Calling all volunteers! As a way to support our local businesses and encourage tourism in Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce sponsors many events throughout the year, including large events like Victorian Christmas and the Haunted Trolley Tours… and new events scheduled for 2023.
Putting on these events requires volunteers. This can […]
The public is invited to an open house to celebrate the re-opening of the renovated Magnolia Inn, now the Magnolia Hotel. Over the last few months, new owners,
Jeff and Nikki Bale, have been busy converting the previous owner’s living area into three additional guest rooms, opening walls and adding access for guests to the backyard. […]
The swallows have returned, and spring bulbs pop with color. Wildflowers pepper the woodland trails, and the general feelings of restlessness and excitement can only be blamed on spring fever, a tolerable malady. Spring is here at last—a time to celebrate life and the creative flow.
Saturday, March 18, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is bringing […]
MEDFORD, OR — The Britt Festival Orchestra (BFO) announces its 2023 season, anchoring Oregon’s Britt Music and Arts Festival with three weeks of exciting open-air programming in historic Jacksonville, Oregon. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director […]
In December of 2014, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). As the Neurologist explained my options, my wife Kerry rubbed my back in an attempt to soften the blow. It didn’t work! The doctors words were inaudible to me. I looked into Kerry eyes and whispered, “I knew it was Parkinson’s.” I was now […]
This February, I had the privilege of putting up a display about pigeons at Rebel Heart Books. My husband and I have a sanctuary for rescued, domesticated pigeons in Jacksonville. I was also invited to bring some pigeons to story time, which takes place at the bookstore once a month, and to bring them to […]
Jacksonville Physical Therapy is excited to announce the addition of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Amanda Falkena to their clinic.
“We are honored to have Amanda join us,” says Lynn Reordan, co-owner of JPT. “Amanda’s skills address pre and post-operative pelvic surgery interventions, pelvic pain, incontinence, and pregnancy/post-partum issues, among others. Our purpose in adding Amanda to […]
On Friday, January 13, Carolina Boothby officially retired from the Jacksonville Post Office after a 24-year career. She’s pictured here with (l-r) former Postmaster Tom Simmons, Barney Phillips, Carolina Boothby, Kramer Edwards, and Alex Pappas. She says that the best part of the job was making friends and being able to help so many people, […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR—After a three-year hiatus, 1932 Living History is returning to Jacksonville’s historic Beekman House Museum. The country is deep into the Great Depression and Ben and Carrie Beekman, the children of Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent pioneer family, are closing up their 1870s family home. Guests become part of a 1-hour living history “play” […]
If this house could talk, I sure would have a lot to say to new owners.
John Orth, Jacksonville’s most successful butcher, had me constructed for his family in 1880. They had formerly occupied a simple wooden home for 15 years before moving in. I must say […]
Ah, February, when the sound of Cupid’s arrows come whistling past our ears reminding us another Valentine’s Day looms. Large retailers waste no time loading up the aisles with a plethora of predictable plush bears and heart-shaped chocolate boxes. It’s the official once-a-year opportunity to show our sweetheart how much they mean to us. We’d […]
MEDFORD, OR — The Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023, with California reggae band Rebelution comes to the Britt stage August 27, along with Britt favorite, Iration, plus The Expendables, Passafire, and DJ Mackle. This will be Rebelution’s eighth appearance at Britt. Founded in Isla Vista, CA, Rebelution has followed their instincts since the release of […]
Despite holding a bare minimum of control in both chambers, during the last Congress Democrats managed to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, the most ambitious legislation targeting the climate crisis ever signed into law. However, as we enter a two-year period with Republican climate deniers in charge of the House, we now face the question […]
MEDFORD, OR — Britt is excited to announce that Pink Martini featuring China Forbes will perform during Best of Britt, an annual summer fundraising event benefiting Britt Education & Engagement and other Britt programs, on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Support your Britt Music & Arts Festival by joining us at Best of Britt, our annual fundraising […]
From rising temperatures and heatwaves to water shortages and drought, to reducing snowpack and increased wildfire risk, the evidence that a climate crisis is here in Southern Oregon is probably clear to every reader of this sentence. The questions then become: ‘what is driving this crisis? ‘how is the crisis affecting us? […]
Another Victorian Christmas has spread its joyous blanket over the old town. Businesses are dressed for the occasion, while merchants and restaurateurs are eager to welcome us inside to highlight their food and finery. Shopping in cozy Jacksonville is as much a part of tradition as decorating the tree. Giving brings joy, so let’s start […]
In 2015, Larry Smith proposed to the Jacksonville Woodlands Association’s board of directors an idea for a book about the history of the “most successful, small-town, all-volunteer land conservation project in Oregon.” Larry says the first questions were, “Who would want to read it and who is your audience?” Larry’s answer was, “I do not […]
A newly-formed group is offering business owners a networking opportunity with a mission to inspire one another while Supporting Local. The founder of this group, Mary Murphy, a resident of Jacksonville and local Realtor, felt town needed more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas in a low stress environment. The meetups happen […]
Owners of the iconic Jacksonville Inn are proving themselves capable caretakers as they move forward in distinction, with due respect for the history there. Recent changes have brought a complete refresh to the wine shop/bar, pouring all of the delicious wines we’ve come to know and love, with plans to invite visiting wineries to offer […]
Historic Jacksonville, Inc. invites you to experience a Victorian Christmas this holiday season at the historic Beekman House Museum. Located at 470 E. California Street, this early 1870s residence, home to Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneer family, is decorated for a 19th-Century Christmas celebration.
