The Vivian Mill in about 1885. The mill was the eastern most mill in Carson River Canyon.
Wednesday
150 Years Ago
St. Mary’s Orphanage, Virginia City: Sisters of St. Mary’s School are endeavoring to make the time pleasant for the pupils in their charge, in the excellent institution. A Christmas tree will be in readiness for the little ones, and the people of Virginia (City) and surrounding towns are invited to partake of the pleasures there at (such as play).
140 Years Ago
An astronomical fake: Biela’s comet failed to show up at the time expected. It got about $100,000 worth of free advertising and then sneaked off in the direction of the constellation of Copernicus. All the great astronomers agreed that it would hit the earth on Oct. 14 and then on Jan. 15, and they can easily get away with the bluff…
130 Years Ago
Dobb’s funeral: In drenching rain the remains of Daniel Dobbs were laid to rest in the presence of the Carson Guards. He was a great favorite with his acquaintances and blessed with a disposition of generosity and good nature that made him friends.
110 Years Ago
Dancing: Miss Florence. Hastings has organized her dancing class in Carson City and lessons will be given in the Armory Hall. A social dance will be given in the evening and continue through the winter evenings.
80 Years Ago
Day of Silence: President Roosevelt has asked for a Day of Silence on Dec. 7 in remembrance of the infamy of the Japanese.
30 Years Ago
Advertisement: “The Battle of Midway” taken by U.S. Navy photographers. It’s authentic. See Jap Planes Shot Down.”
Thursday
150 Years Ago
Poor cards: In Lincoln County James Wood is being held to answer to the Grand Jury. He killed William McCarty. Poor cards mixed up with high wines of the atmosphere of Pioche brought on the trouble and the slaughtering.
140 Years Ago
Troublemakers: The gang of small boys that hang about the Opera House on play nights may be future presidents, websters and mahones, but they ought to be kicked clean over the comet every time they disturb those who attend the theater. These nice little boys should be in their little crib by 8 o’ clock.
130 Years Ago
Western liar: A western liar says that in the cyclone belt they do not take their carpets up when they clean house. They open the cellar door for a few minutes and let the wind blow through the cracks in the floor.
110 Years Ago
Married: At the residence of George D. Winters of Carson City, a pretty home wedding took place between Miss Nellie G. Winters of Washoe Valley and John F. McCormick of Sacramento. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Partridge. Miss Winters is a native daughter of Nevada, being a daughter of Theo Winters. The groom has charge of Mr. Winters’ valuable racehorses.
80 Years Ago
Sylvia C. Blackburn: Daughter of Mrs. Lucy D. Crowell and granddaughter of Nellie Mighels Davis of Carson City, received an appointment to one of the most important positions in the WAAC, that of secretary to the commandant, Col. C. Faith, of the second WAAC Training Center in Florida. The new secretary has been an outstanding leader. (Florida)
30 Years Ago
Photo caption: Snow may be good medicine for a drought but it’s also a tonic for fun as Carson City schoolchildren have an impromptu snowball fight at the bus stop with Michael Kizer, Denise Murphy, and Denise Plympton. Three deer munch on frozen grass near Kings Canyon Road. A herd of about 10 deer moved into the area to feed.
Friday
150 Years Ago
Wants to cut her bacon: The dissatisfied wife of James Bacon, job printer from San Francisco seeks divorce from her liege lord. It is rash for her to do to this; but the aggravating cause of it was that of Bacon.
140 Years Ago
Born: In Carson City, Nov. 27 to the wife of Robert Shultz, a son.
130 Years Ago
Died: Benjamin Franklin Meder, a native of Brunswick, Maine, age 53 years and 8 months has passed away. The funeral will take place at the residence of his brother, C.D. Meder. Mr. Meder resided for over 30 years in Carson City, where he was a painter and paper hanger. He leaves four brothers, Charles, John, James, and Louis Meder. The cause of his death was a stroke of apoplexy. His death was announced by the tolling of the engine bell of the Warren Engine Co., of which he was a member.
110 Years Ago
The “Machine” arrives: A Linotype, type setting machinery finally arrived in the office. With printers and spectators in town, the machine was finally installed, and the present newspaper is the result of the work. The Appeal is as complete as a modern printing plan can be.
80 Years Ago
Report on Pearl Harbor attack: The “full story” on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor will be released by the office of war information on the December anniversary. According to Secretary of Navy Frank Knox, there are still certain facts the Japanese would like to know, and the Navy is not going to tell them yet.
30 Years Ago
Challenges: Governor Miller is blamed for reduction of mental health spending. Two psychologists were killed in incidents of violence at the Mental Health Institute in Sparks. A spokesman for Governor Miller challenged the advocate to support the charge with facts stating that there is no proof the killings were caused by budget cuts.
Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.