Jackson County Library Services

Shady Cove, located on the Rogue River, has been a recreational hub for tourists and Jackson County residents since its incorporation in 1972. But how did it acquire its name? Originally known as Etna by 19th-century settlers, the current moniker may have originated nearly a hundred years ago. Join us on this journey to explore…

Shady Cove, located on the Rogue River, has been a recreational hub for tourists and Jackson County residents since its incorporation in 1972. But how did it acquire its name? Originally known as Etna by 19th-century settlers, the current moniker may have originated nearly a hundred years ago. Join us on this journey to explore…

During its glory days, Kerby was the county seat, boasting two hotels, several saloons, a jail, a school, and one of Oregon’s earliest post offices. Presenter Paul Fattig will talk about those interesting years when the counterculture arrived in the then largely conservative Illinois Valley.  His maternal grandmother, Lela Ingersoll Cooke, owned and lived in…

During its glory days, Kerby was the county seat, boasting two hotels, several saloons, a jail, a school, and one of Oregon’s earliest post offices. Presenter Paul Fattig will talk about those interesting years when the counterculture arrived in the then largely conservative Illinois Valley.  His maternal grandmother, Lela Ingersoll Cooke, owned and lived in…

Oregon is currently home to thirteen downhill ski areas and resorts, but many others have come and gone over the years. Bend resident Steve Stenkamp, retired teacher and firefighter, has researched these “lost” ski areas of Oregon. To date, he has found fifty different ski areas that are no longer used today, with eleven of them in…

Oregon is currently home to thirteen downhill ski areas and resorts, but many others have come and gone over the years. Bend resident Steve Stenkamp, retired teacher and firefighter, has researched these “lost” ski areas of Oregon. To date, he has found fifty different ski areas that are no longer used today, with eleven of them in…

Author Carole Nielson, who has published several articles for Wild West Magazine and written several history books, will speak about her book Tales of Oregon Country, which includes 12 short stories of Oregon History. She has also written Five Bucks for a Quarter and Notorious Women of the Wild West. Carole Nielson acquired a passionate interest in history, especially "Old West" history, from…

Author Carole Nielson, who has published several articles for Wild West Magazine and written several history books, will speak about her book Tales of Oregon Country, which includes 12 short stories of Oregon History. She has also written Five Bucks for a Quarter and Notorious Women of the Wild West. Carole Nielson acquired a passionate interest in history, especially "Old West" history, from…

Jacksonville historian Larry Smith will share the riveting story of Robbie Collins' efforts to preserve Jacksonville's historic buildings by founding the Jacksonville Boosters Club and spearheading the establishment of Jacksonville's National Historic Landmark District. Robbie's preservation work is still reverberating throughout the Jacksonville of today, 60 years later. Robbie lived a life that circled the globe, but was…

Jacksonville historian Larry Smith will share the riveting story of Robbie Collins' efforts to preserve Jacksonville's historic buildings by founding the Jacksonville Boosters Club and spearheading the establishment of Jacksonville's National Historic Landmark District. Robbie's preservation work is still reverberating throughout the Jacksonville of today, 60 years later. Robbie lived a life that circled the globe, but was…

Laura B. Ahearn will present a wide perspective on the Blue Ledge Mine, including its connections to the orchard boom, socialism, and WWI. What once promised unbounded riches is now a Superfund site full of hazardous materials, while the adjoining Red Buttes are a protected pristine wilderness. Join us and learn more about the romances,…

At the height of the Great Depression, Medford, a city of 11,000 inhabitants, staged a series of history-themed parades, exhibitions, contests and entertainments unlike anything Southern Oregon had ever seen. The week-long State Diamond Anniversary Jubilee of 1934 was an event for the ages! Local historian Larry Mullaly examines personalities, ideas, and circumstances that led…