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1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Britt festival taking show on the road to Crater Lake ... Ashland on Christmas Eve ... Ashland gets the LED lights out ... Britt festival taking show on the road to Crater Lake ... Ashland on Christmas Eve ... Ashland gets the LED lights out ... AS IT WAS Christmas 130 years ago: Trees, presents, Santa, party, dinner Comment By Maryann Mason Southern Oregon Historical Society DailyTidings.com By Maryann Mason Southern Oregon Historical Society Posted Dec. 23, 2015 at 5:30 PM By Maryann Mason Southern Oregon Historical Society Posted Dec. 23, 2015 at 5:30 PM » Social News At Christmastime in 1885, Medford had about 100 buildings and 400 people. On the other hand, the railroad had spurred growth in Ashland, which had a population of about 1,000. The Rogue River Valley had just begun its fruit industry, shipping apples, pears, and peaches to buyers on the other side of the mountains. Phoenix was producing cider and jelly from orchard waste. Byers Hall put up two Christmas trees on Christmas Eve. The hall was packed and everyone enjoyed the program and presents under those trees. Santa Claus delivered a package of candy to everyone. A magician and ventriloquist, T. Shattuck, provided entertainment. The biggest party was on Christmas night when 90 people attended a ball to raise money for a new school house. There was music by Wilson’s stringed quadrille band, and the Empire Hotel prepared a dinner. On New Year’s Eve there was another dance, followed the next day by two horse races. There were several purses for the races, all won by Mr. Miles. Sources: Truwe, Ben. Southern Oregon History, Revised. Web. 24 Nov. 2014. http://id.mind.net/ ~truwe/tina/s.o.history.html>. As It Was is a co-production of Jefferson Public Radio and the Southern Oregon Historical Society. As It Was stories are broadcast weekdays on Jefferson Public Radio and are available online at asitwas.org . By Maryann Mason Southern Oregon Historical Society DailyTidings.com By Maryann Mason Southern Oregon Historical Society Posted Dec. 23, 2015 at 5:30 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501