The 1880s arrival of the railroad to Southern Oregon brought many lifestyle changes and advantages to our small, then isolated communities. However, Sue DeMarinis, a local Ashland author, has dug deeper to expose the scandals that also linked the rails to little known history. Collaborating information from County documents, historic newspapers, and ancestry records, Sue uncovered mostly forgotten historical events and characters that shaped the foundation of our Southern Oregon Valley.

Travel back in time with Sue to see vintage photos and hear about how pioneers traveled before the railroad. Learn how the final Golden Spike--which completed the Continental Railroad Loop--was built by railroad workers from around the globe, who brought their culture and conflicts to the Valley. Discover shady railroad land grant dealings, mud-stuck circus animals, a botched train robbery, and mail order brides--some of whom were discarded after arrival--left to become "ladies of the night" in order to survive. All of these events added spark to the gossip and street corner news of yesteryear in the Rogue Valley.

The monthly Windows In Time lunchtime lectures feature well-known writers and historians and bring alive the people, values, and events that shaped our Southern Oregon heritage. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) and Jackson County Library Services.

Image: Ashland Depot and Depot Hotel, 1888. Ashland, OR