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Payments are accepted through Paypal. You do not need a Paypal account, just a credit card. We have a nice selection of in-house published books that cover many aspects of Josephine County, Oregon history. You'll find many different topics from mining, early pioneers, historic sites, schools, government, and more. Our bookshop also carries many books published by others as well as pre-owned books. Please email us with a title(s) if you are interested in a book not listed here.Please click here to view our shipping rates.
Our books are numerous, so we have listed them alphabetically. To view a book put your mouse on the book you are interested in. You will see the book and a description and a button to buy it.
- A–H
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Another Dam Picture Book
Another Dam Picture Book
Author: Joan Momsen
Price:$30
Book Description
A wonderful story of five historical dams on the Rogue River. It is the most complete study of these colorful dams ever written. Photos of construction to completion of the Gold Ray, Gold Hill, Savage Rapids, Golden Drift (also known as Ament), and Grants Pass dams are included. They’re all gone now; their purpose served, their history recorded in time and memory. So buy this dam book. You'll enjoy it!
Spiral bound: 216 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Artistry in Mortar & Brick
Artistry In Mortar & Brick [ebook on CD]
Author: Michael L. Oaks
Price: $60.00
Book Description
To view this document it will be necessary to download the free Adobe 7.0 reader if you have not already done so. You will learn how to use the search box tool to move about this study. I have also included a free download called Clipboard Buddy that will assist you in viewing the photos on each page. This study was started in 1997 and finished this year [2006]. This 990 page document contains information gathered from many sources; although, the bulk of the history of our city in its infancy was gathered by scanning microfilm of the two early newspapers covering the years 1883 to 1912. The reader will learn about the early trails through our area from as far back as 1827 when an old Indian trail was used by the Hudson Bay Company in its quest for furs. The reader will be able to learn about the settlers who came in search of gold. Many of them stayed and raised families. Learn about the military road, stage coaching from start to finish; Donation Land Claims, ferry crossings, Indian skirmishes that brought about their removal to reservations; how Grants Pass received its name, information on Jonathan Bourne, our town's founder; the O&CRR and its evolution to becoming the Southern Pacific. City government is covered for each year of the study. All information from the newspapers is arranged chronologically by dates for each month day and year, word for word. I have footnoted well over a hundred places throughout the study. Photographs of people, places and things abound, often times showing a building then and now. The early infrastructure covered are: bridges, dams, electricity, sewers, water supply, the evolution from boardwalks to cement sidewalks, the first paving of streets, along with the early schools. The early wood business buildings, the fires that necessitated the brick building ordinances. There is so much information on the early business occupants, that this study can serve as a directory for the years covered. You will learn about the automobile growth in Grants Pass that encouraged the development of the State Highway Department. Learn about the railroad to the coast, hotels, movie theaters, parks in the city. In short, I believe that this body of work is the finest ever produced covering the history of Grants Pass during its infancy, giving you, the reader a research tool second to none. A supplemental book is supplied with each purchase that is absolutely necessary for this study. The reader will learn how to use it as an important tool for this study. I finally wish to give thanks to the Josephine County Historical Society for supplying me with microfilm of the early local newspapers, and other materials used for this research. Good Hunting. Michael L. Oaks
Ebook on CD
Publisher: Michael L. Oaks -
A Field Guide to the Historical Cemeteries of Josephine County
A Field Guide to the Historic Cemeteries of Josephine County Oregon
Author: Jean Boling
Price: $40.00
Book Description
This book is not about genealogy, although it will appear from time to time. This is about the tombstones, which may be stone, wood, plastic, metal, or any number of other things. Has a lot of tombstone history and is written with a bit of humor. Printed in color.
183 pages -
Cabin Fever
Cabin Fever: Notes From a Part-Time Pioneer
Author: William L. Sullivan
Price:$18.95
Book Description
Rich with humor and natural history, this memoir describes 25 summers of back-to-the-earth adventure as author William L. Sullivan and his wife Janell build a log cabin by hand along a roadless river deep in the wilds of Oregon's Coast Range. Along the way they confront beaver in the refrigerator, raise a family, and puzzle out a murder mystery that had haunted their homestead site. Cabin Fever takes readers to a warm world of kerosene lamplight, wood stoves, and ghost stories that may be true.
Softcover: 278 pages
Publisher: Navillus Press -
California & Oregon Coast Short Line Railroad
California & Oregon Coast Short Line Railroad
by Josephine County Historical Society
Price: $7.50
Book Description
A history of the attempt to build a railroad from Grants Pass, Oregon to Crescent City, California.
34 pages -
The Cemetery Chronicles
The Cemetery Chronicles
Author: Jean Boling
Price: $22.50
Book Description
Comprehensive guide to the cemeteries of Josephine County. Includes many photographs with directions to various graveyards as well as interesting articles on ways of old and some of the strange customs followed in earlier times. Fascinating read & oddly funny at times. Covers cemeteries from pioneer days to present time.
