News from 100 years ago
The following news items were taken from the Mail Tribune archives 100 years ago
August 10, 1922
BIG UNION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OIL SHALE IN THE VALLEY
HW Hartman, president, and WA Pettigrew, chief engineer, of the Pacific Coast Harman Union, have been making extensive examinations of the shale deposits found in the hills of the Rogue river valley. After three months of exploration work, they claim that there is great wealth stored here; this conclusion is based on the fact that after months of work opening the deposits, through “open cuts”, an immense tonnage of high-grade rock is uncovered. From tests done with this shale it has a high oil and gas content and the analysis of the oils show that it is of a very rich quality.
According to the company’s representatives, the gas obtained from the shale will be used to operate the plants and the large surplus will be transported to the towns in the valley and will be available to the population for domestic and industrial use.
Such an industry, say the company’s managers, is a great help for this valley in more ways than one. It will create a large payroll, stimulate commerce in general, and no doubt bring a host of new residents to Southern Oregon.
During the last three weeks, Mr. Dynning, the company’s state engineer, has organized a survey to locate a permanent road on the Hartman Syndicate properties, and Mr. Pettigrew states that as soon as permission is granted for the construction of the road, clearing work will begin and a steam shovel will be put on the ground to do the necessary excavation and grading.
Mr. Hartman will leave for Seattle in the immediate future to purchase a pipeline to carry the crude oil from the plants, which will be located about ten miles from Ashland, to his refinery which is to be erected near the railroad.
This company has opened offices at 29 First Street, Ashland.
LOCAL AND STAFF
A local grocer who has made a careful survey of the local food situation in anticipation of a railroad strike tie states that Medford is well supplied with sugar, flour and other necessaries and that the stock now available for retail sale and the wholesale houses occupy the city for a considerable period if a serious situation arises as a result of the railway strike.
— Alyssa Corman; acorman@rosebudmedia.com
