Carson City Historical Society - Past events

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Mailing address: PO Box 1864, Carson City, NV 89702-1864
Address for Foreman-Roberts House Museum: 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, NV

"Dedicated to Preserving Carson City's History"



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Carson City Historical Society



The Carson City Historical Society (EIN 94-2565777) is located at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada. Our mailing address is PO Box 1864, Carson City, NV 89702-1864. The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum.

Carson City Historical Society - Past events


Dues for 2023 are due January 1, 2023

Photograph of piggy bank, courtesy of psdgraphics.com

CCHS works on a fiscal year beginning January 1 and ending December 31. Dues for 2023 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.



January 2023 Newsletter is Available Online

Photograph of a mailbox

The January 2023 CCHS Newsletter is available online. This issue includes a recap of some of the events at the end of 2022. Also, there is now an option to renew your membership or join the Society using a Square link and your credit card.

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

To download the January 2023 Newsletter, please CLICK HERE.



The Carson City Historical Society Reopens Each Sunday
Starting Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

drawing of a gavel

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) will be open from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. each Sunday, starting with Sunday, February 5, 2023, and plans to be open those same hours on Sundays until further notice. The address of the Society's two yellow buildings, the Foreman-Roberts House Museum and the Carriage House, is 1207 North Carson St., Carson City. Click HERE for a map link. Parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets.

Visitors should first report to the Carriage House, the yellow building with the double doors just east of the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. They may start their visit there, where they can see exhibits and parts of the permanent collection. From there, the museum docent can escort guests to the Foreman-Roberts House itself, where the guests can experience a bit of early Carson City life and ambiance.

Docents reserve the right to limit the number of visitors at any one time.

To contact the Society in advance, send an email to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 775-887-2174 for further instructions. Parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets. For general information about the Historical Society, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Looking east from N. Carson Street down Corbett St., the Carriage House is on the left, to the east, and the Foreman-Roberts House Museum is in the middle of the picture. (Picture courtesy of Google maps.)



Paula D. Cannon
May 13, 1934 - February 7, 2023
Statement prepared by Montana Cannon, Paula's Daughter

Photograph of Paula Cannon

Paula D. Cannon, 88 years old of Carson City, died February 7, 2023, from stage four kidney cancer. She'll be missed by her family & beloved: Carson City Historical Society, Tea Ladies, and Teddy Bear Club groups. Paula was one of the main organizers for fundraisers for the Carson City Historical Society.

Paula was the only daughter of Dorathea Elizabeth Weigelt Cannon & Paul W. Cannon of Roseville, Ohio. She is survived by her daughter Montana T. Cannon, NV, & her granddaughter M. Alexandria Cannon, Los Angeles, CA. Members of her family were co-owners of one of the famed Roseville, Ohio, potteries. We will go over more of her history at her funeral and hope you attend to hear more.

Paula obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1956. If she had written two dissertations she would have obtained two Doctorates, yet had two Masters degrees. She taught business administration at Grove City High School, Ohio, for a few decades. Many of her students won awards, and one was a national winner. Her main goal in her life was to be the most successful woman in the family.

The Carson City Historical Society will hold a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Foreman-Roberts House's Carriage House, 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, NV. In lieu of cut flowers please, feel free to donate to the Carson City Historical Society.

Paula Cannon's funeral will be held at the event room located at 1496 Old Hot Springs Rd., Carson City, between Sassafras and Shoe Tree Brewing Company on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Parking for seniors is up close; others please park across the street if needed. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The funeral will start promptly at 2:45 p.m. and a wake will follow. Montana warmly welcomes friends of Paula to attend.

Statement edited by David Bugli, Sec. CCHS



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March 2023 Newsletter is Available Online

Photograph of a mailbox

The March 2023 CCHS Newsletter is available online. On page 5 of the Newsletter you can find a list of upcoming events, including an Open House on April 2, Loretta Williams' birthday celebration on April 15, Glen Whorton's lecture on the Nevada State Prison on April 16, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" games on April 22 (during Mark Twain Days), and Paula Cannon's Celebration of Life on May 13, and Jan Loverin's presentation on Victorian Undergarments on May 19.

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

To download the March 2023 Newsletter, please CLICK HERE.