Between 12noon and 3pm every Saturday and Sunday through December 18, costumed docents will […]
McKee Bridge Historical Society (MBHS) will decorate and illuminate McKee Bridge, the rustic Depression-era shelter in the picnic grounds, and Star Ranger Station from December 10 into the New Year. Saturday, December 17, will be a fun day of activities at the bridge from noon to 6pm. Free hot beverages! A bigger, yummier bake sale […]
The Friends of the Jacksonville Library will provide gift wrapping for local holiday shoppers on three Saturdays, December 3, 10 and 17, noon-4pm. Shoppers may bring their gifts to the Naversen Community Room at 340 West C Street. There’s no charge for the service but donations are appreciated and will be used to help with […]
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to again bring you the magic of Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas—an old-fashioned, small town holiday celebration you will want to share with you and yours, weekends November 26-27, December 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18, 2022.
We kick-off the holidays with Shop Small Saturday on Saturday, November 26, from 10am-5pm, with downtown […]
DURING VICTORIAN TIMES, Christmas meant quality time and traditions shared with friends and family. Heavily influenced by England’s Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, we trimmed the Christmas tree together, prepared and feasted on goose or turkey and other goodies, sang carols around the piano, played parlor games, and exchanged gifts—no one was to be left […]
This sale kicks off the holiday season with beautiful arrangements that bring fragrance, color and light during the chilly days of December. Garden Club members apply their artistic skills […]
In November and December, please shop and support two businesses that have been temporarily displaced due to the September 27 fire at the Las Palmas Restaurant building.
Trotting Fox and Country Quilts will be setting-up shop at Old City Hall—thanks to the effort of Mayor […]
The 29th annual Holiday Home Tour features 3 wonderful properties that vary from a newly remodeled to updated manufactured stuffed with 25 Christmas trees to brand new contemporary homes. The owners have kindly agreed to open their homes to help […]
The Jacksonville Garden Club is preparing to bring some holiday cheer to our homes and businesses! Members use their skills and creativity to make beautiful wreaths, table arrangements, entry baskets, and swags, featuring fresh natural greens and cones, holly, bows, candles and festive decorations. Our lovely wreaths have become very popular, and both 28” and […]
We invite community members to join us on Saturday, November 26, for our After the Tree Lighting Holiday Party, which will begin around 5:45pm, directly after the Christmas tree is lit on the Jacksonville Courthouse grounds. We have had this event for several […]
Every year, dozens of caring businesses participate in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Toy Drive program to brighten the lives of families here in the Rogue Valley. Last year, the Salvation Army provided gifts for over 2400 local children. This year, participating businesses will be collecting toys for Jackson County kids age 17 and under!
Thanks […]
Meet Summer Brendlinger, a clay artist who can teach you to perform feats of clay!
Summer recently became the resident ceramic artist at Talent Maker City, where her classes introduce beginners of all ages to the basic pottery skills of hand-building “pinch pots,” constructing forms from clay slabs, “throwing” vessels on the potter’s wheel, and decorating […]
One of Jacksonville’s time-honored traditions is the upcoming Victorian Christmas celebration, which runs November 26 – December 18.
