P.O. Box 14003 FootPrints Reno, NV 89507 Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Historic Resources in the Truckee Meadows through Education, Advocacy, and Leadership.

vol. 12 no. 4 Fall 2009 543 Ridge Street Receives HRC Award The Ginsburg/Cassity Home by Cindy Ainsworth In May of 2009, the City of Reno Historical Resources client or the many wealthy divorcées staying at the Riverside. Commission presented the Ginsburg/Cassity home at 543 Ridge Street with the Residential Award for “outstanding renovation, The house was then rented for many years and eventually Bulk Rate Mail restoration and/or preservation of a single family home or purchased by Peter Echeverria. His many achievements and FootPrints is mailed using a Bulk Rate multi-family residential building.” You can see the home on stories could fill another issue of FootPrints. The Echeverria Mail permit. If your address changes, please HRPS Mansions on the Bluff and DeLongchamps Residential family trust donated the home to the University of Nevada’s send a note to HRPS, PO Box 14003, Reno tours and can often catch proud owner Mike Cassity puttering Basque Studies Department. The proceeds from the sale of the NV 89507, with your address change. about in the lovely yard. home benefited the Quasi Endowment Fund to further support Note that Bulk Rate mail is not forwarded. Basque studies—what a fitting he picturesque charm tribute to Peter Echeverria. of the lovely brick With the donation and Thome at 543 Ridge endowment, it is also fitting Street in the beautiful Rio to note that this historic home Vista Heights subdivision is contributing to the further HRPS Officers beckons to all who drive study of Nevada. Fall 2009 Programs President: Felvia Belaustegui or walk past it. Elegantly Jack Hursh Jr. – Program Chair: 746-3252 Vice President: Phyllis Cates understated, it was built It is an understatement to Secretary: Sharon Honig-Bear All program events are on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Mt. Rose School Treasurer: Roger Steininger for the prominent Ginsburg say that the quaint, Frederic (Lander Street between Taylor and LaRue, just off Arlington), unless otherwise noted. family (see article page 3-4) in DeLongchamps-designed Ridge Board of Directors Street Tudor Revival was in a Barbara Swart Courtnay, Rosie Cevasco, Joan 1927-28. The Ginsburg family Wednesday, September 23, Nevada History in Maps: A presentation discussing the 4000 maps Dyer, Jerry Fenwick, Gordon Foote, Debbie occupied the home from 1928 “shabby chic” condition when on the UNR historic map web site http://www.delamare.unr.edu/maps/digitalcollections/nvmaps/ Hinman, Jack Hursh Jr., until the mid-1950s. Joannie and Mike Cassity Would you like to see the exact location, on an 1886 map, of the Dyer Bros. General Grocery store in Jim Smith, Carrie Young purchased the home from the Austin, NV? Or the location of the Ladies Aid Hall in Goldfield in 1905? Or how the Nevada highway Program Other DeLongchamps’ Tudor- University in 2005. The home maps evolved? ALL will be revealed on September 23rd! Presented by Linda Newman, Geoscience Jack Hursh Jr. 746-3252 style homes would grace this stood vacant for some time and Map Librarian, Emerita and creator of the Nevada in Maps web site. Membership Director neighborhood populated by before it was placed for sale Carrie Young many of Reno’s prominent and was in a pretty sad state Wednesday, October 21, Annual Fall Social. The social will be held at The National Automobile Walking Tours business families. Edward of disrepair. The Ginsburg/Cassity Home at 543 Ridge Street, a classic Museum with the Siena Hotel catering the event. See page 8 for details. Ed Wishart Chism, founder of Chism Ice Cream, built his Tudor-style DeLongchamps’ Tudor Revival style home. Overgrown garden vines Webmaster Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. Wednesday, November 18, Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada, Jean and Phillip Earl. A Rosie Cevasco home down the street at 575 covered most of the house. The vines had worked their century and more ago sheepherders, largely Basque in origin, filled the summer hours carving Administrator/Publicity Ridge Street. way through the roof (which was pulling up) and were growing images on aspen trees. Most were names and dates, but others carved animals and birds, memories Cindy Ainsworth 747-0340 from the homeland, and some carved their ideas of female companionship. Over time the aspens Through the years 543 Ridge Street was owned by many other in the attic! Neighborhood raccoons found the home and FootPrints Managing Editor well-known Reno families, such as Hans Lugin-Buehl and his basement a cozy place to live. Tiny footprints could be seen on put the finishing touches on these images, growing and stretching the lines of the carvings, Carol Coleman maintaining a living record of this history. A new book, Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada by Jean wife Aimee, and attorney and state senator Peter Echeverria. all the window sills. A rusty bathroom tub had sunk at least Editorial Staff four inches. Ugly window screens were bolted to the beautiful and Phillip I. Earl, coming soon from Baobab Press. Kim Henrick The Lugin-Buehls purchased the home from Anna Ginsburg in Debbie Hinman 322-9400 original windows. When Mike first saw the home he said it 1955 and appear to have lived there until the late 1970s. The was “very scary.” But this did not deter the Cassitys. On the Opinions expressed in FootPrints are those of the contributors and do not necessarily Editorial Board reflect those of the editorial staff, the Historic Reno Preservation Society executive board or couple owned a gift store located in the Riverside Hotel in the contrary, they looked beyond these imperfections, which were the general membership. FootPrints is a quarterly publication printed in Reno, Nevada. All Mella Rothwell Harmon 50s and 60s, offering for sale, in the words of the 1955 local mostly cosmetic, and embraced the challenge of working on the rights reserved. ©2009 Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS). Editor Emeritus & FootPrints Founder phone directory: “Appointments for gracious living, china, home to restore it to its former glory. Sharon A. Walbridge crystal, linens, silver.” Perhaps they catered to the newlywed Graphic Design: Continued on page 2 HRPS Web Site: http://historicreno.org/ Double Click Design 324-5569 1 543 Ridge Street — Ginsburg/Cassity Home (continued)

Continued from page 1

The Cassitys were living in California when the home came on the market, but their daughter, a Reno resident, kept an eye on the sale of the property. The Cassitys jumped at the opportunity to buy the home when escrow fell through on a previous buyer’s offer.

What impressed the Cassitys was the fact that the interior had not been gutted and modified the way many other older homes have been. It is believed that the interior layout has remained the same throughout the years. Beautiful arches grace the interior entry ways. This arch design is even echoed in the brick fireplace pattern. Delightful quarter circle windows on either side of the chimney appear to wink at you. The Cassitys have no intention of removing the original windows. However, the ugly window screens are Original architectural drawing of 543 Ridge Street gone, replaced with period-style shades. Often referring to by Frederic DeLongchamps. the original DeLongchamps plans, they have made it a point Courtesy of the Special Collections Department, to maintain the1920s feel and originality of the home. University of Nevada, Reno.

The Cassitys have lovingly worked on the home, doing much of the labor themselves. Mike has a woodshop in the basement (along with a wonderful wine cellar) and recently As of July 1, 2008, HRPS converted its membership to a fiscal year cycle. All memberships will run from July 1 through June 30 built book cases in the front living room that borrow of the following year. Have you renewed your membership? Check the website www.historicreno.org for a membership form. details from original built-ins located elsewhere in the home. For the benefit of his wife Joannie, Mike also added the side window trellis that appears on the original From Your HRPS President DeLongchamps’ drawings. e have some very good news This season’s HRPS walking tours have fessional job with our Board minutes. on the Powning Conservation been highly successful, with participa- We will miss her presence at the Board The Cassitys are thrilled to be a part of the Ridge Street District! The City of Reno tion exceeding that of previous years. meetings but Joan will remain involved neighborhood and have come to love Reno. Mike noted W is now installing the POWNING The open house and tour of the Crissie with HRPS as a walking tour guide. that they really wanted to participate in Reno’s downtown CONSERVATION DISTRICT street sign Caughlin Ranch property was a tremen- Sharon Honig-Bear has volunteered her redevelopment renaissance and feel that their rehabilitated toppers on the street signs in the area. dous success and very well attended. services as Board Secretary, for which we home has contributed to that cause. HRPS thanks the This is a major step in recognizing the Thanks to Cindy Ainsworth for her excel- are very grateful. Cassitys for their commitment to historic preservation and Joannie and Mike Cassity inside their Ridge Street home. importance of the neighborhood. This lent talk on the history of the ranch. congratulates them on a job well done. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. district, adjacent to downtown Reno, Our education program, which features will also demonstrate to visitors that The final round of 2009 walking tours a video of Jerry Fenwick’s photo collec- I would like to thank Mike and Joannie Cassity for Reno is very aware of the importance of will begin on September 1st and con- tion, followed by a bus tour to the sites sharing their story about this wonderful home. Other our heritage. tinue through the 26th. the following day, will continue in the up-coming school year. The program is information for this article came from Anne Simone The annual fall social will be held on and Arline Laffery’s extensive research on Frederic De- City worker Simon for Reno fourth grades and possibly one McClellan installs October 21, 2009, at the National Longchamps and the 543 Ridge Street home; various middle school class. The pilot program sign toppers in Automobile Museum with the Siena presented at two schools in May 2009 Polk’s Reno City Directories and Nevada Phone Books; Hotel catering the event. The theme the Powning was highly successful. The students were Washoe County Assessor office information; DeLong- for the event will be “Alice’s Drive,” in Conservation District. very enthusiastic about the photos and champs Architectural Archive, Special Collections, Photos by celebration of the 100-year anniver- the bus tour. UNR; 2004 winter issue of the University of Nevada’s Cindy Ainsworth. sary of Alice Ramsey’s cross-country Silver and Blue. automobile journey. I thank all of you for your support and encouragement. HRPS is indeed grateful. Cindy Ainsworth is a charter member and past presi- I regret to announce that our Board dent of HRPS. Currently she is the HRPS Administra- Secretary, Joan Collins, has resigned tor. She serves on the City of Reno Historical Resourc- — Felvia Belaustegui, HRPS President due to a career change. We owe HRPS President and HRC Commissioner es Commission. Anna and Harry Ginsburg and grandchildren. Standing, Mimi, sitting, Joan a tremendous vote of thanks. Janice, David and Roger. Photo courtesy of David Ginsburg. She has done an exceptionally pro-