Spiral bound: 124 pages, plus index
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
City Schools / County Schools
City Schools/County Schools [Spiral bound]
Author: Joan Momsen and Grace Blanchard
Price: $25.00
Book Description
Histories and lots of information on city and county schools from earliest schools to present time. Many photographs.
Product Details
Spiral bound: 190 pages Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society [The City Schools The County Schools] -
Come Take A Historic Journey Along the Galice Trail
Come Take A Historic Journey Along the Galice Trail
Author: Claudette Morning Pruitt
Price:$25.00
Book Description
Families, names and places come to life in this in-depth gallery of photos and stories of life along the Merlin-Galice Road. From Merlin, along the Rogue River, as it rushes through Galice, pas the famous Almeda mine, and the huge old Channel mine. Stories and photos of the pioneers whose names dot the street signs in our county.
Softcover: 139 pages
Publisher: Morning Creek Enterprises -
The Dam Picture Book
The Dam Picture Book [Spiral bound]
Author: Joan Momsen
Price: $10.00
Book Description
Photos of the construction of Savage Rapids Dam. -
The Davidsons of Missouri Flat
The Davidsons of Missouri Flat [Softcover]
Author: Richard A. Booth
Price: $9.95
Book Description
The large family Davidsons of Missouri Flat were hunters and farmers. Elijah Davidson, with his dog Bruno, discovered the Oregon Caves. His discovery of "The Marble Halls of Oregon," brought him fame. This book is a brief record of the Davidson kinfolk.
Softcover: 82 pages
Publisher: B&B Publishing -
Dear John, With Love
Dear John, With Love
Author: Harriet Smith Guardino
Price: $20.00
Book Description
A true story of a girl’s childhood in rural Oregon on a small dairy farm.
Spiral bound: 238 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam – Part One
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam - Part One
Author: Joan Momsen
Price: Softcover: $15.00 Kindle: $6.99
Book Description
This is a book of photographs and accompanying text of the Savage Rapids Dam as it was constructed, and its eventual removal. Many of these photos have appeared in The Dam Picture Book and Another Dam Picture Book, both of which were published before the removal of Savage Rapids Dam was completed. This book has additional photos and shows the dam site through the completion of removal. -
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam – Part Two
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam - Part Two
Author: Joan Momsen
Price: $15.00 Kindle: $6.99
Book Description
This is a book of photographs. Many of these photos have appeared in The Dam Picture Book and Another Dam Picture Book, both of which were published before the removal of Savage Rapids Dam was completed. This book has additional photos and shows the dam site through the completion of removal. The first few photos in this book are the last few photos on Part One. This book begins on Sept. 30, 2009 while the lake was full for the last time. After irrigation season ended, the plan was to drain the lake around Oct. 1, 2009 so that the rest of the removal could begin. These are the photos and comments of that process.
Current photos were taken by Joan Momsen unless otherwise indicated.
Softcover: 164 pages
Kindle: 10511 KB
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam – Part One & Two
The Death of Savage Rapids Dam - Part One & Two
Author: Joan Momsen
Softcover Price $15.00
Kindle Price $6.99
Book Description
This is a book of photographs. Many of these photos have appeared in The Dam Picture Book and Another Dam Picture Book, both of which were published before the removal of Savage Rapids Dam was completed. This book has additional photos and shows the dam site through the completion of removal. The first few photos in this book are the last few photos on Part One. This book begins on Sept. 30, 2009 while the lake was full for the last time. After irrigation season ended, the plan was to drain the lake around Oct. 1, 2009 so that the rest of the removal could begin. These are the photos and comments of that process. Current photos were taken by Joan Momsen unless otherwise indicated.
Softcover: 164 pages
Kindle: 10511 KB
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Domain of the Cavemen
Domain Of The Cavemen
A Historic Resource Study of Oregon Caves National Monument [Softcover]
Author: Stephen R. Mark
Price: $14.95
Book Description
Reviews the history of the Oregon Caves National Monument. Includes all the details, including the discovery, behind what is known today as the Oregon Caves National Monument.
Softcover: 238 pages
Publisher: National Park ServiceBook Review
Domain of the Cavemen gives an excellent history of the development, progress, and protection of what is now known at the „Oregon Caves National Monument.„ Written by historian Stephen R. Mark, it is described as a historic research study, which it certainly is, but it flows very easily for the casual reader as well.
It starts with how much of the exploration and westward expansion skipped over the Illinois Valley in Josephine County due to its' wild and rugged terrain. It moves through the history of Elijah Davidson's discovery of the cave, to individuals trying to lay claim to the cave, on to dismissal of the caves as being „insignificant,„ to finally setting the area aside as a National Monument, and recognition of the treasure that the „Oregon Caves„ really are. -
Early Barnstormers History – Updated
Early Barnstormers History - updated [Spiral bound]
Author: Mildred Irene Watt
Price: $8.00
Book Description
On the twenty-first day of April 1952, a small group of would-be thespians gathered for lunch at downtown cafe in Grants Pass, Oregon, formed an organization, and started a tradition. This is their story.
