Past Pages for Friday, July 8, 2016

150 Years Ago

Virginia City on the Fourth: The Virginians had a magnificent celebration on the Fourth. Firemen were out in full complement, and miners from the Comstock Lode marched with the banners of the companies for which they work. The Declaration of Independence was read by Colonel R. H. Taylor, and a poem written by J. T. Goodman, Esq.

130 Years Ago

Jots: Bick Bicknell and his father were celebrating the 4th, when some gunpowder exploded under their faces, scorching the father and burning young Bick about the face.

110 Years Ago

All sorts: Thurman Roberts, who is interested in mining claims at Mina, is home for a short vacation. Lightning struck Mrs. T. E. Riley in Reno while she was standing near a stove. She was stunned badly.

70 Years Ago

Elizabeth Castle: Funeral services were held for Mrs. Elizabeth Castle, a pioneer resident of Carson City for 53 years who died at her home on North Minnesota. Mrs. Castle was active in St. Peter’s Episcopal Guild for over 50 years and a charter member and first president of the Carson City Leisure Hour Club.

50 Years Ago

Drought: Nevada faces a drought which could spell financial disaster for some stockmen, some being forced to sell their feeder cattle. The animals weigh less because of lack of feed and will likely bring less money per pound.

20 Years Ago

Restoration of federal building: The Nevada Tourism Commission plans to restore the 105-year-old former post office, a four-story brick landmark with clock tower. The Nevada Tourism Commission voted to put $2 million into restoration. It would be a cosmetic restoration and still has to be approved by the budget process. The building was completed in May 1891.

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