CCHS Open Houses are Suspended Until Further Notice
Starting Sunday, April 2, 2023

Photo of Foreman-Roberts House

Due to a temporary shortage of volunteers and other factors, CCHS Open Houses, for the Foreman-Roberts House and the Carriage House, are suspended until further notice. We hope to resolve these problems in the near future, and get back to being open on some sort of regular basis. We are in need of volunteers. If you think you can help, please call Sue at 775-220-6278.

We hope to get back to being open from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. each Sunday. The address of the Society's two yellow buildings, the Foreman-Roberts House Museum and the Carriage House, is 1207 North Carson St., Carson City. Click HERE for a map link. Parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets.

Visitors should first report to the Carriage House, the yellow building with the double doors just east of the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. They may start their visit there, where they can see exhibits and parts of the permanent collection. From there, the museum docent can escort guests to the Foreman-Roberts House itself, where the guests can experience a bit of early Carson City life and ambiance.

Docents reserve the right to limit the number of visitors at any one time.

To contact the Society in advance, send an email to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 775-887-2174 for further instructions. Parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets. For general information about the Historical Society, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Looking east from N. Carson Street down Corbett St., the Carriage House is on the left, to the east, and the Foreman-Roberts House Museum is in the middle of the picture. (Picture courtesy of Google maps.)



Monthly Lecture Series Being Planned for
Sundays in 2023

Photograph of lecturn

The Carson City Historical Society is working on plans for live, in-person, lectures on one Sunday a month, starting in April. These will likely be at 1:00 p.m. Check back for further details.



CCHS Hosts "A History of a Prison" Lecture
in person and on Zoom
Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

Photograph of Glen Whorton

Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) is proud to host a free lecture called "A History of a Prison" on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in person and via Zoom. The guest speaker on this dual presentation is Glen Whorton, past President of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society (NSPPS, http://nevadastateprison.org). He is actively involved in the preservation of the historic Nevada State Prison (NSP), and will provide an entertaining presentation on the history of how the prison got started, some of the great escapes from this archaic lockup, the prison's significant wardens, and some of the interesting inmates.

For those wishing to attend in person, the lecture will take place in the Carriage House, the yellow building behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum at 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, Nev. Seating may be limited, and in-person attendees are requested to arrive by 12:50 p.m.

Those wishing to view the lecture at home on Zoom are requested to click on this Zoom link by 12:50 p.m. Those who attended CCHS Zoom lectures in 2021 and 2022 will be receiving an invitation with a Zoom link. The lecture is free and open to the public. If you need to make special arrangements, send an email to DCBugli@aol.com with "Whorton Prison History Lecture" in the subject line or call David Bugli at 775-720-1741.

Glen Whorton has lived in Nevada since 1959. He was educated at schools in Sparks and the University of Nevada with an undergraduate degree in History. He is an Army combat veteran serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. After the Army he became a correctional Officer Trainee at the Nevada State Prison and worked in the State's prisons for 32 years with two breaks for graduate school at the University of South Carolina, and a short retirement. He has served from the Prison's lowest rank to his final retirement as the Director of Corrections. After retirement he contracted as a Parole Hearing Representative for the Parole Board and Ombudsman for the Nevada Attorney's General Office. He is a past President of the Prison Preservation Society and is currently a Board member focused on the Prison's history and the Society's newsletter.

Some past CCHS Zoom lectures are available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube.com page. Additional information about the CCHS is available on its webpage, CCHistorical.org. Additional lectures will be presented later this year.

Photo of Glen Whorton, who will present "A History of a Prison" lecture on Sunday, April 16.



Loretta Williams' 90th Birthday Party
Sat., April 15, 2023

Invitation to Loretta's birthday party

CCHS is celebrating Loretta Williams' 90th Birthday Party on Sat., April 15, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Foreman_Roberts House. Join us for cake and coffee.

Please RSVP to yvonnerutter@yahoo.com, and please, no presents.



Historical Society Presents Games and Celebration
Saturday, April 22, 2023

Photograph of Kat MacMartin

The Carson City Historical Society announces "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" Games and Earth Day Celebration, one day only, Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Foreman-Roberts and Carriage House, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada. These events are free or by donation to the Carson City Historical Society. This corresponds to the second day of Mark Twain Days in Carson City.

There will be Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn contests including frog jumping, fence painting, and a cornhole game. There will be coloring for kids and Earth Day displays. Celtic music will be provided by violinist Kat MacMartin.

