CCHS Members Meeting - Come Celebrate
Saturday, February 23, 2019

The Carson City Historical Society will be holding a members' meeting on Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the Carriage House. Girl Scout Troop 1951 will unveil their historic display commemoorating the Nevada Children's Home. Come see their creation and hear their presentation.

A brief business meeting will take place to take a second vote to amend the CCHS Bylaws. This amendment will eliminate the annual distribution of a hard-copy membership card.

Refreshments will be served. CCHS Members are free! Non-members, please make a $3.00 donation. You may also renew your membership or join CCHS at the event.

Pictured: Members of Girl Scout Troop 1951 working on their Children's Home project, using one of the stones salvaged from a gym renovation project.

A special "Blue Line" walking tour
Saturday, March 16, 2019

On Saturday, March 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the Carson City Historical Society will present a special "Blue Line" walking tour of the historic Carson City westside neighborhood. The event is free of charge to the public. The tour starts in the front courtyard of the Nevada State Museum on N. Carson Street. The length of the walk is 1.5 miles. It lasts about 90 minutes while covering Nevada and Carson City history and viewing numerous historic homes and buildings along the way. The Abraham Curry House, the Ferris Mansion, the Brewery Arts Center, the Stewart-Nye House, the Clemens House, the Bliss Mansion, several former Governors' homes and the current Governor's Mansion will be included.

The tour is free but tips support the work of the Carson City Historical Society. The tour leader is Debbie Lane, President of the Carson City Historical Society. For questions, she can be reached at 775-350-9949.

Pictured: The Abraham Curry House in Carson City.

Sue Ballew Presentation Postponed
(Future date to be detemined)

The April 7, 2019, presentation by Sue Ballew has been postponed to a future date. We will keep you posted for a reschedule of her interesting presentation on "Annie Roberts Diary and Carson City History."

Another Blue Line Tour is Scheduled
Saturday, April 27, 2019

A special historic Blue Line tour of the Carson City westside neighborhood will be offered for CCHS members, friends and the public. It will be on Saturday, April 27, 2019, starting at 10:00 a.m.

This activity is back by popular demand. (We had 60 participants on March 16!) We will start in the front courtyard of the Nevada State Museum on Carson Street and walk about 1.5 miles for 90 minutes, learning Nevada and Carson City history. The Curry House, the Ferris Mansion, the Brewery Arts Center, the Stewart-Nye House, the Clemens House, the Bliss Mansion, and several former Governors' homes, including the current Governor's Mansion, will be included.

Special Earth Day event at Foreman-Roberts House
Sunday, April 28, 2019

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd each year since 1970, but a special Earth Day event will be held in Carson City on Sunday, April 28, 2019. "Great Basin Beekeepers of Nevada" and "Bee City USA #76 - Carson City" are co-sponsoring "Carson City Earth Day Celebrates Pollinators." The event is from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts House, 1207 N. Carson St., Carson City. The event is hosted by the Carson City Historical Society.

Bring the whole family. There will be fun and educational exhibits on gardening, integrated pest management, and growing plants and flowers that benefit pollinators.

Exhibitors include local garden clubs, Great Basin Beekeepers of Nevada, Cooperative Extension, Greenhouse Garden Center, and many others. Learn how you and your family can protect pollinators and the environment. Information sessions will be on the lawn.

To view the poster as a larger PDF, click on the image at right. Image will appear in a separate window.

Historical Society Offering Eastside Tour
Saturday, May 25, 2019

Get out your walking shoes! On Saturday, May 25, 2019, starting at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Capitol building on North Carson Street, the Carson City Historical Society will be offering a 90-minute walking tour to view historic sites east of N. Carson Street, starting with the Capitol Mall area. Sites will include the Capitol and the Capitol Mall, the Charles Friend Park, the historic area called Chinatown, the old Armory, the site of the former Nevada Orphans Home, the early racetrack and location of the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight, and more. We will end at the old V&T Railroad Depot on the corner of N. Carson and Washington Street.

The tour is free, but tips support the work of the Historical Society. Debbie Lane, President of the Historical Society, will be the tour guide. She can be reached at 775-350-9949.

Short Movie on Inventor George Ferris
Monday, June 3, 2019

On Monday, June 3, 2019, seven members of the Carson City Historical Society hosted members of the Bordewich-Bray Elementary School's 5th grade class at the Carriage House. Their parents, siblings, and grandparents attended the showing of their short feature movie project on George Ferris and the invention of the Ferris Wheel. After the showing, a game of Jeopardy was played using the information that had been presented in the movie as the questions.

Refreshments were served and attendees toured the Foreman-Roberts House before going home.

Three Open Houses Scheduled for the Summer of 2019
Sun., June 23, 2019
Wed., July 17, 2019
Sun., Aug. 18, 2019

The Carson City Historical Society has scheduled three Open Houses this summer. Here is your opportunity to tour the Foreman-Roberts House and check out the historical displays in the adjoining Carriage House. The dates are June 23 (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.), July 17 (5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), and Aug. 18 (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.).

Mark your calendars now to you don't miss the fun.

