North Carson Street looking northeast in the 1950s.
Saturday
155 Years Ago
Ingenious smuggling of opium: One of the most expedients adopted for the concealment of opium in transit was detected by U.S. Appraiser Bridge. The steamer America coming from China contained eight bales of a curious dried root for medicinal use laying on the wharf. It appeared and smelt like an apothecary’s clerk. General Bridge is an inquisitive man, never losing an opportunity to gain an extra grain of knowledge and is a persistent man and if Uncle Sam’s interest is involved, he never stops until he gets at the root of the matter. The Chinese anxiously attempted to explain the nature of the contents when the general stooped to examine them. He discovered the roots were – opium cleverly fabricated to resemble the roots of some plant and mixed with others. The whole lot was confiscated. and Mr. Tuk Kee the consignee, will be considerably out of pocket by his attempt to outdo the government.
140 Years Ago
Wayside notes: The front of Sweeney’s new saloon went up yesterday.
If you have any old confederate bonds in your trunk now is a good time to throw them on the market.
Mr. Nora, the divining-rodman can now do a little quiet laughing on his own hook. He has struck a ledge on the western slope of Mr. Davidson just where he said he would.
130 Years Ago
Lively upset: A party of ladies from the daughters of Rebecca Lodge went to Dayton to visit a sister lodge. They went in a large conveyance drawn by six horses. On returning they experienced an upset near Empire. Mrs. Herman Manthey is now confined to the house with a sprained ankle and the other ladies all experienced a violent shaking up.
70 Years Ago
Carson City community Christmas party: Plans for the community December Christmas party in the civic auditorium are shaping up. The chairman W.T. (Billy) Holcomb said that 50% more money would be needed this year. Plans are being made to have 1,000 youngsters at the party. Nick Carter was contacted in regard to 175 pounds of mixed candy and would arrange for 200 pounds of peanuts. The committee arranged for apples and oranges from Kelly and Lindsey, and Al Saliman agreed to bring the high school choral group.
60 Years Ago
Advertisement: “Carson Theater — now showing. Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret in ‘Viva Las Vegas.”
Sunday
155 Years Ago
The crazy convict: Eugene Lefevre was refused entry at the mental hospital at Stockton, Calif. They cannot take care of such a desperate lunatic. He has six years to serve in prison.
140 Years Ago
Some ‘doins: Henry Schneider who is seriously ill in this city is said to be suffering from a cancer of the throat.
Barney Oldfield is in Reno with his fast automobile. He has been there two days and has not run over anybody yet.
120 Years Ago
Hollaprodida [sic]: The front row of the benches in the Opera House have been occupied by a number of ladies, by the mayor and his wife and Mr. and Miss Vanderleith. This is the place where the real hollaprodida can be found when the curtain raises. At this location you are a foot or so above the dress circle where you don’t have a lot of heads obstructing the view of the stage, that you get a convenient place to rest your feet, and you split the prices of tickets in two.
70 Years Ago
Marshal asks for uniforms pay: City trustees held a meeting to discuss uniform allowances for policemen. It was explained to trustees that men have to buy their own uniform and equipment, and they are quite expensive.
60 Years Ago
Saucer scare: Hundreds of San Franciscans telephoned police and army switchboards to report what they thought was a flying saucer. Police said it turned out to be a 40-foot-long illuminated sign towed behind a small airplane. The message: “Industry likes Lincoln, Neb.”
Monday
155 Years Ago
One-eyed Riley: One of Lt. Gov. Slingerlands boys has been held on a charge of grand larceny. He attempted to appropriate one overcoat, an undercoat, one pair of pants and two dozen buckskin gloves from the store of P. Quinn by feloniously removing them from the front of the store. The one-eyed Riley has not been successful in having confined his business to petty larceny, but having drifted over into Elko has “nipped” enough to send him back to his old trade of stone breaking. (Elko Independent)
140 Years Ago
Porter of the Assembly: Clem. Berry announces himself as a candidate for Porter of the Assembly. Clem is a live Black Republican, and in handling the heavy work of the office cannot be excelled.
120 Years Ago
Murder: Adolph Weber from Auburn has been charged with the murder of four people in his own family. He has been declared guilty of the atrocious crime.
70 Years Ago
Free parking: Carson City trustees decided that state legislators will not have to pay parking and will be meter free during the session starting in January. Trustees will contact the legislative counsel to find out who will be qualified to receive special parking privileges. They will receive stickers to place on their cars so they will not be tagged for overtime parking.
60 Years Ago
Four skiing areas open: Four Lake Tahoe ski areas have opened. Slide Mountain, where snow has not covered ground completely is operating two ski lifts daily. Two lifts are running at Heavenly Valley with three feet of snow. Squaw Valley will begin daily with four or five lifts. Sky Tavern with over a foot of snowpack has started operation.
Tuesday
155 Years Ago
Advertisement: “Alexander Leport has removed his family grocery store to the brick building owned by G.A. Sears and lately occupied by Louis Mandlebaum on King Street, Carson City, where he prepares to furnish families, hotel and restaurants with the finest brands of French and California wines, brandies and whiskies, flour, ham and bacon… and in fact everything pertaining to the grocery and provision line.” (Mr. Leport’s home is one of two mansard roof homes still in existence in Carson City — on the east side).
140 Years Ago
Where is Sarah? It is rumored that Sarah Winnemucca was in town this week and prevented an attack by the Piute’s (sic) on Chinatown. She could not have prevented an attack on Chinatown, as the Piute’s do not hold the Chinese responsible for the killing of their countryman. They blame the Washoe and no attack by them on Chinatown has even been contemplated.
120 Years Ago
Two boy’s escape: Two boy inmates of the state Orphans Home in this city escaped. Mr. Josephs, the superintendent, wishes us to state that he will thank anyone who will be able to give him a clew (sic) to their whereabouts.
70 Years Ago
Andy Buonamici dies: Resident of Dayton for the past 50 years, Andy Buonamici died at the age of 65. He was born in Italy on March 18, 1889. He came to this country at the age of 15 and has made his home in Dayton since, working in ranching and mining. He is survived by his widow Marie Buonamici, his mother and children.
60 Years Ago
Advertisement: “Carson City Nugget — Last chance Joe Sez: It’s fun time at the Nugget! Famous seafooderama buffet $1.95 – All You Can Eat – Children under 12 years $1.25, pumpkin pie 19 cents, by popular demand on Friday Nugget Children’s Theater.”
Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.