Spiral bound: 33 pages
Publisher: Privately published -
First There Was Twogood – Index
First There Was Twogood - A pictorial history of Northern Josephine County [Softcover]
Author: Larry L. McLane
Price $100.00
Book Description
Larry L. McLane brings us the history of Jimmie Twogood, the Fort Leland, Grave Creek, and the fascinating Sunny Valley story. Great photos and maps make for a wonderful and enjoyable history lesson.
Softcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Sexton Enterprise -
Golden Days and Pioneer Ways
Golden Days and Pioneer Ways [Softcover]
Author: Ruth Pfefferle
Price: $20.00
Book Description
A history of the Illinois Valley from the early nineteen hundreds, with colorful stories dating to the beginning. From the early settlements of Sailors’ Diggings and our first county seat of Waldo, this book moves forward with the settling of this most beautiful valley.
Softcover: 136 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Grants Pass
Grants Pass (Images of America)
Author: Joan Momsen
Price: $21.99
Book Description
Grants Pass was one of the last towns established in Josephine County. Initially named Perkinsville, the city was a precinct of Jackson County before becoming the county seat for Josephine County in 1885. Nestled alongside the Rogue River, it was built on mining and timber and now thrives on tourism. It is equidistant from Crater Lake, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Oregon Caves, and the Pacific Ocean and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking, rafting, boating, and fishing. Old Town Historic District, the center of Grants Pass, is home to many original buildings more than 100 years old that are now occupied by a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, wine, and paintings by local artists.
Softcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing -
Grants Pass Centennial Notes
Grants Pass Centennial Notes
Author: Edna May Hill and Joan Momsen
Price: $20.00
Book Description
A compilation of news articles spanning several years written by Edna May Hill and published in the Grants Pass Daily Courier. Additional photographs with accompanying descriptions by Joan Momsen.
Softcover: 100 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review
Grants Pass Centennial Notes published by the Josephine County Historical Society is made up of scanned and enlarged copies of original newspaper articles first published in the Daily Courier in 1984 and 1985 to commemorate Grants Pass' first 100 years. It also contains many photographs from the Josephine County Historical Society's collection.
Centennial Notes with its stories written by Edna May Hill and corresponding photos and commentary selected by Joan Momsen paints for us a picture of Grants Pass' earliest beginnings, and shows us how the city and its inhabitants matured along the way.
Topics range from business development, new laws enacted, interesting characters, entertainment, and even some prejudices practiced. You'll read about local merchant John W. Howard, who after first operating out of a tent, built the first commercial building in Grants Pass, and would later go on to building our first brick building.
You'll find out how Grants Pass, Beacon Hill and Robertson Bridge got their names; and that the Masons and Oddfellows were here from the beginning. You'll discover that a "Blue Law" was one of the first ordinances passed in Grants Pass and how Josephine County went dry in 1908. You may be shocked to read that the Ku Klux Klan was active in Grants Pass, and if you weren't white, protestant and born in the USA, you weren't welcome here.
There are stories about people with innovative ideas to put Grants Pass on the map, and while not all of them were successful, they were inspiring. For example, there's the tale of the Redwood Highway Marathon; a grueling 480 mile foot race from San Francisco to Grants Pass with its' 11 Native American contestants, of whom seven would finish. Then there were the failed attempts to build a railroad from Grants Pass to Crescent City, California.
Grants Pass had much to celebrate to mark its first 100 years, and Grants Pass Centennial Notes is a great way to experience it.
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Grants Pass Dam Picture Book
The Grants Pass Dam Picture Book
Author: Joan Momsen
Price: Softcover $7.50 Kindle: $5.99Book Description
The Grants Dam Picture Book is the photographic memories of the power dam and recreational lake within the city limits of Grants Pass, Oregon 100 years ago.
Softcover: 54 pages
Kindle: 1748 KB
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Grant Pass the Golden Years
Grants Pass the Golden Years Memories in the Dustprints of Time
Author: Percy T. Booth
Price: $12.95
Book Description
This book is a wonderful collection of photographs and stories about the history of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Softcover: 112 pages
Publisher: B&B Publishing
Book Review
This book is a wonderful collection of photographs and stories about the history of Grants Pass, Oregon. Richard Booth describes his father's book as follows: "Percy Booth's book, Grants Pass The Golden Years, is remarkable in two ways; his clear recollection of childhood and adult years in Grants Pass plus, countless hours of research and interviews, and his determined effort to seek out and select a priceless collection of pioneer photographs that appear on the following pages." The layout of this book makes it a sheer pleasure to read. As you turn the pages, the left side of the page will contain a photograph made from the original reproduction, with a descriptive sentence below. On the right side page is an in-depth explanation of the photo and related stories. Whether you've lived you entire life in Southern Oregon, are new to the area, or are just "passing through," I promise you that you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. -
Harvesting Your Family Tree
Harvesting Your Family Tree: A Guide To Genealogy Research
Author: Wendy Swanson
Price: $7.00
Book Description
From beginner to accomplished, with step by step instructions to take the mystery out of tracing your roots. The author guides you through your research with easy to follow instructions, to keep you on the right path to uncovering your family’s information and ways to get around those seemingly impossible "dead ends."
