Focus on Hanley Farm – March 2018

Last May, the Southern Oregon Historical Society accepted the donation of Ashland’s “Amphibious Fire Engine” from a Medford family. The engine acquired its curious nickname in the 1948 Ashland flood. As it prepared “to pump out the basement of Weitzel’s department store on the Ashland Plaza, a bridge collapsed under it,” and the engine was unceremoniously dumped into the creek!

The fire engine has been in private hands since the mid-1970s, but miraculously has survived intact, complete with original firefighting tools from its days with the Ashland Fire Department. However, as with any 70+ year old vehicle that’s been out of service for years, many things have deteriorated and have been difficult to fix or replace due to the scarcity of parts. BUT, the dedicated SOHS all-volunteer staff has persevered, and much has been accomplished including replacement and/or repair of numerous items from a missing glove box door to installation of new wiring.

Rick Black, Project Coordinator, said, “It’s been a slow process to bring this vehicle back to operational condition, but with the help of our dedicated volunteers, the fire engine will be back on the road in 2018 and ready to participate in parades and community events to bring enjoyment to the people of the Rogue Valley!” He added, “We have many volunteers to thank: our Tuesday crew, Ben Truwe, Jim Martin, Mike & Norma Trump, and Lee Newton. And a dozen others who have lent a hand from time-to-time, including Skip Geear, Glenn Amsberry, Phil Kessler, Greg Applen, and others.”

The fire engine workshop is open for public viewing Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm, at 3263 Biddle Road (corner of Lawnsdale Road, across from the Medford Airport). Or, if you’d like to arrange a personal tour, please call Rick at 541-499-1356. Once restoration is complete, the fire engine will be housed at Hanley Farm.

To help with ongoing restoration efforts, contact Rick Black, and to learn more or to make a donation, visit sohs.org/fire-engine.

Windows in Time—Heritage Ranch History: The Charley Brothers

In the 1840s, explorers, miners and adventure-seekers came through the Rogue Valley, followed by settlers drawn by fertile land and temperate climates. Despite the hard, primitive way of life, the strongest stayed and carved out their new lives. Patsy Charley-Edwards tells the story of one of these families—the Charley Brothers (Floyd, Leland and Claus), and the Brownsboro Ranch they started. On Wednesday, March 7, noon-1:00pm, at the Medford Library, and Wednesday, March 14, noon-1:00pm at the Ashland Library.