Peering back into the fabric of Medford's history doesn't require a textbook but a simple stroll through the Eastwood Cemetery. Medford residents and history buffs alike have the unique opportunity to take a step back in time to explore the town's origins, as volunteer guide Steven Corelis leads a free, two-hour tour of the historic I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery, according to a City of Medford recent announcement. Corelis promises to bring stories of local figures to life, including the tale of Frederick Barneburg, Medford's pioneer pear planter, and the lone fallen officer of Medford Police.
Twice a month, visitors can truly immerse themselves in local lore and trivia crafted by 19th and early 20th-century personalities who now rest beneath weathered grave markers. The tour strides through the 20-acre cemetery with tales echoing from Medford's Victorian-era onward, ushering participants through the thriving pear orchards that have since become part of Southern Oregon's economic and cultural heritage. Tours are scheduled for Nov. 12 and Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., convening at the Mausoleum at 1581 Siskiyou Boulevard.
Eastwood Cemetery has encapsulated Medford’s past since its founding in 1890. It wasn't until 1972 that the City acquired the ground, which is now overseen by the Medford Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department. The cemetery offers historical introspection into those buried, including Barneburg, who famously transitioned from a seeker of gold to a cultivator of pears, leaving an indelible mark on the region.
While the tour offers a free passage to uncover Medford's yesteryears, the organizers encourage participants to consider a $5 donation to preserve efforts like these. Anyone interested should probably sign up online at the Medford municipal website. This initiative showcases Medford's commitment to keeping the town's stories alive and well, ensuring that the threads of the past stay woven into the fabric of present-day community awareness.
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