Carson City Historical Society Hosts
"The Comstock Chinese & Other Chinese
Immigrant Communities in Northern Nevada,"
a Lecture with Erica Hill
New date: Thursday, June 2, 2022

Unfortunately, due to illness, we have to postpone her presentation from Thursday, May 19, to Thursday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m.

Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) is proud to host a lecture on "The Comstock Chinese & Other Chinese Immigrant Communities in Northern Nevada," on a new date: Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. (Previously the lecture was scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.) The guest speaker is Erica Hill.

Around 1850, Chinese immigrants began arriving in the U.S. in record breaking numbers because of the California Gold Rush. Throughout the mid-19th century, Chinese people quickly formed Chinese settlements across the American West in places they could find work while protecting their traditions and being insulated from racial violence. In Nevada, Chinese people lived and worked in mining communities, railroad camps, and other boomtowns across the Comstock Lode and surrounding area. This project discusses the Chinese who lived in Northern Nevada, how they were instrumental to the rapid expansion of the American West, and how they faced extreme racial violence which forced them to form Chinatowns and then abandon them.

Erica Hill is the Community Arts Development Specialist at the Nevada Arts Council in Carson City. She earned her MA in Anthropology from San Francisco State University in 2021 and wrote the thesis Chinese Childhood Play: Deconstructing Hegemonic Narratives in Northern California Chinatowns. Hill holds a BA in Anthropology (CSUC) and two AA degrees in Anthropology and Humanities (MJC). Highlights of her professional experience include Archaeological Technician at the Bureau of Land Management Carson City District Office, Cultural Landscapes Intern at the National Park Service Pacific West Regional Office in San Francisco, and Student Curator at the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology at CSUC.

The lecture is free and open to the public. To sign up for Erica Hill's Zoom Lecture on June 2, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., go to http://cchistorical.org/signup.htm, where there is a link to use to sign up. You will be asked to fill out a Google Form with name, email address, phone number, and other questions. [Note: If the appropriate lecture is not listed on the sign-up page, you may need to refresh that page in your browser.] If your request is accepted, we will send you a link to the Zoom session within about 3 days. If you need to make special arrangements, send an email to DCBugli@aol.com with "Erica Hill Lecture" in the subject line or call David Bugli at 775-883-4154. If you already signed up for this lecture prior to May 18, there is no need to sign up again.

After a hiatus of several years, the CCHS resumed a monthly lecture series in January 2021. Most lectures are presented on Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Some past lectures are also available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube.com page. Additional information about the CCHS is available on its webpage, CCHistorical.org.

Photos: Chinese Mary, wife of a Virginia City Chinese doctor and her child, 1866.
Erica Hill, lecturer for June 2, 2022

Downton Abbey Tea
Sunday, June 12, 2022

The Carson City Historical Society will be hosting a by-reservation-only "Downton Abbey Tea" on Sunday, June 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts Carriage House, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89703. There is no special costume required. However, if you have an old-fashioned broach, hat, boa or other item to show off and tell the history about, that would be delightful.

Our special guest for the tea will be Rebecca Van Sickle who will be doing a dressing presentation, focused on the 1860s with a crinoline-style day dress. She will talk about each of the layers of clothing and provide some interesting history along the way.

Reservations can be made by check. Cost of the tea is $42.00 per person for Carson City Historical Society non-member; cost for a Carson City Historical Society member is $37; and if you have been to Downton Abbey, and are willing to tell us about your experience, the cost is $27 per person. Please indicate on your check whether you are a member, nonmember, or have been to Downton Abbey. Space is limited to 25 people. Checks can be made out to the Carson City Historical Society and sent to 112 North Curry, Carson City, NV 89703. Early reservations are encouraged and must be sent in by June 3, 2022. Our website address is: cchistorical.com, or you can email us at carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com if you have questions.

Historical Society Open Sundays Until Further Notice
Update: May 18, 2022

The Carson City Historical Society will continue being open from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sundays starting May 15. If you show up, first report to the Carriage House, the yellow building with the double doors just east of the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. You may start your visit there, where you can see our "If These Gowns Could Talk" Exhibit and parts of our collection. From there, the docent can escort guests to the Foreman-Roberts House itself, where you can experience a bit of early Carson City life and ambiance.

