Old Dayton comes alive for celebration

Dayton hopes Nevadans can rediscover the same appeal the early settlers found in that area during its sesquicentennial celebration, Rediscover Gold in Dayton, Again.

“Dayton is the site of Nevada’s first discover of gold,” said Laura Tennant, chairwoman of the event. “We feel that’s important to the discovery of the Comstock Lode.”

The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is celebrating Nevada’s Sesquicentennial and National Historic Preservation Month with an array of old-time activities in Old Town Dayton 9 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday.

Participants will travel back to the 19th century as they listen to Adolph Sutro tell his tunnel tale, see John D’s Barn, watch an old-fashioned blacksmith demo, tour original 1870s and see where Ole’ Virginny lies in the cemetery.

Gold panning will be set up along Pike Street, along with tours of old downtown in a grain wagon. Hayrides will be available to the Dayton Cemetery and Gold Canyon, accompanied with historical lectures.

Mark Twain, played by McAvoy Lane, will also make a visit in the afternoon.

“We hope we can get he and Adolph Sutro together,” Tennant said. “Sutro writes in his biography about meeting with Mark Twain and strolling through Dayton talking politics.”

The Carson Colorado Depot will also be buzzing with activity. Demonstrations in log cutting and single-jack drilling will go on throughout the day, as well as Civil War re-enactments.

The Boys and Girls Club will also have activities for children.

“They’ve come up with some great old-fashioned games,” Tennant said.

Free ice cream will be available for anyone in an 1860s costume. For more information, go to www.daytonnvhistory.org or call 775-246-3527.