M us eN ewsccmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/muse-news-fall... · 2016-04-01 · Doris Dwyer...

Fall 2015

M use N ews A Publication of the Churchill County Museum Association

“The Best Little Museum on the Loneliest Road in America”

MuseNews Spring 2015 19

Snapshots Thank you for your continued support

Mr. & Mrs. Daniels

VISITORS

United States Alabama

Anywhere, USA

Arizona

California

Colorado

Florida

Guam

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

New Hampshire

VISITOR COMMENTS

“Just moved here from Vermont” – Fallon

“Asa Adams came this way, Oct. 1856” - Adams,

Bishop, CA

“Dad owned Palace Club here in the 1950s” –

Scoles, Medina

Wonderful that it is free” – Elko, NV

“Absolutely awesome collection and quality of

Nevada life – Wow” – Ohio

“Wonderful experience” – Tennessee

“Love hearing the music box” – Nevada

“The rocks look awesome” – Fallon

“Doll house is very nice” – Texas

“Nice to see you’ve grown since ‘74” – Listers

“Great for a rainy day with 2 great-grandkids and

my 70th birthday” – Annabelle Younger

“Doing research – Silver Springs ES 4th grade

class – on pioneers and Old West” – Stagecoach

“Wonderful – doing research on Socialist Colo-

ny” – Washoe Valley

“Wonderful exhibits! Something to be very proud

of” – North Carolina

“Looking forward to class reunion” – Washington

“My father milked at Charles Frey dairy – 1950s”

– Texas

“All Okies from Muskogee” – Oklahoma

“Walking from San Francisco to United Nations

for peace” – California

“Highway 50 Book Stamped” – Ohio

“I loved everything I saw”– Arizona

“Friendly people and very clean” – Fallon

“Final trip to Hot August Nights – Thanks for the

memories” – Pennsylvania

“My Grandmother Marguerite Coverston worked

here until she passed away in 1990” – Reno

“This is an ‘extrodianry’ [sic] museum. You

should be proud”– California

“Mural is fantastic!”- California

MUSEUM VISITORS

February—574, March—956, April—1515,

May—1317, June—972, July—1127, August—791,

September—975, October—1268

ATTENDANCE

Nevada continued from previous column

Incline Village

Lake Tahoe

Las Vegas

Lovelock

Manhattan

Minden

Reno

Round Mountain

Schurz

Silver Springs

Sparks

Stagecoach

Washoe Valley

Wellington

Winnemucca

Yerington

Nevada Carson City

Dayton

Dyer

Elko

Ely

Fallon

Fernley

Gardnerville

Golconda

Hawthorne

Hazen

International Australia, Austria, Brazil,

Canada – British Columbia and

Ontario, Germany, Japan, New

Zealand, Sweden, Thailand

MuseNews Fall 2015 3

United States

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Dakota

http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/misc/usa/usa-map-flag.png

IN MEMORY The Churchill County Museum has received memorials in the memory of the following people:

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTORS The Churchill County Museum thanks the following people who have sent memorial

contributions in memory of their families and loved ones. Our “Memorial Book” is a

perpetual “In Memory” and is enjoyed daily by our visitors:

4 MuseNews Fall 2015

Jane K Randall

Julie Richards

Kitty Parker Rose

Tami Schmitz

Edward Scott

Marge Seevers

Mary Shafer

Earl and Mary Skeen

Brian and Martha Sorensen

Clyde “Butch” and Joyce

Stark

Jim and Adrienne Stark

Jim and Elaine Starr

Willie and Darlene Stewart

Roger and Lura Stocking

Kelly and Yvonne Sutherland

Willis and Janet Swan

Greg and Joanne Tanner

Kenneth Tedford – Tedford

Tire

Deana Terrell

Bob and Nancy Trease

Philip and Waynette Tresher

Mart and Sally Vance

Eddie and Gloria Venturacci

Amy Weldon

Roberta Whipp

Ronald Wolfson

Bart Yost

John Achurra

Celeste Bass

Merton Domonoske

David Douglas

Curly Eckert

Virgil Getto

George and Jackie Gladwill

Juichi [1976] and Su [1973] Kito

Virginia McCold

Myron Parker

Dixie Fritz Rueda

Merlin Sayre

Betty Simar

Gilbert Strickland

Betty Tedford

Dick and Paulie Alles

Mary C. Anderson

Mike and Susan Ansotegui

Ed and Norine Arciniega

Artemisia Homemakers –

PatsyWeaver

Richard and Brenda Beach

Bill Beeghly

Richard S. Beeghly

Mike and Michele Berney

Lowell and Sherry Black

Pat Boden

Patrick Caldwell

Reeco and Carolyn Ceresola

William and Susan Chambers

City of Fallon

Cloverleaf Club

Carol Colip

Gail Conrad

Bill and Bunny Corkill

Doris Dwyer

Fallon Portuguese Society-

Hoffman and Soares

Lisa M Flansaas

Masa Kito Fujitani

Gary Furman

Janet and Lawrence Gahr

Gemini Inc.

