'Through the Garden Gate' tour to feature poppies, gables and a bomb shelter

Take a trip "Through the Garden Gate" Sunday when the Carson City Historical Society opens the gates and doors to nine historic homes for its annual home and garden tour.

Two new locations have been added for the 2009 tour, which is a self-guided walking tour from noon to 5 p.m.

The garden of the Crisler House, at Carolyn and Minnesota streets, will be open this year. Now owned by Julie Maxwell, it was built by William "Silver Bill" Crisler about 1875.

In the 1870s Crisler served as the captain of the watch at the Carson City mint, constable, sheriff, assemblyman and conductor on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

"The emblem on the side of the house was original to the V&T," said Sue Ballew, past president of the Carson City Historical Society and tour organizer.

Also new this year is Judge Gregory's home and garden, built in the 1930s. The home has had many owners through the years.

The oldest house on the tour is the Smail House. Built in 1862 before Nevada became a state, the Smail house is now home to White Cat Antiques.

The Barber-Belnap-Beck, opening its garden for the first time in several years, brags one of the more unusual features: a bomb shelter built in 1962 by George Critser. Critser operated a ham radio system so that soldiers in Vietnam could talk to their families.

The house at 1206 North Nevada St. went through many owners through the years and is now owned by Peter Smith and Patricia Cooper-Smith.

Many homes will offer refreshments and music. Carriage rides also will be offered at the Crisler house.

Tickets are $12 adults; $10 seniors and students; $6 children 6-12; children 5 and younger free. Tickets are available at the Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St.; Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St.; the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1900 S. Carson St.; and the Smail House (White Cat Antiques), 512 N. Curry St. Details: 841-1975.