The Foreman-Roberts and Carriage House will be open for tours. Inside the dining room of the Foreman-Roberts House is the "Loretta Williams Art Show" featuring the artist's work in oil and other media. The paintings are of local scenes, such as Sutro Tunnel and the Virginia and Truckee machine shops. The works of several other famous local artists, including Steven Saylor, are also on display.

The Adele's restaurant dollhouse replica is in the Foreman-Roberts House, along with history and photos taken at various time periods of Adele's Restaurant/Porter's Music Box.

There will be an "Antique Sale" inside the Carriage House with reasonably priced items, a "Vintage Hats of the '40s and '50s" presentation on loan from Jo Saulisberry, "Sunny Acres Children's Home" display provided by Bonnie Nishikawa, and "Notable Women of Eagle Valley," original artwork done by local artists.

Upcoming events include monthly Sunday afternoon history lectures (in person and also on Zoom), an Ice Cream Social in Roberts House Park with jazz music by David Bugli and Friends on August 12, a Victorian Garden Tour in August, a Victorian Christmas Home Tour in December, Victorian Teas with special guests, and Edwardian ladies and children clothing displays in the Foreman-Roberts and Carriage House. The Mark Twain Garden Club will be adding color and love to our flowerbeds this year.

Many, many adventures are planned at the Carson City Historical Society that will continue throughout the years. Stayed tuned for event dates and times on our website: cchistorical.org

If you have questions, check cchistorical.com or email your question to Carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Celtic violinist Kat MacMartin with provide music during April 22 event.



Paula D. Cannon Memorial Service Planned for
Saturday, May 13, 2023

Photograph of Paula Cannon

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula D. Cannon. She passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2023. Paula was a devoted Carson City historian, philanthropist and force of nature and will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Carriage House beside the Foreman-Roberts House, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. May 13 would have been her 89th birthday. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to her beloved Carson City Historical Society in Paula's honor. Donations may be sent to the Carson City Historical Society, 112 North Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703.

Paula was active in the CCHS for many years, including activities at the end of 2022.

Update added on April 20: The Carson City Historical Society has decided against a potluck lunch (as previously noted), so we're providing sandwiches and sides. Donna McLaren is ordering cake and coffee. If you have memories, photos, or stories to tell, please bring them with you. For more information, contact Liz Cain at 775-315-9111 or Sue Ballew at 775-220-6278.

Linking to the celebration via Zoom:
For those who cannot participate in person and wish to observe the celebration via Zoom, we are providing a link. The Zoom session starts at 1:00 p.m., Pacific time, and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Please sign in 5-10 minutes before that. We may not be able to admit Zoom participants after the start of the event at 1:00 p.m., Pacific time. Although the celebration is likely to be recorded, it will probably not be available for later viewing in the near future.

(Note: There was a link to the Zoom presentation of the Celebration of Life at this spot in the original posting.)

Photograph of Paula Cannon

This is a photo taken by David Bugli in August 2013. Workmen are making preparations for the construction of the Carriage House, the annex to the Foreman-Roberts House. It was not uncommon for Paula to open the Foreman-Roberts House or the Carriage House, after it was constructed, for workmen and others who needed access to the buildings. In this photo she seems to be supervising the men digging the pit for the irrigation system...and perhaps she is. Apparently, the smoke from the forest fires (seen in the distance) did not keep her away!

Paula was a great organizer. She initiated and organized most of the Teas held by CCHS.


Photograph of Paula Cannon

This photograph was taken Saturday, June 25, 2022. Paula Cannon (left) is sitting with Board members Donna McLaren and Kiyoshi Nishikawa under a tent at the Vintage Market site on Stewart Street, opposite the Carson Farmers Market. It was a hot, hot day, but these three spent hours at the CCHS information table, sharing information about the Society's activities. Paula was at the Vintage Market several Saturdays that summer. Paula was a great source of knowledge about the activities of the Society, and she was a promoter of CCHS.

Paula will be dearly missed.



CCHS Hosts "Victorian Fashions and Dress Reform,"
a Lecture/Presentation by Jan Loverin
Thursday Friday, May 19, 2023

Photograph of Jan Loverin, Curator of the Marjorie Russell Textile Museum

(I apologize for earlier error in the headeline. -Webmaster)
Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) is proud to host a lecture/presentation by Jan Loverin, curator of the Marjorie Russell Textile Museum, on "Victorian Fashions and Dress Reform" on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Carriage House, 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada. We will be offering light refreshments. No RSVP is necessary.