Getto children – Andrea Getto

Caldwell

Robert Gibson

Lola Jay Hammond

C.G. and Ramona Harless

Don and Kay Harmon

Viola Hart

Jacquie Hettinger

Nancy Hollinger

Betty Holmes

George and Linda Hucke

David Hurd

Lois James

Richard and Kathleen Jenkins

Don and Dawna Johnson

Alan and Kieran Kalt

Craig and Barbara Kiernan

Wayne and Cecile Kilgore

Karen Olsen Laca

Lahontan Garden Club

John and Inez Lambert

Marge Lister

Audys Dodge Losche

Malm Construction

Randy and Peggy Beach Meik

Rod and Susan McCormick

Joe and Kathleen Miller

Barrie Minnitte

Ron and Mary Morden

Harold and Ruth Olsen

Xi Chi Beta Phi Sorority–

Colleen Palludan

James and Margaret Perazzo

Peterson Wealth Management,

LLC – Tess Peterson

Pamela Thompson

Lois Vicks

Terry Keller Weldon

Gynith Wemple-Spoon

Elizabeth Woodliff

Notes………

By Bob Getto

Churchill County Museum Board President


I Wish You Fall Greetings

We’ve said goodbye to the Summer of 2015; again, the Valley leaves are changing. Its Fall in Churchill

County, and the Churchill County Museum is changing too! The Churchill County Board of Commis-

sioners, as promised, has hired a permanent Director of the ever popular Churchill County Museum. As

the President of the Museum Association, I can say the Association looks forward to working in tandem

with the new Director “to collect, preserve, exhibit and share the artifacts, photographs and documents

that give our community a better appreciation of our county, state and country,” as paraphrased from the

Association mission statement.

Because of the hiring of the new permanent Museum Director, now might be a good time to remind our-

selves of the unique and awesome relationship that the Churchill County government has with the

Churchill County Museum Association.

Did you know the operation of this quality museum is shared, harmoniously, between these two entities

in a unique way?

Real Estate, Improvements, and Staff: Generally speaking, the real estate and improve-

ments, such as the buildings and grounds are owned by Churchill County. Additionally, the staff

at the museum are employed directly by Churchill County and are under the supervision of the

Churchill County Commission and County Manager’s office.

Artifacts, Photographs and Documents: The artifacts, photographs and documents are owned

and managed by the Churchill County Museum Association— governed by a 12-person Board of

Trustees, that are volunteers, and meet monthly to act as needed for the preservation and sharing

of the growing collection… for all to enjoy. Fundraising, educational events, and programing are

just a few of the other things managed by the Board of Trustees.

The Museum Director is the liaison between Churchill County and the Churchill County Museum Asso-

ciation, and together these two entities have continued to delivered, for 50+ years, a top notch museum

to visitors… local and worldwide!

Join us, this December 9th as the Churchill County Board of Commissioners welcomes the new Director

to the Churchill County Museum.

I hope to see you… at the Museum!

Bob Getto President – Churchill County Museum Association.

Doris Dwyer

Churchill County Museum Association

Board of Trustee

Doris Dwyer taught history and humanities at Western Nevada College from 1980-2015 and resides in

Fallon, Nevada. She earned her Ph. D. in History from Miami University of Ohio and a M.A. and A. B. from

Eastern Kentucky University. She is a former member of the Churchill County Library Board, University of

Nevada Press Board and Nevada Humanities. She has a strong interest in Nevada museums and is a long-time

member of the Churchill County Museum. In addition, Dr. Dwyer has performed hundreds of Chautauqua

portrayals throughout the United States and is currently a Governor’s appointee to the Nevada Board of Muse-

ums and History, and is a past recipient of the Governor’s Humanities Award and the Nevada Regents’ Teach-

ing Award.

Melissa Cossette


Board of Trustee

I am excited to serve as a Churchill County Museum Association Board of Trustees. I have always en-

joyed our museum and am thankful to be a part of the museum team. I've been volunteering at the museum for

nine years, and you may have seen me at the front desk or at events at the museum booth. My favorite muse-

um event is the “Night at the Museum”. It’s always so fun to see everyone in character and to see the museum

come to life.

