Carson City looking north from the top of the Capitol building in 1871.
Wednesday
155 Years Ago
We went on the “grand rounds” of the Christmas trees last night — and whoever thinks that it is any cheerful task to wander after dark over the ditches and ruts which intervene between Carson Street and the skirmish line of the churches, had better try it on. As usual on Christmas Eve, in these parts, it rained. For a wonder, the swimming on the cross streets was bad. There were heavenly songs and cheerfulness at all the churches which was delightful to contemplate. May they all have a Merry Christmas.
140 Years Ago
Yesterday everybody was hurrying through their work, to make ready for today. Lots of people who invariably put off everything until the last minute, were scurrying about town hunting turkeys and Christmas trees. As usual they got poor trees and tough turkeys. The way to celebrate Christmas is to celebrate it up to the handle, throw your money around loose and free, if it is the last cent you expect to see, eat drink and be merry; bury the hatchet of your animosities and don’t bother your head trying to find out how your next-door neighbor is celebrating.
120 Years Ago
For many centuries the mind of man has been accustomed to associate Christmas with the birth of Christ and the mind wanders back to the shepherds on the plains of Galilee watching the rising of the start that led them to humble birthplace of the Redeemer.
60 Years Ago
If Christmas shopping seemed even more of a chore this year — longer lines at cash registers and checkout counters — part of the problem was probably the present silver coin shortage.
40 Years Ago
Drinking all the free booze you want in the name of law enforcement education may sound like a dream assigned for a reporter. But a valuable lesson can also be learned about how ill-equipped some motorists are two drink and drive.
Thursday
155 Years Ago
There were several shocks of earthquake, night before last. The first occurred about 6 o’clock in the evening and was the shakiest ever experienced by white peoples in this state. Its vibrations varied but little from south to north. this shock brought with it much trembling and occasioned not a little alarm.
140 Years Ago
Just now the state papers are again discussing the question of the State University, which is located in Elko. Before every legislature about the same ground is gone over and same old story of the university’s unsatisfactory position and efficiency rehearsed. Nevada ought to have an efficient university.
120 Years Ago
T.L. Oldie is in San Francisco in conference with Denver millionaires and they have completed plans to install a $1 million plant at Bishop creek to supply water for Tonopah and Goldfield. Tonopah Sun.
60 Years Ago
High water and gale winds continue to batter western Nevada, causing floods and near flood conditions, particularly to the north and south of Carson City.
40 Years Ago
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa arrived in famine-wracked Ethiopia today and Pope John Paul II asked a world under the nuclear shadow to heed Jesus “message of hope” as people from China to El Salvador came together for Christmas worship.
Friday
155 Years Ago
Earthquake at Gold Hill. Last night a series of earthquake shocks of greater or less force and duration visited this section, commencing at 6 o’clock in the evening and continuing at intervals until a little past 3 o’clock in the morning. There were 10 perceptible shocks in all, and some people think they distinguished even more. They came in a series of three at a time with a few seconds or minutes of each other.
140 Years Ago
On Thursday last the people of Winnemucca were startled upon the arrival of the Paradise stage, by the news that Robert H. Scott, a well-known and highly respected citizen, was shot dead in his store Wednesday night, in the village of Paradise.
120 Years Ago
A civil service examination to secure surgeons, physicians, pharmacists, hospital internets and trained nurses for service during the construction of the Panama Canal will be held in Reno on the 18th of January.
60 Years Ago
Snow fell in the eastern Sierra today, further diminishing the flood threat to western Nevada and boosting the ski business.
40 Years Ago
A decorated World War II hero, who spent the past 20 years as a homeless wanderer, is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, three weeks after he froze to death in a park facing the White House.
Trent Dolan is the son of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.