Past Pages for Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014

140 years ago

Murphy execution (continued from Wednesday; taken out of date from Dec. 28). Murphy to be hanged today. Sir — I am instructed by Governor Bradley to inform yo that at a second meeting of the Board of Pardons held this day, to consider the case of John Murphy, now under the sentence of death in the Ormsby County Jail, the Board came to the conclusion that no ground for interference was shown and that the judgement must be executed. Be pleased to inform the prisoner of this result at your earliest convenience. I remain, sir, yours, respectfully, Crittenden Thornton. (Continued on Friday).

130 years ago

Few observations of the day. Lots of people that invariably put off everything until the last minute were scurrying around town hunting turkeys and Christmas trees. As usual, they got poor trees and tough turkeys.

100 years ago

A woman, they say, thought of the first “community” Christmas tree. It was erected in Madison Square, New York City, only two years ago. There is something entirely infectious in the idea, for now cities and villages all over America are erecting Christmas trees in public squares.

70 years ago

Lieutenant Donald Dondero, a Navy bomber pilot and son of Mr. and Mrs. F.N. Dondero of this city, reported missing in action on Nov. 14, was rescued with four fellow officers from an island near Manila Bay a few days ago, according to the Navy department. Dondero parachuted to the island and was not injured.

60 years ago

A free Christmas dinner Saturday for those who cannot have one of their own is offered by Dick Graves at the Nugget in Carson City. “I hope that no local person or family, especially ones with small children, goes without a real Christmas dinner this year,” Graves said.

50 years ago

Seventh and eighth grade basketball teams representing Carson City junior high school resumed practice after eighth graders lost their first game by 17 to St. Thomas of Reno.

Trent Dolan is the son of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.