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

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

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

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.

April 2024 Newsletter is Available Online

The April 2024 CCHS Newsletter is available online. In this issue you can read about Adam Michalski's talk on "The Railroad and Carson City" on April 18, "Victorian Secrets with Tea" on April 27, recent lectures, Wine Walks, and future activities.

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

To download the August 2023 Newsletter, please CLICK HERE.

CCHS presents "Victorian Secrets With Tea"
Saturday, April 27, 2024

Carson City Historical Society (CCHC) presents "Victorian Secrets With Tea." Tea will be served in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The program includes a talk by Rebecca Van Sickle on Victorian dress called "What They Wore: An Intimate Look At Victorian Dress." After the talk there will be a tour of the historic Foreman-Roberts House.

The cost of the event is $40.00 general admission and $35.00 for Histocial Society members. Tickets can be purchased online at cchistorical.org at a future date or by mailed-in check sent to CCHS, PO Box 1864, Carson City, NV 89702-1864. Deadline for ticket purchase is Monday April 22, 2024.

CCHS lectures and events are held periodically in the Carriage House of the Foreman-Roberts Historic House located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Adam Michalski Presents Talk on
"The Railroad and Carson City"
Thursday, April 18, 2024

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) hosts Adam Michalski, who will present a talk called "The Railroad and Carson City," on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City. Michalski is the Curator of History, at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. He will discuss the role of the railroad in the development of Carson City. This will include history about the Virginia & Truckee Railroad; why it was built; the materials transported by rail to and from Carson City; the V&T's passenger trains; the Virginia & Truckee Shops; and other items. The event is free, reservations are not necessary, but seating is limited.

Adam Michalski has served as the Curator of History at the Nevada State Railroad Museum since August of 2023. Prior to that, he served as the museum's Curator of Education for nine-and-a-half years. Adam has had a lifelong interest in railroading and wrote his master's thesis about the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railroad's electrification project in the 1910s, which converted its lines in Montana, Idaho, and Washington from steam to electric operations. Adam enjoys sharing Nevada's railroad history with visitors to the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the general public.

CCHS lectures are held periodically in the Carriage House. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Adam Michalski to present "The Railroad and Carson City" on April 18. Photo is courtesy of Friend of the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Carson City Historical Society presents
a "Victorian Secrets With Tea"
Saturday, April 27, 2024

The Carson City Historical Society (CCHC) presents an Afternoon Tea, "Victorian Secrets With Tea." Tea will be served in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The program includes a talk by Rebecca Van Sickle on Victorian dress called "What They Wore: An Intimate Look At Victorian Dress." She will provide a dress-up demonstration and lecture. After the talk there will be a tour of the historic Foreman-Roberts House.

Rebecca Van Sickle is a local living historian and budding costuming enthusiast. From a young age, she has been fascinated with Victorian dress and was introduced to 1860s' fashion while her parents were re-enactors in the early '90s. Rebecca is a native Nevadan and is proud to share her love of history with Carson City and the surrounding communities.

For reservation, call 775-315-9111. The cost of the event is $40.00 general admission and $35.00 for Historical Society members. Tickets can be purchased online at cchistorical.org or by mailed-in check sent to CCHS, PO Box 1864, Carson City, NV 89702-1864. Deadline for ticket purchase is Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

CCHS lectures are held periodically in the Carriage House of the Foreman-Roberts Historic House located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Rebecca Van Sickle to discuss Victorian fashion at afternoon tea.

CCHS Participates in May 4 Wine Walk
Saturday, May 4, 2024

Carson City Historical will again participate in the Carson City Downtown Business Association's (DBA's) Wine Walk, Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. CCHS recently joined the DBA and participated in April's Wine Walk. The Wine Walk presented an opportunity to bring to the public's attention our exhibits and activities. The DBA recently expanded the district for the monthly Wine Walks northward so that it now includes the Foreman-Roberts House and its neighbors, the Midtown Market and the Tap Shack. This is your opportunity to learn about local businesses, enjoy some good wine, and discover the Carson City Historical Society.

For information about participating in the Wine Walk, go to downtowncarson.org/carson-city-wine-walk, where tickets are available one week before the event.