Complete guides to free research websites, state by state sources, and sites that give you access to ships passenger manifests, state archives, and volumes of important sources; and all at no cost. Advanced genealogy sites for in-depth research and record keeping at minimal costs are also explained in detail.
Learn the best and most efficient ways to make contact with distant relatives who can help with the missing pieces of your family history puzzle. By following the steps outlined, you will be able to create and share what will become a family heirloom for your children, grandchildren, and any family members interested in learning about their roots.
Softcover: 132 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace -
Hiking Oregon’s History
Hiking Oregon’s History
Author: William L. Sullivan
Price: $18.95
Book Description
Hang on for a rollicking tour of Oregon's grandest museum -- the great outdoors! Recounted in a fresh style that's fun for armchair travelers and hikers alike, this guidebook tells the stories behind 56 of the state’s most scenic historic sites, including Indian battlegrounds, gold mining ghost towns, wagon train routes, and haunted lighthouses. If you get caught up in the stories, boxed inserts tell how you can drive to the site and take a short, easy hike to see the place for yourself.
Softcover: 320 pages, 58 maps
Publisher: Navillus Press
- I–R
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Incidents, Indiscretions, and Indecencies in Josephine County
Incidents, Indiscretions and Indecencies in Josephine County
234 pages
$25.00
Book Description
The collection of stories presented in this book are all true tales of early and not–so–early days of our wonderfully diverse Josephine County. Most occurred prior to 1932. No names have been changed and there has been no "editing for content"; it is simply history. -
Indian Wars Of the Rogue River
Indian Wars Of the Rogue River
Author: Jack and Dorothy Sutton
Price: $25.00
Book Description
This is an edited and expanded version of the original history of the Indian Wars first written in 1894 by Mrs. Frances Victor, who had been commissioned in 1891, to write the history by the Oregon Secretary of State and was titled "The Early Indian Wars of Oregon."
This was considered to be the most accurate and detailed of all histories portraying the early conflicts between the white man and Indian. Since the turn of the century, however, researchers have uncovered many documents that alter, enhance or contradict the original work.
The authors have examined many documents and items not used in the original work. They have attempted to include this information, while endeavoring to preserve intact the excellent effort first presented in the 1894 work.
Softcover: 328 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Interviews of Illinois Valley Old—timers
Interviews with Illinois Valley Old-timers
Author: Kerby Union High School Students (Circa 1944)
Softcover: Price $7.50
Kindle: Price $4.99
Book Description
This little book contains interviews conducted by students of Kerby Union High School (circa 1944) with some of the older residents of the Illinois Valley.
Softcover: 90 pages
Kindle: 216 KB
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review Interviews of Illinois Valley Old-timers is a small gem "in the rough." This compilation comes from some recently discovered pages found in the archives of the Josephine County Historical Society’s Research Library.
These pages are biographies of elderly Illinois Valley residents taken by students attending Kerby Union High School, circa 1944.
If you’ve spent much time in Josephine County, Oregon you will probably recognize quite a few of the names of the "Old-timers" being interviewed as well as the students conducting the interviews.
These Interviews of Illinois Valley Old–timers show how the same events are remembered differently by those who were there. For example, some of the Old–timers remembered the Great Depression as barely touching their lives, while others saw it as one of the "worst hard times." These mini biographies show us a glimpse in the lives of some of our earlier residents of the Illinois Valley, and it is well worth the short time it takes to read them. What a wonderful idea the teacher of these students had. I would give them all an A+! -
Jesse Applegate
Jesse Applegate: A Dialogue with Destiny
Author: Leta Lovelace Neiderheiser
Price: $24.99
Book Description
A history of Oregon without Jesse Applegate would be like Exodus without Moses. Like Moses, Jesse led pioneers through the wilderness across the Oregon Trail in 1843. Like Moses, he was a law-giver, and like Moses, when proper provocation occurred, he sometimes threw down the tablets. Jesse Applegate, A Dialogue with Destiny gives a comprehensive historical perspective to the life of this interesting, complicated man who played a major role in the formation of Oregon.
Softcover: 360 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing -
Josephine County Historical Highlights – Volume I
Josephine County Historical Highlights - Volume I
Author: Edna May Hill
Price: $15.00
Book Description
From gold mines to timber cutting, the early settlers come to life with great photos and complete stories that tie Josephine county's many colorful beginnings together in a memorable book.
Softcover: 127 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review Josephine County Historical Highlights is a great reference tool.
Whether your interests lie in the early settlers, mining districts, towns, bridges, railroading or industries of early Josephine County, this book is the place to start.
There are many wonderful photographs and explanations of how towns got their names and why many of them went through a series of different names.
In this volume, you’ll find the political history of Josephine County as well as short biographies of early pioneers.
There is a memoir contained in this book titled "The Galice Road" by Edith A. Keyte that is very entertaining and you'll wish it went on for much longer!
There are also several railroad tales that are truly delightful!
