for thought.

The Hotel Josephine - Grants Pass, Oregon

2011-10-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

The grand Hotel Josephine has returned.

The Hotel Josephine was officially opened in November, 1893. The 23 room hotel's amenities included a sitting room on the second floor (offering a comfortable place to view Sixth Street), a dining room, barber shop and "sample room" (a place for traveling salesmen to display their merchandise).

Percy T. Booth's book, "Grants Pass, the Golden Years" describes the Hotel Josephine as; "In 1903 Hotel Josephine was a model of convenience for the traveling public. In addition to electricity, it was the first building in Grants Pass to be equipped with gas for cooking and heating."

The canvas for the Hotel Josephine mural is the six story addition that was added to the Hotel Josephine in about 1925. At that time, forty-five rooms were added and the hotel was renamed Redwoods Hotel. The new addition was completed with private baths for each room.

The coolest thing about the Redwoods Hotel was "The Caves Grotto." It was a large banquet room designed to resemble one of the large caverns found in the Oregon Caves. Again, quoting from Percy T. Booth's book, "The Grotto was a unique copy of one of the Caves largest caverns, complete with 'Marble' pillars and stalactites hanging from the ceiling."

The interior of the original Hotel Josephine was destroyed by a fire in 1975 and the building, already deemed unsafe by the Grants Pass fire marshal, was torn down.

Today, you can take a step back in time and visit the Hotel Josephine. The mural is located at the corner of "E" and Sixth Streets.

This Hotel Josephine mural is the work of artist J. Michener - what a terrific talent!

For more information on the Hotel Josephine and many more historical landmarks in Josephine County, please visit the Josephine County Historical Society's research library and bookshop.

JOSEPHINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
512 SW 5th Street
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Telephone: (541) 479-7827

While you're there, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Percy T. Booth's terrific book "Grants Pass the Golden Years."

Our New Online Bookshop and Much More!

2011-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Josephine County Historical Society is happy to announce our new Online Bookshop and much more!

Over the past several months we have been hard at work creating a new and user-friendly website. If you haven't had a chance to look at it yet, just click here, and you'll find yourself there.

You can now purchase books that we publish ourselves, as well as the many other publications we offer for sale at our Online Bookshop. You can pay for the books and other items we offer for sell through Paypal. You don't even have to have a Paypal account; you can also pay with a debit or credit card without setting up a Paypal account.

Of course, you are welcome to come in and purchase these books at our Bookshop, located in our Research Library at: 512 SW 5th Street in Grants Pass, Oregon. Our hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

If you don't see a book that you are interested in on our Online Bookshop, just give us a call at (541) 479-7827 or send us an email at josephine@historicalsociety.us.

In addition to purchasing books online, you can also sign up for membership or renew your membership. We also gratefully accept your contributions online on our Donations page.

While you're visiting our new website, look at our Calendar of Events; download or print a PDF version of our quarterly newsletter, The Old-Timer; check out our Links page, where you'll find Community Links, History and Museum Links, Travel Links, a Cemetery/Grave Locator form, a link to our Blog, and links to Josephine County Hikes.

Our new website also has information and photos on our Living History Players,

Historic "G" Street,

a tour of historic homes in North Grants Pass,

information about the Schmidt House Museum, and more!

So what are you waiting for give our new website a try!

Murder, Mayhem and Mischief in Josephine County - Book Review

2011-10-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jean Boling's Murder, Mayhem and Mischief in Josephine County is a kaleidoscopic and entertaining collection of newspaper stories published prior to 1932 by the Grants Pass Daily Courier.

The title of this book is absolutely perfect! When passing by an auto accident or person of questionable character, did your parents ever say; "Look the other way!"

Well, my mother always did; so I found this book a fascinating way of looking vicariously at very real tragedies, accidents, serious crimes, vicious murders, kidnappings, robberies and other transgressions.

Murder, Mayhem and Mischief is a great way to escape the doldrums of television and take a look at some of Josephine County's more colorful past.

Ms. Boling must have spent countless hours in the Daily Courier's newspaper morgue to come up with this written collage of stories. If you haven't had a chance to read Murder, Mayhem and Mischief yet, I highly recommend it.

Murder, Mayhem and Mischief in Josephine County can be purchased at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.

2011 Graveyard Tour! - Grants Pass, Oregon

2011-10-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

The Josephine County Historical Society is pleased to announce our 2011 Graveyard Tour!

