The year 1884 was a big one for the new town of Medford, Ore. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Howard moved there after a New Year’s Day fire destroyed their home in Jacksonville. Howard opened Medford’s first store, and became its first postmaster. Medford’s first recorded party was held in the Howard store, with a fiddler from Big Sticky and a midnight snack of canned sardines and crackers.
Medford’s first July 4th celebration was held the same year. Many of the 2,000 people who participated arrived by excursion train at the new Medford Depot. They enjoyed music by the Ashland Silver Coronet Band, races for men only, a greased pig catching contest and a barbeque. The Empire Hotel offered dinner, promising the best music and a good supper.
It was also the year that William Caldwell became Medford’s first recorded murder victim, shot by a Mr. Broback in self-defense. Lewis Doren and Ida Caldwell were the first couple married in the new town, and Raymond Crystal was the first male child born in Medford.
Now, 130 years later, Medford continues to grow, celebrate events and provide services to the Rogue Valley.
Sources: "Medford Fourth of July." Jacksonville Democratic Times 11 July 1884. Print; "Ads for Empire Hotel and for Medford July 4th activities." Ashland Tidings July. Print; "Medford News, 1884." "Medford News, 1884." Southern Oregon History, Revised. Ed. Ben Truwe. Web. 21 June 2014.