The Red Special train rolled into Grants Pass one Sunday evening. The engine wasn’t painted red, but everyone knew during the presidential campaign of 1908 that the red bunting draped along its sides meant Socialist candidate Eugene Debs was in town.
The Rogue River Courier reported a big crowd greeted the train when it arrived around 7 p.m. A 15-piece volunteer band got off the train first and revved up the crowd at the station with campaign songs, then led the way to the Opera House where Debs was scheduled to speak.
After introductions, Debs apologized for his raspy voice, saying it had been a strenuous campaign and he was tired. He didn't disappoint the crowd, however, as he croaked through his message of uniting workers to profit more from what they produced. Debs’ stature and appearance surprised people who saw him for the first time. He was a huge man who wore an old serge suit and blue shirt, reflecting his roots as a laborer.
The rally lasted until nearly 2 a.m. when Debs and his party returned to the train and rolled on, aiming to cover 30,000 miles with more than 500 stops.
Source: "Given Ovation Sunday Evening, Crowds Visit Depot To See Candidate." Rogue River Courier 18 Sept. 1908 [Grants Pass OR] : 1. Historic Oregon Newspapers. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.
