Mint Edition

The Architect of the Carson City Mint IN THIS ISSUE: by Myron Freedman, Museum Director as an agent of the Treasury Department. 1. Architect of the Carson City Mint If you are a student of the Carson City Mint’s Mullett’s round trip encompassed the first 8 2. Message From the Director history, then you may know Howard Hickson’s months of 1865, and it was aboard his return 4. Frances Humphrey Lecture Series 1972 book, : CC. Hickson was the ship that he met the Captain’s daughter, 5. Calendar of Events director of NSM following the death Pearl Myrick, the two became of founder, Judge Clark J. Guild, engaged, then married later that 6. Day of the Dead and his book is arguably the year. A busy time for A.B. 7. Welcome New Members most complete story of how Mullett. None of his 1865 diary 8. Contact the Museum the Mint came to be. In it, entries* mention a mint however, he refers only once building for Carson City, to its architect, Alfred B. though according to Mullett, saying that Mullett Hickson the plans for the reported to the Treasury CC Mint were ready in July Department on the of 1866. So, my question is, completion of construction when did the Carson City on December 13, 1869 (and Mint get planned, and who where Mullett states it was the did the work? One historian most economically constructed thinks the CC Mint was Mullet’s building in the United States.) first design as the chief. If so, he would have prepared the plans in one It is curious. Congress passed legislation to establish the Mint on March 3, month’s time. This leads me to at least Above: Dancers take a bow at the 2018 Día de 1863. The site was not selected until 1865, and speculate the project was already on the boards los Muertos event at NSM. Mullett was not appointed Supervising when he took over, and as Supervising Architect of the Treasury until June 1, 1866. Architect receives the credit. Left: Alfred B. Mullett, Architect of the Carson City Mint. Photo courtesy US General Services And in 1865, according to his diary, Mullett was Alfred Bult Mullett was born in Taunton, Administration. traveling from New York to San Francisco to England in 1834. His family moved to the inspect U.S. Government buildings, presumably United States and settled in Ohio when he was a boy. There, Mullett studied mathematics and in government building construction. The boom Message mechanical drawing, matriculated from Farmers was not just in volume of buildings, but in scale. College, and then trained as an architect in the American architecture began to reflect a new from the Cincinnati office of Isaiah Rogers. He rose to vision of a grand republic, and it was under Director become a partner in the firm, but severed ties Mullett that civic design began to really puff up when Rogers moved the practice to Nashville. and assume greater stature. The building most