2 11 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 The Ginsburg Family Businesses Wagon Tracks (continued) by Cindy Ainsworth Continued from page 9 arry Ginsburg was a successful Many remember the Park Lane clock clock was donated to The City of Reno. before heading in a northwesterly direc- jeweler and a community leader. that stood in the center of the mall and Plans include relocating the clock to the UNR grazing lands and Rosewood Lakes tion towards the Truckee River. golf course was a “swamp” (now called a HFor many years he took an active became the symbol for the shopping downtown redevelopment area. wetlands) or a “meadow” during the mid interest in civic affairs and was one of the center. The clock originally was located in This is further supported by a water. Harry Ginsburg died in 1954 and his son, 1800s. This area is bounded on the north nv.gov website describing the chronology organizers of Temple Emanu-El and an front of the Ginsburg Jewelry Company Sam, who became a partner with his by the Truckee River, which still periodically of the Truckee River, http://water.nv.gov/ active member of B’nai B’rith. The news- at 133 North Virginia. Popular between father in 1928, became the store’s owner. floods it, and Steamboat Creek on the east WaterPlanning/truckee/truckee2.cfm. In papers noted through the years that many the mid-nineteenth century and into Sam was an expert diamond merchant, (labeled “Cold Creek” on Jefferson’s map). 1844, an emigrant party from Council meetings of B’nai B’rith were hosted by the 1930s, these street symbols not only often traveling the world searching for Bluffs, Iowa, first used the direct route to Anna, at their 543 Ridge Street home. served to advertise businesses but were valuable precious stones to use in his cus- The following are excerpts from descrip- California via the Humboldt River. Guided city timepieces since most people did not David Ginsburg, former HRPS board mem- tom designed jewelry. In an article dated tions in emigrant diaries contained in by a Paiute Indian named Truckee, they wear watches. At one point, there were ber and Harry Ginsburg’s grandson, fondly 1971, he says, “I arrived in Honolulu from Fearful Crossing by Harold Curran, which turned west to Wadsworth, and along the two “dueling” Virginia Street jewelry store the Far East with $160,000 worth of sap- indicate that Steamboat Creek and the area Truckee River to Donner Lake. The Donner remembers many large family Jewish holi- clocks. The Ginsburg clock stood directly phires and rubies in my flight bag.” At the just to the west of it was either very diffi- Party followed this same route in 1846. day gatherings at the home. David com- across from the Ginsler-Lee Jewelers clock. time, he was the only Nevada member of cult, or judged to be impossible, to cross: Once gold was discovered in California in mented that, with kids being kids, Harry the National Appraisers Association and 1848, this route was used extensively. In would chase the grandkids out of the sit- was an authority on appraising the value “Soon after entering the valley we the mid-1800s, the eastern third of the ting room, complaining that he was trying took a trail leaving the road to right Truckee Meadows consisted of marshy to listen to the news on the radio. of precious stones of all kinds. & supposing to be a ‘Cutoff’ as the lowlands generally covered in thick grasses, road wound around a belt of marsh Harry Ginsburg was born in 1882 in Sam chose to retire and closed the store bulrushes, and cattails. At Vista, a rock Kovna, Russia (now located in indepen- on December 31, 1971, but he continued which crosses the valley at right angles dike, commonly called the Vista reef, partly dent Lithuania) and was educated in to do appraisals and design custom-made to the river. We followed this trail A bend near the top of the cut through the impeded the Truckee River's exit into the Russian public schools. He married Anna jewelry. He stated in an article that he around the base of the hills & soon Virginia Range leading down to lower Truckee River canyon, creating an Epp in 1903 and had three children, Leo, was looking forward to “doing what I found ourselves going off quite in (a) Hidden Valley. Photo courtesy Larry Marran. obstruction which further inundated this Sam and Ed. Interestingly, according to want to do.” The North Virginia Street contrary direction to the course of area during spring flooding. Fortunately, the 1949-50 Who’s Who in Nevada, in building where the jewelry store and the road & the marsh on our right most early travelers arrived at this point depended entirely on the amount of snow 1904 Harry was a watchmaker to the other small businesses were located was was entirely uncrossable a perfect in late summer or early fall, therefore quagmire.” – Elizabeth Perkins (1849) and rainfall the previous winter. In From Czar’s family. The Ginsburgs immigrated replaced by the Onslow Casino in the Oregon and California in 1848, author J. avoiding hazardous high-water flood to the United States in 1905, first living mid-1970s. Quinn Thornton reported that Mr. J. F. conditions. The Truckee River's course “We have crossed a slough, the in Denver and then moving to San Rafael, Reed, of the Donner Party, measured the through the Truckee Meadows was bor- crossing of which was fixed and California where, according to the Reno The two other Ginsburg sons were equally depth of the snow at the top of Donner dered by expanses of low, boggy fields and bridged by our Captain & party Evening Gazette, Harry established the successful Reno businessmen. Leo Pass using a rope at a point where a marshlands. Early travelers generally went ahead. Before this was done, it is said largest jewelry store in the area. founded the popular Home Furniture, it was almost impassable, each having spring caused an opening in the snow south along the eastern range of hills now Incorporated. Ed later joined as secretary/ to be cordelled across. We passed and found it to be 65 feet deep. Certainly called the Virginia Range, and cut through In 1915, Harry and his family moved to treasurer. The business was incorpo- over it safely & encamped in this when that tremendous amount of snow Hidden Valley towards Huffaker Hills. They Reno and took over the stock and lease of rated in 1932 and the original store was then turned west and skirted Rattlesnake lovely valley, with blue grass to the melted in the spring of 1847, the runoff the Marymont Jewelry Store. An article located at 119 North Virginia. The Home Mountain on its north side, generally horses knees.” – Vincent Geiger (1849) into the Truckee River was no doubt stated that he “proposes to add many of Furniture business steadily grew and soon pausing there to refresh themselves at bound to have caused flooding of a great the largest novelties in the jewelry line.” Caricature of Harry Ginsburg from the Lew the store was too small to adequately Donner Springs, as the Donner Party had In his crossing of the Truckee Meadows, deal of Truckee Meadows. In 1849, the His specialty was watch repair and manu- Hymer book Seen About Town. handle the ever expanding merchandise. done several years prior. while traveling eastbound from California, amount of spring runoff must have also facture of custom-designed jewelry. Courtesy of the Nevada Historical Society. well known diarist James Clyman described been high to raise a crop of blue grass in The opening of the new and modern It is this writer’s opinion that the wagon his passage around the ‘slough’ Steamboat the valley as high as a horses’ knees, as That store was located at the corner of Home Furniture store in 1941 was an tracks near Hidden Valley are too deep to The clock was manufactured by the Creek as follows: claimed by Vincent Geiger. Virginia and Second streets and at the important addition to the Sierra Street have been carved by only a few emigrant prominent clock-making company E. time was one of the largest jewelry stores Howard Company. While the column and business district. Located at the north- In The Donner Party Chronicles by Frank trains or by ranch wagons. Because of “We came to a deep muddy brook in Reno. The store was originally estab- base were made of cast iron, the round west corner of Sierra and First (where the Mullen Jr., it is reported that Walt the changing conditions in the Truckee running through a handsome prarie lished by Frank Golden, owner of the head of the Howard clocks was made of Parking Gallery is located today), the two Mulcahy, “a well-respected Nevada history Meadows described above, wagon trains (sic) valley went up the brook about Golden Hotel, before the turn of the cen- wood covered with a thin layer of copper. story building, designed by Lehman Ferris buff claims to have found artifacts marked may have been forced south into what is 3 miles before we found a crossing tury. In 1918, Ginsburg moved the store Many of them are gone today because and owned by the Yori Land and Livestock with George Donner’s name on them” near now the Hidden Valley area. Everything I passed down along side of steep volca- to 133 North Virginia St. where it became of wood rot. Originally, the clock was Company, was constructed of brick with the foot of Rattlesnake Mountain. have read tells me that the wagon tracks nic mountain, shewing (sic) immence one of the best-known jewelry firms in operated by pulleys, but at one point the terra cotta facing. The building was sur- quantities of rough slag and other near Hidden Valley are from the time peri- rounded by thirteen display windows and This writer believes that a number of emi- Nevada. Over the years, the store was mechanism was replaced with an electric vitrified matter.” od 1844 to 1850. twenty-three model rooms graced the grant trains followed the track described expanded and Ginsburg added a custom motor by the well-known Seattle clock interior. The building must have been an It is the opinion of this writer that the by Heinrich Leinhard down into Hidden jewelry design department. A 1923 ad maker, Joseph Meyer Company. Many of Lloyd Shanks is a member of HRPS stated that the store was “equal to any their Seattle clocks are considered historic impressive sight. degree to which Steamboat Creek and Valley, turned south at Steamboat Creek and the National Auto Museum. and went as far as Rattlesnake Mountain shop on the coast.” landmarks. When the mall closed, the the marsh to the west of it was crossable Continued on page 4 10 3 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Wagon Tracks Across the Truckee Meadows The Ginsburg Family Businesses (continued) by Lloyd Shanks Continued from page 4 Reno Evening Gazette article, “featured the concrete pouring of floors and ceiling Author’s Note: On my first hike through the Rattlesnake Mountain, is a fenced off area The Home Furniture building saw its fair for the entire building at one time then area south of my home in Hidden Valley, I protecting a portion of a deep wagon trail share of disasters. This building was first jacking them into position by pneumatic discovered what was surely a trail left by heading from the north end of the valley damaged in the 1957 Sierra Street gas hydraulic method.” The concrete floors wagon trains as pictured in books I had towards the southwest. This site is marked explosion. David Ginsburg remembers were then secured to the already con- read about the emigrant wagon trains and by a bullet-riddled signpost indicating it is all the windows on First Street blew out. structed steel columns by shear bars. their trails across the United States. Finding a portion of an emigrant wagon train path. The building also survived Reno’s major the history of this wagon track in southeast This claim has been disputed by those who floods in 1950 and in 1955. This unique construction caused quite a Reno is the topic of this article. maintain that the emigrant wagon trains stir in downtown Reno. Many “sidewalk followed the Truckee River and continued Home Furniture was truly a family-run superintendents” stopped daily to watch etween 1846, when the Bear Flag in a westerly direction across the meadows, business. After college in 1957, a young the lift slab process. Amazingly, this meth- Revolt cleared the way for the fur- and the marked trail is only a portion of David Ginsburg, Leo’s son, joined the od only took 17 days to install six floor Bther expansion of settlements in a road used by ranch wagons many years company and remained with the firm slabs and the bottom floor and roof slabs. California, and 1860, a virtual flood of emi- after the last wagon train passed. until it was sold in 1971. His dad made grants from the eastern and midwestern sure that he learned the furniture and The opening of this store in 1961 must United States traveled across the country in As indicated in the pictures on pages 9 and home furnishing trade first-hand by start- have been comparable to the opening wagon trains on their way to new lives in 10, this deep path is much like the wagon ing him in the warehouse and then mov- of today’s new malls. The store featured the Golden State. ruts still existing in many parts of the coun- ing him to other departments, including everything for your home furnishing try stretching from St. Joseph, Missouri the drapery department. needs: high-end furniture, draperies, The wagon trains that cut trails through to Nevada. Those ruts were carved by the linens, floor coverings, gifts, housewares the Truckee Meadows on their way to steel tires of countless wagons and, in some 1941 Reno Evening Gazette ad for the grand and appliances. There was even a “hi-fi” the steep Donner Pass route reached a places, were so deep that a man could sit Twice a year, David would hit the road, opening of the Home Furniture store at shop featuring Roy Kroll’s House of peak in the gold rush of 1849, when, in on one edge of them and his feet would often with his dad Leo, to do the furni- Sierra and First streets. Heading south towards Rattlesnake ture buying. This was a common practice Records, “Reno’s largest, most complete September, emigrant trains were reported not reach the bottom. It would take a huge Mountain shows the depth of the trail. among furniture and home furnishing record shop.” coming over that route at a rate of “100 number of trips in a light ranch wagon to Photo courtesy Larry Marran. stores. Most of the U.S. furniture manu- (maple furniture was the rage during the trains a day.” In The California Trail, author make a path as deep as the trail made by facturers and factories were located in the 1950s) was located on Island Avenue. The Leo and Ed Ginsburg retired in 1971 and George R. Stewart estimated the number the wagons pulled by the ox teams most the river being a rapid stream and its southern states. Many of the furniture Sparks’ Home Furniture Thrift Mart fea- sold the business to their friends and of emigrants that year to be at least 7,000. often used by the emigrants. bottom covered with large rocks. By companies were named after the town tured lower priced and unpainted furni- California home furnishing store own- According to Stewart, “after 1850 the following the mountain road, all these ture. The Sparks shop moved twice along they were located in. David would travel to ers, Bob and Bill Breuner who wanted Truckee route was little used with most As the wagon trains followed the Truckee fords but eight (8) may be avoided.” such romantic locales as Bassett, Virginia, B Street. The final Sparks location is now to enter the northern Nevada market. wagons crossing the desert to the Carson River east of the northernmost hills of the and Drexel and Thomasville, North Terrible’s Rail City. In 1975, the building was then occupied River and over the less steep Carson Pass.” Carson Range, it was necessary for them The wagon train in which Heinrich by Ardan Wholesale Incorporated. Sadly, to cross the river numerous times. T. H. Lienhard traveled, that preceded the ill-fat- Carolina. Home Furniture had the exclusive But the ultimate home furnishing accom- this unique contemporary building was One path that the emigrants are reported Jefferson’s map number IV of the Map of ed Donner Party train in 1846, was on the northern Nevada distribution rights to plishment for the Ginsburg family was demolished to make way for the juvenile to have followed through the Truckee the Emigrant Road from Independence, south side of the river and chose to enter many of these fine furniture companies. the building located at Sierra and Island. court building. Meadows is still marked by a deep swale in Missouri to San Francisco, California in the Truckee Meadows by the “mountain The store combined the old location home As the community expanded so did Home the desert soil on undeveloped property on the publication Overland in 1846 – Diaries furnishings with the Kiddies Store and road” that led to a ravine between the two Furniture Inc. A Kiddies Store was located the eastern side of Reno. On the dirt road and Letters of the California-Oregon Trail Maple Shop. According to a 1960 Reno I would like to thank David Gins- mountains south of the river. In his diary, at First and Sierra and the Maple Shop leading south of the community of Hidden by Dale Morgan, indicates that, at that Evening Gazette article, “This is burg for sharing his family stories parts of which are published in From St. Valley, just north of the intersection of time, there were numerous oxbows on the the first store of its type west and photos. Other information for Louis to California, Heinrich Lienhard stat- the paved road at the eastern base of Truckee River between Truckee Meadows ed that as they proceeded down the “steep of the Rockies to be designed this article was obtained from Jerry and Pyramid Lake. In his book and constructed for a complete Fenwick; Reno Evening Gazette and hill” at this point it was a “sleigh ride.” Ordeal by Hunger, George R. Most of the emigrant wagons did not have showing of home furnishings. Nevada State Journal newspapers Stewart claims “They had The architects have designed with dating from 1915 to 1975; Who’s brakes, and the rear wheels would simply to ford the river more than be blocked with timber or chained in place customer service in mind to grant Who in Nevada, 1949-50; Nevada once to the mile.” In Fearful easy access to all displays.” Humanities’ Online Nevada Ency- and the wagon would then skid down a Journey, Harold Curran steep grade. It is possible that the Donner clopedia (www.onlinenevada.org) includes the following entry The 80,000 square foot, six-story Party also followed this steep path. article by Bruce Bledsoe on Historic from a diary kept by Andrew building was designed by Ralph Street Clock of Reno. Child in 1850, describing how Berger, AIA, who had also super- Whether all or most of the wagon trains to avoid many fords: vised the construction of the Cindy Ainsworth is a charter could have crossed the Truckee Meadows new J. C. Penney store on Sierra. member and past president of by paralleling the Truckee River is also “It has been usual to ford a matter of controversy, depending on The first of its kind in northern HRPS. Currently she is the HRPS the river twenty or thirty Administrator. She serves on the whether the area east of the present site People standing in line for the 1961 grand opening of the Nevada, the construction used times within as many miles City of Reno Historical Resources of the Reno airport now occupied by the Home Furniture store at Sierra and Island streets. the lift slab pre-stressed concrete A weathered and bullet-riddled sign marks the wagon tracks to avoid the walls of rock. method. This, according to a Commission. Photo courtesy of David Ginsburg. near Hidden Valley. Photo courtesy Larry Marran. The fords are all very bad, Continued on page 10