The presentation will also be presented via Zoom. The lecture, both in-person and via Zoom, is free and open to the public. To sign up for Jan Loverin's Lecture via Zoom on May 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., go to http://cchistorical.org/signup.htm, where there is a link to do the sign up. You will be asked to fill out a Google Form with name, email address, and phone number requests, and other questions. If your request is accepted, we will send you a link to the Zoom session in 1-3 days. If you need to make special arrangements, send an email to DCBugli@aol.com with "Loverin Lecture" in the subject line or call David Bugli at 775-883-4154.

The Marjorie Russell Textile Museum is a Nevada State Museum facility dedicated to storing and preserving historic costume and textile collections. In addition to garments, its collection features quilts, flags and accessories. The center's offerings are comprehensive and focus on Nevada and the Great Basin. In addition to curating, Jan Loverin assists the public in identifying and dating historic costumes as well as preservation and display. The Museum is open to the public for research, programs and tours by appointment only by calling 775-687-6173.

After a hiatus of several years, the CCHS resumed a monthly lecture series in January 2021. Most lectures were presented on Zoom during the COVID-19 epidemic. Some past lectures are also available on the Carson City Historical Society's YouTube.com page. Going forward, CCHS intends to present lectures in person and via Zoom. Additional information about the CCHS is available on its webpage, CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Jan Loverin, Curator of the Marjorie Russell Textile Museum.



Former CCHS Officer Jo Saulisberry Remembered
August 7, 1928 - May 20, 2023

Photograph of Jo Saulisberry

Jo Saulisberry passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023, of natural causes in Carson City. She was 94.

A native Nevadan, Jo was born in Reno to Anthony and Theresa Caprio on August 7, 1928. She attended Reno schools and then enrolled at the University of Nevada Reno where she met her eventual husband, Chuck Saulisberry. They were married in 1951 and remained so until his death in 2019. Her major in college was Education and she taught both primary and Community College students for 27 years. She served as President of the Ormsby County Teachers Association.

Chuck and Jo were both active in the community and were able to travel extensively after they both retired. Jo served on the Parks Commission, the Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City Parks & Recreation (and its successor organization, the Foundation for Carson City Parks & Recreation), the Carson City Historical Society, and the Senior Citizens Advisory Council. She was a volunteer at the Nevada State Museum and belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star.

Her two proudest achievements were starting a chapter of The Compassionate Friends for Northern Nevada after the untimely death of their 17-year-old son, Tracy. She served on the National Board of Directors for 6 years and was National President. The other was her service as Trustee of the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center for 17 years. During her tenure, the hospital expanded services to surrounding counties, opened several urgent care facilities, built a new regional medical center, a cancer center, established a Hospital Foundation, and hired many new physicians to serve the community.

Jo is survived by a son Daniel of Phoenix, AZ, a daughter Kathryn Smith of Dayton, NV, a sister Annette Mortimer of Reno, NV, nieces Michelle Wagner and Linda Van Citters of Reno, and Terry Newcomb of Las Vegas. She had 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her son Tracy in 1979, granddaughter Danielle in 2007, and husband Chuck in 2019. It was her desire to be cremated and interred at The Gardens at Waltons in Carson City next to Tracy and Chuck. A private memorial service is being planned for later, this summer. Those wishing to donate in memory of Jo may do so by contacting Lyndsey Crossley at the Northern Nevada Community Foundation (www.nevadafund.org).

Photo and obituary article courtesy of Nevada Appeal.



Free Carson City Historical Society East Side Tour
Saturday, June 24, 2023

Photograph of V&T_Carson_City_Depot_by_McLaren300x225.jpg

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) announces a free Carson City Historical Society East Side Tour on Saturday, June 24, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m. You are invited to come along with Donna McLaren and Bernie Allen for a walk through the historic east side of town. This is your opportunity to learn about the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Depot, the Armory, Carson City's Chinatown, and other stops along the way.

The tour meets at the Downtown Vintage Market at 405 East Spear St. (two short blocks east of the Carson Nugget) at 10:00 a.m. and ends about an hour later at the State Capitol. It is suggested that participants bring good walking shoes, water, and a hat.

Donna McLaren, the organizer of the tour, is a member of the Carson City Historical Society. Accompanying her is Bernie Allen. Mr. Allen has a wealth of knowledge about City. He came to Carson City over 70 years ago when his father moved here to work for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Allen participated in several Nevada Day Parades, inspired in part with his passion for the railroad, and even served as parade director for more than a decade.