Guest, please comply with COVID guidelines. We reserve the right to limit the number of visitors at any one time.

If you wish to contact us in advance, send an email to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com. The two buildings are located at 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, NV. Click HERE for a map link. Parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets.

Picture: Four of the dresses from our "If These Gowns Could Talk" Exhibit.

"If These Gowns Could Talk" Exhibit
Exhibit opens Sunday, April 24, 2022

The Carson City Historical Society presents a new exhibit, "If These Gowns Could Talk" that will cover Edwardian and Victorian fashions--the how and why of fashion along with a photographic exhibit of early Carson City around 1900. The exhibit will open on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts House, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. 89703 (the little yellow house on Main Street). Donations are accepted.

We are currently in need of volunteers to help with the exhibit. A tour training is available on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Our phone number is (775) 882-2174, please leave a message, or call Sue at 775-220-6278.

The Carson City Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was formed in 1969 as The Nevada Landmarks Society to help save the Roberts House and other Landmarks from being demolished. Through volunteer efforts, the Foreman-Roberts House was saved. We changed our name in 2000 to become the Carson City Historical Society to better serve the public.

April 2022 Newsletter is Available Online

The April CCHS Newsletter is available online. Perhaps you have already received it in your email inbox on April 19. This issue includes an announcement on the opening of our "If These Gowns Could Talk" exhibit on April 24, a request for volunteers, and a preview of events in May and later.

If you are not on our email list, please email your request to be added to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

To download the April Newsletter, please CLICK HERE.

Dues for 2022 are due January 1, 2022

CCHS works on a fiscal year beginning January 1 and ending December 31. Dues for 2021 are $25 for single membership (1 vote) and $35 for a household (2 votes). Dues are due in January of each year. You may support us at additional levels of giving.

Levels of membership:

• Individual member -- $25
• Household membership -- $35
• Patron -- $50
• Historian -- $100
• Curator -- $250
• Preservationist -- Above $250

Annual dues can be mailed to CC Historical Society, 112 N. Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703. A membership form is available at http://cchistorical.org/CCHS_Membership_form.pdf.

The Carson City Historical Society is a Nevada nonprofit organizations.

Robin Holabird's Lecture on "The Silver State on the Silver Screen"
(Video of the event is in production and will be posted on YouTube)
Original Presentation - Thursday, June 17, 2021

Robin Holabird will present a lecture on "The Silver State on the Silver Screen" on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Ms. Holabird is a well-known Nevada film critic.

Author, film expert and world traveler Robin Holabird writes regularly about films and their locations, with her weekly program airing on Reno's NPR affiliate KUNR at 88.7 FM every Friday. She also provides film commentary for KOH. Her newest book Around the World in 80 Movies, published by Ice Cube Press, shows the link between films and travel destinations. Her first book, Elvis, Marilyn and the Space Aliens, explores how movies and television programs affect Nevada's public image. Both books reflect Holabird's longtime experience as a film commissioner for the state of Nevada, where she worked with Clint Eastwood, Taylor Hackford, PT Anderson, and other directors on such projects as Love Ranch, Sister Act, and CSI. She honed writing skills with a degree in Journalism from Humboldt State University and reporting stints at KOLO, the Sparks Tribune and other media outlets. She earned certification and a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Nevada-Reno. An outdoor enthusiast who loves photographing locations throughout the world, Robin is a regular hiker and runner who finished the Boston Marathon six times.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For information about attending, send an email to Dcbugli@aol.com or contact David Bugli at 775-883-4154 and he will provide you with a meeting link (or a meeting ID with passcode).

Photo: Robin Holabird, Nevada film critic and author

Bruce Roter to present lecture on "The Museum of Political Corruption"
(Video of the event is in production and will be posted on YouTube)
Original presentation - Thursday, May 20, 2021

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) presents its fifth free lecture of 2021. It's on "The Museum of Political Corruption" by Bruce Roter, Executive Director of The Museum of Political Corruption (MCP), on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture is free and open to the public. For information about attending, send an email to Dcbugli@aol.com or contact David Bugli at 775-883-4154 and he will provide you with a meeting link (or a meeting ID with passcode).