Josephine County Historical Highlights is the who's who and what’s where of early Josephine County. -
Josephine County Historical Highlights – Volume II
Josephine County Historical Highlights - Volume II
Author: Edna May Hill
Price: $15.00
Book Description
A further study of Josephine county as it moves into a more modern era.
The next step in a fascinating study of people who survived the tougher years.
Spiral bound: 122 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Josephine County Historical Highlights – Volume I & II
Josephine County Historical Highlights–Volume I and II
Author: Edna May Hill
Price: $25.00
Book Description
Save $5.00 by purchasing both volumes at once!
Spiral bound: 127 pages and 111 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Josephine’s Daughters
Josephine's Daughters
Edited by: Jean Boling
Price: $30.00
Book Description
A compilation of family histories and stories as told by many women from Josephine County, Oregon. A fun and informative step-back in time.
Spiral bound: 200 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review
Josephine’s Daughters was published for the 50th anniversary of the Josephine County Historical Society.
It contains the stories of women who were born or who have lived in Josephine county over the course of more than a century. These ladies all share a pioneering spirit and tenacity whether they were civic leaders, miners, reporters, educators, business owners, wives or mothers.
It includes the story of Josephine Rollins Ort (who Josephine county was named for), who came here with her father in 1851; she didn't stay long, but was the first white woman to live in this valley.
You’ll learn about Violet Bozarth Clements Ahlf, born in 1883; who became the first woman lawyer in Josephine county and established the Zonta Club of Grants Pass in 1947.
There’s the story civic-minded Anne G. Basker who arrived in Josephine County in 1953 and help to found Rogue Community College in the 1960’s, founded the Southern Oregon Resource Alliance in 1977, and was elected to the board of county commissions in 1972; she was the first woman elected to this position. Cherryl Walker, who wrote Mrs. Basker’s story said, "Her service to Josephine county is unmatched by any man or woman."
In this book you’ll read about Lois Giffin Gates and Beulah May Momsen who found themselves suddenly thrust into the position of business owners; they both met their new challenges with strength and became successful in their new ventures.
You’ll meet sure-shot Mabel Dysert Ramsey, born in 1892 at the Columbia Mine near Placer, Oregon. She could run a hydraulic giant better than most any man, and is described as a "take-charge-and-get-it-done-lady."
Several of Josephine’s Daughters came here via the Oregon Trail, including Caroline Stumbo Niday Sexton. The 29 year-old widow fought Native Americans and helped defend Ft. Leland in 1855. When she remarried she signed a "Declaration of Women's Rights"" a precursor to the modern day prenuptial agreement. She was the first woman to have signed this document in Josephine county, and possibly the first in Oregon.
Esther Bristol, who wrote her own story, arrived in Southern Oregon in 1934. She was a reporter for the Grants Pass Daily Courier, and during World War II became its editor while most men were away fighting. Ms. Bristol does a beautiful job of describing the scenery and events that took place during her time here.
The ladies in Josephine’s Daughters, whether they were Oregon Trail Pioneers or came later all share a love of Josephine county and contributed so much to the rich history we have today. -
The Legend Of Indian Mary and Umpqua Joe
The Legend of Indian Mary and Umpqua Joe
Author: Percy T. Booth
Price: $7.95
Book Description
This 60 page volume is the story of Indian Mary, a Rogue Indian who lived in the deep canyons of the Rogue River and operated a ferry at the present site of Indian Mary Park. The book also contains pioneer pictures of the area and other historical stories of early trailblazers. This book is very popular throughout the Rogue Valley and even at Indian Mary Park near Galice, Oregon, the location of the pioneer ferry. A great companion book to Valley of the Rogues.
Softcover: 60 pages
Publisher: B&B Publishing
Book Review
It's hard to visit Indian Mary Park in the Hells Gate Canyon area along the Rogue River without wondering what life must have been like for Umpqua Joe, Indian Mary's father, and the rest of his family.
Percy T. Booth's book, "The Legend of Indian Mary and Umpqua Joe" does a great job of answering these questions. Mr. Booth weaves the sometimes hearbreaking story of Umpqua Joe, a simple man, who just wanted to raise his family in the best way he knew how.
It was Umpqua Joe who warned the white settlers and miners in this portion of the Rogue Valley about an organized attack by the Rogue Indians. So was Umpqua Joe a traitor to his people for warning the whites, or was he a peace–loving man who got caught up in circumstances beyond his control?
And what about Joe’s daughter Mary? What did she do after her father, Umpqua Joe, and her husband, Albert Peco, murdered each other over a dog?
This thoroughly engrossing, 60 page book will provide the answers to these questions and may give rise to even more questions! -
Letters From Home
Letters From Home
Author: Esther P. Bristol
Price: $30.00 Book Description
A collection of newspaper columns that were written during World War II covering the period of 1943-1945. They reflected life at home during that period and were of great solace to the servicemen and women abroad.
Spiral bound: 293 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Letters From Home – Index
Letters From Home – Index
Author: Esther P. Bristol
Price: $30.00
Book Description
oad.
