Oh, My Bonnets and Bustles! Victorian Fashion Show
Sunday, March 13, 2011

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 13, 2011, 3-6 p.m. to attend the "Oh, My Bonnets and Bustles!" Fashion Show held at the Nevada State Museum. Tickets are $25 and will be available beginning Feb. 1, 2011, at the Nevada State Museum store and White Cat Antiques. Only 90 tickets will be sold in order to maximize the experience for attendees, so make sure to get yours soon! Proceeds will benefit the NSM and the Carson City Historical Society.

The event will highlight women's fashions from the 1850s through the early 20th century, roughly the same time period that Queen Victoria reigned in Britain - hence the "Victorian" Era. The fashions for the event come from the collection of Tina Davis-Hersey and Carolyn Davis. The collection includes original outfits as well as costumes created by the mother-daughter duo from historic patterns. The show will follow a quartet of vignettes of daily Victorian life, from dressing in the morning to dancing in the evening.

A reception with refreshments and raffle will follow the show. The CCHS will offer for sale historic copies of the Territorial Enterprise; medallions and coins struck on the historic coin press at the museum will be offered for sale; and the Friends of the NSM will have a photo station where guests can have their photograph taken with a performer in costume. Music will be provided by the Silver Strings, a quartet of musicians from the Carson City Symphony. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume for the event.

Jan Loverin, Curator of the Marjorie Russell Clothing Textile Research Center, will have on display several items of historic significance to Nevada. These pieces of clothing range from a late 19 th century wedding gown to a 1970's casual dress. All were originally owned by women who made a noteworthy impact in Nevada, politically or historically.

Contact Tina Davis-Hersey at 671-2364 for further information.

(Link to the Feb. 27 article in the Nevada Appeal about the event here.)

Dorothy Dolan died April 7, 2011

We note with sadness the passing of Dorothy Dolan on April 7, 2011. Dorothy was a long-time supporter of the Carson City Historical Society and served as Vice President at the time of her death. Dorothy is shown, at right, at the "Christmas with Mark Twain" event at the Bliss Mansion on Dec. 5, 2010.

Dorothy's obituary can be found on the "Nevada Appeal" website at http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20110412/OBITUARIES/110419960/1045&parentprofile=1063.

The following is the text of her obituary:

Dorothy Fendrich Dolan, 89, passed away at her home in Carson City April 7, 2011. Dorothy was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Edgar and Dorothy Fendrich. Dorothy was raised in Philadelphia and moved to New Jersey where she met William "Bill" Dolan and became a "war bride" on Nov. 5, 1945. They were married in Asbury Park, N.J. She moved to Carson City that same year.

Dorothy has had a rich and full life involving herself in her community, with her tireless passion for history, public service and volunteer work. She gave her time, energy and expertise for the betterment of her adopted hometown. She worked for the Bell Telephone office in Carson City from 1945 until 1958 and was one of Carson City's telephone pioneers. Later she worked as the State of Nevada Chief switchboard operator for 28 years, retiring in 1986. Following her retirement she worked as a telephone operator at the State Legislature and volunteered at the State Library and Archives as a researcher.

Dorothy also volunteered at the Nevada Landmark Society, now the Carson City Historical Society, located at the Roberts House Museum, coordinating Carson City and vicinity Victorian Garden and Christmas tours each year sine 1969. She held the offices president and vice president. She served as volunteer genealogist for Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1927 Dorothy was one of the youngest children ever initiated into a Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution, and as a adult joined the John C. Fremont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1981. She served as Nevada State Regent from 1988-90 and represented Nevada in Washington, D.C., for several years at the Continental Congress. In 1991 she helped found the Nevada Washoe Zephyr Chapter of the DAR. She was past state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Alongside her husband, Bill, she was involved in volunteer work with the Carson Host Lion's Club, Nevada Day Committee and was a member of the Leisure Hour Club. In 2006 she started a new venture as historian and antique dealer and opened up an antique shop called White Cat Antiques, a dream she always wanted to fulfill.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill who passed away in 2006, and a granddaughter, Christa Ballew-Matthews also in 2006.

She is survived by her son, Trent Dolan and a daughter, Susan Jeanne Dolan Ballew (Gary) both of Carson City; one brother, Blake Fendrich (Grace) of Southern California; four grandchildren Billy Dolan (Christine), Ryan Dolan, Catha Lagere, and Mark Ballew and six great-grandchildren Eilish, Elora, and Rowen Matthews; Breanna and Jonny LaGere and Liam Dolan.

There will be a celebration of life memorial service for Dorothy at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at St Peter's Episcopal Church in Carson City. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Lone Mountain Cemetery.

Walton's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of final arrangements.