4 9 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Geologic and Natural History Tours in the Reno Area Now, Emily’s Journey (continued) Published by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (University of Nevada, Reno, 2005) Review by Kim Henrick Continued from page 7 outside of Austin, Babbs had her first Information for this article came from here is more to the Reno area’s • Trip 1: Around the Truckee Meadows; life—all through the engaging real time encounter with hail. Emily’s first concern conversations with Emily Anderson and history than old buildings and • Trip 2: Virginia City–Carson City– adventure of a road trip. And for those of crowd that she had expected it to be was for the Maxwell—“The car, oh the her team, the Team Blog on aliceramsey. Tdead people. Sure, we are all Washoe Valley–Steamboat Hot Springs; you only interested in old buildings and fascinated by those who have gone endless miles of tedious, unchanging beautiful car!” she exclaimed to Christie. org, and Emily's talk delivered at the Na- dead people, there is plenty of that. before us and the structures that • Trip 3: Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City; scenery, rather like the midwest Christie, being of a more practical turn tional Automobile Museum, July 6, 2009. sheltered their private, business and Many talented people were involved in cornfields, but says she and Christie of mind responded, “Forget the car, what • Trip 4: Reno Through the Truckee about US?” Debbie Hinman is a HRPS Board Mem- social lives, but did you know that River Canyon to Pyramid Lake. the writing and publishing of this book, were awed by the beauty and variety ber, HRPS Tour Guide and on the HRPS those buildings were built near fault too many to mention here, but I want to of the landscape. They encountered The group spent the Fourth of July Editorial Board. lines and volcanic rock on Geiger Grade; mention that our own Jack Hursh, HRPS local journalists who, along with weekend in Reno, watching the Nugget’s under the peaks of the Virginia Range Program Director, designed this beautiful the townspeople, were friendly and If you want to learn more about Emily’s fireworks from the back deck of HRPS and Carson Range; above geology from publication and he did not pay me to say welcoming and steered them to historic members Glee Willis and John Ton’s home. journey, check out the Anderson’s website “relatively young rocks of Mesozoic and sites, such as the world-famous Nevada at aliceramsey.org. The day-by-day team this. Its clever and intuitive layout, the After dining out for the past month, they Cenozoic age (from 248 million years striking images and well-written text, “Shoe Tree.” In spite of the fact that it were very appreciative of the wonderful blog is there, as well as wonderful pho- ago to the present)”? was early July, when climbing a pass tographs chronicling the entire journey. and the book’s tough road-trip feel, make home-cooked barbecue fare served at the book a pleasure to hold. In fact, from the Willis/Ton home. Emily, looking very And watch for Bengt Anderson’s video Do you know the history of the pine now on I think I’m just going to just leave tanned and relaxed, cuddled Kaisa and documentary of his family’s experience, beetle and the damage it can do to my copy in the car. admitted to feeling a little “bittersweet” currently in production. the forests of Lake Tahoe? Where were apples grown in the area in the 1860s about the approaching end to her In addition to local book stores, this adventure. “I do need to get home to my and 1870s? Knowing the histories of Each page is loaded with high-quality book can be purchased directly from the dying garden, though,” she admitted. the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, the Pyramid Lake Paiutes, the Last Chance photographs (many in color), excellent Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology After nearly 3,000 miles and exactly one Ditch, and the V-Flumes used during sketches and well-researched historical with this information: Geologic and month, after being plagued by any number the mining boom to carry timber from and contemporary notes to help you Natural History Tours in the Reno Area of mechanical difficulties, bees, bugs, the Sierra Nevada to Virginia City can identify important points of interest, (Expanded Edition), Nevada Bureau of rocks, rain and hail, the Maxwell with only enhance our understanding of the whether it be the Steamboat Ditch, the Mines and Geology Special Publication Emily behind the wheel and Christie in old buildings and dead people we all Yellow Jacket Shaft in Virginia City, the 19, $24.95 plus shipping; phone (775) American coot (a bird that frequents the co-pilot’s seat rolled across the Golden love to study. 682-8766; www.nbmg.unr.edu (click on Washoe Lake and Virginia Lake), Chalk Gate Bridge and onto Crissy Field in San Publications Sales). For walk-in purchases, The only academic-sounding part of this Bluff along West Fourth Street, or the Francisco, at noon on July 9. A celebratory please go to 2175 Raggio Parkway, Reno, book is the title. Imagine, instead, the site of an historic sawmill at Incline Nevada, 89512. barbecue was held in the team’s honor, title “Reno Area’s Fantastic Road Trips,” Village. Who doesn’t want to impress with Babbs being the centerpiece of the and be ready for a terrific read. The book their friends with knowledge about the celebration. has a wide format bound with a spiral geologic history of Slide Mountain and Kim Henrick is a HRPS member and ring and is perfect for opening at any Mount Rose, our darlings of the Carson There could be no better postscript to the a member of the HRPS Editorial Reno’s Channel 2 interviews Richard page and tossing on the car seat next to Range. Learn about the extensive mining adventure than Rich’s observation in his Board. She is a volunteer at the Anderson, Emily’s father, and the man you as you follow the mile-marker guide history in the area and see spectacular final blog: “Thankfully, everyone is safe, Nevada Historical Society. whose idea it was to re-enact Alice’s through four significant areas nearby: photographs of our area’s bird and plant journey on its centennial. Building the well, and through to the other end of this Babbs (the car) and Sally Barnett pose in 1909 Maxwell DA from both original once-in-a-lifetime experience. Time will tell front of the famous “Shoe Tree” near and manufactured parts was his six-year how it has changed our lives, surely it has Middlegate, Nevada. Photo courtesy of hobby. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. in many ways.” aliceramsey.org. Mt. Rose Elementary Centennial Commemoration RPS member and Mt. sister" schools (Orvis Ring, lend school memorabilia for the HRPS Annual Fall Social October 21, 2009 Rose Elementary School McKinley Park, Mary S. Doten, exhibit including old report cards, Hparent Jenny Brekhus is and Mt. Rose Elementary), built materials with logos, notices, ust off your dusters and polish up your driving speaker in keeping with our "Alice's Drive" theme. looking for individuals who are starting in 1909. photos or other items. If enough goggles as HRPS takes you on an historic motoring interested in working with her Mt. Rose principal Karen Wallis materials are received, a rotating Tickets are $60 and can be obtained by sending a Devening Wednesday night, October 21, at the to plan for the celebration of the has given permission for an exhibit could be created during National Automobile Museum. Join us in Gallery 4 for check to Felvia Belaustegui, 3015 Heatheridge Lane, school's centennial. exhibit regarding the school's the celebration period. Reno, NV 89509. cocktails and auction item viewing and bidding at 6 p.m. history to be installed in the Mt. Rose Elementary is the Please contact Jenny Brekhus You'll also have an opportunity to visit the museum's If you have auction items to donate, particularly those glass cabinet in the school's region's oldest operating school at 828-7438 or jennybrekhus@ Alice Ramsey display. Dinner, catered by the Siena, will with an automotive theme, please contact Carrie Young entry hallway. We are looking for be served at 7 p.m., followed by a very special guest at 624-1076 or via email at [email protected]. and one of the "four Spanish individuals who are willing to gmail.com.