Spiral bound: 293 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Listening For Coyote
Listening For Coyote: A Walk Across Oregon's Wilderness
Author: William L. Sullivan
Price: $19.95
Book Description
This classic Oregon adventure is the true story of William L. Sullivan’s 1,361-mile solo backpacking trek across Oregon in 1985. Along the way, Sullivan confronts blizzards, a marijuana grower, and the meaning of wilderness. Chosen one of Oregon’s "100 Books" by the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission, the book has been reprinted by the Oregon State University Press.
Softcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Navillus Press -
Murder, Mayhem, and Mischief In Josephine County
Murder, Mayhem, and Mischief In Josephine County
Author: Jean Boling
Price: $25.00
Book Description
Written by the author of Cemetery Chronicles, this book tells many of the stories behind the tombstones that begged to be told. Some are dark, some lighter and even comical, but still an interesting read. The cut-off date was 1932. Many photographs.
Spiral bound: 245 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review
Jean Boling’s Murder, Mayhem and Mischief in Josephine County is a kaleidoscopic and entertaining collection of newspaper stories published prior to 1932 by the Grants Pass Daily Courier. The title of this book is absolutely perfect! When passing by an auto accident or person of questionable character, did your parents ever "Look the other way!" Well, my mother always did; so I found this book a fascinating way of looking vicariously at very real tragedies, accidents, serious crimes, vicious murders, kidnappings, robberies and other transgressions. Murder, Mayhem and Mischief is a great way to escape the doldrums of television and take a look at some of Josephine County's more colorful past. Boling must have spent countless hours in the Daily Courier's newspaper morgue to come up with this written collage of stories. If you haven't had a chance to read Murder, Mayhem and Mischief yet, I highly recommend it. -
The Mythical State Of Jefferson
The Mythical State of Jefferson
Author: Jack Sutton
Price: $15.95
Book Description
A pictorial history of early Southern Oregon and Northern California which includes the story of the "revolt" that led to a secession movement in November 1941. There were many arguments as to where the state lines really were. The movement came to a halt when World War II began.
Softcover: 118 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review The Mythical State of Jefferson by Jack Sutton covers a lot of territory.
Beginning with the collapse of Mt. Mazama, and touching on the prehistoric times to Native Americans, explorers and fur trappers; Jack Sutton traces the history of what will become the hoped for State of Jefferson.
This book is "must" reading to learn about the history of Southern Oregon and Northern California. -
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
One If By Land, Two If By Sea: Your Guide To Genealogy Research
Author: Wendy Swanson
Price: $11.95
Book Description
How did your ancestors arrive in America? By land migration or across the sea? This book guides you through easy to follow instructions to discover your roots and avoid the pitfalls and dead ends that frustrate and halt even the most experienced genealogists. What are some of these secrets? Learn how to use the Internet to your advantage and how to pinpoint the information that relates to your ancestors. Learn how to use message boards and how to ask questions that people will be willing to take the time to answer. Explore ways to keep your genealogy information organized and on track. With a little effort you can get your family research project started, and soon you'll be the go-to person for your entire family. Included are guides to free research websites, state by state sources, and sites that give you access to ships passenger manifests, archives, and other historical sources. Where does the time go? Before we know it, we're on the last branch remaining on the family tree, and leaves are getting sparse. Oftentimes, when we begin tracing our roots, there are very few living sources of information left to us. We seem to begin our interest in our own history when we are close to becoming part of it! As you'll come to discover, it's never too late to start down the path of tracing your family, and even a novice genealogist can be very successful at tracking down their ancestors.
Softcover: 186 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace -
Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument
Author: Josephine County Historical Society Volunteers
Price: $5.00
Book Description
A complete timeline of Oregon Caves National Monument, from its' discovery by Elijah Davidson in 1849, and people and events up to 1922. This book includes the projects in building the famous chateau and other structures that are found on the grounds.
Spiral bound: 18 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
The Oldtimer – Journeys To the Past
The Oldtimer – Journeys To The Past
96 pages
$7.50Book Description
This small book is filled with interesting ideas for weekend drives. All directions are given from Grants Pass, Oregon. There are many trips that start and end in Josephine County, but also go into Jackson, Douglas, Siskiyou an d Del Norte counties, all in the proverbial "State of Jefferson." The trips within traverse the State of Jefferson. All other places mentioned are in Josephine County. This is a great little book to get familiar with our area.
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Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters
Oregon's Greatest Natural Disasters
Author: William L. Sullivan
Price: $18.95
Book Description
Here's the dramatic story of the floods, earthquakes, forest fires, eruptions, and tsunamis that have shaped Oregon and impacted people over the past 13,000 years. Recent events are included too: Do you remember the Columbus Day windstorm of 1962, the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, or the Flood of 1996 that nearly crested Portland's seawall? Although such disasters occur at irregular intervals, they are in fact part of natural cycles, so it's possible to prepare for their impact. Are we ready for what's coming? A final, fictional chapter jumps into the future to visualize what might happen when geologists' predictions come true, shaking our cities with a massive earthquake and scouring the coast with a deadly tsunami.