by Myron Freedman Like many young men of his era, he served in the associated with Mullett and his approach is the Union army at the start of the Civil War, though State, War and Navy Building, known today as Our Fiscal Year closed over the summer and, his Ohio regiment was not called up. After his the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as we head into the new Fall and Winter service, he was appointed by Treasury Secretary located at 1650 Pennsylvania Avenue – one of the seasons with lots of programs for you to Salmon P. Chase to be a enjoy, I would like to take a moment to reflect Photos: clerk in the construction George on all the activities presented last year at the Baumgardn bureau, which meant er State Museum. working again for Isaiah We held a moving WWI remembrance, kicked Rogers, who had taken off the Mint 150 celebration, opened a new over as the Treasury exhibit on Chinese Woodcutters, presented a Department’s number of fun and enlightening cultural Supervising Architect. events, and were fortunate to have a great slate Mullett was Rogers’ of speakers for the popular Frances assistant, but became Humphrey Lecture Series, as well as many quite critical of him and Nevada authors here to sign books. In July, we resigned. He then joined the nation in remembering the Apollo worked behind his moon landing fifty years ago and exhibited former boss’s back to Nevada’s samples of moon rocks brought complete tasks on back by astronauts. All of this, and so much behalf of Treasury more, resulted in almost 39,000 visitors to the building projects, museum, many of them joining as new lobbied for the top job members. The staff and volunteers put in a himself, and prevailed Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C., 1981. tremendous amount of time and energy to to succeed Rogers in Photo courtesy White House photo office. make the Nevada State Museum a museum for 1866. A stunningly swift all, and it is terrific to see the impact their rise for the politically savvy Mullet. most prominent and iconic buildings in efforts had with so many enjoying what we Washington D.C. The building’s Second Empire have to offer. Mullet not only took over the office of Supervising Architect, but he is also credited with architectural style was often employed by Mullett I look forward to another year packed with transforming it into a modern, well-organized in the design of enormous post office buildings programs for you and all Nevadans and, as design and construction machine that matched constructed in New York, St. Louis, and Boston. always, thank you for supporting the Nevada the tall orders coming from Congress. The post- The Carson City Mint stands in sharp contrast to State Museum. 2 Civil War years in the United States saw a boom these ornate and large structures. Given that Nevada was still a remote territory against the Federal government for a large sum at the time of its approval by in fees he said he was owed. He was a man of Congress, the building was immense talent and ambition, leading the undoubtedly assigned a correlating construction of hundreds of buildings, but budget. Also, the availability of unable to overcome a profound bitterness fed building supplies would have been by a sense of failure. factored into the design and Alfred B. Mullett’s buildings can be found in engineering. Sandstone was readily cities across the United States, including the available from Abe Curry’s prison CC Mint and the second ; quarry, and conveniently enough beautiful and sound structures that withstood Curry won the contract to build changing fads, and destructive earthquakes. the mint. The final effect is a Above: Old San Francisco Mint Building on Mission and Thank you “Alf.” Renaissance Revival building, 5th St. Photo courtesy HABS/HAER, Library of Congress. something akin to collegiate Below: The earliest known photograph of the Carson *Mullett handed off the task of keeping his architecture, though with a frontier City U.S. , ca. 1869. Photo courtesy NSM. diary to his wife after they were married, and interpretation seen in its simplicity the diary ends shortly after that. and roughhewn texture. To my eye, a perfectly him worked for his ouster. The Grant balanced and beautiful building, and one that administration had developed a reputation for set the stage for the 1871 Capitol building just waste and corruption and when the cleanup Go to Mint150.com down the street, designed by Joseph Gosling. began, increased scrutiny of Mullett’s methods to learn more about It is hard to overestimate the handsome and suppliers were called into question. Mullett elegance these two buildings bring to the was also known to have a fiery temper, along our exciting lineup of Carson City streetscape. with an iron grip on projects. He had been in programs. Just as he had finagled an appointment to his the position long enough to become both a high position, others about symbol of wasteful spending and a target of Join us on February 4, 2020 to resentment. Citing health reasons, he resigned celebrate the 150th anniversary of in 1874. He thought his years as Supervising when the Carson City Mint struck its first Architect would provide a lucrative in 1870. We will be minting a springboard into private practice, special sesquicentennial silver but the large commissions medallion that day honoring the rarest eluded him. In October of 1890 he ended his own life minting duo existing on the planet, the with a bullet to his head. CC Mint and Coin Press No. 1. The Washington Post The Carson City Mint Sesquicentennial epitaph cites despondency celebration is supported by the over financial troubles as Nevada Mining Association and Coeur the reason, and he had Rochester, Inc. 3 recently lost a suit waged Raggio was widely admired for his intellect, keen Frances Humphrey Lecture Series wit, eloquence, and unfaltering integrity. In the opinion of former