8 5 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Now, Emily’s Journey HRPS by Debbie Hinman This story is a follow-up to the FootPrints biggest challenges was that, unlike Alice, times out of ten, they would be ‘For Sale’ September 2009 article on Alice Ramsey, entitled “Alice’s we had to deal with the modern-day cars. or ‘Out of Business.’ “That’s been a really Journey,” published in Volume 12, No. 3, One of the things that I think most people sad thing to see,” Emily regretfully told the Summer 2009. This is Emily’s story, the don’t realize is the Maxwell can’t stop on audience. “To me it has really opened my Historic Walking Tours intrepid young woman who undertook the a dime.” Also, unlike modern convertibles, eyes to how important it is to preserve our re-enactment of Alice’s journey on its 100- in the Maxwell the occupants are sitting history, take care of our small towns and year anniversary. I had the opportunity to up high with no windshield, so the draft maybe not shop at Wal-Mart all the time.” Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Walks generally last from 1½ to 2 hours. meet Emily and her crew during her stay in created by large passing vehicles was a No dogs please. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please visit www. historicreno.org For the first half of the trip, the Maxwell or call 747-4478 for information and reservations. Reno and was very impressed by her pluck substantial hazard. “We end up being and spirit of adventure. Alice’s descendants the windshield ourselves, with our faces experienced frequent mechanical troubles; PLEASE NOTE, TUESDAY EVENING TOURS WILL NOW START AT 5:30 PM. were cheering her on from their various and our bodies,” laughed Emily. She did one piston rod broke three times. Because homes around the country, but I wouldn’t be relate the one instance in Ohio where the of the repeated problem with babbitt, DELONGCHAMPS RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - This walk takes you on a neighborhood tour surprised if Alice herself was doing the same, Maxwell crew actually got to pass another which is a metal alloy used for bearings Tuesday, of many noteworthy homes, both large and small, designed by Reno's notable architect, Frederic from a much more distant vantage point. vehicle on the road—it was a piece of and such, the Maxwell acquired its name September 1 (Babbitt, pronounced with a French accent DeLongchamps. Also, hear about his life and what made him so unique to this area. Meet at the farm equipment and the women passed 5:30 p.m. n June 9, 2009, it was a gray day or Babbs for short) by which it would Hardy House, 442 Flint Street. Tour Guides: Anne Simone and Sharon Honig-Bear. in New York City with be known for the remainder Orain sheeting down of its journey. But aside from MANSIONS ON THE BLUFF - A historic walk that looks at some of the most notable homes in Tuesday, upon the 1909 Maxwell and its losing first gear in Nebraska Reno: Court, Ridge and upper California streets, home to three senators and the merchants female occupants, exactly as it and traveling on the rest of September 8 that made early Reno The Biggest Little City. Meet at the McCarran House, 401 Court Street. had 100 years to the day and the way without it, the second 5:30 p.m. Tour Guide: Ed Wishart. hour earlier. Well, nearly so—the half of the trip went a lot Maxwell was five minutes late more smoothly with respect to leaving 1930 Broadway this mechanical difficulties. Saturday, LAKE ADDITION - Meander past divorce-trade dwellings and Victorian architecture, through time around. And the female The day’s travel to Omaha was September 12 one of Reno's earliest additions. Includes a stop at the Lake Mansion. Meet at the Nevada occupants were, instead of Alice the longest day of their journey, 10:00 a.m. Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street. Tour Guide: Debbie Hinman. Ramsey and her crew, driver Emily Anderson and her co-pilot Emily related. They had traveled and navigator Christie Catania. 260 miles that day, seeing not much but mile upon mile of POWNING ADDITION AND LITTLE ITALY - Discover one of Reno's earliest and most Tuesday, Following the Maxwell in cornfields. The Maxwell had delightful vernacular neighborhoods, predominantly settled by Northern Italian September 15 separate vehicles were a three- been running really well for a immigrants. This neighborhood is now the first City of Reno Conservation District. Meet man film crew, headed by few days, Emily told the crowd. 5:30 p.m. at McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Tour Guide: Felvia Belaustegui. Emily’s brother, filmmaker With about two miles to go into Bengt Anderson, the team Omaha, it was necessary for UPPER RALSTON/NORTHERN LITTLE ITALY - Enjoy a walk in a residential neighborhood mechanics, an Alice Ramsey Emily Anderson (behind the wheel) and Christie Catania on the crew to leave the two-lane Saturday, with a mix of architectural styles. Proximity to the University has traditionally determined re-enactor named Sally Barnett Lake Tahoe’s Pioneer Trail, on the last leg of their highway and merge onto the September 19 and Emily’s parents Richard fast-moving, five-lane interstate. the mix of residents, professors and students alike. Meet at the intersection of cross-country journey. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. 10:00 a.m. and Margaret. One other Just as they began to merge, Washington Street, The Strand, and College Avenue. Tour Guides: Jim and Sue Smith. very important member of it in high spirits, waving, whooping and Emily said, they heard a loud the Anderson crew was Emily’s infant hollering to the driver. “He was actually backfire and the engine died. Frantically Tuesday, HISTORIC TRUCKEE RIVER WALK - A relaxing stroll along the Truckee River reveals eclectic daughter, Kaisa. Unlike Alice Ramsey, going slower than we were!” Emily Emily tried to move over to the shoulder, September 22 architecture grounded by rich political histories and spiced with colorful anecdotes. Meet Emily was able to have her child traveling exclaimed, to gales of laughter from the with the interstate traffic cruising by with her, a much safer plan in today’s Babbs at warp speed. Rich Anderson came 5:30 p.m. at McKinley Arts and Cultural Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Tour Guide: Joan Collins. Reno audience. world than in 1909. running up to the Maxwell, questioning Of course, driving across the country on Emily, “Was it the same noise again?” NEW TOUR! PROHIBITION IN RENO - We’ve turned back the clocks to the 1920s and 30s. We’ll Emily and her entourage followed Alice’s lesser-traveled roads at 35 miles per hour “No, this was a different noise,” Emily and original route across the country as closely walk streets and alleys and visit significant buildings, recalling Reno’s saloons and reformers (the gave Emily time to reflect on the nature Christie agreed. This marked the only time Saturday, as they could, staying off the interstate WCTU and Anti-Saloon League). We’ll even visit an alleged speakeasy. Then join us for an optional of the changes that have impacted “small the Maxwell had run out of gas. September 26 whenever possible. In addition to the non- post-tour Repeal of Prohibition celebration at the Amendment 21 Grill, 425 S. Virginia St. Tour town America.” During her talk, Emily 3:00-5:00 p.m. scenic aspect, the Maxwell’s top speed of Emily termed it a “serious treat” when starts at Amtrak’s Reno Station, 135 East Commercial Row, Tour Guides: Debbie Hinman and Sharon told of how they would be driving through about 35 miles-per-hour made freeway the quaint, historic downtown sections the Maxwell encountered “The Loneliest Honig-Bear. travel a dangerous proposition. of older midwestern towns looking for Road,” Nevada’s infamous Highway 50. a small Mom & Pop-type diner in which “This is what the Maxwell was made During her talk at Reno’s National for,” she laughed. She admitted to the Online Reservations for HRPS Walks Now Available Automobile Museum on Monday evening, to grab a snack or cup of coffee. Though at www.historicreno.org July 6, Emily told the crowd, “One of our the historic buildings might be there, nine Continued on page 8

