Phyllis J. Walsh: from Lorgnettes to Lariats in Loving Recollection of the S Bar S Ranch, Where Work Hardened Our Hands,While Visitors Lightened Our Hearts

Phyllis J. Walsh: From Lorgnettes to Lariats In Loving Recollection of the S Bar S Ranch, Where Work Hardened Our Hands,While Visitors Lightened Our Hearts

Interviewee: Phyllis J. Walsh Interviewed: 1971 Published: 1973 Interviewer: Mary Ellen Glass UNOHP Catalog #061

Description

Phyllis J. Walsh, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was born in 1897. She received her education in private schools of the New England area, and began an exciting and varied career that took her over several continents. While still in her teens, Miss Walsh enlisted in World War I as a member of the French Army, an action that exemplified her later individualistic pursuits. She played tennis with champions, wrote a sports column for a New York newspaper, worked as a stockbroker, and briefly engaged in typical Prohibition-era activities. In the 1930s she arrived in Nevada to assist in managing a ranch. In Nevada, Phyllis Walsh became a civic leader, with responsible positions in numerous patriotic organizations.

Phyllis Walsh’s years in Nevada form the major part of her memoir. With Helen Marye Thomas, member of a pioneer Comstock era family, Miss Walsh managed and worked the S Bar S ranch on the Truckee River within the boundaries of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. There, she and Mrs. Thomas entertained local and national leaders in the arts and society, raised hay and livestock, tried to keep the river from tearing away their land, and participated fully in the life of western Nevada. With the advent of World War II, their activities, especially Miss Walsh’s, expanded further to include numerous service organizations: the American Women’s Voluntary Services (AWVS), the USO, the Red Cross, and others. As a member of an early eastern pioneer family, Miss Walsh also participated actively in the local and state units of the Daughters of American Colonists.

Phyllis J. Walsh: From Lorgnettes to Lariats

In Loving Recollection of the S Bar S Ranch, Where Hard Work Hardened Our Hands While Visitors Lightened Our Hearts

An Oral History Conducted by Mary Ellen Glass Edited by Mary Ellen Glass

Publication Staff: Director: Mary Ellen Glass

University of Nevada Oral History Program Use Policy

All UNOHP interviews are copyrighted materials. They may be downloaded and/or printed for personal reference and educational use, but not republished or sold. Under “fair use” standards, excerpts of up to 1000 words may be quoted for publication without UNOHP permission as long as the use is non-commercial and materials are properly cited. The citation should include the title of the work, the name of the person or people interviewed, the date of publication or production, and the fact that the work was published or produced by the University of Nevada Oral History Program (and collaborating institutions, when applicable). Requests for permission to quote for other publication, or to use any photos found within the transcripts, should be addressed to the UNOHP, Mail Stop 0324, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557-0324. Original recordings of most UNOHP interviews are available for research purposes upon request. Contents

Preface to the Digital Edition ix

Introduction xi

1. Background and Reminiscences 1

2. Reminiscences of Early Days at the Ranch and in and Around Reno 9

3. Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 17 The AWVS The USO Daughters of the American Colonists

4. Work with Nevada Indians 47

5. Conclusion 57

Appendix: Genealogy 59

Original Index: For Reference Only 63

Preface to the Digital Edition

Established in 1964, the University of While taking great pains not to alter Nevada Oral History Program (UNOHP) meaning in any way, the editor may have explores the remembered past through removed false starts, redundancies, and the rigorous oral history interviewing, creating a “uhs,” “ahs,” and other noises with which record for present and future researchers. The speech is often liberally sprinkled; compressed program’s collection of primary source oral some passages which, in unaltered form, histories is an important body of information misrepresent the chronicler’s meaning; and about significant events, people, places, relocated some material to place information and activities in twentieth and twenty-first in its intended context. Laughter is represented century Nevada and the West. with [laughter] at the end of a sentence in The UNOHP wishes to make the which it occurs, and ellipses are used to information in its oral histories accessible indicate that a statement has been interrupted to a broad range of patrons. To achieve or is incomplete…or that there is a pause for this goal, its transcripts must speak with dramatic effect. an intelligible voice. However, no type font As with all of our oral histories, while contains symbols for physical gestures and we can vouch for the authenticity of the vocal modulations which are integral parts interviews in the UNOHP collection, we of verbal communication. When human advise readers to keep in mind that these are speech is represented in print, stripped of remembered pasts, and we do not claim that these signals, the result can be a morass of the recollections are entirely free of error. seemingly tangled syntax and incomplete We can state, however, that the transcripts sentences—totally verbatim transcripts accurately reflect the oral history recordings sometimes verge on incoherence. Therefore, on which they were based. Accordingly, each this transcript has been lightly edited. transcript should be approached with the x Phyllis J. Walsh same prudence that the intelligent reader exercises when consulting government records, newspaper accounts, diaries, and other sources of historical information. All statements made here constitute the remembrance or opinions of the individuals who were interviewed, and not the opinions of the UNOHP. In order to standardize the design of all UNOHP transcripts for the online database, most have been reformatted, a process that was completed in 2012. This document may therefore differ in appearance and pagination from earlier printed versions. Rather than compile entirely new indexes for each volume, the UNOHP has made each transcript fully searchable electronically. If a previous version of this volume existed, its original index has been appended to this document for reference only. A link to the entire catalog can be found online at http://oralhistory.unr.edu/. For more information on the UNOHP or any of its publications, please contact the University of Nevada Oral History Program at Mail Stop 0324, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557-0324 or by calling 775/784-6932.

Alicia Barber Director, UNOHP July 2012 Introduction

Phyllis J. Walsh is a native of Philadelphia, Indian Reservation. There, the two women Pennsylvania, born in 1897. She received entertained local and national leaders in the her education in private schools of the New arts and society, raised hay and livestock, England area, and began an exciting and tried to keep the river from tearing away varied career that took her over several their land, and participated fully in the life continents and into uncounted interesting of western Nevada. With the advent of World situations. While still in her teens, Miss Walsh War II, their activities, especially Miss Walsh’s, enlisted in World War I as a member of the expanded further to include numerous French Army, an action that exemplified service organizations: the American Women’s her later individualistic pursuits. She played Voluntary Services (AWVS), the USO, the tennis with champions, wrote a sports column Red Cross, and others. As a member of an for a New York newspaper, worked as a early eastern pioneer family, Miss Walsh also stock broker, and briefly engaged in typical participated actively in the local and state Prohibition-era activities. In the 1930’s she units of the Daughters of American Colonists. arrived in Nevada to assist in managing a When invited to participate in the ranch. In Nevada, Phyllis Walsh became a Oral History Project, Miss Walsh accepted civic leader, with responsible positions in graciously. There were six recording sessions, numerous patriotic organizations. all held at her home in Reno between June and The Nevada portion of Phyllis Walsh’s November, 1971. Miss Walsh was a pleasant career and avocations forms the major chronicler of her activities, appearing to enjoy part of her memoir. With Helen Marye recounting adventures and contacts with Thomas, member of a pioneer Comstock other leaders in her various fields of interest. era family, Miss Walsh managed and worked Her review of the memoir she dictated, the S Bar S ranch on the Truckee River however, resulted in an almost complete within the boundaries of the Pyramid Lake rewriting and subsequent re-editing of the xii Phyllis J. Walsh transcript. The information presented here is substantially intact, although much of the quality has been transformed into a style more literary than oral. The Oral History Project of the University of Nevada, Reno, preserves the past and the present for future research by tape recording the recollections of persons who have been important to the development of Nevada and the West. Scripts resulting from the interviews are deposited in the Special Collections departments of the University libraries at Reno and Las Vegas. Phyllis Walsh has generously donated her literary rights in her memoir to the University of Nevada, and designated the volume as open for research.

Mary Ellen Glass University of Nevada 1973 1 Background and Reminiscences

My mother’s maiden name was Florence blew it overboard—causing his arrival to be Parham Huhn. She was born in Philadelphia, bare-headed, although neither steerage nor as was my father, Philip Jourdan Walsh, Jr. unshod!) Grandfather Walsh came to this country in My father grew up on his father’s estate, 1856, when young, upon the death of his in Burmont, Pennsylvania (near Media). His parents, Philip and Bridget (the latter, neé early pictures show him with horses, and Jourdan, of French-Huguenot descent). His inevitably, carrying a riding crop. He became native town of Claremorris, County Mayo, a a noted gentleman jockey and hunted with railroad junction, is still on the map of Eire. “Rose-tree.” His beautiful sister told her nieces His family also owned a farm in the country, and nephews that we were from “proud and and the children obtained their education in fighting stock.” We were led to believe we the approved manner of the times, the girl in were directly descended from King Brian a convent, the boys at a monastery. One of his Boru (although illegitimacy was intimated, brothers also emigrated, and fought in our war and this we loved!). between the states. They said of Grandfather, My father died at the age of twenty- “He was a grand elocutionist” who spoke and three—the only son— and my heartbroken read Gaelic, which accounts for the flexibility grandmother spent most of her time traveling of his tongue and his expertise in French. abroad. One of her sons-in-law was in the His brother-in-law, J. Pringle Jones, was a British Foreign Service, a Scotch-Maltese, member of a prominent Southern family, a Philip Rapinet Mackenzie. A niece was mining engineer in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roman correspondent at the Vatican to the near Salem, Virginia. (Grandfather liked to London News. A nephew (now a retired British tell the story that on seeing the shores of his brigadier general) served in the second World new country, his excitement was so great, War, and was personally decorated by King he tossed his hat in the air—where the wind George VI. Another daughter went overseas 2 Phyllis J. Walsh in World War I with the American Red Cross, the little ones (puzzled but fascinated) with and later married Louis Moore, advertising lengthy and lurid obituaries of her departed manager for the William Randolph Hearst swains. Auntie “Mat” enchanted us all with publications. “Nonnie” (Grandmother) “Green Room” anecdotes, sketching the staffed an entire “equipe” at the time of the celebrities. Charles, her rollicking brother, a disastrous earthquake at Messina. Although a cartoonist, had run off with a ballerina, and devout Catholic herself, she was content that while we weren’t sure, we suspicioned that his her children and grandchildren were reverent, talent was comparable only to kidnapping or Republicans, and “reasonably respectable.” white slavery! My generation was always wildly excited to Now, for Grandpapa Huhn, or “George welcome her back home on her annual return A.,” as he was known on The Street. It was from the continent. then the custom to name descendants for “Gladstone Hall” was a half-day’s journey the patriarch, George the first, the second, by brougham or victoria from my mother’s the third, etc. In our case, there came a house on the Main Line. Over its front time when we had five—all alive and living doors, British Prime Minister Gladstone in neighboring cities—which made for looked down— in colored glass—over his confusion and a deal of hilarity, especially mutton-chop whiskers and wide cravat. Just when a George the fifth was presiding over inside—another bizarre adornment—was the British Empire. a life-size bronze of a dancing girl, whom Our George (number one) had learned the my aunts called “Fatima,” after a hootchie- banking business the hard way. He had started cootchie dancer currently disporting in as a runner and had cut his teeth in the firm of a Worlds’s Fair. Opposite her a turbaned Huhn, Glendenning. (Colonel Glendenning Nubian slave proffered a plate on which the was the commanding officer of Philadelphia’s facetious often left coins. Further along stood prideful First City Troop, in which, after the an ornately carved music box which we were first world war, George A’s favorite grandson never allowed to touch when “the aunts” and namesake was to become a captain and were behind folding doors plucking at their leading polo player.) Grandfather George harpsichords. Next came the long salon with saw the rise of the Elkins-Widener group. P. its overhead fresco of angels (one cross-eyed), A. B. Widener had been a butcher in the old which was also off bounds when “Nonnie” was Reading Market, when Huhn was a fledgling. engrossed in her china painting. We adored Widener came to him with his initial savings. her and the way she smelled and rustled, but Huhn was a veteran operator before Jay Gould it was a formal warmth, not at all like the easy took over the mastery of Wall Street, and intimacy which existed between us and the Carnegie was still a minor railway official. It Parham relatives. was said that our grandparent possessed such Dimpled Aunt Ann had never married. a powerful clientele he could, and did, borrow (Cruelly, we liked to think she had been jilted, thirty million [dollars] without collateral. in the manner of music hall Vesta Tilley’s No big deal today— but for then, this, and “Waiting at the Church.”) Great-aunt Martha, other adventures made the “Rover Boys” dull older and plainer, had been twice widowed. reading. [With) utility magnates, publishers, The two ladies seemed to spend their days and railroad tycoons, wine salesmen, the visiting. The younger sister regaled even press, and promoters, he played poker and Background and Reminiscences 3 made deals and was a ladies’ man—with the the neighborhood of Poughkeepsie is famed best! But it was when the motion picture era for being akin to that of the Irish hunting dawned that he, as the saying goes, “stubbed country, and it was there that a transplanted his toe.” Experienced financial entrepreneur Irishman, O’Malley Knott, who brought and that he was, neither he nor his Lamb’s Club trained horses for Alfred Vanderbilt, taught crony, and partner, William Brady (husband us how to jump and ride with the hunt across of Grace George, father of Alice), were a those beautiful rolling fields. The Oakley match for the astute first Selznick. The World Thornes had a magnificent estate nearby, and Film Corporation was short-lived after the Sunday evenings they would come to school Hollywood impresario made off with the for supper, and, stationed on either side of the leading lady, and his fellow wheeler-dealers dining room, give each student a hothouse outguessed the German Huhn and the Irish gardenia. Actress Edith Wynne Mathison, Brady. she of the Madonna-like face, and her author- Back in Philadelphia, the patriarch resumed husband, Charles Rann Kennedy, would read shepherding his grandchildren to “Iolanthe,” passages from the Bible. Both had voices to “The Pirates,” and “Pinafore.” Gilbert and please the angels, although these we were Sullivan—these he understood. But never did most certainly not! (I am told that this saintly any of us hear any recrimination or excuses! It pair eventually became outstanding radicals.) was great, having him back. Much later, when Thence to Mrs. Dow’s school of Briarcliff, his “kingdom” fell apart, George A. remained when the desired opening occurred. (Mrs. Dow an enthusiastic, argumentative—yes, even had been assistant principal at Farmington feisty old gentleman, scorning bankruptcy in my mother’s day.) Briarcliff Manor is as a “devious way out,” continuingly trustful located between Ossining (site of Sing Sing of those he like and chose to forgive. This we penitentiary) and the Pocantico Hills, which respected. This we remembered. He remained shelter the realm of the Rockefellers. On one stubbornly true to his own code of ethics. hand, “crime and punishment” (we were once My younger days? They were nothing taken on a tour of the prison—in style—since short of idyllic! Summers [were] spent on two Gaynor daughters were schoolmates and the coasts—New Jersey, Long Island, Rhode their father was then mayor of New York Island—swimming and tennis. Spring and City). On the other hand, the sweet smell of fall—fox hunting in the East. In the winter, success—vast riches from Standard Oil! duck hunting in the South. My first day On Sundays, we drove in fringed surreys at school was at Miss Sayward’s, a small to whatever church was most distant, seminary in the suburbs. One memorable irrespective of denomination, since our morning, my little dog followed me and was only thought was freedom and fresh air. killed. I buried her at recess, wrapped in the I don’t believe our cultural or religious American flag, along with my heart. inclinations flourished, but we did—all of Next, I went to boarding school (instead us—acquire a consciousness of the needs of of the threatened “house of correction”) at slum children and underpaid factory workers. Miss Bennet’s, in Millbrook, New York, where [We] resolutely saved and raised money for I recall no noticeable “finishing touches,” our “Holiday House” Visitors. This interest, but my tennis and field hockey improved I understand, still exists and has expanded, considerably. The Dutchess County terrain in although the school is now a college, and the 4 Phyllis J. Walsh supervision far more strict; the curriculum, cherished memory is of playing at Rumson, infinitely superior. New Jersey, on those wonderful turf courts, against Helen Wills and “Waddy” Washburn, Months of being out-distanced, and just returned from winning the Olympics. out-stroked, and generally outshone, can do Partnered with Dean Mathey, half my height, wonders for the ebullient and headstrong, but an expert court strategist, we eventually and the following year saw me wide-eyeing won a lengthy three-set match. Alas, for us— further competition on public playing fields. our triumph went almost unnoticed, since the My mother’s youngest brother had already press (thinking our ultimate defeat a foregone made a name for himself in the sports world. conclusion) departed with the approaching W. H. T. Huhn, with Jay Gould, Jr., was holder darkness! of several national court tennis doubles Two other memorable days—playing with championships, also numerous squash titles. Manuel, in the finals at Brookline, against May He was an outstanding polo player in the days Bundy and Jean Borotra—a defeat, but not a of Foxhall Keene, the Waterbury brothers, bad one, and sitting with Prank Mallory, by and the two Whitneys. He had played in then husband of Molla Bjurstedt, at Forest the early days of Del Monte, Coronado, and Hills, on the occasion of her “battle” with the Burlingame. In the East he had captained a photogenic Suzanne Lenglen, whose default winning team against the British International made tennis history. (This was not “le jour Cup champions. It was he who encouraged de gloire” for the French, as I learned that me most, and influenced my mother into evening, sitting between Mamman Lenglen allowing me to play on tournament courts. and Monsieur de Joannis, captain of the These were the halcyon days of lawn French Davis Cup teams.) tennis. Invitations were limited, and the Hazel (Mrs. George) Wightman was younger players just didn’t have the money wonderfully kind to all the youthful aspirants, to be as independent as they now are. “Big as was “Little Billy” Johnston (national Bill” Tilden, a fellow Philadelphian, was champion from California), Sam Hardy the national champion, and encouraged (captain of the American Davis Cup team), the young newcomers. Bill came from a Wallis Merrihew (editor of the American highly respected family, had been brought Lawn Tennis magazine [nonexistent today], up by two maiden aunts, and Grandfather and Julian Myrick, chairman of the American knew them well. Together with. Norwegian Lawn Tennis Association. Molla Bjurstedt (a “new girl” in town who Helen Wills was never as good or as was to become holder many times of our interested in doubles or mixed doubles—in national ladies’ singles title), they often played fact, never seemed to really enjoy herself or brilliant bridge with George A. at our house. other people as did the personable Molla. (The Miraculously, Molla, knowing few people at latter was considered, especially by the men, that time, asked me to become her doubles to be outstandingly sportsmanlike.) partner. And shortly after that, Bill’s partner in men’s doubles, Manuel Alonzo, captain of [How did I happen to go overseas and the Spanish Davis Cup team, took me on for enlist in the French Army?] George A. had mixed doubles (Pennsylvania and Eastern been ill, and so, together with his favorite states at Merion, Pennsylvania). My most grandson and namesake, George A. III, we Background and Reminiscences 5

