The Supreme Court and State Library building under construction in 1937. The fountain in front was donated to Carson City in 1909 and used to water animals at the intersection of Carson and King streets.
Wednesday
150 Years Ago
Wagon: Jim Bigler has a very new red wagon to carry express matter to and from the railroad depot and around town. It is a gay affair, and Jim feels as happy as a clam.
130 Years Ago
All sorts: Chris Seaman was injured by a derrick fork at Dangberg’s ranch. Dr. Guinan reached the place in time to save him from dying of a hemorrhage.
120 Years Ago
Advertisement: Something new at the Thaxter’s drug store – egg phosphates.
100 Years Ago
Theater: “Grand ‘Experience’ with Richard Barthelmews – The romance of modern youth adventuring with its hopes, temptations, passions and its failures, triumphs, and loves… A George Fitzmaurice production. Admission 25 cents and 55 cents.
70 Years Ago
Gus Bundy’s exhibits: The state library will have photographs by Gus Bundy of Washoe Valley. In the display, Bundy has captured scenes of Nevada interest. Titles of the photos on display are prospector at rawhide, stamp mill at Como, design of the dunes…
30 Years Ago
Advertisement: “Capital City Fair, Fuji Park, Carson City, July 23-26. Friday: teen dance; Saturday: country dance and barbecue; Sunday: Demolition Derby… Admission, adults $2.50, seniors and kids 6-12 $1.50.”
Thursday
150 Years Ago
Washoe Valley: From James Gatewood we learn that farmer of that beautiful valley is very jubilant over the prospects of a richer harvest. The grain and hay crop are said to be doubled as compared to last year. The water has been plenty during the spring and summer and the grain, vegetables, etc. had a fair chance to grow. There is no richer or better situated land in the country as in Washoe Valley. The costly mansion situated between Ophir and Franktown, owned by Mrs. Bowers is by far the finest residence in the state. The garden which surrounds it is full of the choicest flowers and grasses and everything around it is indeed beautiful.
130 Years Ago
Pellagra: There are two cases of this rare disease in Austin. One is an Indian. He is afflicted by eruptions on his body and limbs that itch. Cause is niacin deficiency.
120 Years Ago
Obituary: John W. Mackay, the last of the Bonanza kings, died. He was the only one of the financiers that made friends with the people by acts of charity. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, October 26, 1831, and learned the trade of a ship carpenter. After the discovery of gold in California, he emigrated to Downieville, Sierra County, for many years with varying fortune. In the 1860s he came to the Comstock. He leaves a wife, son and daughter, the latter the Countess of Colonna.
100 Years Ago
Wedding fun: Promiscuous kissing occurred at the county courthouse where Herman E. Krupp of Berkeley and Marion R. Stafford were. They walked from Lake Tahoe, secured a marriage license and called County Clerk Legate and then Judge W.T. King to tie the knot. Legate and Gilbert Briggs were called upon to act as best man and bridesmaid. After the ceremony, Legate proposed in an innocent way that the bride should kiss the bridesmaid. The bride smacked Briggs and then she smacked Legate and then the judge.
70 Years Ago
Advertisement: “C.C. Chevrolet – 1951 Chev. 2 door, power glide, heater, seat covers: $1,945. 1951 Chev. Deluxe 4 door, heater, spotlight, seat covers: $1,835. Place your order now for that new Chevrolet when the steel strike is over. Be the first to get yours when they resume building cars. See Ike or Ray at C.C. Chevrolet, Ph. 652-3.”
30 Years Ago
Earthquakes: Six small earthquakes took place midday east of Carson City in an area along U.S. Highway 50 between Carson City and Fallon.
Friday
150 Years Ago
Quack medicine: There has been a quack medicine vendor in town selling a compound called the “Last Chance” and “Web Foot Pills.” The vendor is a good talker, sings and plays the guitar, and never fails to collect a crowd. He always has something witty on the end of his tongue and when assailed by some looker on in the crowd, generally turns the laugh on the foolish individual who has no sense enough to keep his mouth shut.
130 Years Ago
All sorts: George Bowman was married in Empire to Miss Mintie.
The Gazette speaks about the “squirt clam.” This is a new name for the delicate little bivalve.
120 Years Ago
All sorts: Reno and people along Truckee are worried over a proposed tunnel to tap Lake Tahoe and to take the water to San Francisco. The farmers and Renoites will be well in hand to keep their eyes peeled on the surveyors that are in the field monkeying with their water rights.
Snakes are reported very plenty this year. They have been caught and killed in nearly every direction. The other day Ernest Sweetland captured a rattlesnake that was only eight inches long which shows that the new crop is ready for business.
100 Years Ago
Born: A baby daughter arrived at the W.D. Alexander home. Mrs. Alexander is the daughter of Mayor A.B. Gray.
70 Years Ago
V&T Station sold: It has been reported that the old V&T station (depot), for many years a Carson City landmark, has been recently purchased by the Masonic Lodge and is now in escrow. Reported sale price is $17,000. No confirmation of the sale will be made by either party.
30 Years Ago
Publishers Weekly, best top-selling nonfiction paperback books: “Gerald’s Game,” Stephen King; “Waiting to Exhale,” Terry McMillan; “Possessing the Secret of Joy,” Alice Walker; “The Pelican Brief,” John Grisham.
Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.