I am currently a student at Western Community Collage studying Business Management and Biology,

and I work for the Great Basin Institute interning with the Bureau of Land Management in Carson City.


Nathan Strong


Board of Trustee

My primary interest has always been culture and history. That interest became a clear vision when as

an eight year old I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark, setting me on a path that led me to attend archaeological field

school through the University of Nevada, Reno, at sixteen. There I studied under Dr. Don Fowler and Dr.

Gene Hattori alongside graduate assistants C. Cliff Creger, D. Craig Young, and Bryan Hockett before any of

us were involved with Churchill County. I received my B.A. in History, along with a Certificate in Computer

Programming, from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego after which I began graduate studies at

UNR in Anthropology, working in the archaeological lab and field as my schedule permitted. I paused in Fal-

lon during the winter of 1997 and have lived her ever since.

In that time I have married and raised two sons, the youngest of which I was fortunate enough to stay

home with until he began school. At that time I began substitute teaching for the Churchill County School

District in every grade level, including a long-term position in the 4th grade for the most recent spring semester

where I taught Nevada history attempting to put the best local spin possible. Before that I worked for the Fal-

lon Paiute Shoshone Tribe for over three years. My employment there began and ended at the Tribal Court,

starting as the Court Clerk then returning to become Court Administrator. In between those two jobs, howev-

er, I held a position where it was my mission to preserve, protect, promote, and manage all matters relating to

the cultural resources of the Tribe. That is the purpose I will endeavor to serve for the entirety of Churchill

County here in my position on the Board of Trustees.

Nathan G. Strong

Sandy Hillery


Board of Trustee

I thank the Board for the opportunity to bring my experiences and strengths to the Board.

Since coming to Fallon, I have been an employment interviewer and placement officer at a Temp Agency for

almost two years. Following this I was the Parish Office Manager at my church for almost six years.

Over the years, my husband and I have been and still are politically active and supported our community by

holding offices in several service organizations including the VFW Auxiliary and Co-Operative Extension. As

a local reporter in Marlowe, Oklahoma I was assigned the FFA, 4H and annual school reunions, a slice of

Americana that I particularly enjoyed. The historical nature of the Churchill Museum I find most appealing

and hope I can help further the preservation of Fallon’s historical past.

Sandy Hillery


Janice Warren


Board of Trustee

I have been a Nevada resident for the last 21 years and moved to Fallon 5 years ago from Las Vegas.

I am married, have a daughter and a step son and four wonderful grandchildren. I have been employed with

the State of Nevada for the last 14 years and am looking forward to retiring the end of next year.

I have been a history buff since early age. I always wanted to know how our country developed and what

events happened to shape our great, one of a kind nation. The history and diversity of northern Nevada is one

of the deciding factors that made me move to Fallon/Churchill County in preparation for my retirement. I am

looking forward to continue serving on the Museum Board and keeping the history of Churchill County alive

and well for the future.

Janice Warren

Annual Store Sale November 1st thru December 31st

Members -20% off

Non-Members -10% off Discount on nearly every item in the store.


Spotlight On Dan Ingram

Museum Director

Churchill County is excited to welcome Dan Ingram as our new Museum Director at a

reception to be held in his honor on Wednesday, December 9, at 5 p.m. at the Museum. Re-

freshments will be served.

Dan has served as the Museum Coordinator and Historic Preservationist for the City of

Dickinson, North Dakota since 2011. A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, he was previously Curator

of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he oversaw

the Johnstown Flood Museum and led the development of the Johnstown Heritage Discover

Center, Johnstown Children’s Museum and the Wagner Ritter House and Garden.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa and a Master’s

Degree in History from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Spotlight On Jennifer Jones

Education Curator

MuseNews Fall 2015 9 Performance Sunday, December 19th at 1:00

p.m.

Jennifer Jones is a Nevada native who moved to Fallon in 1997. Jennifer has been an

active volunteer within the community for several years. She served as Trustee, and eventual-

ly President, of the Churchill County Museum Association Board from 2000 to 2006. She was

also a member of the CCM Accessions Committee. Working closely with Jane Pieplow and

Donna Cossette, Jennifer was inspired to complete her college education at the University of

Nevada-Reno with a BA in Anthropology with a Museum Studies Minor. During her studies

she completed an internship at the Churchill County Museum in the Collections Department.

Jennifer is happily married and the mother of four amazing children. She is active in

her church where she teaches the adult women. She is an avid reader of all genres and regu-

larly achieves her yearly goal of reading one book a week. In her spare time she likes to gar-

den, try new recipes, and do various needlework. Jennifer is looking forward to learning,

sharing, and teaching new skills as the Education Curator.

