North Carson Street looking northeast in the 1950s.
Wednesday
150 Years Ago
The Columbus: The new V&T engine was trotted out and tested. She backed up and hitched herself to a train of eight loaded cars and walked off with them like a trout – like a trout with a minnow. She was built at the C.P. shops, Sacramento.
140 Years Ago
In brief: In San Francisco whenever a pistol goes off the people mistake it for a sewer gas explosion.
There is a Chinese person in Stockton trying to convert his brother heathens to the Christian faith. Four years ago, there was one engaged in the same occupation. Fairs were held for the benefit of his church and when the fund accumulated to nearly one thousand, the “Reverend” Celestial skipped, and nothing has been heard from him since.
130 Years Ago
Miner’s pay: The Comstock miners insist of $4 a day and will not accept the 25 percent reduction asked by the mining management. Every laborer is worthy of hire, at least so think the laboring classes of the Comstock.
110 Years Ago
Native sons celebrate: One of the largest celebrations of Admission Day in the history of California is taking place. One of the chief features of the observation is a twenty-round bout between Ad Wolgast and Johnny Dundee.
70 Years Ago
Freshmen finish initiation week: A “Court of Justice” was held. On trial were wayward freshman who had violated some of the freshman week regulations. All were given a “fair” trial and sentenced in various manners. Following the assembly, the traditional freshman march was held down Carson Street. The freshman week events were concluded with a successful dance held in honor of the frosh in the school gymnasium.
30 Years Ago
A second leukemia lawsuit has been filed against the owners of a jet fuel pipeline that alleges pollution caused the Fallon leukemia cluster. Stephanie Sands died two years ago at the age of 21. The family of 10-year-old Adam Jernee filed a similar suit naming the defendants. Both suits seek actual and punitive damages of more than $10,000.
Thursday
150 Years Ago
Olympic Gymnastic Club: The season of dancing was open in the most charming fashion with a select ball at the Turn Verein Hall. The hall was put in excellent order by the young gymnasts with an attractive and tasty appearance. The wall was adorned with regalia, banners and a profusion of choice pictures. One must have been there to realize what a number of interesting and beautiful girls there are in Carson.
140 Years Ago
In brief: The nights are growing very cold at the lake. The ore is widening in Norcross and the assays are high.
130 Years Ago
Neglected grave: The graveyard on the hillside west of town, which has not been used as a burial place for a good many years, presents a dilapidated appearance. The braves are sunken, monuments toppled over, fences down and sagebrush predominates everywhere. Graves include that of William S. Allen, who Indians shot near Pyramid Lake.
110 Years Ago
Classified ads: At Calvert’s Café, north of the post office, only white help is in attendance. Lady Cook. Short orders day or night. Everything neat and clean. Prices moderate.
Wanted: Woman as second cook at boarding house of United Mines Company. $25 per month.
70 Years Ago
Clampers meet: No. 49 of E. Clampus Vitus will make a pilgrimage to Virginia City on Oct. 3. Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg are in charge of arrangements on the Comstock. There will be a parade on Main Street and then they will proceed to the Hall of Comparative Ovations for the initiation dinner and an informal program.
30 Years Ago
Hot list books: Publishers weekly bestsellers top 5 — “The Teeth of the Tiger” by Tom Clancy; “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown; “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Westberger; “A Place of Hiding” by Elizabeth George and “The Sinner” by Tess Gerritsen.
Friday
150 Years Ago
Episcopal Church – proposals to bid: The Vestrymen sat and pondered on the subject of enlarging that edifice and finally came to the conclusion to undertake the said addition. They agreed upon a plan – the specifications attending and related to the same. There is an invitation to contractors to acquaint themselves with said plan and bid upon the work.
140 Years Ago
Lost an eye: A few days ago, Lyman Frisbee was fishing in the Carson River and his glass eye fell into the water. He has been buying all the fish that have been caught there ever since.
130 Years Ago
All sorts: The street preacher preached his last sermon Sunday. He made a great many friends in Carson by his earnestness and eloquence. He and his wife never pass the hat but live by voluntary contributions. He predicts the end of the world in 7 years.
110 Years Ago
Socialist at grand: H.R. Smith, state organizer of the Socialist Party will discuss woman’s suffrage and white slavery. These are important subjects and live issues with everyone.
70 Years Ago
University 79th year: The University of Nevada opens its doors for the 79th year when registration get underway on Sept. 16. For new students’ university careers will begin Sept. 11 when student orientation begins for freshmen students.
30 Years Ago
Century of knowing best: Winona James tribal elder turns 101. A birthday party was held at the Stewart Center. She was wheeled in by her entourage of family and friends. She wore her hair in two tightly braided buns and donned her new birthday present, turquoise jewelry. Her secret to long life — “I never smoked, not a bit, and the only thing I drink is water on the rocks.”
Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.