Picture: Participant visit CC Historical Society at April's Wine Walk.

"Snowshoe Thompson: Superhero of the Sierra" Chatauqua
Saturday, May 11, 2024

Carson City Historical Society hosts local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff, who will present a Chautauqua on "Snowshoe Thompson: Superhero of the Sierra" on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House located at 1207 Carson Street, Carson City, during Mark Twain Days.

The Woodruffs assume the characters of "Snowshoe" Thompson and his wife Agnes in this 55-minute Chautauqua performance. Thompson carried the mail across the deep Sierra Nevada snow for 20 winters. Packing 80 pounds of mail, he did the 180-mile round trip in just 5 days on his handcrafted skis, with nothing more than a jacket, dried meat, and matches. Thompson made one of the first recorded surveys of Lake Tahoe, is often credited with being the father of skiing in California, and was a larger-than-life character, saving numerous lives, serving his community unwaveringly, and devoted his life to the betterment of all, a true Sierra Nevada Superhero.

This is a ticketed event ($15 for CCHS members, and $20 for non-members). Funds benefit CCHS. [Tickets were available at breweryarts.org/event/20240511-mtd-chautauqua.]

David & Gayle Woodruff have lived in the Lake Tahoe and Eastern Sierra area for most of their lives. They are the authors of eight books on Eastern Sierra history, including the popular "Tales Along El Camino Sierra" series, and are also presenters of a variety of local history programs. When not researching or writing, you'll probably find them out hiking in their beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Information about other second annual Mark Twain Days events (May 10-12, 2024) is available at MarkTwainDays.com.

**Event postponed**
Gary Cain Presentation on British Paratroopers
Monday, May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day)

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day), is the opening of World War II Exhibit in the Carriage House. Gary Cain, proprietor of Westwall Militaria and former CCHS President, will present a talk at 4:00 p.m. on the equipment used by British paratroopers and on other WWII items that helped the US allies win the war. The lecture is focused on the interesting story about the British paratroopers who would land with bicycles, so that they would have transportation on the ground.

Historical Society Presents "Old Washoe City:
A Nevada Ghost Town Hiding in Plain Sight"
Thursday, July 18, 2024

Carson City Historical Society hosts Gary Ballew, who will present "Old Washoe City: A Nevada Ghost Town Hiding in Plain Sight" on Thursday, July 18, at 6:30 in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts Historic House, 1207 Carson Street, Carson City. This talk is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted. Please RSVP to carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Washoe City, on the west side of Little Washoe Lake along Route 395 between Reno a nd Carson City, is also known as Old Washoe City to distinguish it from New Washoe City on the east side of Washoe Lake. It was founded in 1860 as a lumber and milling center for Comstock mining activities. Its location near a precious resource in this arid region, the water of Little Washoe Lake, was ideal for providing timber and farm produce to the Comstock. In return, the Comstock provided Washoe City with ore for milling. In 1861 it became the county seat of the newly formed Washoe County.

Streets were laid out to accommodate homes and businesses, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, livery stables, restaurants, saloons, and stores. A newspaper started publishing in 1862. The population may have grown to 6000 people. Public facilities were built, including churches, a school, a courthouse, and a jail. The development of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad around 1869, with its access to the Carson River and ultimately the Comstock, helped lead to the city's decline. In 1871 the county seat was moved to Reno; by 1880 only about 200 residents remained, and by the early 20th century it was just another Nevada ghost town.

Few original structures remain of the town that once had a population of thousands. The few surviving structures were located on early photographs, maps, aerial photographs and satellite imagery. This information, along with early property records, allowed Gary Ballew to create maps showing the location of buildings that include the first Washoe County Courthouse and the Foreman-Roberts House, which is now in Carson City.

CCHS lectures are held periodically in the Carriage House. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo of Old Washoe City in 1865. Photo courtesy of Nevada Historical Society.

