Ghost Train

The passage of Lincoln's funeral train across the country gave rise to many legends.  Section hands and workers on the New York Central right of way told stories of a ghost train that passed along the line every April.

They could sense its coming by the icy blasts that blew down the tracks, even though the air elsewhere was warm and mild.

If it passed on a moonlit night, heavy clouds would conceal the moon until the train rushed by.

Workers insisted that they could hear the train and even see the coffin in its car.

Art Along the Rogue 2012

Students Make History

Students Make History

 Sooner or later we all become history, and the reprints from "Mondays Make History" from 1991 to 2003 originally published in the Grants Pass Daily Courier; written mostly by Mike Tripp's 8th grade history class at North Middle High School are no exception.

The authors of these stories were members of an advanced 8th grade history class who visited the Josephine County Historical Society to conduct research for their term papers.

Some of these gifted students write about their own Josephine County ancestors, while others found their subjects in our beautiful landmarks, natural disasters, industry and business, and much recognized inhabitants such as Gin Lin, Indian Mary and the Applegates.

As I close the book on these student views of "Mondays Make History," I can't help but wonder what everyone of them are doing today.  Surely some went on to become writers, reports and teachers.  I found it refreshing to see history through the eyes of teenagers.

So kids, wherever your path in life has led, thank you for taking such an interest in Josephine County and sharing your insights and what you learned with the rest of us.  

Students Make History can be purchased now for just $30.00

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.