were selected to accompany him on a private same mustard-colored material— was it ever car trip west. America had not yet entered scratchy—with capes instead of greatcoats. World War I, and reporters were constantly Being so tall, my shirt had to be faced with a interviewing him when we stopped over or portion of my cloak, and after the Armistice, switched trains. Near Banff, we were attached when I turned in my uniform, regulations to a troop train, carrying Canadians headed required my handing over the bob-tailed cape, for France. Between patriotic marching along with the lengthened skirts! songs and the inspirational company of the We received seven cents a day and young barristers going to their doom, my were envied by the camouflage workers cousin attempted to join them. Grandfather, who received only five cents, plus food and already choleric at our distribution of his board. We drove ambulances, trucks, and best cigars, literally got him back (with the pool-cars. We serviced anti-aircraft batteries. aid of a pressman) from the clutches of the We slept in convents, tunnels, [and] in the recruiting office. After our return home cars, themselves, but we always ate well (and after dutifully making my debut), I was and survived bombings and shellings and off on the French Line’s Rochambeau with lice. Unforgettably, we accompanied the a group headed by Nina Larry Duryea, an victorious entrees into Saint Mihiel, Metz, and impassioned Franco-American, who led us to Strasbourg. A serious dearth of nurses existed, believe that only through our efforts would the but we had not had the necessary training, so Germans desist in their efforts to mutilate, if the best we could do was to offer our services not eradicate, all Belgian and French children! when they reopened “condemned” hospitals, To be acceptable, all I had had to do so damp the walls ran water. Sometimes, with was guarantee a camionette (small truck) only a brancardier (stretcher-bearer) to help, and be supplied with a satisfactory letter we could supply soup, tea, or boiled water— of credit. A family friend, an automobile but no medicine until the doctors came on manufacturer, donated and arranged for in the morning. the shipping of the car (which I drove only The Crockers of San Francisco did a great once from Bordeaux to Paris to be turned job amongst the civilians to improve sanitary over to the Red Cross). By then, I had conditions. (We were once billeted next to a been sent out to the Lorraine front, Toul Polish command whose officer, a Poniatowski, Sector [near Nancy, France] to act as driver was related to them.) The Foyer du Soldat instructoress to the Commite Americain (French YMCA) was magnificent in its relief pour Les Francais Blesses [American Fund work when the Germans inhumanly released for French Wounded]. It was after this hundreds of allied POW’s immediately apprenticeship that I was able to enlist in the after the surrender—poorly clad, shoeless, France Army, Section Automobile de Place, weakened from food shortage. Innumerable No. 11. (Because of my age, I would have been lives were saved by British canteens with ineligible for ours under the new American assistance sent or dispatched all the way from requirements. Their first specifications were Calais. twenty-one years, then twenty-five, and I was nineteen, and then twenty.) [How did I enter the newspaper We. were issued our uniforms in the same business?] Mostly through my family’s active Paris bureau as the Foreign Legionnaires. The participation in sports—Uncle Bill in polo, 6 Phyllis J. Walsh and his racquet titles, and the August Belmont He was quiet and noncommunicative (a few family connection. thought him conceited and even called him Phil Payne, editor of the New York a “stuffed shirt”). Someone learned over my Daily News, was a sports buff, and saw shoulder in my press seat and said, “Sister, are interviewing by a woman as a new angle. you in trouble?” People did not welcome reporters as they And I said, “Yes.” do now, and wouldn’t have dreamt having And he said, “If I help you, will you have their houseguests bothered for articles or dinner with me?” It was “Wes” [Westbrook] snapshots. These were the early days of Pegler. I was so flattered. had an engagement, the tabloids, and space was more given to but I offered to take him with me. He said, captions and pictures, the inference being “Would it be fun?” that John Q. Public couldn’t read! I was given And I said, “Yes.” baseball, polo, tennis, skating, horseracing, And he asked, “Will there be plenty to fox hunting, and golf. Phil was a kindly, if drink?” unprepossessing-looking individual. Married And I assured him there would be, and he to one of the many Miss Americas, he had went, and was charming, witty, good-looking, been a professional ball player. He sent me and talented. It wasn’t until after his lovely first to Washington, D. C. for major league wife Julia’s accident and her long confinement coverage of a New York baseball series, where that he was termed controversial and biased. I was startled at being told to “line up for my Walter Winchell was the proverbial bane of allotment of a bottle of whiskey and a fifth of many people’s existence. However, his tireless gin.” (My host and hostess, she, the daughter assistance to the Damon Runyon Cancer of a Supreme Court judge, George Graham, Fund, which he founded, speaks for itself. was delighted with my contribution!) At We met him through the one and only Texas that time, our close friend, George Marshall, Guinan. I suspicion she supplied him with owned the Washington Redskins, and being copy, as she always had an “in” with politicians, in the laundry business, was gleefully known the underworld, and the police (the “fuzz” of as “Wet Wash.” today). Her nightclub was a beacon on the Paul Gallico was my sports editor, and Great White Way, and during Prohibition, the although tall and brawny, had been a member most “wanted” by the law enforcers. of the University of Columbia crew. His Bernard Sobol, author and authority on wife, Ava (he’s had several since), wrote the burlesque, was the gentlest of human beings. news column, “Fashions for Men,” and was Originally a professor at Purdue, he became the daughter of the head of the Chicago Flo Ziegfeld’s famous publicist. He founded Conservatory of Music. the Ziegfeld Club, was an editor of The Lambs Three who made it easier for me to (Club] house paper, and often shepherded carry out assignments were the late Walter the “Saints and Sinners.” He became top Winchell, Westbrook Pegler, and Bernard press agent for MGM, and until a heart Sobol. It was when I was covering the condition necessitated his retirement, did National Golf Tournament at Merion Golf public relations for the Celanese Corporation Club, Pennsylvania, and in a dilemma over of America. how to best approach my cousin’s husband, Uncle Bill was also a member of The Lambs Max Marston, then national golf champion. (Club], so my generation grew up stage- Background and Reminiscences 7

struck. We had premieres in Philadelphia, C. monument, and I approved heartily of his then a tryout town, as was Atlantic City and choice of buried memorabilia—a bottle of New Haven. My family entertained endlessly whisky, a lady’s garter, playing cards, and a for the stars. My father’s oldest sister attended pair of dice. convent school with Ethel Barrymore. Billie [Where did I meet Bernard M. Baruch?) Burke and husband, Flo Ziegfeld, came to Mr. “B. M.” was a friend of my uncle, George town one year for our charity ball, bringing A., Jr. They went duck and deer hunting enough costumes from the Follies to supply together, which is how I was invited down two choruses. That same night Flo signed up to the Baruch plantation, Hobcaw Barony, Catherine Littlefield and Jack Whiting at the in Georgetown, South Carolina. The original Buckingham Club. We felt like important grant was given to the Carteret family by King talent scouts. Catherine went on to ballet, George, and it adjoins the Bromo Seltzer- Jack to becoming a leading juvenile in musical Emerson property, now owned by Alfred comedies. Vanderbilt. These lush lands front the sea. The My mother, too, was dazzled by stardust. Alston gardens, too, moss-hung and flower Today it is no novelty to hobnob with fragrant, are especially romantic, perhaps theatrical headliners, but in the classic era because of the fact that an Alston daughter of E. H. Southern, this was not so prevalent. married Aaron Burr. We duck hunted there Although. Southern was happily married to many winters, but South Carolina deer are Julia Marlowe, my underage mother ran off to not much bigger than little colts, and I could Baltimore, hoping to elope with him, although never shoot one of them. They’re so beautiful. they had never met! Her father promptly Many famous people were Bernie’s delegated George, Jr. to fetch her back, and guests—FDR, Winston Churchill, Mark Mr. Southern politely explained why he Sullivan, Garret Garret, and Nevada’s Ray was unable to oblige. (He further consoled Baker. Ray had been Mr. Marye’s personal her with a red leather folder containing six secretary in Petrograd, when he was photographs of himself.) Ambassador to Russia, and had been onetime We came to know the Castles, Vernon and director of the Mint, and former warden of Irene, because our New York relatives gave the the Nevada State Prison. dansants, at which it was considered chic to engage a dance team for instructions. Maurice [How did I enter the brokerage business?] and Walton, a famous (dance team], also It came about through a dinner at Mr. taught and we marveled at the way the older Baruch’s. I was offered a high salary. I had ones Castle-walked, tangoed, and scooted been getting one hundred dollars a week on around doing the Maxixe. the New York Daily News. Everyone seemed to A favorite writer, who seemed to love the be mesmerized by the rising stock market. (I theater as much as we, was Lucius Beebe. We realize now how fortunate I was to have been never met him until years later up in Virginia associated with such conventional firms.) City. Some idols let you down. Lucius never My brokerage offices—Kelly, Drayton, did. It always seemed he was playing a part, and Converse; G. M. P. Murphy; Bear, Steam; but he played it well, and I was proud to have Talcott, Potter—all of New York. (The Potters a share in the Nevada State Centennial with are members of the Bishop’s family. Ann him. We helped lay the cornerstone of the V. Seward was head of the women’s department. 8 Phyllis J. Walsh