Come join us for a step back in time as our Living History Players make "pioneer spirits come alive!"

Our Graveyard Tour takes place at the Oddfellows/Masonic Cemetery in Grants Pass on Saturday, October 22nd at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Advance tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the JCHS Research Library, located at 515 SW 5th Street, Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Tickets may also be purchased at the gate for $6.00.

Mark your calendars and come join us for this fun, family event!

Click here to visit our website for more information,

or

download the Graveyard Tour flyer.

Murdered Man Surprises His Sister-In-Law

2011-10-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

One hundred years ago, the following article appeared in the Grants Pass Daily Courier on September 11, 1911:

"A supposed murdered man walked into a Grants Pass home yesterday and surprised his sister-in-law while the man's brother was seeking the body in the woods of Klamath county. The surprise happened when A.J. Thompson walked into the home of his brother Edgar L. Thompson. Thompson was working in Klamath county and a report came that he had been killed by some unknown person."

Sixty-four years after surprising his family, Alfred J. Thompson was laid to rest in a Klamath county cemetery.

A Good Book

2011-09-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Some great quotes about books:

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."


Charles William Eliot - 21st President of Harvard University

"My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter."

Thomas Helm

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."

Mark Twain

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."

Paul Sweeney

"Good books are to the young what the warming sun and refreshing rain of spring are to the seeds which have lain dormant in the frosts of winter."

Horace Mann

"It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it."

Oscar Wilde

"The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television."

Andrew Ross

And, on a lighter note:

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it."

P.J. O'Rourke

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

Groucho Marx

"There's nothing to match curling up with a good book when there's a repair job to be done around the house."

Joe Ryan

Mule Postman Loses Contract - Josephine County, Oregon

2011-09-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

The following news story appeared in an out-of-state newspaper on September 5, 1947.

"Mule Postman Loses Contract In Remote Area

The lonely existence of the scattered families living in the remote fastness of Siskiyou national forest no longer will be relieved by periodic visits from the mule-driving postman.

The mule-pack postal route between the isolated towns of Illahe and Marial, near Grants Pass, has been terminated by the government because the carrier, who has a monopoly on mules, submitted too high a bid.

Residents of the remote mountain areas served by the mule routes do their shopping through the mail order catalogues and depend upon mule packs for everything--clothing, accordions, rifles, even food according to Fred H. Twohy, railroad mail district superintendent who has spent 10 years traveling the mountain regions to check on his mule postmen.

'One winter not even a horse could get through the heavy snows,' Twohy recalls. 'The residents were shut off from the world, and there was quite a squawk.'

Obliging postmen resorted to sleds to reach the isolated areas, Twohy adds, 'and the first thing people ordered by parcel post was several cases of beer.'

The Marial route was typical of the involved carrier setup required to get mail to secluded areas. Mail went 34 miles up a river in a flat bottomed river boat from Wedder burn. Then it was transferred to mule for an additional 16-mile trip.

It was 'kind of expensive,' Twohy admits, costing about $400 a person to keep the route open. 'The stamps don't begin to pay for it,' he adds.

'I have a hard time convincing them back in Washington that these routes are worth the expense,' Twohy says."

Herbert Hoover Pays Us A Visit

2011-08-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

On August 31, 1926, it was reported that Herbert Hoover (then Secretary of Commerce) was fishing on the Rogue River.

Before entering the political arena, Herbert Hoover, our 31st President, was a mining engineer and geologist. In 1899 he was employed by a London-based mining company. He worked at several different gold mines in Australia before going to China, where he served as the leading engineer.

In 1901 he was made a partner at Bewick, Moreing & Co. After observing mining operations in New South Wales, he discovered a way to effectively to use the froth flotation process to recover zinc from tailings.

With this type of background, it makes one wonder if he didn't also do a little gold prospecting while enjoying our magnificent Rogue River!

Man Pays Fine With Onions

2011-08-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from an article published August 24, 1933 in an out-of-state newspaper.

"'The fine is strong, but I guess you can stand it,' said the judge, penalizing V. O. Bishops for failing to stop his truck for a through street."

Mr. Bishops did not have the $5 to pay his fine, so the Josephine County judge agreed to accept 200 pounds of onions instead.

Teddy Roosevelt and Teddy Bears

2011-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

No one can resist a cuddly Teddy bear.


Baby Mahto with his favorite teddy!

In November of 1902 President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting trip in Mississippi. One of his hunting companions had trapped a black bear cub and offered it to the President as an easy kill.