Nevada Governor and U.S. Join us on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm Senator Richard Bryan: “No legislator in the Doors open at 6:00 pm; $8 for adults; free for museum members & ages 17 & under annals of Nevada history left a larger footprint on Reserve a seat for each lecture 30 days in advance on our website events page: the political landscape of the state than Bill nvculture.org/nevadastatemuseumcarsoncity/events. For more info: (775) 687-4810 ext. 243. Raggio.” Paul Franklin has been an In his book A Man of His Word: The Life & October 24, 2019 executive in the semiconductor Times of Nevada’s Senator William J. Raggio, One Gold Rush Immigrant’s Trail to industry for some 50 years. Michael Archer chronicles Bill Raggio’s Comstock Silver During his career he was remarkable career and contributions in shaping by Paul Franklin instrumental in the start-up of modern Nevada. In the end, however, it proves to Harvey Harris was a Danish immigrant who five companies. Now retired, be a cautionary tale of what can happen when came to the United States early in the 1840s but still consulting to startup civility and empathy in the political arena are and began a career at the . tech companies, he is a Photo courtesy Paul Franklin replaced by partisanship and rancor, but stands as Heading west he continued work at the New frequent lecturer at Stanford University. Much of a tribute to one man’s courage in opposing such Orleans Mint and, like many, heard the siren his time is now focused on Western historical changes – regardless of the consequences. of California Gold beckoning. By way of research specializing in the areas of mining and its Michael Archer first met Senator Raggio in 2003 Central America, he arrived at San Francisco technology. He has published articles in as a staff member with the Nevada Legislature. In just in time for the opening of the West’s first professional journals and has been a lecturer at addition to his book, A Man of His Word, Mint. He quickly realized that the mint was UNR’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; the Michael’s articles and essays have appeared in The not responding to the assaying business Comstock Foundation; the Nevada State Museum, Nevada Review literary demanded by the California Gold Rush, so Carson City; and appeared on the local TV magazine and the Political Harvey established his own Assay Office in program: Old Tales of Nevada: Past and Present. History of Nevada-2016. Sacramento closer to the Gold country. His Michael lives in Reno where November 21, 2019 business grew and additional offices were he continues to write and opened in San Francisco and Marysville. Then A Man of His Word: The Life and Times remains a proofreader for the in 1860 Silver discoveries in the Washoe of Nevada’s Senator William J. Raggio Senate Committee on Finance region led Harvey to the fabled Comstock by Michael Archer during each biennial session of Photo: Velozo Paulo Lode in Nevada Territory. Again, with Join author Michael Archer as he discusses the the Nevada State Legislature. Photo courtesy Michael Archer business booming, he established offices in remarkable life of the legendary William J. Raggio. Aurora and Carson City by 1862. Later Harris A fourth-generation Nevadan, Bill Raggio served moved his assay business to nearby Silver City as Washoe County District Attorney and later state We will not have a Frances Humphrey but continued to reside in Gold Hill. There he senator, achieving national and international Lecture Series in December. Our next lecture will be Thursday, distinction in both sectors and establishing the lived out his years after becoming a Vice January 23, 2020 with authors Stan record as longest serving public official in Nevada 4 Consul to Denmark. Paher and Marshall Fey. history – an astounding fifty-six years. Calendar of Events October 2019 Day of the Dead Community December 2019 Celebration, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Free Friday, October 18th – Behind-the-Scenes admission. Saturday, December 14th – Family Fun Tours in Natural History and Saturday: Pines are Fine, 10:00 am-3:00 pm Saturday, November 9th – Family Fun Anthropology with the Curator, 10:00 am Saturday, December 21st – Mint 150 Saturday: Honoring Veterans, 10:00 am – Saturday, October 19th – Mint 150 3:00pm, Dema Guinn Concourse Program includes 1870 Mint Building Program includes 1870 Mint Building tours and lecture at 2:00 pm, 10:00 am – Saturday, November 16th – Mint 150 tours and lecture at 2:00 pm, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Program includes 1870 Mint Building 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 25th – Christmas tours and lecture at 2:00 pm, 10:00 am – Wednesday, October 23rd – Carson City 4:00 pm Day, Museum Closed Department of Arts and Cultural: Paint, Sunday, November 17th – Fall Book Friday, September 27th – Behind-the- Sip & Chip, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dema Scenes Tours in Natural History and Guinn Concourse Signing, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm in the Dema Guinn Concourse, light refreshments Anthropology with the Curator, 10:00 am Thursday, October 24th – Frances served. Humphrey Lecture Series “One Gold Rush Immigrant’s Trail to Comstock Thursday, November 21st – Frances Silver” by Paul Franklin, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm Humphrey Lecture Series “A Man of His Word: The Life and Times of Nevada’s Friday, October 25th – Nevada Day Free Senator William J. Raggio” by Michael Admission, and Reno Coin Club Display Archer, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Saturday, October 26th – Nevada Day Friday, November 22nd – Behind-the- Parade Free Admission, Historic Coin Scenes Tours in Natural History and Press No. 1 Demonstrations, 10:00 am – Anthropology with the Curator, 10:00 am 4:00 pm Thursday, November 28th –

