Medford mail tribune., March 06, 1955, Image 15

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At the turn of the century balloon ascensions were often staged to entertain crowds and were also a form of
advertising. This picture of a balloon ascension was taken July 8, 1900, on the Eighth street side of the prop
erty where the library now stands. Taken by Frank Hull, pioneer photographer whose widow now lives in Gold
Hill, the picture is now in the collection of W.. E. Thomas, Medford.
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Parades were apparently an important part of Medford's early life, for pictures of these colorful events- are
in many collections. Owned by Mrs. H. A. Stanley, Medford, this picture shows one of the entries in a Fourth of
July parade and Mrs. Stanley states that the two standing figures on the wagon represent the Goddess of Liberty and
Angel of Peace. Mrs. Stanley believes the picture was made in the 1890's.
Another picture in the Thomas collection is this photograph of the old wooden bridge across Bear Creek
on Main street which served the city until a concrete structure was built. Also taken by Photographer Hull,
Mr. Thomas believes this to date back to about 1905 or 1906. Before the bridge was constructed, vehicles
forded the stream during low water and traces of the ford can be seen.
Medford
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MEDFORD, OREGON, SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1855
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By Olive Sfarcher f
The days when balloon ascensions were topics of conversation 'and when the Fourth of July was
always celebrated with a big parade are recalled by today's Mail Tribune picture page. The. pictures
also bring back the days when almqst every grown man wore a wiustache, and. little boys in the first
and second grades at Roosevelt school wore big bow ties. ; '
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Also from the collection of Mrs. Stanley is this picture of, the Jackson County bank, first bank established
in Medford. .The center figure is W. I. Vawter, early-day Medford attorney, one of the founders and president
of the. bank. To the right stands George Lindley, bank official,, but the man at the left remains unidentified.
The bank was in the Medynski building, southwest comer of Main street and Central avenue.
Medford's 'fire department participated in early parades, as evidenced by this picture,' taken in 1911 by
name "Gregory." 'The department, at first made up entirely of volunteers, was organized on a paid basis in
and the remainder volunteers. All were outfitted with uniforms, as shown here. This picture was loaned by Mrs,
and it was originally owned by her father, John H. Butler, who was a volunteer fireman in the early 1900s.
a photographer, who signed his
1 906 with four salaried members ;
, Claude Thompson, Central Point,
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Pictured here it the entry of California-Oregon Power company in Med
ford's first Armistice day parade after World War I. Carl Bennett is shown by
the large truck, Henry Marsh is behind the "cannon," Ed Gebhard is driving
the small truck and Henry Buchter stands near it. The picture was loaned by
J.. A. Medley, 333 West Jackson boulevard. .
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This is the way pupils attending Roosevelt school dressed in 1911, the first year the school
opened. Miss Alice McKay, second grade teacher and Miss Julia C. Fielder, first grade teacher,
are shown with the children. The school picture was loaned by Mrs. K. J. Knutson of 615 North
Columbus avenue.
Pictured on their wedding
day, February 26, 1904, in
Pike county, Kentucky, ere
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Pierce
Mitchell, now of Gold Hill.
Pictured as they prepared to explore the Oregon caves in 1913 are (left to
right) H. L. Noblit, 602 North Modoc avenue, Mrs. Noblit and the late Mr. and
Mrs. M. S. Janes. They were taken through the caves by Dick Rowley, first caves'
guide, whose tent home in the background was the first building at the site. Mr.
Rowley is now an honorary guide. "