Clampers to dedicate plaque to Old Globe

Things might get a little hairy today when Virginia City Clampers and Transierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs converge on the Old Globe Saloon to recognize its historic significance.

The groups are dedicating a plaque to the 126-year-old saloon and its longtime owner Virgil Bucchianeri Sr., who died in 1993 after running the bar for 42 years.

Hector Bucchianeri, present barkeep, is continuing the legacy of his father, Virgil Jr., and grandfather Virgil Sr.

"They have been bugging us to do this for a long time," Hector said, tongue-in-cheek. "The Clampers make me nervous when they are out of their environment in Virginia City."

The dedication will take place at 4:30 p.m. Hector said the plaque is being kept in the window until nearby construction is complete and an appropriate spot for its permanent placement is found.

"They go around and put plaques on historic buildings," Virgil Jr. said. "They did a lot in Virginia City and a lot elsewhere - a lot of history."

And the Old Globe's history is considerable.

The bar is said to have opened in 1875 on Carson Street by French Canadian brothers Andrew and Henry Robert, until its closure following Nevada prohibition in 1918. Federal prohibition followed in 1919.

By 1932, prohibition had been reversed, but the Old Globe did not reopen until 1951, when Bob Golightly, Andrew Robert's grandson, convinced Virgil Sr. to take up the effort, according to historical accounts.

At that time, the Old Globe was located on Carson Street, directly east from its 407 S. Curry St. address, in what is now the Horseshoe Club. Here it operated until 1971, when on-street parking was removed.

Previous to its move, in 1970, operations were taken over by Lawrence Giurlani, son of Bucchianeri's partner Ciro Giurlani. Pete Pierini was also a long-time partner in the saloon.

Hector took over operations in 1996 from Lawrence.

The plaque being dedicated today reads: "Opened in 1875 on Carson Street by Andrew and Henry Robert, French Canadian brothers. The saloon was closed by prohibition in 1918. In 1951 Bob Golightly, Andrew's grandson, asked Virgil Bucchianeri Sr. to reopen the Old Globe. In 1971 the saloon was rebuilt on Curry Street, in its current location. The building was designed by Hector Puccinelli, former chief bridge engineer, Nevada Highway Department. The original Carson Street saloon was replicated, also incorporating its Stone Ice House which was built in 1890.

"In memory of Virgil Bucchianeri Sr. 1901-1993, Proprietor 1951-1993

"Julia C. Bulette Chapter, I864 ECV July 20, 2001."