Foreman-Roberts House Museum Open House
Sunday, June 23, 2019

The Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St., will be having an Open House on Sunday, June 23, 2019, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights of Carson City history and the families that lived in this historic house are presented on a free, docent led tour of the Foreman-Roberts House. After touring the Museum, enjoy light refreshments in the Carriage and view the informative displays.

You will see exhibits and artifacts from the Victorian era, the Roberts family and fascinating historical information about Carson City. Enjoy the museum/historic house including the new second floor exhibits.

This will be the first Open House of the Summer, so please come and enjoy stepping back into Carson City history. Two other Open House events are scheduled this summer: July 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and August 18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Tours and admission are free - no reservations are required. The event is sponsored by the members of the Carson City Historical Society. For questions, call 775-887-2174.

Carson City Historical Society Ice Cream Social
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019

The annual Carson City Historical Society Ice Cream Social is Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum Park, 1207 N. Carson Street, Carson City.

Free entertainment will be provided by the Millennium Bugs. Enjoy ice cream with toppings or a root beer float for only $3 each.

Bring a chair, use one of ours, or bring a blanket and sit on the grass to enjoy the evening's entertainment.

The Carson City Historical Society sponsors this event, and it is part of the "Jazz and Beyond-Carson City Music Festival."

Acoustic Tiles Installed in Carriage House
August 2019

Acoustic tiles were recently installed on the ceiling of the Carriage House. This has improved the quality of sound in the building. This will make presentations and meetings a lot easier, since the echo-y sound has been eliminated. If you are looking for a place to hold your next meeting or presentation, considering contacting us about using the Carriage House. We can hold presentations for up to 44 people.

Foreman-Roberts House Museum Open House
Sunday, August 18, 2019

There will be a Foreman-Roberts House Museum Open House on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. The building is located at 1207 N. Carson St., Carson City.

Highlights of Carson City history and the families that lived in this historic house are presented on a free, docent led tour of the Foreman-Roberts House. After touring the Museum, enjoy light refreshments in the Carriage House and view the informative displays

You will see exhibits and artifacts from the Victorian era, the Roberts family, and fascinating historical information about Carson City. Enjoy the museum/historic house including the new second floor exhibits.

This will be the last Open House of the Summer, so please come and enjoy stepping back into Carson City history.

Tours and admission are free - no reservations are required. The event is sponsored by the members of the Carson City Historical Society. For questions, call 775-887-2174.

Heritage Festival to Celebrate CCHS's 50th Anniversary
Saturday, September 21, 2019

Carson City Historical Society (CCHS) will present a Heritage Festival to celebrate the 50th year of the Society. The event will be held at the Foreman-Roberts House Museum Park, 1207 N. Carson St. from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019. CCHS began as the Nevada Landmarks Society in 1969. The Foreman-Roberts House Museum will be open to tour, and the Carriage House will be open with new displays. This is a free event.

Entertainment, starting at 10:30 a.m. will include musician and historian, Chris Bayer; Historic Chautauqua performances, depicting Abe Curry, his daughter, and Hannah Clapp, starting at 12:30 p.m. and continuing until 2:30 p.m.

At noon there is slated to be a short program starting with a city official, recognition of significant contributions to the Society by members by Society President Debbie Lane, and free cake and lemonade in the Carriage House.

Vintage demonstrators of "old arts" such as weaving, spinning, rug braiding, tanner, back powder rifle maker, flint arrowhead maker, saddle maker, and more will be on the lawn for the entire event.

Food will be available for purchase from the vintage Comma Coffee Food Trailer on site.

Transcontinental Railroad Presentation by Mike Thomas
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019

Carson City Historical Society will have a dinner and presentation on the Transcontinental Railroad by Mike Thomas on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. Thomas' lecture will focus on the events that transpired to unify our country through the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad System. Mike Thomas is known for his well-researched and entertaining history and science presentations. This evening he will be presenting a dynamic lecture on the events that transpired in order to unify our country through the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad System.

The event will take place at Bleu Café, 240 E. Winnie Lane. Doors open at 5:40 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the lecture at 7 p.m.

Cost is $30 per person and must be prepaid by Oct. 5. Reservations are required; they are non-refundable but transferrable. At the time of your reservation, please choose from the following: Encrusted Chicken Breast with Dijon Cream Sauce, OR Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy, OR Garden Vegetarian Lasagna with Gluten Free Pasta and a salad. (Entrees include sautéed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and a salad, bread/butter, water, tea or coffee.) Dessert will be Vanilla Mousse with fresh fruit. No Host Bar is available.

Call Paula Cannon at 775-887- 8865 for reservations.

Click here to download flyer at right.

Autumn Members Meeting Presents Speaker Sue Ballew
and Discussion on the Future of CCHS
Sunday, November 17, 2019

The Carson City Historical Society will have an Autumn Members Meeting on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. in the Carriage House, adjacent to the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 North Carson St., Carson City.

Come hear Former CCHS President, Sue Ballew, tell the story of Annie Roberts, wife of James Roberts, and her journey to America at age 9 in 1854 on the ship called "The Blanche." Annie stays in New Orleans with family, and even has a Governess... Join us to "hear the rest of the story" of Annie's journey and life in America. Light refreshments will be served.