Theodore Roosevelt refused the offer by saying, "What's the point of shooting an already trapped bear?"

A reporter for the Washington Post that had accompanied the hunting party, telegraphed the story back to his editor. The Washington Post ran a cartoon of the story by showing a scene with the bear cub and the caption: "Drawing the line in Mississippi."

A hopeful toymaker from Brooklyn, New York, who had been trying to sell some toy bears made by his wife, saw the cartoon and had an inspiration. He sent a letter to the White House asking Roosevelt's permission to use his name for his toy bears. Roosevelt gave his permission, and Morris Michton started selling "Teddy's Bears" in his New York toy store.

They were a huge hit, and soon the name was shortened to the now very familiar "Teddy Bears."

photo of a "Teddy Bear" in the Steiff Museum Giengen Germany courtesy of Matthias Kabel.

Theodore Roosevelt didn't invent the "Teddy Bear," and who knows if he ever even owned one, but without his charisma and charm, we may still have toy bears, but not "Teddy Bears."

Happy First Birthday Mahto!

Who can resist a Teddy Bear?

Diary Of A Mormon Missionary - Louisiana, December 1898

2011-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

The following is a transcript from the diary of an LDS missionary from December 22, 1898.

"Girard, La December 22nd 1898

Thursday

Stayed at Depot and occupied a bench which we laid on with quilt which the young man (the agent), gave us, but we did not sleep much, but were thankful for his kindness to us. Elder Raymond wrote some Gospel letters to his friends, and after mailing them with some papers, we started out without any breakfast, expecting to go about eight miles south. After walking down a short distance, ate some cake which Elder Raymond had on hand, it was very nice and so rich that we discovered two more pieces of silver in it making forty cents in all. We then walked on our way. I was not feeling well, stopped occasionally to rest short time. We called at the home of Mr. John Young. He invited us in, and the time was taken up in chatting and conversing upon the gospel until night having walked about 8 miles. The weather was clear and warm for this time of year. After eating supper, then conversed some time, sang a few songs and Elder Raymond read chapter in bible explaining the organization of the church. Mr. Young and family are a going away to the southern part of this state in a short time to make them a new home with some other persons. After speaking upon the way the church is organized, with Apostles, Seventy, Elders, Etc. Then explained some other principles of the Gospel. The day being passed again, all retired, after offering prayers with the family."

This LDS missionary was my great great grandfather Lewis Albert Warren. He had just turned 32 years old, and was only six months into his mission. He left a wife and six year-old son behind in Price, Utah. Lewis Albert Warren was born in Spanish Fork, Utah and had never left Utah before starting on this mission.

During this time, Mormon missionaries had to rely on "the kindness of strangers" to provide them with a place to sleep and food to eat. This was usually done in exchange for sharing Mormon doctrine with the people they met, and helping out with chores.

It was not uncommon for my grandfather and his companion to walk many miles each day. They were unaccustomed to the wet, humid weather of Louisiana, and it took its' toll. Two months after this diary entry, Lewis Albert Warren had died from pneumonia.

Alice's Road Trip - 1909

2011-08-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

Alice Huyler Ramsey, with three companions in tow, arrived in San Francisco, CA on August 7, 1909.

22 year-old Alice, accompanied by her two "forty something" sisters-in-law, and a 16 year-old friend was the first woman to drive across the United States.

It was originally meant as a publicity stunt for the Maxwell-Briscoe auto maker, but it turned into a step forward for women.

These four ladies left Hell's Gate in Manhattan on June 9, 1909 in a Maxwell 30, and set off on a 3,800 mile journey, of which only 152 miles were paved! The route they took would later be named the "Lincoln Highway."

Alice Ramsey was the only one of the four women that knew how to drive. Her husband had bought her a car the summer before, and she wasted no time in putting 6,000 miles on that car.

Over the course of the 59 days, the ladies learned how to change tires, clean spark plugs and to check the fuel level. They ran out of gas in the Midwest after forgetting to check the tank before they left one morning. To check the Maxwell's fuel level, you had to remove the front seat cushion, and insert ruler into the fuel tank.

The next day, their engine overheated and they didn't have any water with them. Nettie Powell and Margaret Atwood, Alice's sisters-in-law found the solution. They used their sterling silver and cut-glass toiletries holders to bring water, an ounce at a time, from road-side ditches to refill the radiator.