6 7 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Now, Emily’s Journey HRPS by Debbie Hinman This story is a follow-up to the FootPrints biggest challenges was that, unlike Alice, times out of ten, they would be ‘For Sale’ September 2009 article on Alice Ramsey, entitled “Alice’s we had to deal with the modern-day cars. or ‘Out of Business.’ “That’s been a really Journey,” published in Volume 12, No. 3, One of the things that I think most people sad thing to see,” Emily regretfully told the Summer 2009. This is Emily’s story, the don’t realize is the Maxwell can’t stop on audience. “To me it has really opened my Historic Walking Tours intrepid young woman who undertook the a dime.” Also, unlike modern convertibles, eyes to how important it is to preserve our re-enactment of Alice’s journey on its 100- in the Maxwell the occupants are sitting history, take care of our small towns and year anniversary. I had the opportunity to up high with no windshield, so the draft maybe not shop at Wal-Mart all the time.” Tour cost is $10 per person, free to HRPS members. Walks generally last from 1½ to 2 hours. meet Emily and her crew during her stay in created by large passing vehicles was a No dogs please. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please visit www. historicreno.org For the first half of the trip, the Maxwell or call 747-4478 for information and reservations. Reno and was very impressed by her pluck substantial hazard. “We end up being and spirit of adventure. Alice’s descendants the windshield ourselves, with our faces experienced frequent mechanical troubles; PLEASE NOTE, TUESDAY EVENING TOURS WILL NOW START AT 5:30 PM. were cheering her on from their various and our bodies,” laughed Emily. She did one piston rod broke three times. Because homes around the country, but I wouldn’t be relate the one instance in Ohio where the of the repeated problem with babbitt, DELONGCHAMPS RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - This walk takes you on a neighborhood tour surprised if Alice herself was doing the same, Maxwell crew actually got to pass another which is a metal alloy used for bearings Tuesday, of many noteworthy homes, both large and small, designed by Reno's notable architect, Frederic from a much more distant vantage point. vehicle on the road—it was a piece of and such, the Maxwell acquired its name September 1 (Babbitt, pronounced with a French accent DeLongchamps. Also, hear about his life and what made him so unique to this area. Meet at the farm equipment and the women passed 5:30 p.m. n June 9, 2009, it was a gray day or Babbs for short) by which it would Hardy House, 442 Flint Street. Tour Guides: Anne Simone and Sharon Honig-Bear. in New York City with be known for the remainder Orain sheeting down of its journey. But aside from MANSIONS ON THE BLUFF - A historic walk that looks at some of the most notable homes in Tuesday, upon the 1909 Maxwell and its losing first gear in Nebraska Reno: Court, Ridge and upper California streets, home to three senators and the merchants female occupants, exactly as it and traveling on the rest of September 8 that made early Reno The Biggest Little City. Meet at the McCarran House, 401 Court Street. had 100 years to the day and the way without it, the second 5:30 p.m. Tour Guide: Ed Wishart. hour earlier. Well, nearly so—the half of the trip went a lot Maxwell was five minutes late more smoothly with respect to leaving 1930 Broadway this mechanical difficulties. Saturday, LAKE ADDITION - Meander past divorce-trade dwellings and Victorian architecture, through time around. And the female The day’s travel to Omaha was September 12 one of Reno's earliest additions. Includes a stop at the Lake Mansion. Meet at the Nevada occupants were, instead of Alice the longest day of their journey, 10:00 a.m. Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street. Tour Guide: Debbie Hinman. Ramsey and her crew, driver Emily Anderson and her co-pilot Emily related. They had traveled and navigator Christie Catania. 260 miles that day, seeing not much but mile upon mile of POWNING ADDITION AND LITTLE ITALY - Discover one of Reno's earliest and most Tuesday, Following the Maxwell in cornfields. The Maxwell had delightful vernacular neighborhoods, predominantly settled by Northern Italian September 15 separate vehicles were a three- been running really well for a immigrants. This neighborhood is now the first City of Reno Conservation District. Meet man film crew, headed by few days, Emily told the crowd. 5:30 p.m. at McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Tour Guide: Felvia Belaustegui. Emily’s brother, filmmaker With about two miles to go into Bengt Anderson, the team Omaha, it was necessary for UPPER RALSTON/NORTHERN LITTLE ITALY - Enjoy a walk in a residential neighborhood mechanics, an Alice Ramsey Emily Anderson (behind the wheel) and Christie Catania on the crew to leave the two-lane Saturday, with a mix of architectural styles. Proximity to the University has traditionally determined re-enactor named Sally Barnett Lake Tahoe’s Pioneer Trail, on the last leg of their highway and merge onto the September 19 and Emily’s parents Richard fast-moving, five-lane interstate. the mix of residents, professors and students alike. Meet at the intersection of cross-country journey. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. 10:00 a.m. and Margaret. One other Just as they began to merge, Washington Street, The Strand, and College Avenue. Tour Guides: Jim and Sue Smith. very important member of it in high spirits, waving, whooping and Emily said, they heard a loud the Anderson crew was Emily’s infant hollering to the driver. “He was actually backfire and the engine died. Frantically Tuesday, HISTORIC TRUCKEE RIVER WALK - A relaxing stroll along the Truckee River reveals eclectic daughter, Kaisa. Unlike Alice Ramsey, going slower than we were!” Emily Emily tried to move over to the shoulder, September 22 architecture grounded by rich political histories and spiced with colorful anecdotes. Meet Emily was able to have her child traveling exclaimed, to gales of laughter from the with the interstate traffic cruising by with her, a much safer plan in today’s Babbs at warp speed. Rich Anderson came 5:30 p.m. at McKinley Arts and Cultural Center, 925 Riverside Drive. Tour Guide: Joan Collins. Reno audience. world than in 1909. running up to the Maxwell, questioning Of course, driving across the country on Emily, “Was it the same noise again?” NEW TOUR! PROHIBITION IN RENO - We’ve turned back the clocks to the 1920s and 30s. We’ll Emily and her entourage followed Alice’s lesser-traveled roads at 35 miles per hour “No, this was a different noise,” Emily and original route across the country as closely walk streets and alleys and visit significant buildings, recalling Reno’s saloons and reformers (the gave Emily time to reflect on the nature Christie agreed. This marked the only time Saturday, as they could, staying off the interstate WCTU and Anti-Saloon League). We’ll even visit an alleged speakeasy. Then join us for an optional of the changes that have impacted “small the Maxwell had run out of gas. September 26 whenever possible. In addition to the non- post-tour Repeal of Prohibition celebration at the Amendment 21 Grill, 425 S. Virginia St. Tour town America.” During her talk, Emily 3:00-5:00 p.m. scenic aspect, the Maxwell’s top speed of Emily termed it a “serious treat” when starts at Amtrak’s Reno Station, 135 East Commercial Row, Tour Guides: Debbie Hinman and Sharon told of how they would be driving through about 35 miles-per-hour made freeway the quaint, historic downtown sections the Maxwell encountered “The Loneliest Honig-Bear. travel a dangerous proposition. of older midwestern towns looking for Road,” Nevada’s infamous Highway 50. a small Mom & Pop-type diner in which “This is what the Maxwell was made During her talk at Reno’s National for,” she laughed. She admitted to the Online Reservations for HRPS Walks Now Available Automobile Museum on Monday evening, to grab a snack or cup of coffee. Though at www.historicreno.org July 6, Emily told the crowd, “One of our the historic buildings might be there, nine Continued on page 8

