Windows in Time: Mayor’s Gift: The Enduring Legacy of Clarence Meeker w/ Larry Mullaly

Southern Oregon’s fascination with pioneer history came into full flower in Medford’s massive 1934 Diamond Jubilees Celebration of Oregon statehood.  The June Pioneers Parade held in Medford was the largest public event ever staged in Oregon.

Clarence Meeker came to Southern Oregon in the 1890s at the age of 12. He graduated from Medford’s first high school and became a prominent downtown merchant. A natural leader and civic booster, he also served a two-terms as a City Councilman, and as Medford’s wartime mayor. Like many of his contemporaries, Meeker was fascinated by stories of the early settlers, and in his efforts to preserve Jacksonville’s historic county courthouse laid the groundwork that enabled the Southern Oregon Historical Society to gather and preserve one of the largest regional history collections in the country. 

Larry Mullaly is a retired educator and community college administrator with a love for sharing history. He serves on the committee to coordinate Window’s In Time programs, and he is a frequent contributor to the Southern Oregon Historical Society Quarterly.

The monthly Windows in Time lunchtime lectures feature well-known writers and historians and bring alive the people, values, and events that shaped our southern Oregon heritage. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) and Jackson County Library Services.

Mayor’s Gift: The Enduring Legacy of Clarence Meeker w/ Larry Mullaly

December 6, 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Medford Library & Online

December 13, 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Ashland Library

These events are FREE but do require registration.

Get a unique look back through time at local history with the monthly Windows in Time lunchtime lectures, co-sponsored by JCLS and the Southern Oregon Historical Society. We’ve considered some truly fascinating topics over the years, from social and economic trends to architecture and commerce, as well as the people who have called the Rogue Valley home.

Windows in Time is led by a variety of guest speakers and is held in person as well as online.

First Wednesdays: 12:00–1:00pm at the Medford Library and ONLINE
Second Wednesdays (Jan, Feb, and June–Dec): 12:00–1:00pm at the Ashland Library
Second Wednesdays (Mar, Apr, and May): 12:00–1:00pm at the Phoenix Library

You can find the full 2023 Windows in Time schedule HERE