While traveling through Nebraska, the adventuresses were surrounded by a group of Native Americans with bows and arrows, but quickly found out they were just hunting rabbits.

In Wyoming they were stopped by men on horseback, who turned out to be a posse on the trail of a murderer.

During her driving career Alice Huyler Ramsey would make this cross-country trek more than 30 times. She was on her way to have driven all six passes of the Swiss Alps, when her doctors forced her to not drive the final pass because of her pacemaker. Alice died at the age of 96 on October 9, 1983.

Finally, on October 17, 2000, Alice was the first woman to be inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame. It sure took them long enough!

A first-hand account of Alice's adventure, can be read in her book "Veil, Duster, and Tire Iron," which was published in 1961.

By 1909, only a handful of men had successfully completed the journey of driving a car across the county; the first time was only six years prior, in 1903, by Dr. Horatio Nelson.

As for the Maxwell-Briscoe company, it did not experience the longevity that Alice Huyler Ramsey enjoyed. The company was absorbed by Chrysler in 1926.

Pie Trivia

2011-07-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

It is thought that pies were first made by Egyptians during the New Stone-Age, about 9500 B.C.

Animated pies were popular in the 14th century. The nursery rhyme " four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie," refers to such a pie. According to the rhyme, "When the pie was opened, the birds began to sing." When the pie was cut into, the birds would actually fly out! Birds, frogs, and small mammals were also used.

Cobblers came into creation during the 19th century in the American West. Westward bound pioneers adapted traditional oven-baked pies to something that could be cooked in a dutch oven. The earliest reference to a cobbler is from 1839 by The Kentucky Housewife, Lettice Bryan. She described the pie as; "not fashionable for company, it is very excellent for family use."

For a period in time in Kansas, it was illegal for restaurants to serve ice cream with cherry pie.

Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake; and cheesecake is actually a pie (tart to be exact).

The Wham-O Frisbee's prototype was a metal pie pan. The inspiration for this still popular toy came from the Great Depression era when college students entertained themselves by tossing around empty pie plates.

The Josephine County Historical Society is holding its annual Pie and Ice Cream Social on Friday, July 29th, 2011 at the Schmidt Barn and Gardens from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please join us!

Waldo Safe and the Stories It Could Tell!

2011-07-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

This story appeared in the Grants Pass Daily Courier on July 25, 1931.

"In the business office of the Cold Storage plant is a relic of early Josephine County, an iron safe, which for years was the strong box at the Charley Decker store at Waldo and went with the business when it was taken over by George Elder. The safe was made in Boston, shipped to Crescent City by water and from Crescent City to Waldo by pack train. It has no combination but is locked by a big copper key."

How much gold do you suppose passed through this safe from Waldo?! The Waldo Mining District was instrumental in the creation of Josephine County. In 1856 when Josephine County was carved from Jackson County, Waldo became our first county seat.

According to Heritage Research Associates, report number 234, the George Elder store was the last business to remain in Waldo; this store and the post office closed in 1928.

I wonder what happened to George Elder between the time his store closed and his death. Looking at the census reports, George Elder was born In Waldo, and had lived there all of his life.

On the 1870 census from Waldo, George W. Elder was listed as being 2 years old; the son of John and Minerva Elder.
On the 1900 Waldo census, George is now 31 and single, living as a boarder in the home of Charlie Decker and works as a merchandise salesman for Charlie.
On the 1910 Waldo census, George is a 41 year-old bachelor, renting a home and listed as a retail merchant.
On the 1920 Waldo census, George is 51, still a bachelor, renting a home and listed as a retail merchant.

1920 was the last census I could find George Elder listed on. George Washington Elder died June 2, 1931 (the month before the Daily Courier's news article about the safe was published), and is buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery along with his parents and siblings.

Take A Walk Along The Illinois River

2011-07-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

A beautiful way to spend a warm July day is taking a hike along the Illinois River.

Getting there: Take the Redwood Highway to milepost 24. Turn west onto Eight Dollar Road. Continue on Eight Dollar Road until you see the "Green Bridge." Park in the gravel parking area and follow any of the "lightly used" dirt roads.

The Flight of Daedalus and the Fall of Icarus

2011-07-19T11:25:00.000-07:00


Woodcut printed by Riederer, Freiburg im Breisgau, 1493.