CCHS Participates in the "Hallo Wine Walk"
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024

Carson City Historical will again participate in the Carson City Downtown Business Association's (DBA's) Wine Walk, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The theme for this month's Wine Walk is "Hallo Wine Walk," in recognition of Halloween. The Wine Walk presented an opportunity to bring to the public's attention CCHS's exhibits and activities. The DBA recently expanded the district for the monthly Wine Walks northward so that the district now includes the Foreman-Roberts House and its neighbors, the Midtown Marketplace and the Tap Shack. Midtown Marketplace will also be participating in this month's Wine Walk. This is your opportunity to learn about local businesses, enjoy some good wine, and discover the Carson City Historical Society.

For information about participating in the Wine Walk, go to downtowncarson.org/carson-city-wine-walk, where tickets are available one week before the event. The DBA hosts Wine Walks on the first Saturday of every month (with rare exceptions).

Picture: Participants visit CC Historical Society at April's Wine Walk.

Historical Society Presents Guest Speaker Mike Shaughnessy
Thursday, October 24, 2024

Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) welcomes guest speaker Mike Shaughnessy on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. for a presentation in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum. Mike, a native Nevadan, has lived in Carson City since 1937, and was in the first Nevada Day parade in 1938. Mike was the General Chairman for the parade for 16 years and was proud to be the Grand Marshall in 2013. Upon his retirement from the Nevada Day Committee, Mike was named "Chairman Emeritus" and subsequently became a "Member for Life" of the committee. The talk is free and open to the public. Donations to help the Carson City Historical Society are accepted. Space is limited.

Email your reservation carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call (775) 887-2174 and leave a message.

CCHS lectures are held periodically in the Carriage House. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Mike Shaughnessy to talk on Oct. 24 about Nevada Day history.
Photo courtesy of Nevada Appeal

Historical Society Announces Nevada Day Exhibit
All Four Sundays in October
Starting Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024

The public is invited to see the Carson City Historical Society's (CCHS) exhibit on the history of Nevada Day. The exhibit is in the Carriage House behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, located at 1207 North Carson Street, every Sunday in October through October 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a Historic Nevada Day exhibit.

This historic Nevada Day exhibit presents lots of articles and historic photographs dating back to the beginning of the Nevada Day Parade in 1938. It includes introductory material written by Aeryn McQueary, a member of the CCHS Board of Directors. The Nevada Day Parade now takes place in Carson City on the first Saturday after the last Friday each October, and it celebrates Nevada's admission to the union on Oct. 31, 1864. This year the parade will be on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Historical Society Presents Mark Twain's Birthday
Book Sale and Authors' Event
Saturday, November 30, 2024

In honor of Mark Twain's 189th birthday the Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) is proud to present an authors' event Twain would be proud of. It is a book sale and authors' event in the Carriage House, behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum.

The event is Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1207 N. Carson Street in Carson City. Northern Nevada authors Bill Brown, Janice Oberding, Stephen Provost, Sharon Provost, and Andrea Smuts will be available to discuss their work, sign and sell their books, and honor Mr. Twain.

Bill Brown is an Emmy Award-winning retired local TV anchorman who writes numerous books in the horror and science fiction genres. He currently lives in northern Nevada. Stephen H. Provost is a novelist and author of historical nonfiction, editor, columnist, copywriter, reporter, and photographer. He writes non-fiction, horror, and science fiction literature and is a frequent lecturer on several topics. Stephen's wife, Sharon Provost, writes horror literature. Andrea Smutz is known for her western novels. Janice Oberding, one of the organizers of the event and a member of the CCHS Board of Directors, writes paranormal, non-fiction, true crime, and history murder mysteries. According to Amazon, she is "the author of more than 30 books on topics ranging from ghosts to true crime to history, the strange and unusual, and mystery. She writes both non-fiction and fiction. Raised in California and Nevada, much of her work is focused on the two states."

Complimentary birthday cake and tea will be served. The event is free. For further information contact David Bugli at 775-720-1741 or Janice Oberding at 775-846-2331.

CCHS lectures and other events are held periodically in the Carriage House. Information about Carson City Historical Society events can be found at CCHistorical.org. For further information about CCHS events, email carsoncityhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Photo: Photo of authors Bill Brown, Susan & Stephen Provost, Andrea Smutz, and Janice Oberding.