Corruption has a long and colorful history, both nationally and in our own backyards. Bruce Roter's presentation will be somewhat like a tour describing how the subject will be presented at The Museum of Political Corruption in Albany, NY. The history of corruption will be discussed, both the villains and heroes (mostly the villains), but he will first explore the very notion of what corruption is. Is corruption always illegal, and what is the impact of corruption on society? At the conclusion of the evening's discussion, participants can look at ways we can all be involved in combating corruption.

Bruce Roter is an Albany, NY-based music professor and composer whose works have been performed by orchestras throughout the United States (including the Carson City Symphony). Roter's music is often inspired by themes of American history or social justice. In 2013, after a series of high-profile indictments of New York State political leaders, Roter found another creative outlet for civic engagement. He founded the Museum of Political Corruption, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. The Museum has received national and international attention. It is the host of the annual Nellie Bly Award for Investigative Reporting, and in the summer of 2021, the MPC along with its Center for Ethical Governance is set to open a virtual museum covering a wide range of topics addressing corruption and government reform. The website for the museum is at http://www.museumofpoliticalcorruption.org.

After a hiatus of several years, the CCHS resumed a monthly lecture series in January 2021. Most lectures are presented on Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. In addition to Mr. Roter's lecture, future lectures are scheduled, including those by historian and entertainer Chris Bayer on July 15 on "The Strychnine Banjo" and by Samantha Szesciorka on "Long Riding" on September 16 (see https://www.nevadadiscoveryride.com). Some past lectures are also available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube.com page. Additional information about the CCHS is available on its webpage, CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Bruce Roter to present Museum of Political Corruption lecture on May 20.

Steven Saylor Presents Lecture: "The Donovan Mill and the Comstock Foundation"
(Video of the event is in production and will be posted on YouTube)
Original presentation - Thursday, April 15, 2021

The Carson City Historical Society presents its fourth free lecture of 2021. It's on "The Donovan Mill and the Comstock Foundation" by Steven Saylor, Executive Director of the Comstock Foundation, on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture is free and open to the public. For information about attending, contact David Bugli at 775-883-4154 or send an email to Dcbugli@aol.com and he will provide you with a meeting link (or a meeting ID with passcode).

The Donovan Mill in Silver City is a gold and silver stamp mill that was critical in the development of the cyanide method for processing ore. The Comstock Foundation acquired the mill in 2014 to save it from being sold, dismantled, and leveled. The mill is a significant landmark of Comstock history and is the largest historic stamp mill in the United States still standing. It represents an example of historical innovation and technology. Ultimately, the complex will serve as an interpretive center, with a fully operational blacksmith shop, operating stamp mill, and the restoration of two historic Merrill Crowe presses; only three Merrill Crowe milling machines are known to still exist in the nation. The interpretive center will provide the public access to these significant environs, and the demonstration of historic methods and practices, through visitation and educational programming, and through collaborations to maintain the informational link to past knowledge and practices. The restoration of the Donovan Mill will provide the Comstock Foundation with the first significant living historic environ and complete the preservation of one of the links in our historic landscape. The foundation has also engaged in restoration of the Upper Yellow Jacket Hoist, St. Mary's Art Center, Gold Hill Depot, the Fourth Ward School, the Dayton Consolidated Mine and Mill, Piper's Opera House, Comstock Fireman's Museum, the Crown Point Mill, and Sutro Tunnel Town site.

Mr. Saylor's lecture will include visuals of the Donovan Mill - both historical and before-and-after restoration work - and a nine-minute video tour of the Donovan Mill covering the process of ore processing from beginning to end. Information about the mill can be found at https://comstockfoundation.org/projects/donovan-mill.

Steven Saylor holds a B.F.A. & M.A. from Kent State University. He worked for advertising agencies in Akron, New York, and Reno, holding positions as Art Director and Television Director from 1968 to 1974. He has instructed illustration, design, oil painting, watercolor, and photography at Kent State University and for UNR at Western Nevada College (WNC). His work in academia includes the development of art and photography classes at WNC in 1974. In 1986, Steven was awarded instructor of the year at WNC (then called Western Nevada Community College). In 2017, Steven was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Kent State University. Currently he is an adjunct Professor teaching art at WNC.