Her father had been minister to China.) profitably selling booze (even bootlegging). We were called “customers’ women,” which (This was through Frank Hunter, a tennis didn’t sound quite respectable, and has since partner of Tilden’s.) Another member of the been changed to “registered representatives.” board was Essie O’Brien, brother of Kenneth, At that time, one did not have to pass then married to Reno’s late Katherine Mackay examinations, and consequently a great many Hawkins. We were associated with Elsie with. so-called “connections” were offered DeWolfe when it Was the style to take a whirl positions in brokerage offices with the hope at interior decorating. Elsie sold fine furniture that relatives and fans would be forthcoming. and antiques, at enormous profit, before Unfortunately, many knew little about the marrying Sir Charles Mendel. Elizabeth mechanics of buying and selling securities. Arden, too, we knew well, since she was Stock exchange officials were too lenient, for many years an invaluable, and generous which was proven by the crash, the eventual national board member of the American downfall of its president, and the revision of Women’s Voluntary Services (presided over rules. by Mrs. Ogden Mills, whose late husband’s As history records, the era before the family had been owner of Nevada’s V and T Depression which followed was a gilded Railroad), Elizabeth Arden, as a registered one, if not pure gold. Nightclubs were nurse, had parlayed a skin formula into a crowded, theater tickets were at a premium. million-dollars cosmetic business, and before The nightclub devotees were cheerfully her death ran one of the most successful horse overcharged (“taken”). When customers racing stables in the East. (In memory of her, walked into the club, Texas [Guinan] used to two sizable scholarships have been presented say, “Hi ya, sucker!” and it was not resented. to the Nevada State Vocational Training (The queen of nightclubs was actually strict Program by the AWVS.) with her “little girls.”) Everybody knew her, The Theater Guild, headed by Lawrence which was not difficult. We often rode with Langner, and wife, Armena Marshal (part her in her bulletproof car, once custom-made American-Indian), was at its zenith. Judith for the King of Belgium, and we were happy to Anderson, Anna May Wong, Helen Mencken, be invited. We were with her when she sailed Carl van Vechten (and wife, Fania Marinof), away to France, and waiting, to welcome Dwight “Little Show” Wyman, Irving Berlin— her back. I recall meeting her mother, who these were names to conjure with. Hope came from a small town in Texas. She was Thomas, sister-in-law of Helen Marye very proper and religious, with two priests Thomas, was secretary to Lawrence Langner. for sons. [Her] mother used to market in her This was heady company, and those were Eighth Avenue neighborhood with a basket, star-spangled times—so colorful it is natural and Texas would instruct the shopkeepers, that they should constitute a related pattern to no matter what Mother wanted, if it cost less the newspaper world. It was my good fortune in Texas, she was to have it at her price, with to find them, under the greasepaint, most Texas paying the difference. generous and humane. We were also members of a light-hearted band who gathered at first at The Puncheon, then at “21 West 52”. Suddenly, T found myself in the Kriendlers’ liquor business, 2 Reminiscences of Early Days at the Ranch and in and Around Reno

My introduction to Nevada came about Ironically, it was a question of time, as I was through a family friendship, plus business to be the stand-in for the next thirty-two connections with Mrs. George T. Marye, Jr. challenging and memorable years. I wish here (whose late husband took such an active part to again thank, for their invaluable guidance in “bonanza days” banking, and later was and interest, all those good neighbors— appointed to the Imperial Court of Nicholas especially Ella and Walter Wallace, who II by Woodrow Wilson), and I am deeply superintended operations and saved us on appreciative of having the opportunity to so many near-ruinous occasions. Germans, make this requested recording of happenings Canadians, Basques, and Scots—from at the S Bar S ranch before it became the Wadsworth and Fernley, came the Ceresolas, property of the University of Nevada. DePaolis, Goris; the McCulloughs, Urrutias, Mrs. Marye purchased the ranch from Joe and Legarzas. All gave helping hands, and and Maria Gardella for her daughter, Helen good advice. Marye Thomas, in 1939. Helen deeded it Actually, it was Mrs. Marye, and not over several years before her death (in 1970) Helen, who first considered buying a home to the University in memory of her mother in Nevada, although both felt keenly about and father. S Bar S (Staige-Stop) was so called settling in the state where the George T. because the property lay in the neighborhood Maryes—Senior and Junior—had been so of a’ former stage route, and also because of integrally a part of the silver rush. a forebear, Letitia Staige, English by birth, Mrs. Marye had previously been married American by marriage. to George Jr.’s older brother, William. He was Not one of the three of us knew anything a colonel on General Grant’s staff. Father about farming, but Mrs. Marye felt sure Marye had been badly in need of associates that it was only a matter of time before we during the fluctuating pandemonia of the could acquire a capable professional agent. Comstock era. His older son refused to 10 Phyllis J. Walsh resign his commission to become part of the Staige Marye. It was his son, George T. Marye, O. W. Marye firm, and a substitute, George, Sr., who left Baltimore, Maryland, for the Jr., returned from his studies in Europe, and Western gold fields, striking out across the journeyed to Virginia City. I can recall Mrs. Isthmus on foot until he reached the port, Marye laughing because the popular song where he was unable to find transportation of the day was “Sweet Marie,” and when her for months, but from where he eventually husband alighted from the stagecoach, he proceeded, by mail packet, in time to claim was wearing a monocle and spats. He also the fabrics he had shipped ahead. This was was carrying a cane. His addiction to canes probably the establishment of the family continued, but the spats and monocle were fortune, as with the profit derived from the shortly discarded. sale of merchandise, he invested in anchorage At the time of this, the wildest of mining rights, and waterfront property in San stock manipulations, many “pick-and-shovel Francisco. Eventually he returned East to fetch boys” preferred to entrust their earnings to his wife and family. an individually-owned firm, rather than to a branch bank. To resume doings at the S Bar S [ranch], Both Mr. Marye and his father subsequently Helen Thomas and I shared a great love of became presidents of the San Francisco Stock animals. I, as a native Pennsylvanian, had Exchange, and George T. Marye, Jr. served as done considerable fox hunting. We knew little a regent of the University of California for about crops, and nothing about cattle. At one several terms. He also was made chairman of time, we seriously considered going into the the California State Democratic Committee. raising of hogs, because of the number of At the time of World War I, Ambassador new military installations, with their alluring Sharpe had been scheduled for Russia, garbage prospects. Our respective mothers but because of an international tariff objected strenuously. (“Fast operators” did disagreement, he was considered persona come up from Los Angeles, and made a non grata by Russia. Sharpe was shifted to killing.) France, and Marye appointed to Russia. (An I had been associated with the New York additional factor was the latter’s knowledge City banking and brokerage firm of G. M. of finance and law, and his ability to speak P. Murphy where they were handling Mrs. five languages fluently.) I did not know the Marye’s investments. She asked permission to Marye family at that time, as I was in France take me west with. her on matters pertaining in the French Army, but I was called upon to Mr. Marye’s estate. She also felt, vaguely, frequently to interpret for Ambassador that because I was so familiar with horses, I Sharpe’s representatives in AlsaceLorraine. could be of help in finding a ranch. The James Marye home (Brompton) still I had also had good connections with stands in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was [the a decorator, and had had experience as a home of] the same Reverend James Marye newspaper correspondent. Mrs. Marye, who tutored the young George Washington, therefore, hoped I also possessed the necessary and was considered responsible for his business acumen. Somehow, we all expected compiling “The Rules of Civility.” to find a ranch in the general direction of One of the founders of the town of Luray, Virginia City because that was the part of the Virginia, was a direct descendant, William glamorous Nevada that we had heard so much Reminiscences of Early Days at the Ranch and in and Around Reno 11 about. We never stopped to think there would Shakespearean plays and taught drama in not be anything much in the way of a “spread” various universities, both abroad and in this hanging on the side of Sun Mountain. country. He was instrumental in obtaining We searched everywhere, up and down the many donations of money, clothing, and toys Truckee, south as far as Carson City. We found from his Hollywood friends [for the Indian the spot northeast, through Dorothy Bartlett, mission]. Today another Brother David heads who was in the real estate business. (She had the mission at Nixon. He is young David Tybo just come from the dentist, and the dentist’s (Indian for “white man”). He is half Shoshone receptionist was Joe Gardella’s daughter.) It and half Caucasian. He spent several years was west of the river, close to Wadsworth, in Japan in the U. S. Navy, and he is of the and consisted of about 319 acres, mostly river opinion that certain Indian hieroglyphics are bottom loam. Under the watchful eye of all the similar to those of the Japanese. Gardellas, everything we saw seemed to be growing and thriving. It was a different matter * * * * * after we took over, but the Gardellas continued to help us with the produce, even after they While the S Bar S ranch house was being moved to Reno. Whenever “Mama” Maria constructed, Mrs. Marye leased one of the came back, she would recognize her asparagus, El Reno cottages on South Virginia Street. and talk to her tomato plants. (Without her, Fellow tenants [included] divorcees, and we dared not even explore the mushrooms they attracted the current men about town. scattered along the river bank, lest they turn Amongst the latter [were] Ben Edwards, Chet out to be toadstools !) Emmons, Chick Bennett, Neil Vanderbilt, and Jack Fugitt. Fugitt was known as the Wadsworth was then quite a village. slot machine king. He was the proud owner The owner of the one restaurant served a of elaborate rodeo costumes, in Which he miraculous mulligan stew. Her son, Earnest appeared at county fairs and horse shows. McKenzie, married one of the Gardella girls. Th our eyes, he was the typical city slicker, A Mr. E. Updike, proprietor of the general worldly and wise. store, was postmaster. (We found his daughter The Flying ME was the outstanding fascinating because she communed with divorce resort. It was owned by the popular spirits.) Emmy Wood, for whom the ranch was An amazing individual appeared on named. Other fashionable dude hideaways the scene. He was the new missionary for were the Washoe Pines and the Monte Cristo, St. Mary’s parish at Pyramid Lake. He was the former at Franktown, the latter at Pyramid introduced to us as Brother David by the Lake. Anglican bishop, William Lewis. He had The wrangler—a glorified hostler—was been famous in the theater and on the screen the man of the hour. He could be anything— as Gareth Hughes. Hughes, a Welshman, shaggy-headed or bald, boney or fat, toothless had been personally selected by Sir James or toothy—as long as he looked the part of a Barrie, in his younger days, to create the cowpoke, he was divine—the expression of the title roles in “Sentimental Tommy” and “The times. (He often married the newly divorced.) Little Minister.” Because of his beautiful Harry and Joan Drackert were also hosts speaking voice, he had appeared in many of a successful “clearing house.” Their haven 12 Phyllis J. Walsh at Sutcliff was occupied by the U. S. Navy, holdings at Goldfield. A mining stock much in taken over when Pyramid Lake was used for demand in the East before we left was Como, launching experimental torpedoes during but when Mrs. Marye and I drove over to World War II. Carson City and up Brunswick canyon, there was no sign of any activity whatsoever. It was Lucia Chase, director of the American not long afterwards that it was ousted from Ballet Theater, spent a weekend with us at the even over-the-counter listing. In 1938, almost S Bar S during the ballet’s only appearance every mining Operation was closed down. in Reno. The leading male dancer of “Billy Mr. Wingfield’s brother-in-law, Royce A. the Kid” was greatly pleased on being Hardy, a prominent mining engineer, showed photographed for the first times offstage, us the spot where Eilley Orrum Bowers and wearing authentic chaps, assisting in the her Sandy first struck it rich. (The Marye roping of a calf. When Lucia graduated from mansion in Virginia City, shortly after this, Bryn Mawr, her first introduction to ballet was destroyed by fire. Its site, directly across training had been at the Roxy Theater under from the fire department, is now the new Albertina Rasche, with her Rockettes. When Virginia City Post Office.) We were fortunate the troupe toured South America, included in also having as a guide Louis Gordon. among the dancers was Sophie Williams Cochrane, of Genoa, a member of a pioneer Among the many prominent Reno citizens family. Joe Williams of riot Creek ranch was who visited us were Mrs. Charles W. Mapes; her uncle. Dr. Rodney Wyman, resident physician at the state hospital; Governor Charles Russell, his Numerous dinners were given at George lovely Marjorie, and her father, peppery Judge Lott’s game farm in nearby Hidden Valley. I Clark Guild. Senator and Mrs. Pat McCarran remember spirited arguments between Judge were very dear friends. The senator was such a Ed Lunsford and the distinguished writer, good-looking man—exactly what one wanted John Erskine. (His son, Graham, is now one a senator to look like. Mrs. Marye and Mrs. of Reno’s leading architects.) The architect McCarran were enthusiastic poker players— of the S Bar S ranch was Dale Frederick, bridge and mah jong, too. who also designed the Clark Gable-Carole Mrs. Marye’s neighbors from Burlingame Lombard ranch in the San Fernando Valley. came often and had many weekend-long During World War II, Frederick, after sessions of whist. Digressing more than completing sketches for his employer, Howard somewhat, it was prior to coming to the Hughes, was commended for his excellence ranch, due to Mrs. Marye’s bridge-playing in draftsmanship and sent to Inyokern for proclivities, that Mrs. Marye met my mother classified work with the government. and grandfather. The latter was recognized as I never remember seeing Mr. George being a shrewd bidder of cards, playing a set Wingfield, Sr. at the ranch. I first met him at game with Milton Work, the acknowledged the New York City home of Mr. Bernard M. bridge expert, B. C. (before Culbertson). Baruch. He also visited Baruch’s beautiful He and Mother were visiting the Edward plantation, Hobcaw Barony, Georgetown, B. McLeans at Friendship in Washington, South Carolina. I recall mention of the D. C., and during a bridge game, Mrs. Getchell mine, and allusions to the Newmont Marye mentioned to them that both her Reminiscences of Early Days at the Ranch and in and Around Reno 13 late husband and her father-in-law had arrived almost simultaneously with the first been presidents of the San Francisco Stock Pan American clipper, carrying amongst Exchange. “Frank Townsend, my brother- them Senator McAdoo, Roy Howard, and in-law, is president of ours as of now,” said the Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitneys. After a Mother. The conversation moved to other weekend in Baguio with “Sonny” and “Gee,” members of the family when Mrs. Marye we attended a review of the Philippine Air coincidentally recalled meeting the much Force (General MacArthur was already photographed Mrs. Morgan Belmont at a Tennessee waltzing with Miss Jean Faircloth, recent lucheon in New York. My grandfather from Tommy Thomas’ home town), high tea contributed that the dashing Maggie had been with the Episcopal bishop from Job; a tennis his “pet niece,” when he was married to his match between Bill Tilden and Ellsworth second wife, Alice Janney (of the Margaret Vines; an all-Elilzalde polo game in Sonny’s Meadows Farm family, Green Spring Valley, honor; dinner with President Quezon; finally Maryland). Mrs. Marye suggested that they an overloaded, stormy return to the U. S. via meet again, perhaps on their next visit to New the Aleutian Islands, via the Dollar Lines, with York City, for the running of the Belmont winds and seas of hurricane proportions— Stakes at Belmont Park. Mrs. Marye also told irradicable memories! of plans to accompany her daughter to China the following summer to join her son-in-law, To return to ranch days, a situation Commander Thomas, of the U. S. Navy, on arose one morning when Mrs. Marye and I duty in the Far East with the Asiatic fleet.(She were breakfasting on the terrace. A cowboy subsequently was forced to postpone this due rode by, and, as Mrs. Marye’s granddaughter to her sister’s illness.) It was Mrs. Ned McLean was due out from school, we stopped the (Evalyn) who suggested that Mrs. Marye rider to inquire if he knew of a suitable request a leave of absence for me from my steed, well mannered, and complete with brokerage office to accompany her daughter. saddle and bridle. He returned the next day This was granted, and Helen and I left leading a mild-looking bay. (To our amazed the first week in August. (Mrs. Marye and gratification, it was priced at one hundred her close friend, Mrs. Sydney Cloman, did dollars.) Following the man’s departure, join us in Shanghai briefly, but because of our next door neighbor, Mr. Bill Ceresola, her sister’s death, it was necessary for Mrs. telephoned and asked if we had seen anything Marye to return to Washington immediately.) of his son’s horse. Mrs. Marye invited him over Meanwhile, “Tommy” Thomas and his and we discovered she had just acquired it, destroyer had been ordered out to sea for along with Dick McCullough’s bridle, and the maneuvers, so we had no choice but to book Fernley sheriff’s saddle. Thanks to the efforts an air passage to Indochina and Singapore, of Ray Root, Washoe county sheriff, and rejoining him at Luzon. What a once-in- Andy Welliver, Reno police chief, the culprit a-lifetime experience! Flying Lufthansa to was soon apprehended, together with Mrs. Yunnan Fu (now Hun Ming), down the Red Marye’s money, at the well-known Round Up River to Hanoi, thence to Saigon, with a side Bar in Reno. trip to Cambodia, Siam, and Singapore, in Judge George Bartlett was one of the order to await connections on the Gneisenau, most amusing of all the Reno barristers who sailing for the Philippines. In Manila, we recounted tall tales at the Riverside Corner 14 Phyllis J. Walsh