According to Greek mythology, Daedalus made a set of wings for himself and Icarus, his son in order to escape from the labyrinth of King Minos on the island of Crete. Daedalus flew successfully from Crete to Naples, but Icarus did not. Forgetting about his father's warning, Icarus flew so close to the sun that the wax on his wings melted, the feathers floated away, and Icarus plummeted to his death in the sea.

This woodcut is thought to be the first printed illustration of human flight.

Pardon Me Ma'am

2011-07-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

One-eyed Charley Parkhurst was one of Wells Fargo's best and well known stagecoach drivers.

Charley was a rough-spoken, tobacco chewing, cigar smoking, card playing individual. Although sociable, Charley preferred sleeping in the stables with the horses rather than sharing quarters with the other drivers.

It wasn't until Charley Parkhurst died in 1879 that people discovered Charley was actually a woman.

"Charlene" Parkhurst was born in 1812 in Vermont, the same year that her mother died. Sometime prior to 1817 her father dropped her off at a New Hampshire orphanage.

She later escaped from the orphanage by wearing boys' clothing, and found work in a livery stable. She eventually made her way west, working in stables along the way.

She stayed in California after retiring from driving. It was here that she cast a ballot in the 1868 Presidential election; perhaps making her the first woman to vote in the United States.

So, did she vote for Ulysses Grant or Horatio Seymour?

Charley is now resting in the Watsonville, CA Pioneer Cemetery.

Rainie Falls Trail Hike Along the Rogue River

2011-07-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

The hike to Rainie Falls along the south side of the Rogue River is the perfect hike for a hot summer day.

The trail is well-maintained, although narrow and rocky. Much of the 4 mile round-trip Rainie Falls Trail is shaded and offers spectacular views of the Rogue River.

About a quarter of mile into the hike you'll see Grave Creek Rapids.

As you get closer to Rainie Falls the river gets deeper as the canyon walls constrict.

At about a mile into your hike, you'll see the remainder of one of the Sanderson Bridge footings that spanned this canyon.

The Sanderson Bridge was built in 1907 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was a suspension bridge that was built to allow miners' to cross over the river. The bridge was constructed of sturdy planks on the bottom, and a wire and rope network along the sides. The only ones to use this bridge were men and mules, as no wagons or carts, could navigate the trails on either side.

You will see several streams coming from high up above.

This is a view of the trail on the north side of the Rogue River, where you'll notice shade is very scarce! When it's 100 degrees out there, you'll appreciate being on the shady, south side of the Rogue.

You'll hear Rainie Falls long before you glimpse your first view of it.

The view of Rainie Falls is beautiful, and well worth the short two miles it takes to get there.

To get there, take the Merlin-Galice Road until you see the Grave Creek Bridge. Park on the north side of the road, just before it crosses the bridge. The Rainie Falls Trail starts on the south side of the road.

Jesse James Remains On Display

2011-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

The following article appeared in the Morning Oregonian on April 30, 1888.

"Singular and Unsuccessful Show -- A short time since a fellow turned up in Ashland, from no one knew where, calling himself Dr. Sealy, and opened an exhibition, the chief and only attraction of which was the alleged remains of the notorious desperado Jesse James. The show did not prove a grand success, and the few who visited it were apparently unable to tell whether the exhibit was the real carcass of the defunct desperado or not. Wax figure, or whatever it was, it looked like Jesse James, and it bore all the bullet holes which marked the genuine remains of the departed celebrity. The doctor had a companion who was supposed by some to be Frank James, but who did not seem inclined to exhibit himself. After doing Ashland the whatever-it-was was boxed up and taken to Grant's Pass, where its exhibition did not pay expenses, so it was again boxed up and sent by express to Roseburg, where at latest accounts it remained uncalled for, the proprietor not having been seen or heard of. From present indications it seems likely that the next appearance of this Jesse James "what-is-it" will be at an old-horse sale."


Frank and Jesse James - 1872

I went in search of the missing Jesse James "what-is-it" in its' last known destination of Roseburg, but the only thing I learned is that there are sure a lot of people named Jesse James!

What Is Patriotism?

2011-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

There are many, many definitions of patriotism. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines patriotism as: Love for or devotion to one's country. Here are a few notable definitions:

"Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime." A quote from Thomas Jefferson

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiently or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else." A quote from Theodore Roosevelt

"Patriotism is a salt against rottenness, a glorious spur to high endevour; it recovers the half-obliterated virtue of loyalty, calls every man to service, and ennobles great and small alike." A quote from Percy Dearmer

"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." A quote from George William Curtis

"Such is the patriot's boast, wher'er we roam,
His first, best country ever is at home." A quote from Oliver Goldsmith

Two Men Fall To Their Deaths From Train

2011-07-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

This news story published July 2, 1906 comes from an out-of-state newspaper.

