Carson City schoolhouse ornament rocks

The latest in Carson City’s series of ornaments featuring landmark buildings is now available.

“Everybody’s been anxiously awaiting its arrival,” said Sue Jones, who owns the Purple Avocado with her husband, Stan. “We’ve had people asking for it.”

The 13th annual ornament is a rendering of Carson City’s Central School, which once served as the city’s only school, housing grades 1 though 12.

It was built in 1906, it took up the entire block from King to Division streets and from Minnesota to Musser streets. It replaced an earlier school that was built in the 1870s.

“The longtime Carsonites really have fond memories of this school,” Jones said.

In 2002, the Downtown Redevelopment Citizens Committee decided to highlight unique Carson City buildings, which has had historic and architectural character, and each year, a limited number of ornaments is ordered.

Jones said it’s a popular item in her gift shop every year.

“People really look forward to them,” she said. “They have family or friends they send them to every year, or they keep it themselves. They want to keep up on the collection.”

The ornaments can be purchased at the Purple Avocado, 904 N. Curry St.; Legislative Counsel Bureau Gift Shop, 401 S. Carson St.; Nevada State Museum Gift Shop, 600 N. Carson St.; and the Carson City Visitors Bureau Gift Shop, 716 N. Carson St.

Past years’ ornaments are available through the city’s Office of Business Development as well as the Purple Avocado.

Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected from the original version, which confused the Central School with what is now Bordewich-Bray Elementary School.