6 7 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Geologic and Natural History Tours in the Reno Area Now, Emily’s Journey (continued) Published by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (University of Nevada, Reno, 2005) Review by Kim Henrick Continued from page 7 outside of Austin, Babbs had her first Information for this article came from here is more to the Reno area’s • Trip 1: Around the Truckee Meadows; life—all through the engaging real time encounter with hail. Emily’s first concern conversations with Emily Anderson and history than old buildings and • Trip 2: Virginia City–Carson City– adventure of a road trip. And for those of crowd that she had expected it to be was for the Maxwell—“The car, oh the her team, the Team Blog on aliceramsey. Tdead people. Sure, we are all Washoe Valley–Steamboat Hot Springs; you only interested in old buildings and fascinated by those who have gone endless miles of tedious, unchanging beautiful car!” she exclaimed to Christie. org, and Emily's talk delivered at the Na- dead people, there is plenty of that. before us and the structures that • Trip 3: Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City; scenery, rather like the midwest Christie, being of a more practical turn tional Automobile Museum, July 6, 2009. sheltered their private, business and Many talented people were involved in cornfields, but says she and Christie of mind responded, “Forget the car, what • Trip 4: Reno Through the Truckee about US?” Debbie Hinman is a HRPS Board Mem- social lives, but did you know that River Canyon to Pyramid Lake. the writing and publishing of this book, were awed by the beauty and variety ber, HRPS Tour Guide and on the HRPS those buildings were built near fault too many to mention here, but I want to of the landscape. They encountered The group spent the Fourth of July Editorial Board. lines and volcanic rock on Geiger Grade; mention that our own Jack Hursh, HRPS local journalists who, along with weekend in Reno, watching the Nugget’s under the peaks of the Virginia Range Program Director, designed this beautiful the townspeople, were friendly and If you want to learn more about Emily’s fireworks from the back deck of HRPS and Carson Range; above geology from publication and he did not pay me to say welcoming and steered them to historic members Glee Willis and John Ton’s home. journey, check out the Anderson’s website “relatively young rocks of Mesozoic and sites, such as the world-famous Nevada at aliceramsey.org. The day-by-day team this. Its clever and intuitive layout, the After dining out for the past month, they Cenozoic age (from 248 million years striking images and well-written text, “Shoe Tree.” In spite of the fact that it were very appreciative of the wonderful blog is there, as well as wonderful pho- ago to the present)”? was early July, when climbing a pass tographs chronicling the entire journey. and the book’s tough road-trip feel, make home-cooked barbecue fare served at the book a pleasure to hold. In fact, from the Willis/Ton home. Emily, looking very And watch for Bengt Anderson’s video Do you know the history of the pine now on I think I’m just going to just leave tanned and relaxed, cuddled Kaisa and documentary of his family’s experience, beetle and the damage it can do to my copy in the car. admitted to feeling a little “bittersweet” currently in production. the forests of Lake Tahoe? Where were apples grown in the area in the 1860s about the approaching end to her In addition to local book stores, this adventure. “I do need to get home to my and 1870s? Knowing the histories of Each page is loaded with high-quality book can be purchased directly from the dying garden, though,” she admitted. the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, the Pyramid Lake Paiutes, the Last Chance photographs (many in color), excellent Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology After nearly 3,000 miles and exactly one Ditch, and the V-Flumes used during sketches and well-researched historical with this information: Geologic and month, after being plagued by any number the mining boom to carry timber from and contemporary notes to help you Natural History Tours in the Reno Area of mechanical difficulties, bees, bugs, the Sierra Nevada to Virginia City can identify important points of interest, (Expanded Edition), Nevada Bureau of rocks, rain and hail, the Maxwell with only enhance our understanding of the whether it be the Steamboat Ditch, the Mines and Geology Special Publication Emily behind the wheel and Christie in old buildings and dead people we all Yellow Jacket Shaft in Virginia City, the 19, $24.95 plus shipping; phone (775) American coot (a bird that frequents the co-pilot’s seat rolled across the Golden love to study. 682-8766; www.nbmg.unr.edu (click on Washoe Lake and Virginia Lake), Chalk Gate Bridge and onto Crissy Field in San Publications Sales). For walk-in purchases, The only academic-sounding part of this Bluff along West Fourth Street, or the Francisco, at noon on July 9. A celebratory please go to 2175 Raggio Parkway, Reno, book is the title. Imagine, instead, the site of an historic sawmill at Incline Nevada, 89512. barbecue was held in the team’s honor, title “Reno Area’s Fantastic Road Trips,” Village. Who doesn’t want to impress with Babbs being the centerpiece of the and be ready for a terrific read. The book their friends with knowledge about the celebration. has a wide format bound with a spiral geologic history of Slide Mountain and Kim Henrick is a HRPS member and ring and is perfect for opening at any Mount Rose, our darlings of the Carson There could be no better postscript to the a member of the HRPS Editorial Reno’s Channel 2 interviews Richard page and tossing on the car seat next to Range. Learn about the extensive mining adventure than Rich’s observation in his Board. She is a volunteer at the Anderson, Emily’s father, and the man you as you follow the mile-marker guide history in the area and see spectacular final blog: “Thankfully, everyone is safe, Nevada Historical Society. whose idea it was to re-enact Alice’s through four significant areas nearby: photographs of our area’s bird and plant journey on its centennial. Building the well, and through to the other end of this Babbs (the car) and Sally Barnett pose in 1909 Maxwell DA from both original once-in-a-lifetime experience. Time will tell front of the famous “Shoe Tree” near and manufactured parts was his six-year how it has changed our lives, surely it has Middlegate, Nevada. Photo courtesy of hobby. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. in many ways.” aliceramsey.org. Mt. Rose Elementary Centennial Commemoration RPS member and Mt. sister" schools (Orvis Ring, lend school memorabilia for the HRPS Annual Fall Social October 21, 2009 Rose Elementary School McKinley Park, Mary S. Doten, exhibit including old report cards, Hparent Jenny Brekhus is and Mt. Rose Elementary), built materials with logos, notices, ust off your dusters and polish up your driving speaker in keeping with our "Alice's Drive" theme. looking for individuals who are starting in 1909. photos or other items. If enough goggles as HRPS takes you on an historic motoring interested in working with her Mt. Rose principal Karen Wallis materials are received, a rotating Tickets are $60 and can be obtained by sending a Devening Wednesday night, October 21, at the to plan for the celebration of the has given permission for an exhibit could be created during National Automobile Museum. Join us in Gallery 4 for check to Felvia Belaustegui, 3015 Heatheridge Lane, school's centennial. exhibit regarding the school's the celebration period. Reno, NV 89509. cocktails and auction item viewing and bidding at 6 p.m. history to be installed in the Mt. Rose Elementary is the Please contact Jenny Brekhus You'll also have an opportunity to visit the museum's If you have auction items to donate, particularly those glass cabinet in the school's region's oldest operating school at 828-7438 or jennybrekhus@ Alice Ramsey display. Dinner, catered by the Siena, will with an automotive theme, please contact Carrie Young entry hallway. We are looking for be served at 7 p.m., followed by a very special guest at 624-1076 or via email at [email protected]. and one of the "four Spanish individuals who are willing to gmail.com.

8 5 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 Wagon Tracks Across the Truckee Meadows The Ginsburg Family Businesses (continued) by Lloyd Shanks Continued from page 4 Reno Evening Gazette article, “featured the concrete pouring of floors and ceiling Author’s Note: On my first hike through the Rattlesnake Mountain, is a fenced off area The Home Furniture building saw its fair for the entire building at one time then area south of my home in Hidden Valley, I protecting a portion of a deep wagon trail share of disasters. This building was first jacking them into position by pneumatic discovered what was surely a trail left by heading from the north end of the valley damaged in the 1957 Sierra Street gas hydraulic method.” The concrete floors wagon trains as pictured in books I had towards the southwest. This site is marked explosion. David Ginsburg remembers were then secured to the already con- read about the emigrant wagon trains and by a bullet-riddled signpost indicating it is all the windows on First Street blew out. structed steel columns by shear bars. their trails across the United States. Finding a portion of an emigrant wagon train path. The building also survived Reno’s major the history of this wagon track in southeast This claim has been disputed by those who floods in 1950 and in 1955. This unique construction caused quite a Reno is the topic of this article. maintain that the emigrant wagon trains stir in downtown Reno. Many “sidewalk followed the Truckee River and continued Home Furniture was truly a family-run superintendents” stopped daily to watch etween 1846, when the Bear Flag in a westerly direction across the meadows, business. After college in 1957, a young the lift slab process. Amazingly, this meth- Revolt cleared the way for the fur- and the marked trail is only a portion of David Ginsburg, Leo’s son, joined the od only took 17 days to install six floor Bther expansion of settlements in a road used by ranch wagons many years company and remained with the firm slabs and the bottom floor and roof slabs. California, and 1860, a virtual flood of emi- after the last wagon train passed. until it was sold in 1971. His dad made grants from the eastern and midwestern sure that he learned the furniture and The opening of this store in 1961 must United States traveled across the country in As indicated in the pictures on pages 9 and home furnishing trade first-hand by start- have been comparable to the opening wagon trains on their way to new lives in 10, this deep path is much like the wagon ing him in the warehouse and then mov- of today’s new malls. The store featured the Golden State. ruts still existing in many parts of the coun- ing him to other departments, including everything for your home furnishing try stretching from St. Joseph, Missouri the drapery department. needs: high-end furniture, draperies, The wagon trains that cut trails through to Nevada. Those ruts were carved by the linens, floor coverings, gifts, housewares the Truckee Meadows on their way to steel tires of countless wagons and, in some 1941 Reno Evening Gazette ad for the grand and appliances. There was even a “hi-fi” the steep Donner Pass route reached a places, were so deep that a man could sit Twice a year, David would hit the road, opening of the Home Furniture store at shop featuring Roy Kroll’s House of peak in the gold rush of 1849, when, in on one edge of them and his feet would often with his dad Leo, to do the furni- Sierra and First streets. Heading south towards Rattlesnake ture buying. This was a common practice Records, “Reno’s largest, most complete September, emigrant trains were reported not reach the bottom. It would take a huge Mountain shows the depth of the trail. among furniture and home furnishing record shop.” coming over that route at a rate of “100 number of trips in a light ranch wagon to Photo courtesy Larry Marran. stores. Most of the U.S. furniture manu- (maple furniture was the rage during the trains a day.” In The California Trail, author make a path as deep as the trail made by facturers and factories were located in the 1950s) was located on Island Avenue. The Leo and Ed Ginsburg retired in 1971 and George R. Stewart estimated the number the wagons pulled by the ox teams most the river being a rapid stream and its southern states. Many of the furniture Sparks’ Home Furniture Thrift Mart fea- sold the business to their friends and of emigrants that year to be at least 7,000. often used by the emigrants. bottom covered with large rocks. By companies were named after the town tured lower priced and unpainted furni- California home furnishing store own- According to Stewart, “after 1850 the following the mountain road, all these ture. The Sparks shop moved twice along they were located in. David would travel to ers, Bob and Bill Breuner who wanted Truckee route was little used with most As the wagon trains followed the Truckee fords but eight (8) may be avoided.” such romantic locales as Bassett, Virginia, B Street. The final Sparks location is now to enter the northern Nevada market. wagons crossing the desert to the Carson River east of the northernmost hills of the and Drexel and Thomasville, North Terrible’s Rail City. In 1975, the building was then occupied River and over the less steep Carson Pass.” Carson Range, it was necessary for them The wagon train in which Heinrich by Ardan Wholesale Incorporated. Sadly, to cross the river numerous times. T. H. Lienhard traveled, that preceded the ill-fat- Carolina. Home Furniture had the exclusive But the ultimate home furnishing accom- this unique contemporary building was One path that the emigrants are reported Jefferson’s map number IV of the Map of ed Donner Party train in 1846, was on the northern Nevada distribution rights to plishment for the Ginsburg family was demolished to make way for the juvenile to have followed through the Truckee the Emigrant Road from Independence, south side of the river and chose to enter many of these fine furniture companies. the building located at Sierra and Island. court building. Meadows is still marked by a deep swale in Missouri to San Francisco, California in the Truckee Meadows by the “mountain The store combined the old location home As the community expanded so did Home the desert soil on undeveloped property on the publication Overland in 1846 – Diaries furnishings with the Kiddies Store and road” that led to a ravine between the two Furniture Inc. A Kiddies Store was located the eastern side of Reno. On the dirt road and Letters of the California-Oregon Trail Maple Shop. According to a 1960 Reno I would like to thank David Gins- mountains south of the river. In his diary, at First and Sierra and the Maple Shop leading south of the community of Hidden by Dale Morgan, indicates that, at that Evening Gazette article, “This is burg for sharing his family stories parts of which are published in From St. Valley, just north of the intersection of time, there were numerous oxbows on the the first store of its type west and photos. Other information for Louis to California, Heinrich Lienhard stat- the paved road at the eastern base of Truckee River between Truckee Meadows ed that as they proceeded down the “steep of the Rockies to be designed this article was obtained from Jerry and Pyramid Lake. In his book and constructed for a complete Fenwick; Reno Evening Gazette and hill” at this point it was a “sleigh ride.” Ordeal by Hunger, George R. Most of the emigrant wagons did not have showing of home furnishings. Nevada State Journal newspapers Stewart claims “They had The architects have designed with dating from 1915 to 1975; Who’s brakes, and the rear wheels would simply to ford the river more than be blocked with timber or chained in place customer service in mind to grant Who in Nevada, 1949-50; Nevada once to the mile.” In Fearful easy access to all displays.” Humanities’ Online Nevada Ency- and the wagon would then skid down a Journey, Harold Curran steep grade. It is possible that the Donner clopedia (www.onlinenevada.org) includes the following entry The 80,000 square foot, six-story Party also followed this steep path. article by Bruce Bledsoe on Historic from a diary kept by Andrew building was designed by Ralph Street Clock of Reno. Child in 1850, describing how Berger, AIA, who had also super- Whether all or most of the wagon trains to avoid many fords: vised the construction of the Cindy Ainsworth is a charter could have crossed the Truckee Meadows new J. C. Penney store on Sierra. member and past president of by paralleling the Truckee River is also “It has been usual to ford a matter of controversy, depending on The first of its kind in northern HRPS. Currently she is the HRPS the river twenty or thirty Administrator. She serves on the whether the area east of the present site People standing in line for the 1961 grand opening of the Nevada, the construction used times within as many miles City of Reno Historical Resources of the Reno airport now occupied by the Home Furniture store at Sierra and Island streets. the lift slab pre-stressed concrete A weathered and bullet-riddled sign marks the wagon tracks to avoid the walls of rock. method. This, according to a Commission. Photo courtesy of David Ginsburg. near Hidden Valley. Photo courtesy Larry Marran. The fords are all very bad, Continued on page 10

