Saloon owner chosen for Piper's board

Marshall McBride, whose father spent many years serving on the governing board of Piper's Opera House, was elected to the same board last week.

McBride, who with his family owns the Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, will formally join the board in July.

His father, Don, who died last year, served on the historic opera house's board for many years, including a long stint as chairman. In his later years, he served on Piper's advisory board, which assists the governing board.

McBride was elected along with current chairman Henry Kilmer to serve a two-year term.

The three candidates for the two seats on the board were McBride, Kilmer and businessman Malcolm Hunt.

"I would have liked it better if it had been an open seat," McBride said after the vote.

He is a lifetime resident of Virginia City and has been involved in the community for many years, including serving on the volunteer fire department, the chamber of commerce, the advertising cooperative and now Piper's.

"A building of this size and grandeur must be preserved," he said. "I would like to help those already working in that endeavor."

Hunt leaves after seven years on the board, where he was involved with the restoration of the opera house and fundraising performances.

He said he will remain active in Piper's.

"It's a sorrow in one way and a relief in another," he said of the vote.

Kilmer, former Storey County School Superintendent, said it has been a pleasure serving on Piper's board and he hopes to continue.

"Up to a year ago, efforts went into structural work, that wasn't obvious," he said. "Lately we're doing exterior restoration, so people can see the results."

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.