The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. It also presents lectures, exhibits, and events. For further information, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo of the old V&T Railroad Depot in Carson City, one of the sites on the tour. Photo by Donna McLaren.



Free Carson City Historical Society East Side Tour
Saturday, July 29, 2023

Photograph of Carson City China Town

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) announces a free Carson City Historical Society East Side Tour on Saturday, July 29, 2023, starting at 10:00 a.m. This will be similar to the tour that was offered on June 24. You are invited to come along with Donna McLaren and Bernie Allen for a walk through the historic east side of town. This is your opportunity to learn about the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Depot, the Armory, Carson City's Chinatown, and other stops along the way.

The tour meets at the Downtown Vintage Market at 405 East Spear St. (two short blocks east of the Carson Nugget) at 10:00 a.m. and ends about an hour later at the State Capitol. It is suggested that participants bring good walking shoes, water, and a hat.

Donna McLaren, the organizer of the tour, is a member of the Carson City Historical Society. Accompanying her is Bernie Allen. Mr. Allen has a wealth of knowledge about Carson City. He came to Carson City over 70 years ago when his father moved here to work for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Allen participated in several Nevada Day Parades, inspired in part with his passion for the railroad, and even served as parade director for more than a decade.

Update: Aug. 6, 2023: Additional East Side Tours will be scheduled in the future. Check this site for more tours as they are scheduled.

The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. It also presents lectures, exhibits, and events. For further information, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Carson City's old Chinatown, viewed from Stewart & Third Streets, looking east.



Free CCHS Ice Cream Social
Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023

Photograph of David & Friends

The annual Carson City Historical Society's Ice Cream Social is Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum Park, 1207 N. Carson Street, Carson City.

The five-piece group David & Friends, most of whom are members of the Mile High Jazz Band, will provide free entertainment, including traditional jazz and songs from the Great American Songbook. Enjoy ice cream with toppings and cookies for a reasonable price. Bring a chair, use one of ours, or bring a blanket and sit on the grass to enjoy the evening's entertainment.

Also, "In Plein Air," an exhibit of watercolors by Andrea Hobbs will be on display concurrently in the Foreman-Roberts House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. during the Ice Cream Social. The exhibit will also be on display during Historical Society's Open Houses on subsequent Sunday, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Carson City Historical Society sponsors the ice cream social event, and it is part of the Twentieth Annual Jazz & Beyond Music Festival, which runs from Aug. 11 through Aug. 21. For detailed information about the more than 20 performances during the festival, go to JazzCarsonCity.com.

The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. It also presents lectures, exhibits, and events. For further information, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: David & Friends performing recently in Mills Park prior to Carson City Classic Cinema Club movie showing.



Free Carson City Historical Society East Side Tour
Friday, Oct. 27, 2023

Photograph of Nevada State Capitol

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) invites you to join Bernie Allen and Donna McLaren on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. as Mr. Allen guides you on a free, two-mile, Nevada Day walking tour of the historical east side of Carson City. This free tour begins at the State Capitol steps and continues to the location of the former State Children's Home and to the site of the 1897 Corbett-Fitzsimmons heavyweight title fight. A 110-minute film of that fight is notable in that it was longest film ever released at the time.

The tour also includes a visit to the site of the former V&T Railroad shops, as well as many other historic locations, and is similar to the tours that were offered on June 24 and July 29. This is great opportunity to learn about the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and Depot, the Armory, Carson City's Chinatown, and other stops along the way. It is suggested that participants bring good walking shoes, water, and a hat. For more information, call Bernie at 775-315-7616

Bernie Allen, the tour guide, has a wealth of knowledge about Carson City. He came to Carson City over 70 years ago when his father moved here to work for the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Allen participated in several Nevada Day Parades, inspired in part with his passion for the railroad, and even served as parade director for more than a decade. Donna McLaren, the organizer of the tour, is a member of the Carson City Historical Society.

The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum at 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. It also presents lectures, exhibits, and events. For further information, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: The steps of the Nevada State Capitol, where the tour will begin.



Carson City Historical Society Open House After Parade
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

Photograph of Foreman_Roberts House, as viewed from Carson Street.

