Hidden History of Ashland, Oregon

by Joe Peterson

Famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has a deep history that goes far beyond the stage. From a 160-year-old unsolved murder to a newcomer whose "healing hands" drew people from all over the country, the town has attracted its fair share of unique characters. Vladimir Nabokov came to pursue his favorite hobby, butterfly collecting, while writing his famously controversial novel, Lolita, and an actor turned entrepreneur became one of the foremost recyclers long before it was mainstream. Discover the story behind Ashland's golf course cemetery and the gloveless baseball team of 1884. Join local historian Joe Peterson as he explores the fascinating past of this colorful town.

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2020

Reviews

[Kathleen (itpdx) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tidbits from the history of Ashland, Oregon. Peterson writes in a boosterism style. He has gathered the pieces loosely by topic, for instance politics, murders, or sports. This means that the reader hops from 1870 to 1920, then back to 1880. In other words this is not a chronological presentation. Some of the essays do tell of the development and changing fortunes of the small southern Oregon town and some are tales of glancing celebrity, for instance JFK gave a campaign speech there during the 1960 Oregon presidential primary.

[Kevin Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone living in Southern Oregon, this is a must-read. Great little vignettes of various personalities and places that make Ashland a place of its own. Easy reading, engaging writing and interesting subjects make this little book a pleasurable read. Didn't know about the Ashland fire of 1959 that reminds me of the present time and present fears, after neighboring Talent and Phoenix were burned out in 2020. Give it a read!