When George Putnam took over as editor of the Medford Mail Tribune in 1907, he vowed to speak out against corruption. This soon led to his being thrown in jail for daring to accuse railroad baron W.S. Barnum of attacking Medford’s Mayor, J.F. Reddy, with an axe. The incident became known as the “Barnum-Reddy” fight.

As It Was: Tribune Editor Stands Up to Ax-Wielding Railroad Exec

Colorful vignettes dedicated to the regional history of Southern Oregon and Northern California. As It Was is an all volunteer effort -- produced by Raymond Scully and narrated by Shirley Patton in partnership with writers from the Southern Oregon Historical Society.If you have a writing background and would like to submit an As It Was essay for consideration, email your written piece to mrkrt@ashlandhome.net.A collection of As It Was essays is available in a high-quality paperback book at the JPR Online Store. Each episode is also available below.

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As It Was: Tribune Editor Stands Up to Ax-Wielding Railroad Exec

As It Was: Tribune Editor Stands Up to Ax-Wielding Railroad Exec