Annual Meeting Raffle Winners

A Weekend at Graeagle – Sue Chambers

$100 Gift Cert. from Bassham Furniture – Nancy Janess

Family Fun Package – Donna J. Strickland

Four Tables for Two Package – Donna J. Strickland

Quilted Wall Hanging – Frank Wheeled

Churchill Arts Council – Brenda Smith

Made in Nevada Basket – Ann Rapp

Obsidian Blade - Kitty Rose

Reno Aces Baseball Tickets – Eileen Montgomery

Churchill Vineyards Tour– Sue Chambers

December 5, 2015 at 5:00 p.m., The Churchill County Museum & Archives

presents “Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada”, featur-

ing 35 pieces of art from Wally Cuchine’s collection. In 1987, Life Maga-

zine described US HWY 50 across the center of Nevada as the “The Loneli-

est Road in America.” The magazine particularly mentioned the 287-mile

stretch between Fernley and Ely as “remote with few points of interest” and

it urged travelers to have “survival skills” to make the journey. Exhibit cu-

rator, Jim McCormick titled this NTI-Traveling Exhibition, “The Loneliest

Art Collection in Nevada” because Wally Cuchine’s art collection is locat-

ed in Eureka, Nevada on HWY 50’s route.

For more than two decades, residents in this part of rural Nevada have experienced a breadth of quality cultural

events thanks to Wally Cuchine’s personal passion for the arts. As director of the Eureka Opera House for over

18 years, Cuchine consistently presented first-class entertainment to residents and visitors. Known for his un-

flagging commitment to and support of artists, and his unswerving faith that the art and artists of Nevada are a

valuable resource, he has acquired an unparalleled personal collection of Nevada art.

Cuchine brought a unique pursuit with him to Eureka insofar as conservative, down-to-earth

ranchers and business folks were concerned—Art. And he arrived with his own gallery. Be-

ginning in 1978 with an 18’ travel trailer, expanding to a 26’ model after that, and finally

moving his 14’ x 60’ Charter Mobile Home from Ely to Eureka, Cuchine hung art in every

available nook and cranny in each of them.

Cuchine estimates his art collection at 1,500 to 2,000 works. A small fraction of the collection is represented in

Wally’s World—35 works, about one percent of his collection. “Wally’s World” is a testament to one individ-

ual’s tenacity in expressing his passion for art. His collection and this exhibition are a generous gift to the state

he so deeply cherishes.

Exhibit artists include: Ron Arthaud, Lyle V. Ball, Cheryln Bennett, Ralph Bennett, Max Bun-

nell, Thelma Calhoun, Robert Cole Caples, Mary Chadwell, Diane Dunn, Mary Lee Fulker-

son, Ruth Hilts, Larry Jacox, James Lawrence, Jean Legassick, Laverne Lightfoot, Gary Link,

Barbara Maclean, Sharon Maczko, Jack Malotte, Jim McCormick, Marilyn R. Melton, Jeff

Nicholson, Ron Oden, Dennis Parks, Mimi Patrick, Nancy Peppin, Brent Perkins, Roy Pow-

ers, Barbara Prodaniuk, Shirley Shaft, Annabelle Shelly, Craig Sheppard, Sidne Teske, Wally

Wallace and Larry Williamson. Gallery Notes essay by exhibit curator, Jim McCormick.

Curated and Gallery Notes by Jim McCormick and organized by the Nevada Arts Council, “Wally’s World:

The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada” is part of the Nevada Touring Initiative – Traveling Exhibition Pro-

gram, and is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nevada Humanities,

and the Nevada State Legislature. The Nevada Arts Council is a division of the Depart-

ment of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

“Wally’s World: The Loneliest

Art Collection in Nevada”


"Tintabulations," Reno's own premier handbell ensemble has

scheduled a series of Christmas concerts to be held throughout the

area. Under the expressively creative direction of Barb Walsh, this

nationally acclaimed group has been thrilling audiences since its

inception in 1995. A recently established non-profit organization,

Tintabulations is comprised of 15 exceptionally talented local

musicians performing on 120 handbells and chimes. On occasion

an additional instrument (i.e. flute, trumpet, ukulele, drum, guitar,

violin) adds yet another dimension to the already impressive

collaboration. Their enthusiasm and gift of innovation brings no

question of their enjoyment and love of music as they share their

superior craft with you, their audience. With compelling and

lovely arrangements of Christmas pieces from several countries

around the world, add a special ring to your holidays, come share

the magic of Tintabulations and enjoy their seasonal concert, "I'd

Like to Teach the World to Ring".