Bar. This was the mecca of the “beautiful upon a time, Lahontan, Walker, Pyramid, and people” and prominent politicians. “Judgie” the great Salt Lake were all one inland sea. was an inspired raconteur, and his memory There are spots in Pyramid that have never was incredible. His daughter, Montie, and been sounded. Where we swam, the fish were Bob Caples have since achieved fame for their so thick that one was often disconcerted by a respective talents— hers for poetry and his nudge from a carp. for painting. (They both appear in the late Rarely a day passed at the ranch that we Walter Van Tilburg Clark’s book, The City of did not have a visitation of gophers. Hardly Trembling Leaves.) a whole week went by that we didn’t have Belle Baruch, Mr. Bernie’s elder daughter, to mend breaks in the irrigation ditches. flew Out annually and stayed at the Riverside Every year the river waters would come as Mr. Wingfield’s guest. She always brought a down in the spring from Tahoe and wash group of internationally known friends. she, out a productive portion of our land. We herself, was a widely known equestrienne, were. always borrowing, buying, or renting with racing stables in France. She never defensive equipment. Lou Gardella—the missed coming out to the ranch and enjoyed one son in their family of girls—was greatly visiting the military installations. Her pilot concerned, and as agricultural extension had flown with many of the officers, and we agent, did his utmost to assist us. He felt that were often invited to the change of command, with the constantly changing “meanderings” always a colorful and stirring sight. of the Truckee, the engineers could only Mrs. Charles Napes often entertained for prevent further erosion by riprapping. Talking the Baruch party. The first time she had us it over with those who had been born and for cocktails at her home, she and the Baruch brought up there, and were familiar with these pilot recognized each other immediately from worsening conditions, it was deemed wise to his flying circus days, when he barnstormed offer the ranch property to the University of the state and carried the mail to Reno. Nevada, in hopes that they would have more Not only at Mrs. Mapes’, but everywhere influence in securing preventive measures in the area, there was home entertainment than an individual owner. This was the only for the serviceman. We had them out every home Helen Thomas had ever personally available Sunday, and before the pool was owned, and she loved it deeply. Hence, her put in, took them swimming in the river, or desire was to give it, in its entirety, to the over at Pyramid Lake. Here the boys could go state because here, Nevada, was where her skinny-dipping around one cove, and the girls father and grandfather had prospered. She around another, out of sight of each other. It often mentioned this wish to her great friend, was not for years that we learned that we had Katherine Mackay Hawkins, as she envisioned been seen by all the Indians on the opposite students doing field work on the premises, shore! I remember the Indian women were and faculty members using the main house exceptionally modest, and just tucked up their for a hospitality center for representatives skirts and waded. No doubt they were in a of other colleges, even perhaps from other state of shock at our cavortings. The waters countries. of Pyramid contain warm currents, and the When the University experimental farm water is slightly saline. National Geographic near the Reno race track was abandoned writers who stayed with us alleged that once because of the construction of the new express Reminiscences of Early Days at the Ranch and in and Around Reno 15 highway, Helen felt even more hopeful that days. It became a roundhouse center with additional scientific farming experiments the coming of the railroad. The population could be transferred to the S Bar S. Also, with was made up of drovers, Chinese coolie the completed stretch of freeway between laborers, and construction workers. When Wadsworth and Reno, commuting time the townspeople were induced to transfer would be considerably shortened. their homes to Sparks, the population The last part of Helen’s life was spent dwindled. On the outskirts, the little town of recovering from a fractured pelvis, which Olinghouse (named for a former owner of the incapacitated her for months. And later S Bar S ranch) enjoyed a short-lived mining she broke a hip, from which she never prominence. There is little left of Wadsworth. completely recovered. Having been such an today but a few ranches, with sheep, dairy and expert horsewoman, her inability to ride was beef cattle. With the completion of the new a great blow. Her love of dogs compensated highway, traffic rushes by east to Lovelock somewhat. We had dynasties of Pekes and and west to Reno. poodles, Dalmations and hounds. The Formerly, the Pyramid Lake section afghans were known to antiquity as the fastest teemed with ranches. The Hard Scrabble ranch dogs in existence. In Egypt they were used for was owned by Neil and Augusta West. To the coursing antelopes. At the ranch, however, north, beautiful Mrs. Francesca (Beverly) they were often outrun by the greyhounds. Blackmere purchased the River ranch, with Perhaps this had to do with pursuing their the intention of raising stock horses. The prey up the steep bluffs. One season we had ranch had a magnificent view of the lake, but a “mesalliance,” which resulted in an odd but alas, never enough water for pasturing, so enchanting combination of Dalmation grays. it ultimately passed into the hands of Harry We had no difficulty in finding a home for all Richman, known as “Mr. Broadway,” and sax. A rancher from the Lovelock area was former pianist for Sophie Tucker. having coyote trouble, and the fleet, graceful Directly behind Virginia Peak, toward litter of spotted whippets solved his problem. Reno, lay Spanish Springs and the famous Helen’s daughter, Marye, with [her] Hereford herds, belonging to Jim Stead, for schoolmates would spend the summers with whose son Stead Air Force base was named, us. As the river meandered further, deep and whose other son, Bill, became famous as holes resulted, and it seemed safer to remain a hydroplane racer. poolside, instead of swimming in the river. We As neophytes, we at the S Bar S ranch did never actually saw any quicksand, although I not realize that we, too, had insufficient water, have been told that people had been pulled feed, or space for pasturing both horses and under, especially at Pyramid Lake. Across cattle. During Mr. Gardella’s ownership, the the river, there were many cattle trails, and pastures were leased out. Among the lessees the children and visitors loved to have their we inherited was Senator Cowles, but as we pictures taken on horseback, maneuvering in had more and more trouble with our ditches, the manner of the Italian Cavalry. The hills due to the seasonal high water, we were unable look so much more precipitous than they to handle any animals except our own. really are! Looking back, even with all the hard Wadsworth had been an important work and disappointments, many and varied “bend in the river” town in the wagon train is the assortment of friendly people who 16 Phyllis J. Walsh contribute to happy memories and the feeling that it was all worth while. A random sample of flames in our guest book: Bill and Patty (Patricia Ziegfeld) Stephenson, Mrs. Otto Preminger (who later joined Dr. Schweitzer in Africa), Dame Judith Anderson, Hedy Lamar, and Sophie Tucker; Adam Gimbel, Paul Hollister (of Macy’s), Richard Gump; Tallulah Bankhead and her entourage; Governor Grant Sawyer, Bette and Gail, and his handsome lieutenant governor, Rex Bell; artists Fred Taubes, Salvador Dali, and Sheldon Pennoyer; Hal Holbrook; skier Hans Schroll; San Francisco’s Sidney Ehrman, Scott Newhall, Phyllis Tucker, and Cathleen Thierriott (the DeYoung sisters), Cobina Wright, stage and screen columnist; Mrs. Harvey Gibson, director of London’s “Rainbow Corner” during the buzz bomb siege; Whitney Bourne Chaote, Doris Duke, Peter Lynd Hayes and his wife, Mary Healey; Mrs. Sidney Cloman, Mrs. Marye’s closest friend and most frequent guest at the S Bar S; Eva Adams, Director of the U. S. Mint; Bert Goldwater, Joe McDonald, Colonel Tom Miller, the Jim Slatterys, Fred Settelmeyer; and Clara Beatty, a very dear friend. 3 Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations

The AWVS The AWVS has, from its inception, been indoctrinated to supplement and not duplicate Going back to the first years here in the USO, the Red Cross, the YMCA, the Reno, before the AWVS came into existence, YWCA, and the Veterans Hospital Volunteer it seems that most of the people we knew Services. Any organization that requested its were working for the American Red Cross, cooperation, its answer was, “we’ll try!” the AWVS not having been organized until I have lived most of my life in the East, directly after Pearl Harbor, starting in New but don’t believe I have every known a more York under Alice T. McLean, and spreading generous people than those living this side to the West Coast under the California state of the Rockies. During any catastrophe, or leadership of Mrs. Stanhope (Doris) Nixon. emergency, I have yet to see them fail to come In San Francisco, their chairmen, for many up generously with everything needed—and years, were Mrs. Nion Tucker, a daughter of I mean everything needed. Whether we were the owner of the San Francisco Chronicle, and packing clothes for earthquakes in South Mrs. George Washington Baker, a daughter of America, or revolutions in Hungary, the the Ghirardelli chocolate family. Mrs.. Helene response seemed almost biblical, in that if Mack, wife of Leon Mack of the Nevada State people had two coats, they literally gave one. Highway Department, and sister-in-law of Dr. As an example, the year after the bombing Effie Mona Mack, our distinguished author of Pearl Harbor, it was decided to call of f and educator, together with Mrs. Charles W. the annual Reno rodeo. It was then that the Mapes and Mrs. H. Marye Thomas, were the women got together, and instead of calling original sponsors of the AWVS in Nevada. off the rodeo they decided to put on an extra During the governorship of Governor Charles big one. Everyone cooperated—not just the Russell, Mrs. Russell became an honorary AWVS, all the women, all the organizations— chairman. and the result was amazing. In no time at 18 Phyllis J. Walsh all, people were offering to give the stock. AWVS in Cooperstown, New York. Mrs. The cowboys who signed up for the events McLean had just returned from Europe, gave back their prize money, and we had no where she studied the work of the Women’s difficulty in raising money for the prizes. Voluntary Service of Great Britain, plus the Everything fell in line. One wife of a cowboy Samaritans of Switzerland, and the Saards was in charge of the Boy Scouts, and the (Women Volunteers) of Finland. With sincere children did all the weeding necessary to humility and indomitable spirit, Mrs. McLean have the rodeo grounds put in shape in time. consecrated herself to the cause to join I can remember Mr. Wilbur May loaned his together within the United States “‘all women fine steers. A rendering plant came up with dedicated to the common ideal of freedom.’” bucking horses. “Sis” Blackmere, whose The first New York office was established in family had operated the Washoe Pines dude January, 1941. The growth of the organization ranch, knew Harry Rowell, rodeo impresario was constant, and was greatly accelerated by from Dublin, California; she had all the the attack on Pearl Harbor.At the time of its knowledge and experience necessary for the establishment in Nevada, the AWVS had more supervision of a rodeo. The Lloyd Roots, who than 200,000 members, throughout the United were old-time rodeo buffs, were interested, States and Alaska. National headquarters were enthusiastic, and generous. in New York City, and they had branches in In a great many instances, people buying Chicago and San Francisco, Los Angeles— tickets wanted to be sure that the money was pretty much all over the United States. Mrs. going into something that would go overseas, Bob Hope was the chairman of the Los immediately, and would be of assistance Angeles unit; Jeanette MacDonald headed the to all our allies. Mrs. Byron Caples was hospitality committee in southern California. instrumental, through the American Medical The members of the first executive board Society, in having the money (close to seven in Nevada were Mrs. Leon Mack, Mrs. Samuel thousand dollars) sent over under diplomatic Platt, Mrs. Raymond Callahan, Mrs. Raymond immunity. This went into syringes and drugs Marks, Mrs. Dryden Kuser, Mrs. Ruth Kerr, essentials for the saving of human lives. Mrs. Ruth Georgetta, Mrs. Hattie Rafael, Mrs. Dr. Effie Mona [Mack] and myself were Lloyd Smith, Mrs. Helen Marye Thomas, and so carried away at the cash register of the Miss Phyllis J. Walsh.The board of directors food concession that we rang everything up numbered Mrs. Charles W. Mapes, Dr. Effie backwards! Imagine being so pleased with Mona Mack, Mrs. Edna Dexter, Mrs. Roy ourselves, and so ignorant! Hardy, Mrs. Florence Bovett, Mrs. George The newspapers? There never was anyone Southworth, Miss Felice Cohn, Mrs. Clara more wonderfully helpful than Mr. Joe [S.] Beatty, Mrs. Beverly Blackmere, and Mrs. McDonald. Mrs. McDonald and I had a special John Hickey. bond in common, being theater buffs (Mrs. The first offices of the local chapter of the McDonald had once been correspondent for AWVS were at 110 Sierra Street, the location of both The Billboard and Variety). the old Federal store, the headquarters being But to return to the AWVS story via our donated by Mark Yori. It was a hospitality scrapbook, I quote from an early newspaper center (chairmen were Mr. and Mrs. George clipping, “In January, 1940, Mrs. Alice Hart), [and it was] open from ten to five. Throckmorton McLean set up the first All servicemen were welcome, and found Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 19 conveniences for writing, mailing letters, a California. They were instrumental in shopping bureau, and a button brigade to help organizing an orchestra for the musically them keep their uniforms in good condition. inclined, and a means of display for the There was a snack bar and a cigarette artistic. chest. There were salvage boxes where even Home gardening was stressed by the OPA, discarded pieces of fur were accepted. and the home canning of vegetables and fruits AWVS workers served in the theaters, constituted big contributions to the national selling stamps and bonds. Mrs. Frank Frost food situation. A victory garden drive was was head of the bond committee. Per capita, organized, attended by one hundred novice they were cited for raising more money than gardeners. any other bond committee in the entire Mrs. Leon Mack was appointed AWVS United States. representative for the Women’s Army Lieutenant George Hackett, of the Navy Auxiliary Corps of western Nevada to aid in recruiting offices, worked closely with the the enlisting of WAACs. Reno unit. Nevada Navy Recruit No. 1000 More than 1,500 pounds of silk and nylon was Burwell Holmes, publisher and editor of hose were contributed to the war effort by the Lassen Advocate of Susanville. (This well- the Nevada AWVS, and were shipped to the known newspaperman, a former University Defense Supply Corporation in New York of Nevada student, twenty-nine years old, City. (This meant that more than two hundred enlisted as a hospital attendant.) pounds, or 1,200 pairs of hose were being Mrs. Lloyd Patrick was head of public contributed each month in Washoe County relations, along with Mrs. Georgetta. Mrs. alone.) George [Letty] Southworth was chairman of Assistance was requested in obtaining juniors. The University of Nevada women also furniture for the recreation rooms at the Reno sent in a group. Army Air Base. About a dozen were supplied A huge war bond rally was held at the with curtains, rugs, furniture, and all the civic auditorium in the State Building in 1942, necessary appurtenances. Advertisements featured speakers being Ralph Bellamy and were placed in the newspapers, requesting Jean Parker, representing the motion picture assistance in the collection of second-hand industry; Governor Ted Carville; Mayor day beds, comfortable chairs, end tables, and (August] Frohlich. Collector of Internal so forth. Revenue Bob Douglass and Lieutenant Joseph Szigetti. was one of the many George Hackett, head of the recruiting office, internationally known musicians whose were also committee members. services were obtained in money raising In 1943, the AWVS established its first projects. Negro unit, with twenty members, under AWVS women attended Red Cross relief Chairman Mrs. James Wells. This unit was courses taught by Mrs. Olga Reifschneider. formed to work closely with the Negro A military Mardi Gras officially opened USO, and undertook to provide reading the Victory Fund Drive, with Chairman material, radio, and furnishings for Herlong Marsh Johnson presiding. Tickets were on Ammunition Depot, near Doyle, [California]. sale at all AWVS bond booths, and at their The AWVS colored unit sponsored dances in Camp and Hospital Services headquarters at the state auditorium for soldiers of Herlong, 210 Granite Street. 20 Phyllis J. Walsh