"Portland, Ore., July 1,--An Oregonian special from Glendale, Ore., says that as the north bound Southern Pacific passenger train pulled out of Leland station this morning, two unknown men attempted to board the front of the engine, missed their footing in some unknown manner and went under the train, instantly killing both of them. The county coroner from Grant's Pass held an inquest, but nothing of consequence was learned. The men were evidently workingmen, probably machinists from San Francisco. Papers on one of the men indicated his name to be Al Fisher. Nothing whatever was found on the other."

Image courtesy of: Eric Polk. This particular engine was manufactured in 1909.

Although Josephine County has seen it's share of train accidents over the years, the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad had a huge positive impact on the Rogue Valley. The completion of the railroad gave us a much needed link to the rest of the country, both economically and socially.

If you're interested in learning about the history of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Oregon, I found this fascinating website: Southern Pacific in the Cascades. It is filled with detailed stories and amazing photos.

A Letter Home

2011-06-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

"September 4th, 1887
Dear Aunt,

Yours of the 21 came to hand several days ago but I kept neglecting writing to see whether we were going to stay here or not but we are not going to stay here now. we have concluded to go on through to oregon this fall, though it will be pretty cool on us I expect. for we have had a right smart ice here in the vallies that is the reason we dont like here. it is so cold in the winter it snows here sometimes untill the trains can't run, so you know that it must be pretty deep. if it was not so cold I think we would like here. wages is good here, money is plenty & Game is plenty deer & Elk, Bear. the men are going out on a big Hunt before we start out again I guess. they will bring in a wagon load of game in (which) you never saw the like of fish in your life mostly all Trout, they are right of spoted, I wish you and boys was with us. we have not heard from uncle Jess since we left him. I have writen back but havent got any answer yet. I dont know what is the reason unless the mail has got missplaced, Aunt I hope Lee has got well & stout by this time. I wish I could have been there to gone with Jake, to the picnic & I would like to be thare now to go to ____? meeting with you. I have read a heap about those Noted preachers & I would like to hear them. we dont have any meeting here only the Mormans & I dont care to go to hear them well I will have to stop writing for this time. I will write again before we get through. Lyda said she would write some. Ma has been sick for 2 or 3 days but she is better so I will close hoping this will find you well. from your Neice M Zemmer Sep 10th Aunt I thought I would write a few lines more as we will (leave) this place Tomorrow or next day to go up in the Mountains to Hunt & Fish there we will start on to oregon, we will be there a week you can send your next letter to Boice City Idaho, it will take us 3 weeks to go there. then I wont hear from you any more untill we get through so I will close for this time hopeing to hear from you when I get thare from your loveing Niece Mollie Zemmer Tell Jake we will try to have our pictures struck as soon as we can & send them to him."

Trail ruts near Guernsey, Wyoming - photo courtesy of Chris Light

This is a letter Mollie Zemmer wrote to her aunt Mary Jane Warren Zemmer while living in the Wyoming Territory.

A Lick And A Promise... What on earth does that mean?

2011-06-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

My dad sent this to me last week, and I recognize some of the phrases, but there were a few I hadn't heard before.

SOME OF YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THIS (FOR THE REST OF YOU IT WILL BE A LEARNING SITUATION)
A LICK AND A PROMISE