Thanksgiving, Museum Closed November 2019

Friday, November 1st – Day of the Dead Altar Presentation Party, 5:00 pm – 7:00 Demonstrations of Coin Press No. 1 in the Historic Carson City Mint will take place pm, Dema Guinn Concourse every Friday and Saturday from 5 Saturday, November 2nd – 13th Annual 11:00 am - 3:00 pm unless otherwise noted. NSM Continues Day of the Dead Traditions Catholicism brought to Mexico Carson High School students, folkloric dancers, by Spanish missionaries. While music, and a food truck. some aspects of Day of the Dead Another part of this remembrance is sharing the have evolved over time and in culture and traditions with the younger different locations, it is still a wonderful members of the family so it will be continued in way to remember and honor loved ones who by Mina Stafford, Curator of Education the future. We will have a variety of Day of the have passed. The primary part of the holiday Dead crafts available for children of all ages. Hispanic culture has been part of this part of that honors loved ones is the altar – a display of These crafts will give people an opportunity to the United States since before this was part of offerings meant to welcome the the United States. Here at the Nevada State spirit of the departed and help the Museum we have been celebrating the Mexican family remember them. holiday of Day of the Dead since 2006. Traditionally these altars would be The traditions of Day of the Dead are a in the home or at the cemetery. As beautiful blending of ancient Aztec beliefs and part of our community celebration we are hosting an altar display at the Nevada State Museum in the Dema Guinn Concourse. We have encouraged schools and individuals to create altars that are both creative and traditional. The Altars will be presented to the public on Friday, Nov. 1st at 5 pm. During this free event we will have music and refreshments. Our Above: Ballet Folklorico Flor de Castilla. Photo: Jennifer Ramirez celebrity judges will determine the Left: Face painting at NSM’s Día de los Muertos celebration is always a hit. Photo: Jeanette McGregor winners of the Altar Contest. There will be winners in three categories: Most Creative, Most Traditional, and create colorful flowers, skulls, and skeletons Best Youth Created Altar. We are looking for which are some of the primary symbols used donated prizes for these winners. during this festival. There will also be face On Saturday, Nov. 2nd from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm painting and a photo booth. we will be hosting our Day of the Dead We look forward to seeing you at this Community Celebration. This event will be free wholesome family friendly event that celebrates to everyone and include traditional altar Hispanic culture and a profound love of life. 6 displays, an exhibit of ceramic skulls made by

Welcome to Our Newest 2019 Fall New Tour Guide Training Members of NSM During September we had our second new tour guide training of Basic Family 2019. We had a great time learning about the museum and all the Jonathan Chang Don Bland & tours we provide to the public. The highlight of training was a Marc Conelly Carolyn Graham field trip to Reno where we visited the Nevada Historical Nancy Durant John & Doreen Challis Society and the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Mary Fischer James & Doris Blatchford Engineering Museum. This photo is taken on the Ken Friend Caitlin Gifford & staircase to the basement of the Keck. Thank Harold Haering Brian Heath Lila Halpern Al & Pam Hoyos you to everyone who helped make this Lewis Hardy Gregg Kasten training possible and thank you to John & Nancy Jorgensen Donald Kuhl & all the wonderful volunteers at Amy Kileen Sharon Newsom-Kuhl the Nevada State Warren & Joan Knapp George & Diane Museum. Linda Lopes Lightwood Christopher Mahan Jeff & Sue Maples Jill McCoy Tina Megason & Dylan Moellendorf Ken Schoonover Nita Montgomery Sam & Debbie Steele Mike & Pat Nolan Alan & Kendra Stevenson Mike Pecorano Jennifer Summers Ed & Sydney Ryan Paul VanWinkle & David & Elizabeth Claudia VanWinkle-Taylor Schumann Stanley Shapiro Sustaining Jolene Tran Tony Verive Jack & Deborah Butterfield Steven Vige Don Ketterling Loren Weisbrod Kris Wells Benefactor Bruce Williams Dennis Charley Thank you for your Sustaining Dirk & Autumn Roper Nancy Zemlock continued support Jon & Judy Barnett Family Tim & Jean Brown of the museum at June Yamamoto & Did you know that some of the benefits Dr. Linda Clements & Dr. John Crowley John S. Adams the Sustaining, of your membership are invitations to Elmer & Elisabeth Contributing, Patron, Contributing special events and exhibit openings at Kanago & Benefactor levels. Frederick & Joyce B Smith 7 the Nevada State Museum, Carson City? Adrienne Lawrence

Carson NevadaCity, 89701 North 600 Carson Street BA2940

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The Nevada State Museum The Friends of the Museum members in Carson City is an agency Nevada State Museum, receive the Mint Edition CONTACT the MUSEUM... CONTACTthe of the Division of Museums a 501(c)(3) private as a benefit of and History within the nonprofit organization, membership if they Nevada Department of supports the museum provide an email Tourism & Cultural Affairs. through volunteer address. The museum engages assistance, fundraising, diverse audiences in and advocacy. For Newsletter staff: understanding and information contact Mina Stafford, celebrating Nevada’s Dave Pierson, Chair at Editor natural and cultural [email protected]. Jeanette McGregor, heritage. Design

State of Nevada The Nevada State Steve Sisolak Museum publishes the Please address all Governor Mint Edition newsletter newsletter for the purpose of communications to: Nevada Department of highlighting museum Tourism & Cultural Affairs exhibits, education Mina Stafford Brenda Nebesky programs, special Nevada State Museum Interim Director events, and collection 600 North Carson Street

activities. Carson City, Nevada Division of Museums and 89701-4004 History The publication is 775/687-4810 ext. 243 8 Peter Barton available online at Fax 775-687-4168 Division Administrator www.nvculture.org. [email protected]