Patricia Burke Ziegfeld [Stephenson], In June of the same year, members of the only daughter of the famous producer, American Women’s Voluntary Services sold Florenz Ziegfeld, with her husband, $122,172 worth of United States war savings sponsored AWVS dance contests at the bonds. Mrs. Ruth Georgetta was chairman of Reno Army Air Base. Patty’s husband, an this committee. accomplished ballroom dancer, marshaled The first AWVS fingerprinting class was the competition for the civilian personnel graduated in June under the direction of (women), and Mrs. Stephenson officiated in Mrs. A. J. Bart [Betty] Hood, state chairman. a similar capacity for the enlisted men. The The fingerprinting department of the AWVS Reno Army Air Base orchestra furnished the had full charge of fingerprinting enrollees of dance music, playing a medley of famous the local CAP; honorable discharges of the Ziegfeld Follies tunes. For prizes, the men United States Army; preliminary recruits of were given cigarette cartons; the women, the Marine Corps; voluntary civilian printing perfume or scarves. for identifications; and AWVS members for The AWVS collected junk jewelry, which admission to shipyards and military hospitals. was sent to San Francisco, to be forwarded to (The F. B. I. was in charge of instruction.) fighting men in the South Pacific, who had A new servicemen’s club was opened in requested them for barter with the natives in July 1943 at 210 Granite Street [South Sierra return for needed goods and services. This Street], at the old Christian Science Church was considered not only a good will builder, site, hours from seven to eleven. The public but also, worth more than money in getting was invited to attend the housewarming. The labor performed. walls were decorated by original sketches Window display competitions were held of Walt Disney’s, sponsored by the AWVS. throughout the state, prizes being contributed Donations of paint, furniture, food, and by the National Cash Register Company, money made the snack bar possible. consisting of war bonds. These awards were Chairman of the club was Mrs. Honor divided into four categories, two hundred and Jacobs, assisted by Ruth Flournoy, Edna fifty, a hundred dollars, and fifty dollars each. Dexter, Marian Root (wife of the Washoe The Fernley unit won a national award with County sheriff), Laverne Stampfli, and a living models. group of junior hostesses under the direction Piggy banks were encouraged for the of Mrs. George Southworth, Jr. collection of pennies for the purchase of “Dances for Democracy,” for the cigarettes for the men of the U. S. armed entertainment of all servicemen, were held forces hospitalized in Nevada. This was at Tony’s El Patio Ballroom weekly. given splendid support, and was especially The AWVS of Nevada was personally appealing to children. cited by Henry Norgenthau, Jr., Secretary of The second bond drive, Liberty Loan, was the Treasury, for its outstanding assistance held in April of 1943. Amongst other speakers during the Fifth War Loan sale. was Mrs. Florence Bovett, executive secretary In Los Angeles, Mrs. Pat O’Brien, wife of of the Nevada State Farm Bureau. the well-known motion picture star, was an The AWVS assisted at the OPA mailing outstanding AWVS chairman. center in processing and sending out 20,000 The recruiting of dogs of war, in answer war ration books. to the call of the Coast Guard, the Army, and Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 21 the Navy, originated in San Francisco under at a Club Fortune luncheon rally.(She was the direction of state AWVS chairman Mrs. made an AWVS honorary life member.) Stanhope Nixon. Mrs. Ira Kent, of Fallon, chairman of A full-page advertisement was placed her local AWVS, was the organizer of a in both Reno papers by the AWVS state blood procurement committee, subscribed headquarters and the Reno unit, appealing to wholeheartedly by her townspeople. The to “the greatest Christmas gift of all, a pint of AWVS at Fallon also sponsored servicemen’s blood to save a life,” in answer to a nationwide dances at the new AWVS recreation hail for appeal issued by the Army and Navy for four the Fallon Naval Auxiliary Air Station under million pints of blood. The ad read, “This may the first commander, Albert F. Rice. The mean the saving of the life of a fighting man, AWVS members also furnished day rooms and that fighting man may be your boy.” and mess halls. Nevada had no blood procurement Conservation of clothing was urged by [facility] set up as yet. But the organization the government, the program being officially earnestly solicited the aid of all who launched at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York contemplated making a trip to any city City, with a “remake clothes” review. In Reno, possessing a Red Cross blood center, the blood the AWVS directed the attention of civilians centers nearest Reno being Oakland and San to helping the family budget by putting old Francisco. (A mobile unit was eventually sent clothes back into circulation by offering a from San Francisco to Sacramento.) free course to teach women how to reclaim Nevada pledged 75,000 pounds of and remake old garments, providing patterns discarded clothes, needed in Sicily, Italy, and advice for fitting and refitting. Booklets North Africa, and other rehabilitated were issued, containing photographs of worn, countries. Reno’s share was one carload. The outmoded garments, with the same garments AWVS salvage division manned rooms in remade, and a complete description of the the basement of the Washoe County Library. patterns. All clothing was packaged and shipped from At the Veterans hospital, the AWVS Reno and Sparks. supplied the mastheads and all the paper The patriotic and generous regular necessary for hospital publications. monthly contributions of the [business people Superintended by the recreation director, and] casino owners was acknowledged in a contributed to by the patients, it was very grateful (paid) advertisement in a January well done. It was considered a great help, issue of both newspapers of Reno. Harolds therapeutically. Club, the Bank Club, the Palace Club, The Indians from the Pyramid Lake Harrah’s, Robbins and Robbins, the Riverside, reservations, who were amongst the first to Mr. Norman Biltz, Mr. O. F. Woodward, donate blood to the Reno Veteran’s Hospital, Gertrude Cooper Freund, and Esther Kanters. were recruited by Flora Smith, wife of Roy Without their generous assistance, the AWVS Smith. This first all-Indian blood group servicemen’s club would not have been came in under the AWVS, led by the late Roy possible. Smith, whose father, Harry, was one of the Sophie Tucker, assisted by Reno’s well- last of the Paiute chieftains at Pyramid Lake. known lawyer, George Vargas, sold over six The Indians, themselves, had their own unit, thousand dollars’ worth of Series E war bonds the only one in the United States, the first 22 Phyllis J. Walsh chairman being Mrs. Albert John, wife of a [Reno]. Contributions, from members combat engineer who saw most of his service were auctioned off at fantastic prices— in the Philippines. [At the time of this blood butter, for instance. Six pounds of butter donation, Mrs. Flora Smith was the chairman [brought] one hundred dollars. One package of the Indian unit of the AWVS.] of cigarettes, one hundred dollars. A Pekinese The Pyramid Lake AWVS has been a puppy, originally one hundred dollars, was source of great pride to all of us since they reauctioned and reauctioned, bringing in were the originators of the awards presented three hundred dollars before it was claimed. by Indians, not only to Indians, but open to Famous nightclub entertainers spoke over the all, at both Wadsworth and Fernley schools, radio, from all the different clubs. Wadsworth Elementary and Fernley High Two national conventions of the AWVS School. Members of the organizations were secured for Reno by the board, and have also aided at the Veterans’ Hospital, wonderful assistance was received from and furnished gifts at Christmas through members of the faculty of the University of the Anglican church in Wadsworth for Nevada, the nightclubs, the casino owners, the children. Now, under the leadership of with headquarters at the Mapes Hotel during Mrs. Curtis Harner (Nellie Shaw), they are the state chairmanship of Mrs. Charles W. spreading out. Mrs. Harner represented her Mapes. unit at the recent marker dedication at Fort Sight-seeing trips were made to Virginia McDermit, sponsored by the Daughters of the City and Lake Tahoe, Fallon Naval Air Station, American Colonists. Reno Army Air Base. This unquestionably Mrs. Guy Bowman, who made her home worked favorably to better sell the state at the Riverside Hotel, was state chairman of to outsiders, since so many visitors were a life membership committee and contributed unaware of the limitless opportunities for generously to all projects. fishing and hunting, mountain climbing, Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Elko, skiing, hitherto dwarfed by the state’s better Carson City, Virginia City, and Genoa all had known reputation for gambling casinos and active units in the AWVS. divorce facilities. Particularly interesting The AWVS was instrumental in the to the outsiders were Mr. Roy Hardy, and formation of the now famous Golden Age other prominent mining industry greats Club, which started with eight members, who described the early mining days and the and now boasts over six hundred. The AWVS picturesque characters who contributed to the led the formation of this organization, at the bonanza days glamour. Buses Were supplied request of the city, supplying refreshments in further cooperation by the Greyhound and recreation prizes. Also, before the Corporation, and arrangement[s] made for membership became too heavy to handle, the the alfresco luncheon by Bill Harrah at his AWVS supplied the transportation, soliciting then new setup at Stateline. the contribution of buses from various Members of the AWVS motor corps agencies. went weekly to the coast with shipments for One of the most successful benefits ever hospital ships and consignments for overseas held in Reno during the war was sponsored servicemen. by Mr. Thomas Hull, first owner of the I can remember another year, too, when Sacramento [Inn], and owner of the Bonanza they couldn’t afford to operate the zoo out Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 23 at Idlewild, and they killed off some of the with concrete foundation, courtesy of the buffalo, so we had buffalo burgers at a rodeo. mayor, “Tank” Smith. He was able to get it But they weren’t very popular. Buffalo meat for us at a very minimal expense, being in in hamburger shape apparently didn’t come the business.) But we raised the money for all out quite right. “Too gooey!” they objected. the outdoor furniture, tables, parasols, chairs, The AWVS, on certain occasions, was able flowers, trees. The owner of the Arlington to get servicemen from the different military Nursery had been in the Navy, and he made installations to assist with the rodeo ushering a wonderful price on the trees.Of course, when we had a dearth of local manpower. eventually, the trees flourished so well they Reno obtained exceptionally enthusiastic came up through the concrete, cracked the assistance in its blood procurement from concrete, and had to be removed. They also the military; from the Reno Army Air Base, got too shady for the patients! We also had from the Fallon Naval Air Station, from the a beautiful fish pond, down on one end, but Hawthorne Ammunition depot, and from with the little daily temblors that we have, the the “snow Marines” of Pickel Meadows. They water ran out the cracks, and the fish all died. called them the “mountain warfare” trainees Resigned to giving up on the fish, we filled but people were particularly interested in the them with flowers and plants. Eventually we name “snow Marines from Pickel Meadows.” ran out of patients who knew how to take Of course, with two Marine outfits, there was care of the flowers and plants, so we give that heated rivalry as to which group could give up, too. the most blood to the local Veterans’ Hospital. As the hospital had only limited funds in It was very, heartwarming. The commanding the beginning, there were only gravel paths officers were especially interested in what around the hospital building, and since you they felt it did for the men, themselves, to can’t push a gurney bed, or a walker, or a be able to give a pint of blood to somebody wheelchair on gravel, the AWVS, again, they’d never seen, and probably never would, through the mayor, got concrete for the paths. because they expected to be shipped overseas The AWVS initials are still there. any minute. That worked both ways. At our At another benefit, we were able to hospital here, they have had a great many make enough money for a nine-hole putting elderly patients. All of us who have taken green, through the kindness of Pete Marich, patients from the Veterans’ Hospital to the professional at the Washoe County Golf rodeos or the circus or the baseball games (not Club. He kept that up as long as he was able many of the patients have much money) have to receive help from the hospital, but when [noticed] they were always on the lookout for those patients were discharged and there a serviceman in uniform, and they wanted was no longer anyone there that could take to know, “Could that be the one that gave care of it, we had to just let that go. Pete us blood? Because if you think it is, we’d like Marich would let us buy (it has long been to buy ’em a beer or a soft drink.” They were an AWVS policy, when requested, to supply deeply grateful for the thought, as well as the golf bags, completely stocked with every blood, itself. necessary club and the requested number One year the AWVS made enough money of golf balls, wherever servicemen needed in a raffling of a Ford station wagon to present recreation. The main reason was to keep to the Veterans’ Hospital a patio (complete them happy on the installations, keep them 24 Phyllis J. Walsh from wandering around town losing their All curtains for the Winnemucca airfield, money). So practically all the installations in on request, were contributed by the AWVS. this vicinity, on request, were supplied with Magazines for the [Nevada] State Hospital, caddie carts, or what they call “Sunday golf and magazines, books, and scientific textbooks bags,” which are those white canvas bags, were supplied to the state penitentiary on not handsome but very light. When one of request by the AWVS. the commanding officers from the Stead Air At the suggestion of the USO, hospitality Force Base was sent to Thailand, in our last committees were organized so that the engagement in the Far East, at his request, the servicemen would have a better knowledge AWVS presented him with four Sunday golf of home life in Nevada. The AWVS was bags. Because he was a heavy man, everything extremely active in having homes put at the was put on his plane, with him, but still didn’t disposal of visiting servicemen, both ranch exceed the weight limitation. and city dwellings. Mrs. Helen Marye Thomas Bowling balls were also obtained and had weekly open houses for the servicemen presented on request to the military centers at her S Bar S ranch at Wadsworth, from that had bowling alleys. One of the finest which the men were taken on either sight- athletic centers was at Hawthorne, Nevada, seeing tours or picnics at Pyramid Lake. On at the ammunition depot. one occasion, all the camp kitchens came At the naval center, which is actually to Pyramid Lake from the Reno Army Air an ammunition depot at Hawthorne, Base and fed all the Indians—not once, but the commanding officer was a former twice—at the site of the big rock, where so superintendent of the naval academy, Captain many bathers go out on Sundays from Reno F. A. L. “Dad” Vossler. His wife Ruth Vossler, to Pyramid Lake, between Nixon and Sutcliffe. became the state AWVS chairman, following The Indians danced for us, and the AWVS Mrs. Charles Mapes, and it was under her managed to have nightclub entertainers dance leadership that the AWVS contributed to and sing in a natural amphitheater nearby. the restoration of the Bowers Mansion. The The work at the Veterans’ Hospital, done organization was successful in obtaining by the AWVS has been outstanding. It has valuable donations from the Museum of the consisted not so much in the number of City of New York, some of which are still in volunteers, but in the ability to raise money the mansion. This was due to the generous in order to pay for long distance telephone collaboration of the late Hardynge Scholle, calls from the patients to their homes at then curator of the New York institution. Over Christmastime. And you never know how $3,000 worth of period antiques were secured many you’re going to have. I mean, maybe from the New York City Museum for the Bowers the whole hospital can want to telephone Mansion. Although they had never been in the home, or is well enough to telephone home, Bowers Mansion, they were authentic antiques and then other times, it won’t be so expensive. of the era. And until the Bowers Mansion got The mere fact that they can call home if they everything that they wanted, they were on want to has made it a very popular project. display there and were a source of great interest. We’ve had calls to Guam and islands in the The fact that they hadn’t come around the Horn South Pacific. or hadn’t come overland by covered wagon at AWVS for years has secured the that time, they felt, made very little difference. entertainment for the Christmas party at Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 25 the Veterans’ Hospital. It has been fortunate always had the dart game because it’s so easy that one of our members is married to an for the patients to participate in. (You can outstanding pianist, who has been, for many throw a dart even when you’re lying down. years, the well-known feature at the Napes And also, some of them don’t mind at all if Hotel, Joe Karnes. you throw the dart for them, if they can’t even Genoa, a particularly historic community, raise their hands. They’re not too sick to try the first Mormon settlement in the state, has for a prize or wear a funny hat!) One of the always been active in AWVS hospital work, organizations there at the hospital—I think the entire town offering hospitality to the it’s Veterans of Foreign Wars—they have a serviceman on crutches, in a wheelchair, or in chapter that makes the most original hats out his gurney bed. And for years, it was the policy of paper plates and buttons and bows, and of the hospital to allow the nonambulatory things, and the patients just love to wear those. patient to come to the party, gurney bed and I understand that they’ve been so interested all. The bed of the truck would accommodate in ladies’ wigs and falls that next year, they’re two, and sufficient shade at Genoa made it going to have a beauty contest, and they’re possible and comfortable for the patient. going to have one of the big wig outlets here They have enjoyed the sight-seeing and little in town lend them wigs, so that the patients conversation, the dialogues, you might say, can have just a wig contest. contributed by the native Genoan, who is Two years ago, our booth was decorated enormously proud of his background, like the so that it looked exactly like a teepee, and postmaster (who is a postmistress). And they everything on it was authentic. We were able are very, very happy to show off the high spots to get our Indian unit at Wadsworth to send of the old jail, and the stockade, the old fort, in their oldest member in costume. Mrs. Daisy and the house where Eilley Orrum (Bowers] Astor isn’t quite sure how old she is, but she’ll lived briefly. tell you that she says people say she is. She had For many years, we had our own a beautiful necklace on, and they asked her if transportation committee, which took it was a new one. And she said, “Oh, no. It was the servicemen as well as the patients inherited.” And the same with her costume. from the Veterans’ Hospital to Valley Day There was a mother, and a grandmother, (Carson Valley Days], to the neighboring and two grandchildren. The two girls who rodeos, Indian dances, and boat races in happened to be perfectly beautiful, [were] Tahoe City. The Tahoe Women’s Club is very demure, and they wore their buckskin exceptionally interested in entertaining costumes and carried neatly folded shawls servicemen and veteran patients, and joining over their arms. They not only met all the Reno in the collection of used clothing when patients in the auditorium, but afterwards, needed. These same ladies have also supplied went upstairs and had their pictures taken speedboats and entertainment facilities at the with non-ambulatory patients. Some of those Lake. Many opened their own houses, the patients were just lying there in the dark, but AWVS merely supplying the transportation. they could see those two pretty little Indian They’ve helped [with] therapy, and writing girls walking down the hall, and they asked letters, and—. On carnival night we have had the nurses to find out who they were and what a wonderful response. The most picturesque they were doing there. And as soon as they one we ever had was two years ago. We have heard that the girls were up there just to know 26 Phyllis J. Walsh if the men wanted to have their pictures taken those five-and-ten-cent stores down there, with them, standing alongside the bed or as soon as they knew that I was shopping for sitting in a chair, to send home to their family, things for a veterans’ hospital, whoever was they got the nurses to get combs, and they had the manager of that shop was most interested, their beds all straightened up. And some of and (not only] willing to give us a discount, them just didn’t look as if they were going to but also thoughtful about wanting to bring make it twenty-four more hours, yet they were something that I hadn’t noticed that he thought well enough to have their [pictures taken]. might be good, like a picture frame for a child, That seems to be a characteristic, anyway. or a mirror for a dressing gown pocket. Some Even if they’ve just had a serious operation places, they’re much cheaper than others. on their faces, they still have enough courage They buy big lots. Here, you know, you can and hope to want to have their pictures taken. get vinyl boots in the basement of Woolworth’s We had a friend, now working for Cactus for under five dollars because Woolworth’s Tom, and he took the pictures this year, and will buy them up in such big quantities. And both Joe Karnes’s wife and I noticed how they’re exactly the same as the ones you’ll see solicitous and thoughtful he was with the elsewhere, for double. The stores here are most patients. Nothing was too much trouble. If generous about giving us a discount for things one picture didn’t quite come out to suit a for the hospital. The managersall do that. cranky patient—cranky just because he was Sprouse-Reitz, Woolworth’s, Grants— all the sick—the boy would take it over. Or if he variety, or whatever you call them, chain stores. wanted a couple to mail home, he’d make him We have coffee hours at the Veterans’ several. We couldn’t have taken ‘em unless Hospital, too, once a month. The men seem somebody had been kind enough to donate to enjoy that. I don’t know how they can hold his time and his know-how. He was the best all that coffee, but they do, and cookies. And cameraman we ever had. they’re smart! They can tell the difference Marie Headley, a well-known artist, between what they call “boughten” and the always decorates the booth. No matter how ones that’re made at home. They can, too. And busy she is, she always finds time to give one that’s another nice thing about the West, the day to decorating that booth. It is always the way people all cooperate in making—doesn’t outstanding booth, but it should be, because matter what organization you’re with. They’ll she’s talented. make cookies if they know they’re going to the The prizes at the carnival don’t amount veteran patients. to much, but the patients don’t care. They’re Mr. Abe Melner, the husband of one wrapped up, you know, and they don’t know of the members of the VAVS (Veterans that they’re getting—just silly things. Maybe Administration Voluntary Services) has been sometimes just handkerchiefs, or little Santa Claus every Christmas ever since I can trinkets that they can use, or even puzzles. remember. She doesn’t belong to the AWVS, But that doesn’t matter. They have little bags but she repeatedly comes up and tells, us, “Any they bring, to stow away their loot. time you want cake or cookies made, just let This year (1970], it was interesting me know.” And that’s the way it should be. because I had been away, and had done most And it is more so now than it used to be. In the of my shopping down in San Clemente and old days, there was feeling of rivalry, but today Laguna. You’d be surprised, how, going into there seems to be just limitless cooperation. Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 27