Mr. Saylor has been Executive Director of the Comstock Foundation since January 2018, and has been successful in improving community outreach, membership, lecture series, special event production, volunteer engagement, donations, supporters, and more. Under his guidance the Comstock Foundation won the Northern Nevada Development Authority's Pioneer/Boundary Peak Award as best nonprofit in 2018. He is Second Vice President of the Nevada Museums Association, and was awarded Virginia City Businessperson of the Year 2020-2021 by national organization Alignable.

Upper photo: Historic photo of the Donovan Mill.
Lower photo: Steven Saylor to present Donovan Mill lecture April 15

Karen Dustman presents "Lessons From The Cemetery" Lecture
(Video of the event is in production and will be posted on YouTube)
Original Zoom Presentation - Thursday, March 18, 2021

There's something fascinating about old cemeteries. Who WERE these long-forgotten people? What were their lives like? What were their stories? And what clues can we find on these historic headstones? Author Karen Dustman shares tales and discoveries from her books on Genoa and Fredericksburg Cemeteries, for a fascinating look at the past! The lecture will be presented on Zoom on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For information about attending, contact David Bugli at 775-883-4154 or send an email to Dcbugli@aol.com and he will provide you with a meeting link (or a meeting ID with passcode).

Karen Dustman is a multi-book author, and has penned hundreds of magazine articles on topics ranging from pet care to natural health. But her very favorite topic is local history. Karen's books include a history of Silver Mountain City, a 3-volume set on Genoa Cemetery, and a walking tour guide to Fredericksburg Cemetery. She also publishes a free monthly e-newsletter featuring Sierra history and other fascinating tales. For more information about Karen's publications, go to https://www.clairitage.com/about-clairitage-press.

CCHS Presents Lecture: "The Cocktail and Alcohol Culture of Virginia City,"
Lecture by Garrett Barmore
Now available on YouTube
Posted: March 5, 2021

Garrett Barmore, curator of the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum at the University of Nevada, Reno, presented an entertaining lecture, "The Cocktail and Alcohol Culture of Virginia City," on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. He discussed the history of several alcoholic beverages and how they relate to daily life in Virginia City during the mining boom. Barmore, who demonstrated the making of these drinks, is an entertaining lecturer.

The lecture included include 3 cocktail recipes and a bonus punch recipe, which can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The video of this lecture is now available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube channel: Click HERE for the channel and click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewPEwcNVr5E to go directly to the video.

Photo: Garrett Barmore in the Keck Museum

More than a Ghost Town: Cultural Resource Management
in the Phantom City of Rhyolite, Nevada
Jonah Blustain Lecture on Rhyolite
Now available on YouTube
Posted: Feb. 4, 2021

On January 21, 2021, Jonah S. Blustain, BLM Assistant Field Manager, presented a lecture, "More than a Ghost Town: Cultural Resource Management in the Phantom City of Rhyolite, Nevada" on Thursday, January 21, 2021, via Zoom.

The ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada, is one of the more challenging public resources to manage. The town was originally the site of a large gold strike in 1904. By 1907, the early tent city had become a veritable metropolis.

Jonah Blustain currently serves in the U. S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, as the Assistant Field Manager for Non-Renewable Resources, Tonopah Field Office, in Tonopah, Nevada.

The video of this lecture is now available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube channel: Click HERE for the channel and click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc-P1L41ep4 to go directly to the video.

Mailing Address for CCHS

The mailing address for the Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) is:

The physical address for the Foreman-Roberts House Museum is 1207 North Carson St., but that address is not our official mailing address.

CCHS board meetings are generally held the second Monday of each month at 3:45 p.m. in the Carriage House of the Foreman-Roberts House Museum.

If you are interested in being put on the CCHS e-mail list, please send an e-mail to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com and put "CCHS Membership Addition" in the subject line. We will inform you about upcoming events of the Society via e-mail.