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The Jefferson Exchange

Marking Southern Oregon's Chinese Heritage

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jacksonvilleoregon.com

Downtown Jacksonville, Oregon looks a lot like it did 100 years ago and beyond... like an Old West town.  But there's also a strain of Far East running through the town and the Rogue Valley in general. 

Because the valley was home to large numbers of Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, mostly men who worked hard to send money home to their families, and were generally resented by white settlers. 

The Southern Oregon Historical Societycommemorates the Chinese presence with its annual display at the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford.  Curator Amy Drake visits with details.  
 

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Geoffrey Riley is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has hosted the Jefferson Exchange on JPR since 2009. He's been a broadcaster in the Rogue Valley for more than 35 years, working in both television and radio.