Softcover: 264 pages, 46 maps
Publisher: Navillus Press -
Postcards From Grants Pass
Postcards From Grants Pass: Colored postcards of early Grants Pass
Author: Joan Momsen
Softcover: Price $14.95
Book Description
Late 19th Century and early 20th Century postcards are interesting in that many are not postcards in the sense that we think of them today. When home photography became popular with the little Kodak box camera, most photos that were developed had a postcard motif on the backside. The camera shop that developed the film or maybe the film maker put a postcard outline on the back of each photo. That way the photographer could share the photo by simply writing the address and message on the back of the photograph. They were one shot, one-of-a-kind photos. We have many of these personal postcards at the Josephine County Historical Society, and since most are over 100 years old, they are not on public display. Most of the postcards in this book are commercially produced cards and many, even of scenes from the United States were manufactured in Germany and other nations. There was no color film until about one-third of the way into the 20th Century, so early postcards were hand colored. If examined carefully, there is a lot of grey, from the original black and white photography. Streets were usually left uncolored. All grass was the same color green. Many of the shots with people, showed them dressed in shades of black and grey since no color was added, and sometimes one would think there were only white and grey horses, because roan and browns were seldom used. Postcards produced commercially for sale can be easily identified. Some had a pale yellow or beige border framing the scene. Many had words printed on the photo side of the card identifying the scene. Cards that were actually put in the mail often have part of the post mark on the photo side. People often wrote on both sides of the card if they needed space for a few extra sentences. Many areas did not have telephone service so it was quite normal to send a postcard to someone across town to explain an upcoming event. The Schmidt family would send postcards to their cousins in the Redwood area. Many of these cards were saved in a photo album by the family member.
Softcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
Postcards From the Past
Postcards From the Past - Grants Pass, Oregon
Author: Joan Momsen
Softcover: Price $14.95
Book Description
This full-color book is a collection of postcards of Grants Pass with accompanyin descriptions.
They depict various views of downtown Grants Pass, Oregon from the 1900’s. They provide an interesting snapshot of how Grants Pass developed over the 20th century.
Softcover: 94 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society -
The Pictorial History of Josephine County
The Pictorial History of Josephine County
Author: Josephine County Historical Society
Price: $40.00
Book Description
This keepsake book features hundreds of stunning historic images from the late 1800s to 1969 from Josephine County, Oregon.
Softcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Pediment Group -
The Rogue: A River To Run
The Rogue: A River To Run (The Story of Pioneer
Whitewater River Runner Glen Wooldridge and His First Eighty Years on the Rogue River)
Author: Florence Arman, Glen Wooldridge
Price: $24.95
Book Description
The story of pioneer whitewater river runner Glen Wooldridge and his first eighty years on the Rogue River. "He is the best story teller I know. Most of this book is in Glen Wooldridge's own words - the same stories that charmed his guests for more than 60 years on the Rogue River." Ted Trueblood () Associate Editor for Field and Stream magazine)
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Sailors’ Diggings
Sailor’s Diggings
Author: Willie & Elsie Street
Softcover
43 pages
$10
Book Description
This booklet was first published as a guide to use when exploring old settlements, roads, trails, mines, etc. in our area. The primary coverage is the area south and west of Grants Pass. Contains various other information on people, Indians, schools, etc. -
Skookum
Skookum
Author: Shannon Applegate
460 pages
Softcover: Price $21.95
Book Description
In 1843, brothers Jesse, Lindsay, and Charley Applegate–accompanied by their wives and twenty–two children––led the first wagon train from Missouri to Oregon. By the end of the decade, the restless clan had left the "crowded" Willamette Valley and pointed their wagons toward Yoncalla in southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Shannon Applegate looks beyond the well©known lives of the Applegate men, in whose honor were named a trail, a town, a river, and a mountain peak, to offer a more intimate history. Skookum gives voice to the women of the family, who, writes Applegate, "as surely as certain stitches ... have held the generations together." ("Skookum" is Chinook jargon for "strong, power, full of spirit.") The author has written a compelling, imaginative saga that brings her family and the emerging West to life. -
War Drums Along the Rogue River (Volume 1)
War Drums Along the Rogue River (Volume 1)
Author: Colonel (Ret.) Daniel R. Edgerton
387 pages
Softcover: Price $25.00
Book Description
This is volume one of two thoroughly researched and well documented volumes that cover the epic struggle between the Native Americans of Southern Oregon and Northern California and the early frontiersmen. -
War Drums Along the Rogue River (Volume 2)
War Drums Along the Rogue River (Volume 2)
Author: Colonel (Ret.) Daniel R. Edgerton
399 pages
Softcover: Price $25.00
Book Description
This is volume two of two thoroughly researched and well documented volumes that cover the epic struggle between the Native Americans of Southern Oregon and Northern California and the early frontiersmen. -
Solitary Wasps And Bees
Solitary Wasps And Bees
Author: Mary Paetzel
173 pages
Book Description
Solitary wasps entered Mary�s life when she was busy collecting pollen for a drug company. In the beginning, she paid little attention to the lively little crowd, dismissing them as "just a lot of flying bugs." However, more and more they intruded on her work and she became increasingly aware of the small world she was invading. She soon became so bewitched by their antics that she spent more time watching the insects than collecting pollen.