Tintabulations: I’d Like to Teach the World to Ring December 19th at 1:00 p.m. Churchill County Museum


From the Research Curator

Bunny Corkill

I was very occupied this past spring and summer researching the whereabouts of living members of

the Churchill County High School graduating classes of 1938 – 1945. In all fifty alumnae were contacted

and invited to participate in the second annual Fallon/Churchill County Community Reunion which was

held at Oats Park on August 15, 2015. Eleven honorees were able to attend and received special recognition.

Now it is time to gather the names and locations of the members of the 1946 class. If our readers know of

any 1946 classmates we would appreciate hearing about them.

With the fall season upon us, people are beginning to enjoy the cooler weather and are “taking to the

road” searching for family members and places of interest. The research department historically begins to

receive more requests for assistance at this time of year. Some of the wonderful projects we have recently

worked on include:

Linda Wada, who lives in Oregon, has spent fifteen years researching actress Edna Purviance, a

leading lady in many Charlie Chaplin movies, and members of her family. Edna was born October 21, 1895,

in Paradise Valley, Nevada. Her father worked at a flour mill in Paradise Valley. When Edna was three

years old her family moved to Lovelock. Her parents divorced in 1902 and her father fled the family and

came to Lahontan Valley where he gained employment at the Lee-Inman Flour Mill on the south branch of

the Carson River. He later moved on to California leaving no prints in this valley. We were able to take Lin-

da to the location of the former mill for a photo op. On Friday evening 10/23/2015, Linda was a guest on

Reno’s KOLO television talking about her project. Linda’s fascinating and informative computer site is:

[email protected].

Brian McLaughlin, a California movie producer, is working on a film about a man named Billy Tate.

Billy had several former Pony Express rider friends including Julius “Bronco Charley” Miller and William

Frederick Fisher. Brian asked us to research these characters. It turns out that Bronco Charley lived to be

105 years old and the tales that he told about his life earned him the reputation of being a “faker and impost-

er.” Beginning with multiple versions of his birth, he never allowed facts or the truth to get in the way of the

telling of a good story. Following his death in 1955, he was buried in Glen Falls, New York.

William Frederick “Billy” Fisher who was one of the “hard riding Mormans of the western end of

the trail,” was born in England and came to America in 1854. After “The Pony” passed he worked at a

number of jobs finally ending up in Oxford, Idaho, where he became the first LDS bishop and a very prom-

inent merchant and political leader. He was admitted to the Idaho bar and practiced law for a number of

years. In 1890 he bought a set of dentist’s extraction instruments and started pulling teeth for a living. He

moved to Rigby, Idaho, in 1918 and passed away in 1919.

Unfortunately, Billy Tate’s fate remains a mystery.

Two delightful young ladies, one blonde and one brunette, who had recently graduated from a pres-

tigious eastern university, arrived here in a mini-van to take on the “Loneliest Road.” They began their re-

cent journey from San Francisco and are winding their way through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Arizo-

na before returning to California. Grace Nix is the photo-journalist with her cameras and Reed McConnell is

writing articles for national publication. They devoured all the information that we gave them about the area

and asked dozens of questions. They are focusing upon the socio-economics of the ranching and mining are-

as along the route due to the changing climate conditions. Fortunately volunteer Julie King was here during

their visit and invited them out to her home near the desert. They were totally enamored with Nevada’s out-

back and said that they had filmed the simulated “Mars” landscape that they had been looking for. We bid

them fond adieu as they pulled out of Fallon with a tank filled with gasoline, lots of water and plenty of pea-

nut butter. They promised to keep us updated on their trip.


Alan Wallace continues his research on local

mining ventures and has asked about the Bernice Min-

ing District and Kennedy. His interest in Kennedy has

led him to research the lives and times of the families

who lived in the camp and then moved on to the “next

strike,” adding the human touch to the stories of gen-

erations of people who have “followed their dreams”

of finding “the big one.”

James Bertolini and ZoAnn Campana of the

Nevada State Historic Preservation Office in Carson

City have used our research facility and services in

gathering information on the Douglass-Frey ranch in

the Island District for inclusion on the Nevada and Na-

tional Registers of Historic Places. Their latest request

is for information on the Fallon Theatre and Maine

Street – Fallon - - both have presented applications for

placement on the Registry.