This is a particularly fine hospital. I know money than any other soldier in any other the food is especially good there ’cause I’ve country. And that makes it tough all around, eaten there a lot. The equipment is considered because there’ll always be rivalry, wherever outstanding. And all that so-called expose there are servicemen and women. Its really in Life magazine* was not so here. Some understandable, because the American of it, I’m sure, was true, but most of it, no. serviceman does get so much more than any Conditions in many hospitals do need to be other enlisted man. improved on. But it is a consensus (and this comes from the patients, themselves, when At the time of the American Relief for some of them get shunted around the country Korea, it was especially great the way people to different hospitals) [that] sometimes responded. To begin with, the Oregon- a criticism of veterans’ hospitals, are not Nevada-California fast freight allowed us to always of veterans’ hospitals.There are Army have one of their trucks that went down to hospitals, too, you know, some better, some Wendover, full, and was coming back empty. not any better, but people just lump them They allowed us to fill it. It was a huge trucks, all into “veterans’ hospitals.” Truthfully, I’ve And a young fellow, an artist, just out of the never seen any deplorable conditions in any Navy, happened to have two great big canvases veterans’ hospital. left over from the Navy. And he painted two The Reno Civic Chorus goes to sing there; “arks” on either side and they seemed to be school bands come to play for them. Actually, bobbing up and down on the water. Every you know, a lot of those patients see the big single town between Wendover at the border names on TV, so they’re just as interested in of (Nevada and) Utah, to California had hearing an amateur group. In fact, the average cartons of clothing waiting for that truck. And serviceman and the average patient, is notedly as they put the cargo on the ark, somebody a pushover for children. would paint the name of the towns.Even That’s what they blame so much of the the Tahoe Women’s Club sent cartons f or trouble on out in the Far East, the way the that truck. And the two boys who drove the natives had the children organized to throw truck were so pleased with the response and grenades. And, of course, that made some of the enthusiasm, that when they got to San the men apprehensive, the ones that had really Francisco, they didn’t turn the contents right had little or no training, or were drafted, and in. By that time, there were things tied on had never been away from home before. [If] the top, and sticking out the back, and those anyone just moved a little, they thought that two boys driving that, who also were ex- they were going to have a stick of dynamite servicemen, drove it all over San Francisco, thrown at ’em. That doesn’t excuse a lot of so that everybody could see how the people of the things that were done, but I think it Nevada had cooperated on this project. It was is understandable, due to the fact that the photographed wherever it went. And it was in average American serviceman loves kids. their local papers, and, we had a wonderful And I know; I can remember the way they follow you around, and ask for a cigarette, or chewing gum. But then, you always have *“From Vietnam to a VA Hospital: to remember how much greater [our] pay Assignment to Neglect,” Life (May 22, is. The American soldier gets so much more 1970) 28 Phyllis J. Walsh letter of appreciation from the American originally assigned me “culture.” I didn’t want Relief for Korea to the people of Nevada. “culture,” so I swapped for “communications” Of interest to people who are following because it had the people representing the these activities of the AWVS, the national libraries, Western Union, Bell Telephone, president of the AWVS at this time was schools, everything that had to do with better Mrs. Ogden Mills, who was the Wife of understanding— movies, the theater—you Ogden Mills, whose father was one of the name it, they had it. And at that time, we were owners of the V and T railroad, and an having difficulty with Hollywood because outstanding pioneer financier. Mrs. Mills of racial troubles. At Mr. Frank Clarvoe’s was always enormously interested in the lecture, the first day, there were five of these activities of the Nevada AWVS, although Hollywood representatives sitting behind she felt that the people of Nevada resented me. They kept talking, and they were rude. the fact that the Mills family discontinued And Mr. Clarvoe was superb. He finally said, the financing of the V and T. Yet, with her “Gentleman! I’m sorry, but nobody can hear children and grandchildren to consider, the me, and I am here to be heard. But if you estate (managers] felt it necessary to see that would rather speak, and you have something the financial heritage be concentrated on the better to say than you think I have to offer, I living descendants. will give you” (and he looked at his watch) Mrs. Mills had a beautiful place at “five minutes to decide which one of you will Millbrae, California, and was national be the spokesman. And I will step down and president of AWVS at the time of the first sit in his seat, and he can get up here and United Nations conference in San Francisco. take over.” The owner of the Armenian restaurant (Omar And they did. And the man spoke well. Khayam’s), George Mardikian, took over Margaret Mead was one of the key the entire San Francisco unit and taught speakers at that UNESCO [meeting]. She them how to operate the canteen at the War was one of the judges at the plenary session. Memorial. They provided luncheon and And who was selected as the outstanding tea for 3,000 attending (UN] delegates and speaker as a result of his ability to choose officials, a gigantic undertaking, but it was the right words and deliver the right sort of offered to them by the State Department and message? This unruly representative from we were very proud of that! Hollywood! He had his chance to speak. He At this time the San Francisco AWVS had wasn’t restrained, he was given a free rein. Mr. an all-teenage Chinese unit, who had had Clarvoe handled him just the right way, and it training by a Marine drill sergeant. The girls showed what he was capable of doing under all wore the same uniforms as we did, plus the right auspices.. white spats and white gloves. They became A planeload of visiting editors arrived to an honor guard, greatly in demand. also be part of the speakers’ program. They I shall never forget being a delegate for were from the Christian Science Monitor, and the AWVS at UNESCO. A member of the they had all been attending a big newspaper communications division, the editor of the conference in Prague. And they came San Francisco Daily News (his name was right back to us with what was wrong [Frank Auld] Clarvoe) was in charge of with communication all over the world: those sessions, and he was splendid. They “misinterpretation”. Because a word which Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 29 meant something in one person’s language We’ve had people say, “Oh, those didn’t mean the same thing in the other (and it scholarships that you give for that nursing certainly doesn’t in the two English-speaking program of yours. What’s a hundred dollars?I nations, like Great Britain and the United mean; look at what the Fleischmann States of America). One thing can be a very Foundation gives.” bad word, [as] “bloody” is [to the British] Well, that’s true. The Fleischmann and not to us. Small things [like] that can be Foundation is simply stupendous. But I sat insulting, and a person who uses it is unaware. next to Mr. Charles Poehlman, who is on Mr. Almost an incident can result. And there we Burnell Larson’s staff over there in Carson were, privileged to hear a condensation of City, in the state department of education what probably the finest newspapermen of and is doing a find job. He assured us that a that time had all just been discussing and hundred dollars was not to be sniffed at. That listening to in Prague. It was a great privilege hundred dollars has now been increased to to be part of that. And I was there because of two hundred dollars. the AWVS, and they felt that we were worth You’d be surprised how other people having a representative there. outside of this state have been interested in Through Mrs. Mills, Elizabeth Arden that. The Women’s Overseas Service League, became a member of our board. She was just now, within the last year, sent us a wonderfully generous, not only in giving hundred dollars for that fund, and have just money, but [laughing] Elizabeth Arden written within the last few weeks, “. . .what else preparations for door prizes and things like could [they] do? Is there any other branch, any that, she also donated to the nursing education other vocation that needs some assistance?” of both Indians and non-Indians, since that The Tahoe Women’s Club has been doing was the way she got her start. (It was through it every year since its inception. (They’re being a registered nurse that Elizabeth Arden in California.) They also work through managed to perfect the formula on which was the AWVS at the Veterans’ Hospital, and founded the Elizabeth Arden cosmetics.) they send down cookies, and clothes. At It was in her memory that the AWVS gave Christmastime [they send] greens for the money through our department of education Dominicans at St. Mary’s, the convent for here, to help the Indians taking advantage of the cloistered Carmelites up on the hill, [and] our state free vocational training for nurses. Christmas trees, as well, and for the little The Elizabeth Arden memorial was specified Anglican missions in both Wadsworth and to be for Indian girls. The Indian girl is Nixon Indian colonies. chosen, very carefully, by a committee. I’m on It was through our connections in the the committee, but their qualifications are up East, through our national organization, to the Board and Mrs. Clevenger, who is head that the daughter of George M. Cohan, a of the state vocational training for nursing. friend of Mrs. Thomas’s, heard of the need for Those’re small scholarships of a hundred contributions for scholarships in the Fernley [dollars] each, but it enables that nurse to take school, Wadsworth, and Nixon. that free course, and then have enough to pay Being a member of the AWVS national a babysitter, since she may have anywhere board should mean attending their annual from two to ten children. She couldn’t take meeting. I haven’t been able to do that, the course if she had to (pay other expenses] but they’ve been very lenient about that, 30 Phyllis J. Walsh inasmuch as I’m the only vice president hospitals all over the United States, and [hear] from the far West. We’ve got members on the their problems. And they make suggestions. board, very fairly distributed, like Oregon, One year, they were particularly interested Washington, California. We did have, during in us because we had directives on how to the war years, board members from Montana, procure blood for a veterans’ hospital. Now, and Texas, too. they’re doing it all over. But the man who Being the national representative for founded the VAVS, who just recently died, the AWVS from the Veterans’ Hospital Jim Parke, he said that for a great while, the here, it’s been most interesting to attend the Reno hospital here was outstanding because annual Veterans’ Administration meeting we had such a wonderful response from our in Washington, D. C. This gives one a surrounding military installations. And that chance to exchange activities with all these was why. It was no problem to get blood other members from the VAVS (Veterans donors free from Stead, from Fallon, the Administration Voluntary Services), although Navy, from Marines, both Pickel Meadows we are one of the small hospitals—we only and Hawthorne, and the Navy in Hawthorne. have a little over two hundred beds. But so (Hawthorne really is a naval installation. few of those people at those annual meetings Marines are just attached there.) are directly connected with hospitals. They are So many of the representatives at those national members who live in Washington, meetings came up and asked me for a copy. D. C., or Baltimore, or New York, or across It didn’t always work out [for them] because at Alexandria, where it doesn’t cost much they weren’t always as close to the military (as to send them to the meeting. With us, out we were]. But it has been true, it’s the military here—whether it’s the American Legion, one who respond most generously. of the outstanding organizations over here at We haven’t had much luck here with the Veterans’ Hospital, the Veterans of Foreign the civilians.We never did have a great deal, Wars, the Disabled American Veterans—we except in the beginning of World War II. We haven’t got the expense money to fly back. had a wonderful response when they expected (And trains are almost as bad, when you their blood to go overseas, and a dying boy consider what it takes in the way of expense was to be given their blood on the battlefield, money.) So they’re interested in hearing what and you saw all these wonderful posters with you have to say because you are speaking a boy with his arm out and somebody giving right out of the hospital, even though it’s a blood. But to each other, to somebody right small one. here, it somehow has never been as appealing. More people here, I think, should be (That was surprising then because we were aware of the wonderful facilities in our local requested to have so much in escrow in Veterans’ Hospital. We have been considered the event that the Japanese did something to have one of the finest therapeutic setups unexpected from off the coast, and people in the whole United States. The food, too, would pull back to a second line of defense, is exceptionally good. And the staffing is over the Sierras. And we would have to have exceptionally capable. The head nurse here a lot of blood handy.) is one of the finest, Sylvia Michal. They responded generously, however, [At the meeting in Washington] you meet when we had requests in the name of the all the representatives from all the different first boy who was killed in Korea. They had a Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 31