After the Nevada Day Parade, the Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) invites the public to attend an Open House at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum and the Carriage House. The Open House will start around 2:00 p.m., at the conclusion of the Parade, and will last until 5:00 p.m. Visitors should first report to the Carriage House, the yellow building with the double doors just east of the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. They may start their visit there, where they can see exhibits and parts of the permanent collection. From there, museum docents can escort guests to the Foreman-Roberts House itself, where the guests can experience a bit of early Carson City life and ambiance.

The address of the Society's two yellow buildings, the Foreman-Roberts House Museum and the Carriage House, is 1207 North Carson St., Carson City. Some parking is available on Corbett and Rice Streets. The event is free to the public.

The Carson City Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates and maintains the Foreman-Roberts House Museum at 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, NV. It also presents lectures, exhibits, and events. For further information, go to CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Foreman-Roberts House, as viewed from Carson Street.



CCHS Plan for Fall/Winter Events
Updated: Nov. 20, 2023

Upcoming events logo

The Carson City Historical Society is planning several events for this fall. Here's what's in the works:

  • Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 - CCHS will hold its Christmas Party and Annual Meeting in the Carriage House. There will be music, a Chautauqua, and catered food. Space is limited. For further information, contact Liz Cain at 775-315-9111.
  • Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 - CCHS presents a Victorian Christmas Home Tour in the afternoon, starting at the Carriage House. A man in a red velvet suit is scheduled to show up!

Some of this is preliminary information. We encourage you to come back to this website for future updates.



Carson City Historical Society Christmas Party
and Annual Meeting
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023

Photograph of Kim Harris portraying Eilley Orrum

The Carson City Historical Society is having their annual Christmas Party, December 3, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House at 1207 North Carson St., Carson City. Kim Harris will do a Chautauqu, portraying Eilley Orrum (Eilley Bowers), Washoe Seeress. Live music will be provided by David Bugli, Symphony Director. Appetizers are by "A Catered Affair." Tickets are $40.00 per person.

The event will also serve as the Annual Meeting for CCHS. There will be election of Board members and officers.

To make reservations call Liz at 775-315-9111. Space is limited.

Photo of Kim Harris portraying Eilley Orrum, Washoe Seeress.



Historical Society Presents Victorian Christmas Tour
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023

Old sugar plums ad

The Carson City Historical Society presents, "A Sugar Plum Victorian Christmas Tour" on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, with seven locations open for tours. Tours start at 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. at the Carriage House, behind the Foreman Roberts House at 1207 North Carson St. Carson City. Step back in time and see the way it was. Visit with characters from the past. Enjoy history, entertainment and refreshments at seven locations. Kim Harris will portray Annie Roberts, matriarch of the Roberts family in a Chautauqua presentation at the Foreman-Roberts House. Kris Kringle (aka Santa) will be in the Carriage House waiting to hear your Christmas wish list. You may take photos with him using your smartphone or camera for free. Donations to CCHS will be accepted.

Tickets may be purchased beginning Tuesday, November 28. The Foreman-Roberts House will be open the day of the tour to provide tickets. You may stop by Westwall Militaria, 412 N. Curry Street, to purchase and pick up tickets, or purchase them on our online website.

There is a link at CCHistorical.org to make online payments (see below) - choose your tour time and pay for the ticket. Please save your receipt and bring it to the Carriage House the day of tour for a map of locations. Tickets are $25.00, children 12 and under are free. Space is limited.

For more information please visit our website at CCHistorical.org, send an email to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call the Foreman-Roberts House (leave message) (775) 887-2174 or call Liz at (775) 315-9111.

Click HERE to purchase tickets online.



Historical Society Presents Talk on the Meder Family
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

Photograph of Carson City composer J.P. Meder

The Carson City Historical Society presents "The Meder Family of Carson City," a lecture by David Bugli, Secretary of the Carson City Historical Society. The lecture mainly focuses on talented composer, musician, and all around "useful man," J.P. Meder, and his father, B.H. Meder. Other members of the family contributed to the daily life of Carson City starting in the mid-1860s. The lecture is on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House at 1207 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Donations are accepted.

Born in New England in 1848, John P. Meder came to the young town of Carson as a teenager in 1864 with his father, B.H. Meder, and the rest of the family. While his father, an industrious yet adventurous idealist, began to make his mark in the lumber business and in politics, young John began to make his mark on the cultural life of Carson City, Virginia City, and Reno. He showed skill as a composer early in his life and published several piano pieces. He is most famous for his "Hank Monk Schottische" and the "Nevada Stale March." Although he made most of his living as a butcher, freight agent for the V&T Railroad, or whatever work a talented individual might find, he was also known to all the residents for his musical, theatrical, and educational contributions throughout his life. He served as manager of the Carson Opera House and a long tenure as president of the Carson City school board until his death in 1908.