4 9 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 The Ginsburg Family Businesses Wagon Tracks (continued) by Cindy Ainsworth Continued from page 9 arry Ginsburg was a successful Many remember the Park Lane clock clock was donated to The City of Reno. before heading in a northwesterly direc- jeweler and a community leader. that stood in the center of the mall and Plans include relocating the clock to the UNR grazing lands and Rosewood Lakes tion towards the Truckee River. golf course was a “swamp” (now called a HFor many years he took an active became the symbol for the shopping downtown redevelopment area. wetlands) or a “meadow” during the mid interest in civic affairs and was one of the center. The clock originally was located in This is further supported by a water. Harry Ginsburg died in 1954 and his son, 1800s. This area is bounded on the north nv.gov website describing the chronology organizers of Temple Emanu-El and an front of the Ginsburg Jewelry Company Sam, who became a partner with his by the Truckee River, which still periodically of the Truckee River, http://water.nv.gov/ active member of B’nai B’rith. The news- at 133 North Virginia. Popular between father in 1928, became the store’s owner. floods it, and Steamboat Creek on the east WaterPlanning/truckee/truckee2.cfm. In papers noted through the years that many the mid-nineteenth century and into Sam was an expert diamond merchant, (labeled “Cold Creek” on Jefferson’s map). 1844, an emigrant party from Council meetings of B’nai B’rith were hosted by the 1930s, these street symbols not only often traveling the world searching for Bluffs, Iowa, first used the direct route to Anna, at their 543 Ridge Street home. served to advertise businesses but were valuable precious stones to use in his cus- The following are excerpts from descrip- California via the Humboldt River. Guided city timepieces since most people did not David Ginsburg, former HRPS board mem- tom designed jewelry. In an article dated tions in emigrant diaries contained in by a Paiute Indian named Truckee, they wear watches. At one point, there were ber and Harry Ginsburg’s grandson, fondly 1971, he says, “I arrived in Honolulu from Fearful Crossing by Harold Curran, which turned west to Wadsworth, and along the two “dueling” Virginia Street jewelry store the Far East with $160,000 worth of sap- indicate that Steamboat Creek and the area Truckee River to Donner Lake. The Donner remembers many large family Jewish holi- clocks. The Ginsburg clock stood directly phires and rubies in my flight bag.” At the just to the west of it was either very diffi- Party followed this same route in 1846. day gatherings at the home. David com- across from the Ginsler-Lee Jewelers clock. time, he was the only Nevada member of cult, or judged to be impossible, to cross: Once gold was discovered in California in mented that, with kids being kids, Harry the National Appraisers Association and 1848, this route was used extensively. In would chase the grandkids out of the sit- was an authority on appraising the value “Soon after entering the valley we the mid-1800s, the eastern third of the ting room, complaining that he was trying took a trail leaving the road to right Truckee Meadows consisted of marshy to listen to the news on the radio. of precious stones of all kinds. & supposing to be a ‘Cutoff’ as the lowlands generally covered in thick grasses, road wound around a belt of marsh Harry Ginsburg was born in 1882 in Sam chose to retire and closed the store bulrushes, and cattails. At Vista, a rock Kovna, Russia (now located in indepen- on December 31, 1971, but he continued which crosses the valley at right angles dike, commonly called the Vista reef, partly dent Lithuania) and was educated in to do appraisals and design custom-made to the river. We followed this trail A bend near the top of the cut through the impeded the Truckee River's exit into the Russian public schools. He married Anna jewelry. He stated in an article that he around the base of the hills & soon Virginia Range leading down to lower Truckee River canyon, creating an Epp in 1903 and had three children, Leo, was looking forward to “doing what I found ourselves going off quite in (a) Hidden Valley. Photo courtesy Larry Marran. obstruction which further inundated this Sam and Ed. Interestingly, according to want to do.” The North Virginia Street contrary direction to the course of area during spring flooding. Fortunately, the 1949-50 Who’s Who in Nevada, in building where the jewelry store and the road & the marsh on our right most early travelers arrived at this point depended entirely on the amount of snow 1904 Harry was a watchmaker to the other small businesses were located was was entirely uncrossable a perfect in late summer or early fall, therefore quagmire.” – Elizabeth Perkins (1849) and rainfall the previous winter. In From Czar’s family. The Ginsburgs immigrated replaced by the Onslow Casino in the Oregon and California in 1848, author J. avoiding hazardous high-water flood to the United States in 1905, first living mid-1970s. Quinn Thornton reported that Mr. J. F. conditions. The Truckee River's course “We have crossed a slough, the in Denver and then moving to San Rafael, Reed, of the Donner Party, measured the through the Truckee Meadows was bor- crossing of which was fixed and California where, according to the Reno The two other Ginsburg sons were equally depth of the snow at the top of Donner dered by expanses of low, boggy fields and bridged by our Captain & party Evening Gazette, Harry established the successful Reno businessmen. Leo Pass using a rope at a point where a marshlands. Early travelers generally went ahead. Before this was done, it is said largest jewelry store in the area. founded the popular Home Furniture, it was almost impassable, each having spring caused an opening in the snow south along the eastern range of hills now Incorporated. Ed later joined as secretary/ to be cordelled across. We passed and found it to be 65 feet deep. Certainly called the Virginia Range, and cut through In 1915, Harry and his family moved to treasurer. The business was incorpo- over it safely & encamped in this when that tremendous amount of snow Hidden Valley towards Huffaker Hills. They Reno and took over the stock and lease of rated in 1932 and the original store was then turned west and skirted Rattlesnake lovely valley, with blue grass to the melted in the spring of 1847, the runoff the Marymont Jewelry Store. An article located at 119 North Virginia. The Home Mountain on its north side, generally horses knees.” – Vincent Geiger (1849) into the Truckee River was no doubt stated that he “proposes to add many of Furniture business steadily grew and soon pausing there to refresh themselves at bound to have caused flooding of a great the largest novelties in the jewelry line.” Caricature of Harry Ginsburg from the Lew the store was too small to adequately Donner Springs, as the Donner Party had In his crossing of the Truckee Meadows, deal of Truckee Meadows. In 1849, the His specialty was watch repair and manu- Hymer book Seen About Town. handle the ever expanding merchandise. done several years prior. while traveling eastbound from California, amount of spring runoff must have also facture of custom-designed jewelry. Courtesy of the Nevada Historical Society. well known diarist James Clyman described been high to raise a crop of blue grass in The opening of the new and modern It is this writer’s opinion that the wagon his passage around the ‘slough’ Steamboat the valley as high as a horses’ knees, as That store was located at the corner of Home Furniture store in 1941 was an tracks near Hidden Valley are too deep to The clock was manufactured by the Creek as follows: claimed by Vincent Geiger. Virginia and Second streets and at the important addition to the Sierra Street have been carved by only a few emigrant prominent clock-making company E. time was one of the largest jewelry stores Howard Company. While the column and business district. Located at the north- In The Donner Party Chronicles by Frank trains or by ranch wagons. Because of “We came to a deep muddy brook in Reno. The store was originally estab- base were made of cast iron, the round west corner of Sierra and First (where the Mullen Jr., it is reported that Walt the changing conditions in the Truckee running through a handsome prarie lished by Frank Golden, owner of the head of the Howard clocks was made of Parking Gallery is located today), the two Mulcahy, “a well-respected Nevada history Meadows described above, wagon trains (sic) valley went up the brook about Golden Hotel, before the turn of the cen- wood covered with a thin layer of copper. story building, designed by Lehman Ferris buff claims to have found artifacts marked may have been forced south into what is 3 miles before we found a crossing tury. In 1918, Ginsburg moved the store Many of them are gone today because and owned by the Yori Land and Livestock with George Donner’s name on them” near now the Hidden Valley area. Everything I passed down along side of steep volca- to 133 North Virginia St. where it became of wood rot. Originally, the clock was Company, was constructed of brick with the foot of Rattlesnake Mountain. have read tells me that the wagon tracks nic mountain, shewing (sic) immence one of the best-known jewelry firms in operated by pulleys, but at one point the terra cotta facing. The building was sur- quantities of rough slag and other near Hidden Valley are from the time peri- rounded by thirteen display windows and This writer believes that a number of emi- Nevada. Over the years, the store was mechanism was replaced with an electric vitrified matter.” od 1844 to 1850. twenty-three model rooms graced the grant trains followed the track described expanded and Ginsburg added a custom motor by the well-known Seattle clock interior. The building must have been an It is the opinion of this writer that the by Heinrich Leinhard down into Hidden jewelry design department. A 1923 ad maker, Joseph Meyer Company. Many of Lloyd Shanks is a member of HRPS stated that the store was “equal to any their Seattle clocks are considered historic impressive sight. degree to which Steamboat Creek and Valley, turned south at Steamboat Creek and the National Auto Museum. and went as far as Rattlesnake Mountain shop on the coast.” landmarks. When the mall closed, the the marsh to the west of it was crossable Continued on page 4 10 3 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 543 Ridge Street — Ginsburg/Cassity Home (continued)

Continued from page 1

The Cassitys were living in California when the home came on the market, but their daughter, a Reno resident, kept an eye on the sale of the property. The Cassitys jumped at the opportunity to buy the home when escrow fell through on a previous buyer’s offer.

