Submitted for the May 2020 issue – Sponsored by Carefree Buffalo and The Pot Rack

Our Past Meets the Present – Perhaps a Future Story to be Shared?—Little did our Research Committee even begin to think that when we were selecting stories for our Meet the Pioneers programs back in 2011, and 2017, would the subject of two of those stories be in the news today.

The Smallpox Epidemic – The Townsfolk and The Caregivers – Presented 2011—Back in the fall of 1868, a case of what was pronounced to be “chicken pox” by local physicians, was later found to be smallpox of the confluent and most malignant type. While efforts were made to correct the error of the physicians, it was too late and by early January 1869, a full epidemic raged through Jacksonville. The town was quarantined and school, religious, and all other public gatherings were discontinued. Pest houses were established south of town and outside the corporation limits to care for the ill and dying. As more and more cases were reported panic and fear spread among the residents of Jacksonville, as well as the surrounding areas. Caregivers like Father Francis Blanchet, Sister Mary Francis and Sister Mary Edward and Dr. Andrew Overbeck worked around the clock for the two months it took for the disease to abate.

Southern Oregon’s Spanish Flu Epidemic – Presented 2017—In 1918, as World War I, also known as the Great War, or The War to End All Wars, was drawing to an end, the dreaded Spanish Flu Epidemic that raged in Europe, was now here in the Rogue Valley. Fines were being issued to those found not wearing masks to cover their nose and mouth, and public gatherings were banned. Caregivers like the Sisters of Providence and Medford’s City Health Officer Dr. Elijah Pickle came together to care for and protect the residents of the Rogue Valley. This worldwide epidemic lasted two years, from 1918 to 1920 with 50% of the deaths occurring between September and December 1918, the same period it was at its worst in the Rogue Valley.

Just like those who came before us, we will get through this together, and perhaps sometime in the future a group of volunteers may share the story of the current  Coronavirus and how we handled it, with an audience.

To access and view these two presentations and other videos from Meet the Pioneers:

  • Go to YouTube.com
  • In the Search Box type Oregon History Tales
  • Click on the picture of the Covered Wagon
  • Click on Playlists (above Ten Years of Meet the Pioneers picture)
  • Under the picture labeled Oregon History Tales: Click on View Full Playlist
  • All Videos Appear and can be Clicked on

When using an Apple computer:

  • Go to Youtube.com
  • Search on Oregon History Tales
  • Click on View Full Playlist (next to the Oregon History Tales video at top of screen)
  • The full list appears and all are clickable

Our sincere appreciation to Bill and Debbie Miller and Arlis Duncan for making these videos available for us all to remember and enjoy. 

May Cemetery Events and Activities

Thanks to everyone’s efforts by staying home, wearing masks and keeping a good social distance, there is no doubt that it has and is paying off. Unfortunately there remain far too many unknowns with this dreadful virus for now and our immediate future. The Board Members of the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery have decided that in the best interest of all our volunteers, our guests and the community, to cancel all our History Saturday in the Cemetery programs scheduled for this year, May through September.  While disappointed. we believe this is the responsible and proper action for us to take in order to help protect everyone. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.

  • Friday, May 15, 8:00 A.M. – 12 Noon A Community Clean-up of the cemetery grounds.
  • Our Saturday, May 16, Marker Cleaning Workshop was previously canceled and we are hopeful to resume those Workshops on June 20, and then the third Saturday of each month through September.

Please visit our website for complete details at: www.friendsjvillecemetery.org

 Both of these activities allow volunteers to work at a safe social distance and will take place as planned provided that Governor Brown’s Stay at Home order is rescinded or modified by these dates.

Our Scheduled May 2020, Events and Activities are all subject to the corona virus regulations that may be in effect at the time. If it is necessary for us to cancel we will send you an email. If you are not already on our email mailing list you may send us your name and email address to info@friendsjvillecemetery.org and we will add you to the notification list. Notice will also appear in the Jacksonville Review online.