Focus on the Farm – October 2021

2021 has been a special year for the Southern Oregon Historical Society! In celebration of our 75th anniversary, we’ve held several public events, including last month’s dinner at EdenVale Winery. Thank you for celebrating with us, and special thanks to EdenVale Winery, Travel Medford, First Interstate Bank, Rogue Valley Manor, Cow Creek Foundation, BiCoastal Media, and KOBI-TV NBC5 for sponsoring the event.

Since 1946, SOHS has preserved the history of Rogue Valley residents through collections, documents, oral histories, pictures, paintings, and much more. In 1982, Mary Hanley willed Hanley Farm to SOHS, and since then the Society has maintained the Farm as a living history museum, open to the public for all to enjoy. These past 75 years, it’s been your support and contributions that have helped the Historical Society preserve our rich heritage, and with your continued support, we’ll to do so for many more!

For several years, Hanley Farm has been hosting its Annual Scarecrow Festival. In fact, on Saturday & Sunday, October 2 & 3, 11am-4pm each day, we’re celebrating the Farm’s 10th Annual Scarecrow Festival! This is your opportunity to make a scarecrow to protect your crops and gardens from the ghosties, goolies, and goblins who haunt your fields every October.

Everything you’ll need to build your authentic straw-filled scarecrow will be at the farm. Scarecrow kits are $15 for non-Members, or $10 for SOHS members. Scarecrow kits, including straw, can be purchased at the farm and then made at home. For those who want to make a scarecrow without the mess of straw, there will be complete “hanger scarecrow” kits available for $10. There will also be children’s games, activities and, maybe, a free hayride! Admission, children’s games and all activities are free!

Windows in Time, October 6, noon-1pm—Modoc leader Kintpuash, aka Captain Jack, was hanged with three others on October 3, 1873, after the Modoc War. October’s guest speaker Todd Kepple, Klamath County Museum Manager and “As it Was” contributor, will speak about this execution, and the eccentric Cleveland millionaire, Leonard Case, who traveled west specifically to witness the executions. Windows in Time lectures are free, and take place remotely, via Zoom. For registration and information, go to: https://jcls.libcal.com/event/7954509.