We will also be having an important discussion about the future of the Historical Society. Without more help and support from our members, our future is in jeopardy. Four of six Board positions are open, including President. The nominating committee is seeking your help! Please come to this important meeting.

Historical Society Holiday Party at Bliss Mansion
Sunday, December 8, 2019

Carson City Historical Society cordially invites you to our Annual Holiday Party, Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Bliss Mansion, 608 Elizabeth Street Carson City, NV.

The event will be a buffet lunch with wine. There will be a Chautauqua by Ron Roberts as Governor Roswell Colcord, and the election of officers and Board members. The price is $30 per person. Advanced reservations are required by December 4. Checks should be made out to "CCHS" and mailed to Paula Cannon, 138 Rice Street, Carson City, NV 89706 or call to reserve at 775-887-8865.

New and Old Board Members
Hold Strategic Planning Meeting
Monday, Dec. 16, 2019

Members of the current 2019 CCHS Board met with some new 2020 Board members and other CCHS members on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in the Carriage House to go over Strategic Planning for 2020 and beyond. In the first picture, Pres. Debbie Lane, standing, gathers ideas in a brainstorming session. Pictured from left to right are Kiyoshi Nishikawa, Bonnie Nishikawa, Andi Fant, Steve Brenneman, Cyndy Brenneman, Debbie Lane, Donna McLaren, Sue Ballew, Jeff Loflin, Gary Yoakum, and Kathleen "Kat" Long. (Not pictured: David Bugli.)

Everybody contributed ideas. Strengths and weaknesses were identified. Various approaches to making CCHS a better organization were presented, compared, and considered. Although there is more planning to be done, the most likely short term actions the new Board will promote is the opening of the Foreman-Roberts House on a more frequent basis, producing a monthly newsletter built around events and activities, and building a closer working relationship with groups such as the Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority (especially as it relates to the Kit Carson Trail), the Chamber of Commerce, the Nevada State Museum, and the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society. Further strategic planning is likely to be considered at the Board meeting on Feb. 10, 2020, at 3:45 p.m. in the Carriage House.

Carson City Historical Society "SAVE ADELE'S" Strategy
Media Release: Friday, Dec. 27, 2019

The Carson City Historical Society Board held an emergency meeting on December 21 to discuss the imminent demolition of Adele's, and strategized on how this historic building could be preserved. The Board voted to pursue a fundraising campaign to work with the community to preserve the 155-year-old Adele's building at 1112 North Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada. The Board has set up a special "Save Adele's" fund, and has donated $1000 of its own funds to the effort. Community donations towards this effort can be made through the GoFundMe site: CCHISTORICALSOCIETYSAVEADELE'S or send checks earmarked: SAVEADELE'S and made out to the Carson City Historical Society. Checks should be mailed to CCHS, 112 North Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703. The Board's intent is to make funds available to a future building owner in exchange for a commitment to the preservation of the historical portion of the building. Jacksons Food Stores Inc., who recently received permission to expand onto the site, has offered the building for free to anyone who would like to move it by March 1, 2020. The Society looks forward to working with Jacksons Food Stores, Inc. and the future building owner to ensure the building is preserved. The goal set for SAVEADELE'S fundraising campaign is $100,000.

This historic building was originally built by Captain Porter of the V&T workshops in 1874 and purchased by Benjamin F. Slater in the 1880s. It is a lovely Victorian home replete with Empire style mansard roof and dormer windows. It was home to Judge Michael A. Murphy who lived there in the 1890s and later became the home of Frank E. Murphy, who worked for the Virginia and Truckee Railroad in the 1920s. It has generally evolved over time to become a survivor of the past.

For over 40 years, Adele's restaurant (recently called "Cafe at Adele's"), the ultimate community hot spot, has occupied the building. It has been a "go to" place where history has been made through political meetings, fundraising events, and the celebration of milestones. Over time, additions were placed on the north, south, and west sides of the original historic home. A fire in March 2019 caused the closure of the restaurant.

The Carson City Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1969 as the Nevada Landmarks Society. The group came together to save the Foreman-Roberts House from demolition. In 1874, the Foreman-Roberts House was relocated from Old Washoe City and placed at 1207 North Carson Street, Carson City, where it still stands. In 1969, the Society and community came together to successfully stop the demolition of this historic building. The Society has preserved the building, and maintains a museum in the house.

According to Jeff Loflin, President of the Society, "So many of our historic buildings have been demolished over the years - the Virginia and Truckee engine house, Nevada Orphans Home, Central School (north of the Brewery Arts Center), Odd Fellows Hall (across from the Blasdel Building) and others. The Carson City Historical Society hopes to save Adele's through community donations to this preservation fund. Please help us save this once beautiful home for our future generations."

According to the Society, should Adele's not be saved, funds raised will be earmarked for future preservation or historic projects in Carson City. The Society is proud of its success in working with the community in saving the Foreman-Roberts House, and looks forward to success again in working with the community to save the Adele's building.

For further information, contact Jeff Loflin at (775) 450-7114.