As of September 14, 2015, the following local

properties are on the Registries:

1. Cold Springs Station

2. Churchill County Courthouse

3. Churchill County Jail

4. Robert L. Douglass House

5. Fallon City Hall

6. Federal Building and Post Office

7. Grimes Point

8. Harmon School

9. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

10. Lahontan Dam and Power Station

11. Oats Park Grammar School

12. Sand Springs Station

13. Stillwater Marsh

14. Cold Springs Pony Express Station Ruins

15. Hazen Store

16. Overland Hotel – state

17. Ft. Churchill – Sand Springs Toll Road

18. Humboldt Cave

19. Lovelock Cave

20. Carson River Diversion Dam

Nancy Pittman of Hughson, California, came

to research Simmonds family members: W.A., Ida S.

and Mabel Adela who in 1915 married Russell E.

Hartley and lived in the little Dildine house on 261

South Taylor Street. She was thrilled to find that the

home is still standing and in use.

Andrew Campbell wanted to know about the

water table level in the West End School area. He has

purchased the home at 495 West Center Street and is

curious about the water table under his house. We sug-

gested he speak with the Fallon City engineer.

Helped the Churchill County CowBelles re-

count the history of the Fallon All-Breed Bull Sale

dinner and dance from 1965 to the present. 2016 will

be the 50th anniversary of the sale sponsored by the

Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

Anne B Gass who lives in Maryland is an inde-

pendent historian involved with a project named Con-

gressional Union – Suffrage Envoys – 100 years later.

She contacted us to gain information about ladies from

Fallon who might have been involved in the Suffrage

movement. Starting in September 2015 she began re-

tracing the route of a cross-country road trip undertak-

en in 1915 to promote an amendment to the US Con-

stitution enfranchising women. She is blogging her

way across the country and her journey may be fol-

lowed at www.suffrageroadtrip.com.

Bruce Bird who lives in Pleasanton, California,

had visited with the Eric Palludan family when he was

a youngster. He wanted to have an updated history and

photos of Hannah and Eric’s family and the Fallon

Mercantile. He has nothing but fond memories of the

family.

Arriving for work one morning we were greet-

ed by a box of photographs on the front step donated

by an anonymous source. Many of the pictures were of

members of a Staples family. Anna Maria Staples was

the daughter of James and Sarah Lloyd Staples and

she was married 10 April 1897 to Joseph M. Hanson.

After some major sleuthing a Staples family member

named Jon Callahan in Salt Lake City was contacted

and the photos were sent to him. We love happy end-

ings to our stories.

Christine Johnes from Batchtown, Illinois, in-

quired about the latest generations of the Fred Franke

family who were among the featured families in In

Focus #16 – Batchtown to Jimtown. After following

leads in California we were able to re-connect her with

her family including local members of the Lofthouse –

Ferguson family living here in Fallon.

And last but not least, the museum was once

again visited by three vivacious young men from

Hamburg, Germany, who had visited the Fallon area

and Nevada a few years ago filming and had come

back to finish the documentary film they are creating

highlighting the desert along Highway 50. Brothers

Tobias and Christian Bechtloff and their photographer

buddy spent several days in the area photographing

and interviewing locals. They left behind many smiles

and laughs. We look forward to viewing their finished

production.




The Churchill County Museum Association has welcomed new board members, Janice

Warren, (2016), Nathan Strong, (2017), Sandy Hillary, (2017), and Melissa Cossette, (2016).

The objectives and powers of the of the Churchill County Museum Association are to

establish, operate and maintain a public muse-

um and to engage in activities related to the

discovery, procurement and preservation of

what ever property may related to Churchill

County, to promote public interest in the histo-

ry and cultural heritage of the area and to enlist

public support in preservation of artifacts. To

solicit, collect and raise funds for the operation

and maintenance of the museum collection. To

establish a souvenir shop for museum publica-

tions, books, post cards, and related objects.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is highlighting the Stillwater National Wildlife

Refuge Complex with a display in the Dodge-Fitz Changing Exhibit Gallery. According to

the Refuge Complex brochure, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex is composed of

three refuges– Stillwater, Fallon and Anaho Island at Pyramid Lake. It is established for the

local conservation and management of fish, wildlife and plant resources.

The winter refuge tour information can be found along with posters, bags, book-

marks, and litter bags. The Wildlife list provides the names of over 250 birds that have

been see in the wildlife area. The fall water foul migration peaks during October and No-

vember. The “Stillwater Stomp” Winter Refuge Tour dates are November 21, December 2,

January 9, 2016 and February 20, 2016.

A map is provided that shows the 7-mile Foxtail Lake Tour Route, with photo blinds.

Entrance can be made from the Stillwater Point parking lot. Binoculars and spotting scopes

are best used to view wildlife from a distance.

Dodge-Fitz Changing

Exhibit Gallery

Thank you to our 2015 Fall Lecture Series presenters, and to all of you who

attended, thank you for your continued support!