                'I'll just give this a lick and a promise,' my mother said as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving any of the furniture. 'What is that supposed to mean,' I asked as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with his or her tongue.
                'It means that I'm in a hurry and I'm busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.
                'A lick and a promise' was just one of the many old phrases that our mothers, grandmothers, and others used that they probably heard from the generations before them. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete or even disappear. This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous. Here is a list of some of those memorable old phrases:
                1. A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)
                2. An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin who told a story about a devious man who asked how a grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of charge)
                3. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one)
                4. At sea (lost or not understanding something)
                5. Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person)
                6. Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot.)
                7. Barking up the wrong tree (talking about something that was completely the wrong issue with the wrong person)
                8. Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let loose )
                9. Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)
                10. Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)
                11. Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)
                12. Calaboose (a jail, from the Spanish calabozo)
                13. Catawampus (Something that sits crooked such as a piece of furniture sitting at an angle)
                14. Dicker (To barter or trade)
                15. Feather in Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)
                16. Hold your horses (Be patient!)
                17. Hoosegow ( a jail)
                18. I reckon (I suppose)
                19. Jawing/Jawboning (Talking or arguing)
                20. Kit and caboodle (The whole thing)
                21. Madder than a wet hen (really angry)
                22. Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson)
                23. No Spring Chicken (Not young anymore)
                24. Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)
                25. Pert-near (short for pretty near)
                26. Pretty is as pretty does (your actions are more important than your looks)
                27. Red up (clean the house)
                28. Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)
                29. Scarce as hen's teeth (something difficult to obtain)
                30. Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)
                31. Sparking (courting)
                32. Straight From the Horse's Mouth (privileged information from the one concerned)
                33. Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling (Not doing anything of value)
                34. Sunday go to meetin' dress (The best dress you had)
                35. We wash up real fine (is another goodie)
                36. Tie the Knot (to get married)
                37. Too many irons in the fire (to be involved in too many things)
                38. Tuckered out (tired and all worn out)
                39. Under the weather (not feeling well this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather)
                40. Wearing your 'best bib and tucker' (Being all dressed up)
                41. You're not the only duck in the pond. (It's not all about you)

                Well, if you hold your horses, I reckon I'll get this whole kit and caboodle done and send it off to you. Please don't be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I've been pretty tuckered out and at sea lately because I'm no spring chicken. I haven't been just stringin' around and I know I'm not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might just be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just
                A lick and a promise !!!

Thanks Dad!

Letters Of A Woman Homesteader - by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

2011-06-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Burnt Fork, Wyoming, April 18, 1909

Dear Mrs. Coney, -

Are you thinking I am lost, like the Babes in the Wood? Well, I am not and I'm sure the robins would have the time of their lives getting leaves to cover me out here. I am 'way up close to the Forest Reserve of Utah, within half a mile of the line, sixty miles from the railroad. I was twenty-four hours on the train and two days on the stage, and oh, those two days! The snow was just beginning to melt and the mud was about the worst I had ever heard of.

The first stage we tackled was just about as rickety as it could very well be and I had to sit with the driver, who was a Mormon and so handsome that I was not a bit offended when he insisted on making love all the way, especially after he told me that he was a widower Mormon. But, of course, as I had no chaperone I looked very fierce (not that that was very difficult with the wind and mud as allies) and told him my actual opinion of Mormons in general and particular.

Meantime my new employer, Mr. Stewart, sat upon a stack of baggage and was dreadfully concerned about something he calls his "Tookie," but I am unable to tell you what that is. The road, being so muddy, was full of ruts and the stage acted as if it had the hiccoughs and made us all talk as though we were affected in the same way."

These are the first paragraphs of "Letters Of A Woman Homesteader" by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. This book is a collection of letters Mrs. Stewart wrote to a former employer over several years.


1825 Burnt Fork, Wyoming

(Thanks to to O. N. Eddins for allowing me to use this great photo. If you're interested in learning more about the history of Wyoming, including the Oregon Trail, visit Dr. Eddins website: Mountains of Stone.)

Elinore Pruitt's husband died from a railroad accident, forcing her to find work to support herself and her little girl. After spending time in Denver working as a housecleaner and laundress, she wanted a better life for herself. She set out for Wyoming where homesteaded land could be purchased for $1.25 an acre!

Elinore was only 29 upon her arrival in Burnt Fork, Wyoming; but she was so tenacious and hard-working that she couldn't help but succeed! This collection of letters show her to be an adventurous, witty and thoroughly delightful woman!

"Letter Of A Woman Homesteader" was first published in 1914, and is still fascinating to read almost 100 years later. I was engrossed from the first few paragraphs, and couldn't wait to read about her next adventure.

"Don't Fire Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes"

2011-06-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

The quote "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" was uttered by either American Colonel William Prescott or Major General Israel Putnam during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Because gunpowder was so scarce, it was important that every shot fired counted.

Major General Israel Putnam

The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first large battle during the American Revolution. It was fought on June 17, 1775, and most of the battle took place on nearby Breed's Hill.

This is an image of an oil on canvas by John Trumbull; depicting the death of Major General Joseph Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Colonel Prescott and Major General Putnam had asked that Joseph Warren be their commander. Warren turned down the offer to command and volunteered to serve as a private, since both Prescott and Putnam were more experienced with war.

This oil painting is now displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.