During the festivities, locals and visitors in the historic downtown core are treated to strolling carolers in Victorian garb singing Christmas and holiday carols, presented by an all-volunteer group of local singers. After a two-year hiatus, the carolers […]
Every year in October, our quaint city is transformed into a haunted township. Bone-chilling apparitions and the spirits of frightening characters of yesteryear, return to play out their destiny again and again! The 30-minute trolley tour takes a light-hearted approach to local “hauntings” and features multiple sites throughout Jacksonville with special effects and period character […]
Greek mythology tells the tale of the phoenix, a magnificent bird that would build a nest in which to set itself on fire, whereupon a new phoenix would arise from the flames and ashes. It’s an apt metaphor for Clayfolk, a group of clay artists whose “nest” is in Southern Oregon and who have put […]
Over the past couple of years, your Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) tasked with reviewing and updating the City’s Development Code has been hard at work carefully reviewing and revising the draft document. The project is a city initiative to clarify and improve regulations for development within the […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR – The Victorians created elaborate rituals around the passing of a loved one. Death was considered part of life’s texture, giving it essential meaning. Join Historic Jacksonville at the 1873 Beekman House Museum between 12n and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, to explore how Jacksonville’s most prominent pioneer family […]
MEDFORD, OR — In its first full season since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit Britt Music & Arts Festival declares its 60th Anniversary season a giant success. Britt thanks its patrons, members, business partners, media partners, artists, and fans for coming together to […]
Shooting Star Nursery’s Fall Celebration & Fundraiser for Outdoor Education is October 15, 11am-3pm. Come join your community for food trucks, kid’s crafts, silent auction, music, apple cider and other goodies to celebrate the arrival of fall weather and to show support for outdoor exploration after-school programs that get students back in nature!
For many of us, our introduction to Senate Bill 762 came in a letter from ODF outlining our risk assessment per tax lot. In Jacksonville, too often that risk was “High” or “Extreme”. People across the state had strong reactions to a […]
Three years ago, a select group of pioneers, lying in peaceful estate at the Jacksonville Cemetery, roused to enjoy the limelight and tell about their lives. Others have waited patiently for their chance to be heard. Now, a handful of residents from the Silent City on the Hill are free to speak, and believe me, […]
JACKSONVILLE’S EARLIEST FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS A HOOK AND LADDER, dating from about 1860, making it among the oldest in Oregon. Engine Company #1 is still running strong. Jacksonville citizens have much to be proud of in their historic town, and members of the community have a way of […]
Anne Brooke, founder and director of Art Presence, announced the artists’ group has hired Paula Bandy as its Executive Director. “It’s not only comforting to know, it is imperative to know, that we have the hired the very best and that our Gallery will continue to grow and prosper,” says Anne.
Bandy, who is very well-known […]
As Realtors in Southern Oregon for over 20 years, we have met hundreds of families moving into our area from out of state. We quickly become their “go-to” for advice on where to go, what to do, and how to enjoy our great outdoors. We quickly realized that our […]
On September 7, my parents, David C. Davis and Gannetta Ann Howell, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and what a journey it’s been. My Mom is a pillar of strength, a two-time cancer survivor, with a strong faith in God. My Dad, has also had a few close calls, surviving a near death experience […]
Join us for our Second Annual Jacksonville-Applegate Rotary Poker Run on Friday, September 9, 2022, 3-7pm, or Saturday, September 10, 2022, 1-7pm!
Participants (Players) will simply purchase poker card(s) at any seven of the nine Jacksonville wine tasting rooms on Friday, September 9 or Saturday, September 10. Players will progressively play their hands at each winery […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR—No clothing style in history is as popular as Victorian Era fashion—although there was no single Victorian style, given that the Era is generally considered to have spanned over 50 years from 1837 to the late 1890s coinciding with the Industrial Revolution, a rising middle class, and the invention of the sewing machine. Join […]
August 15, 2022— Jacksonville Mayor Donna Bowen sent the following statement out today regarding funding cuts to the Chamber of Commerce. It reads as follows:
What Went Into The Jacksonville City Council’s Decision To Change The Amount Of Funding We Give For The Visitors Information Center?
After looking at the amount of money paid to the Visitors Information […]
If you ask residents what they enjoy most about living in our city, the answers are pleasantly varied. Some cite the small-town atmosphere or the presence of the Woodlands Trails system. Others cite Britt’s offering of world-class concerts or the proximity to area wineries. There are many reasons for Jacksonville’s broad […]
JACKSONVILLE, OR—After a “false start” in 2021, Historic Jacksonville, Inc. will again be opening the Beekman Bank, the oldest bank in the Pacific Northwest, to the public! We managed one 110-degree August weekend last year before the Bank’s HVAC died. Now with a new HVAC, we’re ready for business!
Scheduled 2022 “banking hours” are 11am to […]