Upcoming Events

November 1st– 24th U.S. Fish and Wildlife Exhibit

November 7th—February 2016 a museum sponsored exhibit “Fallon: Black & White” at

The Daily Grind, 1805 W. Williams Avenue.

November 11th Museum Closed for Veteran’s Day

November 12th, 19th at 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. NaNoWriMo Writers Night

November 14th at 9:30 a.m. Public BLM Hidden Cave Tour

November 26th & 27th Museum Closed for Thanksgiving

November 28th No BLM Hidden Cave Tour

December 1st-January 25th Wally’s World: The Loneliest Art Collection in Nevada. Re-

ception and exhibit opening Saturday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m.

December 2nd 10:00 a.m. Art Cr itique Group Monthly Meeting

December 4th at 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sons of Tradition

December 9th at 5:00 p.m. Museum Director Reception

December 10th at 7:00 p.m. Lahontan Valley Concer t Coir

December 12th Public BLM Hidden Cave Tour

December 19th at 1:00 p.m. Tintabulations: I’d Like to Teach the World to Ring

December 25th Museum Closed for Chr istmas

December 26th No BLM Hidden Cave Tour

January 1st Museum Closed for New Years Day

Cheryll Glotfelty Patrick Huntsman Linda Rasmussen Barbara Hodges Mary Jean Kelso

Janice Robinson Don Bowman Stanley Paher Terri Farley


F or theater goers, over the years the historic downtown Fallon Theatre has been an icon on

Maine Street. Originally opened in 1920 as the Rex Theater, it has had several changes

through the years and it is undergoing change again. In 1930, sound films were introduced to

the previously silent film theater and in 1979 the theatre split into two screens.

Recently, the current owner, Dr. Stuart Richardson and I sat down for a quick interview

to find out more about the changes occurring with the theatre. I questioned why as an optome-

trist, Dr. Richardson had acquired the theatre from long time owners Bob and Mary Beth Er-

ickson. He indicated that he knew that Bob and Marybeth had wanted to retire with the theatre

being up for sale for several years. As a child he had loved going to the theatre and had a love

of old theaters. He used to deliver the weekly ad for the theatre in his hometown in order to get

free tickets on the weekend. The idea of owning a theatre thrilled him.

Currently, the shows continue with the addition of digital technology on the down stairs

screen and with the assistance from grant funding, the upstairs has been converted to digital

technology as well. There are other changes in store for the theatre. Dr. Richardson would like

to see it as a multiuse venue. He wants it to become a community icon that will benefit the

Maine Street corridor and the community. His vision includes community plays, musical

events, choir productions, and artistic venues. Having it set up as a satellite receiving station

would bring in multiple opportunities including opera.

Dr. Richardson is thrilled to see

it evolve as it goes. “There is no defi-

nite deadline”. He is happy to see that

something is being done and it will be

here for his grandchildren to see.

What is important is that the building

remain enveloped in its original char-

acter, true to the design of the build-

ing, but with repairs and upgrades.

He will continue to run it as a second

business and has great things to say

about the community youth that work

behind the counter. They are confi-

dent, reliable and are a great hope for

our future.

Credit is given to Rachael Dahl, CEDA executive, with the inspiration and motivation

for this project that will go down in Fallon’s history as the next phase of the Fallon Theatre. Dr.

Historic Fallon Theatre by Sue Chambers

Richardson indicated there is a local group formed that has created a non-profit corporation

that will eventually purchase the theatre and continue to run it.

With that in mind my next stop was to visit Karla Kent, proprietor of Kent’s Supple, as

president of this group. She is able to continue the story of the future of the Fallon Theatre.

She was very complimentary of the theatre seat cover project that was the brain child of Glen

Perazzo. The top of the seat is covered with old jean fabric donated by community members

and with t-shirt material on the bottom of the cushion. Karla gives credit to the local quilting

groups for assisting with the seamstress work on the seat covers. The first floor theatre is fin-

ished and the second floor theatre is in the works.

There are plans to open the outside ticket booth, and to

renovate the upstairs apartment either as an apartment or as a

meeting room. She indicated that they will be working on the

lighting in the theatre so that it can be used for multiple venues

and that perhaps they can even use the facility to show Wolf Pack

games.