Membership Meeting and Elections
Monday, May 2, 2011

On Monday, May 2, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., the Carson City Historical Society and Park Foundation will have their annual nomination and election of officers at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 North Carson St., Carson City, Nevada. We will also be serving special homemade desserts, followed by a social hour.

All offices of both the Carson City Historical Society and Park Foundation are open for nominations: President of Carson City Historical Society, President of Park Foundation, two Vice Presidents of the CCHS, a Vice President of the Park Foundation, a Secretary, and a Treasurer who each serve both organizations. If you would like to make a nomination and cannot attend the May 2 function, please call Jo Saulisberry at 246-550 or Paula Cannon at 887-8865.

Annual Home and Garden Tour
Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Carson City Historical Society invites you to tour 12 historic properties on Sunday, June 5, 2011, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The locations include Bliss Mansion, Rinkle Mansion, Noteware House, Judge Samuel Wright House, Olcovich-Myers House, Hyman Olcovich House, Foreman-Roberts House, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and First United Methodist Church.

Listen to Former Supervisor Robin Williamson give a short presentation on "Historic Preservation" at 2:30 p.m. at the Bliss Mansion. Paul DaFoe will be performing at the piano from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. Please join talented pianist Paul DaFoe as he pays tribute to long-time Tour coordinator, Dorothy Dolan, with music from Dorothy's youth.

Tickets are 10 dollars and children under 12 are free and will be available at the Foreman Roberts home on the day of the tour. Contact Gary at 885-7643 for information.

Click here for a PDF version of the tour houses' "biographies." (Note: Depending upon your computer set-up, PDF might be printable in landscape mode at 62% scale.)

Special note to membership: The House Tour will serve as the June board meeting. The next full board meeting will be on July 11, 2011.

CARSON CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Sunday, July 31, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Come join the fun on a cool summer evening when the Carson City Historical Society hosts their annual Ice Cream Social. The Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Foreman-Roberts House Park, 1207 North Carson St.

The Millennium Bugs, with David Bugli, will be performing. Ice cream, cake, cookies, and pie will be available for $3 per person. (This event will be the first official event of the "Jazz! Carson City" music festival, which has been celebrated in Carson City in one form or another each August since 2004. For more information on the festival, go to JazzCarsonCity.com.)

Woodworking Specialties and their master craftsmen have worked in the area on historic restoration projects. They will be sponsoring a free building clinic for the first 50 children at the ice cream social.

The Roberts House will be open for tours. Come and bring the whole family.

At right: some of the lovely young ladies from the 2008 Ice Cream Social.

Summer Potluck/Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011

Carson City Historical Society presents its Summer Potluck/Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at 310 Meyer Street, Carson City. Please bring side dish or desert, your beverage, place setting lawn chair and folding table (if you have one). Chicken will be provided. PLEASE - R.S.V.P. by 9/21 to Jan Perry and let her know what food you will be bringing.

See 'ya there!

Foreman-Roberts House Yard Sale/Flea Market
Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011

The Carson City Historical Society is bringing back the Foreman-Roberts House Yard Sale/Flea Market in the Roberts House Park at 1207 N. Carson Street on Saturday, August 6, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be 17 or more vendors offering antiques, collectibles, crafts and much more. As of this writing (7/26), vendor space is still available.

Call Mary at 882-0916 for information. This event benefits the Carson City Historical Society.

Reflections from the Past:
Mark Jensen to talk about Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011

Mark Jensen is curator of the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden. The Park is no longer a state park, but is now operated by the Friends of the Dangberg Home Ranch.

Mark will be giving a talk that will include historical Dangberg information, current status of the Park, and possible plans and dreams for its future.

You can be brought up-to-date on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at 6:30 p.m., at the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop Street, Carson City. Mark's talk is free and open to the public. This is part of the Carson City Historical Society's Reflections program. For further information, call 775-887-8865.

Carson City Research Group presents
"Images of Old Washoe City"
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011

Gary Ballew will provide a slide show, "Images of Old Washoe City," for the Carson City Research Group at 10 a.m., October 22, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the Carson City Library, 900 North Roop.

Old Washoe City (north end of Washoe Lake) was founded in August of 1861 and gradually declined in population when the railroad came through in 1874. Just a few structures still exist today. Come and find out about what was once a thriving city - what it looked like in the 1860's and what it looks like today. Also, included in the meeting will be a discussion of Carson City's hidden historic homes to be planned as part of a walking tour. Please bring ideas you want to discuss or answers about our local history you want to know more about.

This event is hosted by Sue Ballew and Trent Dolan, (Past Pages writers) and Eleanor Kolbe, historian. History is fun... and their meeting are free!

Photo courtesy of Rich Moreno.