What impressed the Cassitys was the fact that the interior had not been gutted and modified the way many other older homes have been. It is believed that the interior layout has remained the same throughout the years. Beautiful arches grace the interior entry ways. This arch design is even echoed in the brick fireplace pattern. Delightful quarter circle windows on either side of the chimney appear to wink at you. The Cassitys have no intention of removing the original windows. However, the ugly window screens are Original architectural drawing of 543 Ridge Street gone, replaced with period-style shades. Often referring to by Frederic DeLongchamps. the original DeLongchamps plans, they have made it a point Courtesy of the Special Collections Department, to maintain the1920s feel and originality of the home. University of Nevada, Reno.

The Cassitys have lovingly worked on the home, doing much of the labor themselves. Mike has a woodshop in the basement (along with a wonderful wine cellar) and recently As of July 1, 2008, HRPS converted its membership to a fiscal year cycle. All memberships will run from July 1 through June 30 built book cases in the front living room that borrow of the following year. Have you renewed your membership? Check the website www.historicreno.org for a membership form. details from original built-ins located elsewhere in the home. For the benefit of his wife Joannie, Mike also added the side window trellis that appears on the original From Your HRPS President DeLongchamps’ drawings. e have some very good news This season’s HRPS walking tours have fessional job with our Board minutes. on the Powning Conservation been highly successful, with participa- We will miss her presence at the Board The Cassitys are thrilled to be a part of the Ridge Street District! The City of Reno tion exceeding that of previous years. meetings but Joan will remain involved neighborhood and have come to love Reno. Mike noted W is now installing the POWNING The open house and tour of the Crissie with HRPS as a walking tour guide. that they really wanted to participate in Reno’s downtown CONSERVATION DISTRICT street sign Caughlin Ranch property was a tremen- Sharon Honig-Bear has volunteered her redevelopment renaissance and feel that their rehabilitated toppers on the street signs in the area. dous success and very well attended. services as Board Secretary, for which we home has contributed to that cause. HRPS thanks the This is a major step in recognizing the Thanks to Cindy Ainsworth for her excel- are very grateful. Cassitys for their commitment to historic preservation and Joannie and Mike Cassity inside their Ridge Street home. importance of the neighborhood. This lent talk on the history of the ranch. congratulates them on a job well done. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. district, adjacent to downtown Reno, Our education program, which features will also demonstrate to visitors that The final round of 2009 walking tours a video of Jerry Fenwick’s photo collec- I would like to thank Mike and Joannie Cassity for Reno is very aware of the importance of will begin on September 1st and con- tion, followed by a bus tour to the sites sharing their story about this wonderful home. Other our heritage. tinue through the 26th. the following day, will continue in the up-coming school year. The program is information for this article came from Anne Simone The annual fall social will be held on and Arline Laffery’s extensive research on Frederic De- City worker Simon for Reno fourth grades and possibly one McClellan installs October 21, 2009, at the National Longchamps and the 543 Ridge Street home; various middle school class. The pilot program sign toppers in Automobile Museum with the Siena presented at two schools in May 2009 Polk’s Reno City Directories and Nevada Phone Books; Hotel catering the event. The theme the Powning was highly successful. The students were Washoe County Assessor office information; DeLong- for the event will be “Alice’s Drive,” in Conservation District. very enthusiastic about the photos and champs Architectural Archive, Special Collections, Photos by celebration of the 100-year anniver- the bus tour. UNR; 2004 winter issue of the University of Nevada’s Cindy Ainsworth. sary of Alice Ramsey’s cross-country Silver and Blue. automobile journey. I thank all of you for your support and encouragement. HRPS is indeed grateful. Cindy Ainsworth is a charter member and past presi- I regret to announce that our Board dent of HRPS. Currently she is the HRPS Administra- Secretary, Joan Collins, has resigned tor. She serves on the City of Reno Historical Resourc- — Felvia Belaustegui, HRPS President due to a career change. We owe HRPS President and HRC Commissioner es Commission. Anna and Harry Ginsburg and grandchildren. Standing, Mimi, sitting, Joan a tremendous vote of thanks. Janice, David and Roger. Photo courtesy of David Ginsburg. She has done an exceptionally pro-

2 11 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 FootPrints Vol. 12 No. 4, Fall 2009 P.O. Box 14003 FootPrints Reno, NV 89507 Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Historic Resources in the Truckee Meadows through Education, Advocacy, and Leadership.

vol. 12 no. 4 Fall 2009 543 Ridge Street Receives HRC Award The Ginsburg/Cassity Home by Cindy Ainsworth In May of 2009, the City of Reno Historical Resources client or the many wealthy divorcées staying at the Riverside. Commission presented the Ginsburg/Cassity home at 543 Ridge Street with the Residential Award for “outstanding renovation, The house was then rented for many years and eventually Bulk Rate Mail restoration and/or preservation of a single family home or purchased by Peter Echeverria. His many achievements and FootPrints is mailed using a Bulk Rate multi-family residential building.” You can see the home on stories could fill another issue of FootPrints. The Echeverria Mail permit. If your address changes, please HRPS Mansions on the Bluff and DeLongchamps Residential family trust donated the home to the University of Nevada’s send a note to HRPS, PO Box 14003, Reno tours and can often catch proud owner Mike Cassity puttering Basque Studies Department. The proceeds from the sale of the NV 89507, with your address change. about in the lovely yard. home benefited the Quasi Endowment Fund to further support Note that Bulk Rate mail is not forwarded. Basque studies—what a fitting he picturesque charm tribute to Peter Echeverria. of the lovely brick With the donation and Thome at 543 Ridge endowment, it is also fitting Street in the beautiful Rio to note that this historic home Vista Heights subdivision is contributing to the further HRPS Officers beckons to all who drive study of Nevada. Fall 2009 Programs President: Felvia Belaustegui or walk past it. Elegantly Jack Hursh Jr. – Program Chair: 746-3252 Vice President: Phyllis Cates understated, it was built It is an understatement to Secretary: Sharon Honig-Bear All program events are on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Mt. Rose School Treasurer: Roger Steininger for the prominent Ginsburg say that the quaint, Frederic (Lander Street between Taylor and LaRue, just off Arlington), unless otherwise noted. family (see article page 3-4) in DeLongchamps-designed Ridge Board of Directors Street Tudor Revival was in a Barbara Swart Courtnay, Rosie Cevasco, Joan 1927-28. The Ginsburg family Wednesday, September 23, Nevada History in Maps: A presentation discussing the 4000 maps Dyer, Jerry Fenwick, Gordon Foote, Debbie occupied the home from 1928 “shabby chic” condition when on the UNR historic map web site http://www.delamare.unr.edu/maps/digitalcollections/nvmaps/ Hinman, Jack Hursh Jr., until the mid-1950s. Joannie and Mike Cassity Would you like to see the exact location, on an 1886 map, of the Dyer Bros. General Grocery store in Jim Smith, Carrie Young purchased the home from the Austin, NV? Or the location of the Ladies Aid Hall in Goldfield in 1905? Or how the Nevada highway Program Other DeLongchamps’ Tudor- University in 2005. The home maps evolved? ALL will be revealed on September 23rd! Presented by Linda Newman, Geoscience Jack Hursh Jr. 746-3252 style homes would grace this stood vacant for some time and Map Librarian, Emerita and creator of the Nevada in Maps web site. Membership Director neighborhood populated by before it was placed for sale Carrie Young many of Reno’s prominent and was in a pretty sad state Wednesday, October 21, Annual Fall Social. The social will be held at The National Automobile Walking Tours business families. Edward of disrepair. The Ginsburg/Cassity Home at 543 Ridge Street, a classic Museum with the Siena Hotel catering the event. See page 8 for details. Ed Wishart Chism, founder of Chism Ice Cream, built his Tudor-style DeLongchamps’ Tudor Revival style home. Overgrown garden vines Webmaster Photo courtesy of Cindy Ainsworth. Wednesday, November 18, Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada, Jean and Phillip Earl. A Rosie Cevasco home down the street at 575 covered most of the house. The vines had worked their century and more ago sheepherders, largely Basque in origin, filled the summer hours carving Administrator/Publicity Ridge Street. way through the roof (which was pulling up) and were growing images on aspen trees. Most were names and dates, but others carved animals and birds, memories Cindy Ainsworth 747-0340 from the homeland, and some carved their ideas of female companionship. Over time the aspens Through the years 543 Ridge Street was owned by many other in the attic! Neighborhood raccoons found the home and FootPrints Managing Editor well-known Reno families, such as Hans Lugin-Buehl and his basement a cozy place to live. Tiny footprints could be seen on put the finishing touches on these images, growing and stretching the lines of the carvings, Carol Coleman maintaining a living record of this history. A new book, Basque Aspen Art of the Sierra Nevada by Jean wife Aimee, and attorney and state senator Peter Echeverria. all the window sills. A rusty bathroom tub had sunk at least Editorial Staff four inches. Ugly window screens were bolted to the beautiful and Phillip I. Earl, coming soon from Baobab Press. Kim Henrick The Lugin-Buehls purchased the home from Anna Ginsburg in Debbie Hinman 322-9400 original windows. When Mike first saw the home he said it 1955 and appear to have lived there until the late 1970s. The was “very scary.” But this did not deter the Cassitys. On the Opinions expressed in FootPrints are those of the contributors and do not necessarily Editorial Board reflect those of the editorial staff, the Historic Reno Preservation Society executive board or couple owned a gift store located in the Riverside Hotel in the contrary, they looked beyond these imperfections, which were the general membership. FootPrints is a quarterly publication printed in Reno, Nevada. All Mella Rothwell Harmon 50s and 60s, offering for sale, in the words of the 1955 local mostly cosmetic, and embraced the challenge of working on the rights reserved. ©2009 Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS). Editor Emeritus & FootPrints Founder phone directory: “Appointments for gracious living, china, home to restore it to its former glory. Sharon A. Walbridge crystal, linens, silver.” Perhaps they catered to the newlywed Graphic Design: Continued on page 2 HRPS Web Site: http://historicreno.org/ Double Click Design 324-5569 1