Again using newer technology, a website has been created where

the community can sign up to volunteer, share ideas and to be-

come a sustaining member. www.fallontheatre.com

As with many other structures in Fallon, the Rex Theater

was designed by Fredric J. Delongchamps. According to the

UNR Library Architectural Archives, other buildings attributed to

the award winning architect include: Oaks Park School(Churchill

Arts Council), Fallon City Hall, J.W. Flood Store, E.D. Frazzini

Store, Churchill County National Bank, I.H. Kent Warehouse,

Masonic Temple (Fraternal Hall) and Dodge Construction Com-

pany. Single residences designed by Delongchamps include the

residence of Leo P. Bergin, Percy A. Bailey, A.D. Drumm Jr., and

Robert L. Douglass (Charles Frey ranch.)

Karla Kent, as president of the Fallon Community Theatre Group, LLC, shared with me

that the non-profit group will eventually purchase the theatre from Dr. Richardson. Other

members of the board are Terri Schultz as secretary, Nancy Upham, treasurer, Kristie Bekarias,

bookkeeper and webmaster, Glen Perazzo, director and Mike Berney, director.

She echoed the sentiment of Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford, that the theatre is the anchor of

Maine Street and we want to “keep the downtown quaintness” and build business locally.

When asked about the goals for this group, Karla indicated that they had three goals.

The first goal of the group is to create a sustaining membership that for $20 per person will al-

low two free movie showing a month. Goal two is to complete the seat cover project upstairs

along with the digital projector for the upstairs theatre. Then the third goal is to dress up or re-

pair the marquee.

Sue is a Churchill County Board Member since 2013 She has recently retired from the Churchill County

School District as the Director of Federal Programs.


Memberships help the Churchill County

Museum Association by providing funds to publish

a newsletter, aid in artifact

conservation, and help expand historical

programs for the community.

Become a member of the Churchill County

Museum Association

Memberships Benefits

- Receive Quarterly Newsletter

- Discount of 10% on nearly every item in the museum store (20% during special sales)

- Special notice of all association events

Name_________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

City_______________________ State__________ Zip_____________________

Phone_________________________________________________________________

E-Mail________________________________________________________________

Membership Categories New Renewal Office Notes

Individual $25.00

Senior (60+) $20.00

Jr. Member (21 & under) $15.00

Family $30.00

Wagon Master $50.00

Pioneer / Business $75.00

Homesteader $100.00

Please mail your check to: Churchill County Museum, 1050 South Maine Street, Fallon, NV 89406

Thank You! We look forward to you joining us!


About the Cover: Visitors / Facts…………...…....3

Memorial……………..……….4

Board President……………….5

Bob Getto

New CCMA Member.....……...6

Spotlight ………..…….............9

Wally’s World Exhibit…….…10

Tintabulations……………..…11

Research Curator…….............12

By Bunny Corkill

Dodge-Fitz Changing

Exhibit Hall ...………....14

Board Member Highlight…....14

Upcoming Events…….……...15

Fallon Historic Theatre

By Sue Chambers..........16

Membership App …………....18

Snapshots ……………………19

Muse News is published quar ter ly for Churchill County Museum

Association members and friends of the museum. For more information

or for a membership application turn to page 18 or contact us at

(775) 423-3677.

[email protected]

New Churchill County

Museum Director welcomed

to community with a recep-

tion on Wednesday, December

9th the Museum 5-7 p.m.


Contents

MuseNews

Tour Hidden Cave

Contact the Museum for

Hidden Cave Tour information

(775) 423-3677

Churchill County Museum Staff

Dan Ingram—Museum Director

Bunny Corkill—Research Curator

Donna Cossette—Registrar

Jennifer Jones—Education Curator

Barbara Hodges—Photography Curator

Tom Bartel—Exhibits Preparator

Paulie Alles—Hostess

Cynthia Loper—Hostess

Margo Weldy—Hostess

Dwen Davis—Museum Intern

Board of Trustees

Bob Getto Jr.—President

Ann Rapp—Vice President

Nancy Balash–Treasurer

Jennie Mader–Secretary

Carl Erquiaga–County Representative

Members: Sue Chambers, Melissa Cossette,

Doris Dwyer, Sandy Hillery, Bruce Mills,

Nathan Strong

MUSEUM

WINTER HOURS

December 1st—February 29th

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm

Sunday 10am-3pm

Closed Monday

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Fallon, NV

89406

PERMIT NO. 13

Churchill County Museum and Archives

Churchill County Museum Association, Inc.

1050 South Maine Street

Fallon, NV 89406

Return Service Requested

Phone:775-423-3677 FAX: 775-423-3662

E-Mail: [email protected]

M us eN ewsccmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/muse-news-fall... · 2016-04-01 · Doris Dwyer...

Documents

Transcript of M us eN ewsccmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/muse-news-fall... · 2016-04-01 · Doris Dwyer...