She wrote this book to make these irrepressible insects come alive for the reader. She wanted to take you into the world of the solitary wasp, so that you could know them as she did, that you might laugh at their comedies, marvel at their wisdom, share in their tragedies and return to your own world with a better understanding of these unassuming fellow travelers with whom we share the planet earth. -
Spirit Of the Siskiyous
Spirit of the Siskiyous
Author: Mary Paetzel
164 pages
Book Description
Spirit of the Siskiyous gathers the best of Mary Paetzel writings along with her drawings and paintings. Together, they chronicle this self-taught naturalist�s personal journey through a little known, but fascinating wilderness. It was to make the public aware of the fragile beauty of the Siskiyous and the urgent need to protect these wild places that set Mary on the path to write her beautiful journals. -
Stage Coaches And Stations
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The Streets of Grants Pass, Oregon
2014 – Volume 1
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The Streets of Grants Pass, Oregon
2014 – Volume 2
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The Streets of Grants Pass, Oregon
2014 – Volume 3
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The Streets of Grants Pass, Oregon
2014 – Volume 4
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The Streets of Grants Pass, Oregon
2014 – Volume 5
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Students Make History
Students Make History
by the Josephine County Historical Society
200 pages
$30
Book Description
A compilation of stories written by students for the Grants Pass Daily Courier�s weekly story on history titled ’Mondays Make History’, which is now titled ’Sundays Make History’. There are many interesting stories which were well researched. -
They Settled in Applegate Country
They Settled In Applegate Country: Frontier Days Along the Lower Applegate River in Southern Oregon
Author: Olga Weydemeyer Johnson
Price: $15.95
Book Description
Stories about the frontier days along the Applegate River in Southern Oregon. This book covers the pioneer families, miners, Indians, Chinese, education, religion, and much more.
Softcover: 236 pages
Publisher: Josephine County Historical Society
Book Review
This is a very informative book on the Applegate area covering Murphy, Applegate, Williams, Wilderville, and the general vicinity, including Jacksonville & Grants Pass.
The author divides the subject matter into eight sections to tell the stories of the pioneer families that settled the area along the Applegate River and its fertile valley. The book has some excellent photographs to augment the stories. Ms. Johnson has listed 945 family names in the index to help those interested in an early settler’s business, marriage, children, or profession.
Some of the subjects covered are: miners and mining, Indians, Chinamen, doctoring, post offices, religion and the circuit riders, farmimg, timber and logging, education and others.
Olga Johnson wrote the Williams and Murphy news columns for the Daily Courier for years and has good knowledge of her subject. The local families brought in their stories and statistics for her.
Great aid for people doing genealogical research in Josephine County. -
Yamsi: A Year In the Life Of A Wilderness Ranch
Yamsi
Author: Dayton Hyde
Price: $15.95
216 pages
Book Description Yamsi, a six–thousand–acre working cattle ranch at the head waters of the Williamson River in Oregon’s Klamath basin, is the setting for this lively meditation on what it means to be a rancher in the West in the late twentieth century. Hard work and hardships at Yamsi coexist with a dedication to principles of conservation and sound ecology. Ranch foreclosures and attacks on the environment have not disappeared in the 25 years since Yamsi was first published. Hyde’s book was ahead of its time then; today its message is even more urgent. -
Where Wild Things Live
Where Wild Things Live
Author: Dan Story
Price: $13.95
127 pages
Book Description
Wildlife Watching Techniques and Adventures and Sighting Wildlife before they see you is what this book is all about. It will be helpful for hikers, bird and animal watchers, campers, and especially wildlife photographers, who often lament they seldom see animals in their natural environments. Yet wildlife is everywhere�.probably quietly watching you! -
Williams Memories
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Yesterday's News
Author: Jeanette Spencer Dickson
Price: $16.00
Book Description
A compilation of stories and history of Grants Pass. This is not just a places and dates history book, but a look into the yesterday. Get a glimpse of what it was really like through the stories
handed down and Jeanette herself as a born and raised native of Grants Pass. History doesn’t get more real than this. Soft Cover: 110 pages
Publisher: Jeannette Spencer Dickson - Short Stories of Josephine County
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Legends of History
Legends and History
Author: Joan Momsen
109 pages Price: $8.00
Book Description
Primarily written for elementary students, these books can be informative for any age group. Many of the stories were word-of-mouth for many decades and have more than one version. They are a great way to learn the history of Josephine County and southern Oregon. -
Settlement and Development
Settlement and Development
Author: Joan Momsen
Book Description
This is the third book in a series written for elementary students. Please note that they are informative for any age group. Each book has a variety of historical comments, from the personal to the compacted history of the area. -
Early History and Introduction to Modern Times
Early History and Introduction to Modern Times
Author: Joan Momsen
Softcover
118 pages
$8Book Description
Second volume of short stories about Josephine County, Oregon. These are intended for all ages, but the focus is for elementary and secondary social studies classes to allow the student to become more familiar with local history.