Reflections from the Past:
Dr. Maria Taylor to talk about Jane Austin
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Jane Austen scholar Dr. Maria Taylor will speak on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the Carson City Library starting at 6:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Carson City Historical Society, and is free and open to the public.

Dr. Taylor will tell about her experiences in earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees and finally living in London, England, for eight years, receiving her PHD from Birkbeck University of London.

Dr. Taylor had the privilege of being the Archivist at Jane Austen's Home Museum in Chawton, Hampshire, England, for seven years. (Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy935wQVQRA for a short tour of Jane Austen's home on YouTube.) Her dog Darcy, family, and friends were happy to welcome her home in Reno this month from London. Dr. Taylor lectures, tutors, and is writing her first novel.

Carson City Parks & Rec awards recognition
Friday, Nov. 11, 2011

The Foundation for the Betterment of Carson City Parks and Recreation has announced the 2011 recipients of its Special Recognition Awards:

• Organization of the Year, Kiwanis Clubs of Carson City: Kiwanis Clubs were awarded for their various community service projects benefitting the park system. They hold an annual Carson River Cleanup event and have adopted Blackwell's Pond Park as part of the Adopt-a-Park Program. They have a monthly work day at the park from May to October.
• Business of the Year, Vidler Water Co.: Vidler is recognized for donating 39 acres and a half-mile trail along the Carson River to the Carson City Parks Department.
• Volunteer of the Years, Michael J. Fischer, M.D.: Fischer was a major promoter of the Carson Tiger Sharks Swim Team from 1986 until 2001 and was a swim coach. He chaired the "Quality of Life" ballot Question 18, which passed in 1996 and which provides money to build new facilities for the community parks. The new swimming pool was one of these facilities. Many volunteer hours were given to park projects.
• Volunteer of the Year, Ilona Strull: Ilona is the president and driving force of the non-profit organization Parks 4 Paws, whose mission is to raise funds to build a dog park at Fuji Park. In 2011, they raised money enough to see this become a reality. The dog park at Fuji Park will open in early November.

There also will be a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 2011. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call Jo Saulisberry at 775-246-5570.

Carson City Research Group at Foreman-Roberts House Museum
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011

On Saturday, November 19 at 10:00 am the Carson City Research Group will meet at the Foreman Roberts House at 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City. There will be a brief slide presentation showing the home in 1865 as it was located in Old Washoe City. Come and see photos of the family that once lived there -- James Doane and Annie Roberts and four of their children, Josie, Mary, Richard and Thurman -- and tour their home. (Some of the Roberts are pictured on the left.) The meeting is hosted by Sue Ballew and Trent Dolan who write "Past Pages" and by Eleanor Kolbe, researcher. If you love Carson City history and want to learn more, please come and join us. Its free and its fun. Refreshments will be served.

Research Group Meets at Smail House
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011

The Carson City Research Group will meet on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at White Cat Antiques, which is located in the historic Smail House at 512 North Curry, in Carson City. There will be a brief tour of the home and a talk about its history, architecture, the history of the area, and the mystery of Curry Street. The architecture of Carson City's early homes will also be presented. If you have questions, or want to know more about the area, this is a good place to start.

The Research Group meetings are free and open to the public. They are hosted by Sue Ballew, "Past Pages" writer, and Eleanor Kolbe, researcher.

Historical Society Holiday Party "The Night Sky"
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011

The Carson City Historical Society has a heavenly theme for this year's Christmas Party on December 11, 2011, 6-8 pm, at the lovely Bliss Mansion, 710 W. Robinson St., which will be decorated in full holiday regalia for the occasion.

Guests at the second annual Christmas Party will enjoy a catered dinner with wine, the opportunity to bid on historical items through silent auctions, and exceptional entertainment.

The evening will begin with a talk on "Jews in Nevada" by our esteemed retired State Archivist, Guy Rocha. Mr. Rocha is currently consulting with PBS on a new documentary about Carson City's Jewish history. So prominent were Jewish businesses in 1800s Carson, that the sky "went dark" during high Jewish holidays.

After dinner, guests will enjoy an intimate concert by local cowboy poet, Richard Elloyan. Mr. Elloyan is known for his lyrical and visually graphic stories of the modern West, some humorous, many about our "Big Nevada Sky," and all reflecting his love for Nevada. Richard has recently released his fourth CD and was honored by Governor Brian Sandoval at the 2011 Inaugural Arts and Culture Celebration this past January.

Tickets are limited to 50 people; $50 for CCHS members, $65 for non-members. Entrance for the party will be on Elizabeth Street.

Please call Chuck and Jo Saulisberry at 246-5570 to make reservations and payment.

For credit card payments and additional information, please call Gary at 885-7643.