J.P. Meder's father, B.H. Meder, was a native of Maine. He co-owned a fulling mill in Brunswick, Maine; served in the Maine legislature from 1842 to 1844, where he promoted the concept of school district consolidation; served as a newspaper publisher in Bath; did some mining in California; was elected justice of the peace in Yuba (Cal.) County in 1842; moved to Boston in 1844, where he owned a carriage building and stagecoach business; and moved to Carson City in 1863, where he built the first planing mill in the state. He was elected to the state Senate twice and, like his son after him, served as president of the Carson City school board.

Presenter David C. Bugli has music degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Massachusetts. He moved to Carson City in late 1983 and became involved in the musical life of the city. He founded Carson City Symphony in 1984, which he has conducted since its beginning. He founded the Mile High Jazz Band and its associated annual Jazz & Beyond music festival, performs on piano and tuba, composes and arranges, and serves as Secretary of the Carson City Historical Society. He is the recipient of the 2007 Nevada Governor's Arts Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts.

For more information please visit the website CCHistorical.org or send an email to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Carson City composer J.P. Meder and his family will featured in talk on Jan. 18, 2024.



Carson City Historical Society Observes Black History Month
with a Lecture on African Americans and the Arts
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

Photograph of Michael J. Smith

Carson City Historical Society (CCHC) announces guest speaker Michael J. Smith will present a talk on African Americans and the Arts at their Thursday, February 29, 2024, lecture presentation as part of Black History Month.

Michael J. Smith is currently serving as a member of the Carson City Cultural Commission. He has a Master of Education degree from the University of Mississippi, and is retired as a high school principal after 33 years in the field of education. Mr. Smith is President and CEO of the Northern Nevada Cultural Foundation and Vice Chair of the Employee Managements Relations Board. He noted in an editorial last year in the Nevada Appeal, "Black History Month is not a token. It is a special tribute - a time of acknowledgement, of reflection, and inspiration - that comes to life in real and ongoing activities throughout the year."

CCHS lectures are held at 6:30 p.m., in the Carriage House of the Foreman-Roberts Historic House located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City. The February 29 lecture is free to the public, but space is limited, so RSVP to 775-887-2174 or carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Photo: Michael J. Smith to present lecture on African Americans and the Arts on Feb. 29. (Image courtesy of TV station Fox11 in Reno.)



Carson City Historical Society Presents Talk
On Mountain Men Historic Reenactments
Saturday, March 23, 2024

Photograph of Ben Merrell

Carson City Historical Society announces a talk by Ben Merrell and Stan Cleaves, members of the Eagle Valley Muzzleloaders, an organization in Carson City that conducts historic reenactments of the Mountain Men's struggle for survival during the late 1800s. Please join us for this free event on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Robert Historic House Museum located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701. RSVP: carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or (775) 887-2174.

Carson City is named for the mountain man, Kit Carson. Before he was hired as a guide for John C. Fremont for the exploration of the Great Basin, Oregon, and California, Carson was a friend of the Daniel Boone family and a trapper (mountain man). He and other mountain men would gather furs they had trapped throughout the year and would hold their annual Rocky Mountain Rendezvous where they would exchange pelts for money, supplies, and equipment. Carson's exploits as a scout and as a military man, detailed in his memoir, led to his becoming a legend, one who was even famous in dime novels.

Modern day mountain men rendezvous reenactments mimic some of the mountain men experiences using historically accurate black powder guns and early 1800s clothing, such as buckskin. Activities can include shooting black powder guns, dealing with wet and cold weather challenges, repairing canvas tents ripped by winds, tomahawk throwing, starting fires with flint and steel, and other realistic experiences. Rendezvous activities are often family oriented.

Ben Merrell, one of the speakers, goes by the nickname Kryer, due to his big booming voice. He has led several Mountain Men Rendezvous in Carson City and in the hills around Carson City. He has been described by one observer as the "booshway (very big leader) of the Mountain Men and a thoroughly nice guy, too." The March 23 attendees should find this talk entertaining and instructive.

Information about this and other Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org.

Photo: Ben Merrell (pictured) and Stan Cleaves talk about Mountain Men Reenactments.



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This page last updated 3/28/2024

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