[railroad] car named for him, and the car was and pleased that he was being allowed to give on the tracks at the Western Pacific station on blood. He sang, and sang beautifully, but he Fourth Street. That was where I remember so was carried away by his own voice. And the well, a very handsome young man, who was tears just streamed down his face. He was in a swimming instructor, the picture of health. the prison for a very serious offense, but you I was walking alongside of him ’cause I’d just wouldn’t’ve thought so from the hymn he taken him over to be a blood donor. Suddenly sang. You would’ve been just absolutely spell- he just blacked out. And he fell on the grass bound by his piety! there, in front of the Western Pacific station. We did it twice. And then the people next When he came to, he looked so embarrassed. door objected because they heard that these “What happened? What’s the matter with men were pretty dangerous men, and that me?” they had to be heavily guarded for that reason. All I could answer was, “There’s nothing And the [laughing] big Coca Cola dispensing the matter with you. It just sometimes stand was just outside [on] their pavement. So happens.” after that, we went to the prison. Mr. Fogliani It’s been most gratifying that since this was then warden and Mrs. Fogliani was head new law against anybody coming back from matron. Vietnam giving blood for two years after his Again, there was trouble when the women return, wives have given blood, the wives of inmates want[ed] to give blood, too.Great the returnees from Vietnam, or the brides, or clanking doors separated the women’s part of maybe a few widows here and there. They’ll the penitentiary and the men’s section. They give blood in somebody’s memory for a sister have to keep them very definitely out of each or a brother. other’s way. That caused commotion because You know, when we first had the prison everybody wanted to contribute! Of course, response, it was at the suggestion of a senior they got a little reduction in their sentence, guard who was married to the chairman and free drinks, free candy, free cigarettes. But of the Virginia City AWVS unit, Mrs. Lou I think under [warden] Hocker, they thought Henderson. Ruth Henderson came down, we were babying ’em a little bit too much. We and we brought the inmates out for the day to thought, in order to get the blood, it was all Reno, to the blood bank, and the AWVS gave right, but perhaps we were overdoing it—I them box lunches which we fixed up, a hard- don’t know. But they continued doing it until boiled egg, sandwiches, cake, olives, pickles, this new edict came out, after the detection and coffee. And the Coca Cola bottlers, Mr. of hepatitis. Curtis Farr and his father, donated all the soft But it was through Lou Henderson and drinks, even loaned us a great big container, Ruthie’s efforts that we first got volunteer which we put outside the blood bank on Wells donors from the prison. And I believe, at Avenue. That was fine, but the trouble was, that time, that we were the first state prison we had to take too many guards (a guard to to do that. every three men) in that bus. The bus was In connection with the Veterans’ Hospital, contributed, by Mrs. [James E.] “Jim” Wood. when Sophie Tucker was here one year, she Of course, the inmates loved coming out, heard that the night doctor was very badly in just for the day. One black volunteer asked need of a box mattress, two mattresses for the if he could sing for us. He was so overcome night doctor’s bed, ’cause he has to get some 32 Phyllis J. Walsh sleep— you know, in between calls. And so the organization when it was in the basement Sophie made a very generous contribution, of the Elks’ Club), was the United Service and gave us instructions that when she left, Organization. A great many of the ladies who we were to buy the best obtainable. And we took turns in the canteen, or worked with did. And after that, there was a story around their hospitality committee, or helped with the Veterans’ Hospital that the night doctor USO scrapbooks are no long living. said he would never forget the privilege of The USO buses left for the dances from sleeping in Sophie Tucker’s bed! the Elks’ Club, and the other organizations Sophie often entertained the military cooperated in recruiting hostesses for the installations. And poor Beatrice Kay! She dances, because always, there was a dearth of went out to the Fallon [base] when it wasn’t eligible younger members. The USO saw to it completed, and there were no panes of glass that it was well chaperoned. The USO asked in the recreation room. And every time she the cooperation of the American Womens’ opened her mouth to sing, bugs would fly in! Voluntary Services and the American Red She was then married to Sylvan Green, and Cross and church groups and school groups— she had a ranch here, too, you may remember. if they were eligible because of the age. Often She said she couldn’t think of a name for it, the commanding officer of an installation and finally, at the end of a year’s thought, she as far away as Hawthorne—that was the came up [with] the “Bea Kay ranch.” She was one thing that they were so anxious to have, so kind about having entertainers stay with younger people to entertain and keep the her out there during the crowded season. The young servicemen out of trouble. It’s logical, hotels would be packed here, but they were a young man who has never been away from always welcome out at Beatrice Kay’s. And home before in a big town in a wide open she was always available to sing at the military state needs good advice and good company. installations and at the outings. I heard a very inspiring speech made by Very often, people like Joe Karnes, one of the officers from the Reno Army Air individual performers, you know, in Base at the YMCA. (YMCA was another nightclubs, would come to these parties. He has organization that cooperated with the USO.) been absolutely wonderful every Christmas. And he was saying that you must remember Joe Karnes is the master of ceremonies at the that all these young servicemen are here, Veterans’ Hospital [Christmas party] and perhaps, for the first time ever far away from he always gets what local talent is available, home. Many come from small towns, and in headliners all. their desire to stand out, they’ll do something The Musicians’ Union here has also been bad, merely to be conspicuous, to attract most cooperative. Eddie McGoldrick is always attention. It’s really sad. And he said, “Forgive very generous about sending members of them for a first offense. Here he is, he’s never the Musicians’ Union. I don’t know what we been in legal gambling territory before, he’s would’ve done without him. never been in such wide open spaces, perhaps, and he needs companionship with other The USO young people. The thing (to do] therefore is to open up your homes. One of the finest setups that we had here I can remember one of the first people here, in Nevada (and I can remember working with that I remember hearing about, anyway, was Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 33

Mrs. Charles (Gladys] Mapes. She had the first It probably would be interesting to people servicemen, as I recall, to her home. And she reading this, bow many of those enlisted men, was one of the early members of the USO. Mrs. after they came back from overseas, seeing [Myrtle H. B.] Sanford (Mrs. Sanford was the active service, wanted to live in Nevada. But I wife of the editor of the Reno Evening Gazette), guess, perhaps because of priority in available she, too, was one of the most interested in USO. jobs, they had to move on and go back to There were many people around here who where they came from. I mean, not that they loaned their homes and their swimming pools, were discriminated against, or anything, and let the servicemen come out [to ride] if but just that for artisans or professional they had horses, or took them sight-seeing. people, they would have a certain amount of There was a real program. And the USO was assistance, consideration, from their having very active in that. I was very impressed, been in the service. But also, for skilled coming straight here from the East, at the carpenters and workers, there would have to openhanded and -hearted hospitality of the be a native son element. West. We had servicemen out at the ranch. The USO organized hostesses for the And as I said before, the dances were very Stead Air Force [Base]. They organized well attended, and there was very little trouble, picnics. And, of course, not all the affiliated considering that the servicemen were young, organizations that belong to the United and so were the girls. Actually, about the time Services Organizations exist here in Nevada. of the Korean incident, there were fewer girls So many boys asked us what became of the available to send out to the bases, fewer than Salvation Army. Well, the Salvation Army is ever, because most of them had married the part of the USO. So is the Travelers Aid, but enlisted men from Reno Army Air Base, we don’t have a Travelers Aid here. And both Fallon Naval Air Station, or Hawthorne the Jewish and the Catholic welfare and relief Ammunition Depot, and they’d gone off to organizations are affiliated with the [USO] live wherever those boys were from. and the YMCA. We have very often had a You see, Reno Army Air Base was YMCA secretary in the USO, and I would say completely dismantled after the second that a great deal of the USO activity here in World War, and then all reopened again when the state has enjoyed the hospitality of the Y. the Korean incident began. And that meant The Stead Air Force Base especially was most refurnishing and resuming [operations]. appreciative for the assistance given them. It also has been very gratifying to us, to Rose Terzian was one of the greatest think how well the USO has been remembered. of all directors of recreation. Usually, they We’ve had so many letters from boys who only were men. But Miss Terzian not only was maybe come out once, and they’ve kept in commended for her work as a director [at touch with us. (We had Mrs. Harvey Gibson Stead Air Force Base] but frequently won as a house guest within the last few years. She prizes for the photographs that she put in her at one time was head of Rainbow Corner in album, and the type [of] recreation that she London when Harvey Gibson was head of the was able to provide the men with. (She was American Red Cross. She was amazed at the also an expert skier.) number of letters that we were still getting As long as the USO was in existence, we from the boys who had visited us, and still had our luncheons there when the servicemen remembered us.) came in to donate blood for the Veterans’ 34 Phyllis J. Walsh

Hospital. And never, in all the years that be bigger than another to accommodate the I’ve been part of the blood procurement average supply. program, until just now, were we ever refused Here, you know, the blood’s (bought], I by a commanding officer. And it’s only been think, for as little as five dollars a pint, and during this last engagement in Vietnam that, then in the hospitals, you pay from twenty- due to directives, the commanding officer has five [dollars] up, according to the type blood been required to give preference to the young needed. The rare [types], naturally, will come serviceman returning from Vietnam, badly in higher. And obviously, [with] the sterilization need of blood, say, at Lettermann [General of the blood, alcoholic contributors are just as Hospital] or one of the coastal hospitals, welcome as the others. Therefore, we have a rather than to the elderly here in Reno, who regular sort of volunteer who comes from, you have need of blood in order to prolong life. might say, the floating population of Reno, the But I think that’s understandable, and I can people who just come in here to gamble, or see where that would be optional. Otherwise, the people who lost their money gambling, the commanding officers always felt that it and they need that extra five dollars. was a good thing for a young new recruit to The American Red Cross, of course, has be allowed to give blood to an older man, always been highly rated in the Veterans’ a patient in a hospital that he’d never seen, Hospital because of their exceptionally fine and probably would never meet. And yet, it group of Gray Ladies. Now, you see, some made him feel that he had given something people don’t know. I was just talking to that nobody else could give. And that’s what somebody on the telephone a few minutes the commanding officer usually told him. ago. They were talking to me about the USO, We’ve listened to some very fine addresses and they were saying how good the Gray given spontaneously by commanding officers Ladies were. But, you see, the Gray Ladies to groups of men who didn’t exactly know are always American Red Cross. But again, I what the blood program was. Now, of course, noticed when I first came West how fine the it’s different because of the jungle fevers and cooperation was between all the organizations contagious diseases that have been brought who were just anxious to open their houses back from the Far East. It’s a period, still, of and their hearts to the servicemen. two years before a returnee can give blood. Of course, you must remember how many In a great many states, the American went through here then. They were shipping Red Cross handles the blood procurement out from San Francisco, shipping out from program. Otherwise, it is pretty well in the Bremerton, all up and down the West [coast], hands of a western blood bank outfit. And and hundreds came through here. And it that’s the only way we have of refrigerating wasn’t like now, when so many are transported it, obtaining it, classifying it, and shipping by air. They came through here on the troop it to the coast. So we have to go along with trains. Well, we could handle [them]. We had what’s available. I think in some of the big an AWVS snack bar. We had the USO canteen veterans’ hospitals it can be handled within in the Elks’ basement. We had a Red Cross the hospital. But as you can imagine, it takes canteen at the station. Everybody was busy. money. It takes money for a staff, and it takes And you see, the fact that we were surrounded money for the equipment. And blood banks by installations here has always been very come in various sizes, and maybe one has to important, to have the men entertained and Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 35 made to feel welcome. Otherwise, they’re donor be in uniform, and he was passed in as out on the streets looking for company. And a guest to the afternoon performance at the there’s usually that kind of company available local motion picture theater. The thing was to to the serviceman. try to keep them together until it was time to We had the biggest helicopter training send them back to their installations on the school here at the Stead Air Force Base. bus. There’d be a great many boys that couldn’t (That’s just within the last few years.) And have any more money in their pockets, they the Turks and the Greeks were training couldn’t go shopping, and the best they could together, and the Israelis, and the Arabs. do was watch the girls go by. Otherwise, the You had National[ist] China, you had two best thing was to be taken into a private home kinds of Vietnamese, Burmese, Afghanistani, or allowed to go swimming in a private pool. Pakistani, Algerian, Moroccan, French, all. And again, Moana and the different pools And then, after they became expert helicopter around here were also very generous about pilots, they’d go back and find themselves on making rates for us. opposite sides of the fence. Perfectly friendly You remember when we had a little here, even rooming together while they were “movie set” western town? (This is long taking lessons. There never seemed to be before “Ponderosa.”) It was south of Reno, any doubt in the commanding officers’ or near Washoe City. “Sundown,” yes. Oh, the their instructors’ opinions that Nevada was servicemen got a big kick out of going there an ideal place for instruction of this kind and seeing the replicas of old buildings.Of because of the lakes, the mountains—for course, they were just joyous every time they mountain warfare and for preparation for went to Virginia City. And again, there, the hazardous landings. Virginia City people turned themselves inside The servicemen had their own rodeos, out, and took them down the mines, put on and they loved to go to neighboring rodeos. alfresco picnics, and had them in the evening The Stead Air Force Base had a small golf on their patios. course. There again, the organizations had I can remember a combined AWVS-USO to combine their efforts to secure financial picnic in Silver City at the residence of Mr. assistance because that didn’t always come and Mrs. William Donovan, when we got with Army equipment. Some of these men several busloads of, we thought, American had never even had a golf lesson. And then Negroes, who turned out to be Samoans in the you have to have clubs and a certain amount American service. Any of those then young of equipment. girls who listened to the Samoans’ songs and I can’t say too much for the gambling witnessed the Samoans’ native dances up element here; they were so generous in there on the side of the mountain, just as the supplying afternoon entertainment for the sun was going down, I don’t think they’ll ever servicemen. The Smiths of Harolds Club forget it. And the men, themselves, wrote the never failed us when requested to give a most heartwarming letters of thanks to the cocktail party the afternoon of a blood respective chairmen. procurement day. And the same way with We had another USO-AWVS picnic, the people who owned bowling alleys, and which I may have mentioned in my report on the local managers of the moving picture the AWVS activities, out at Idlewild [Park]. theaters. All they requested was that the blood That was for the American Negro, newly 36 Phyllis J. Walsh returned from the southern Pacific. That was of Commerce at that time, that they had a very successful, too. wonderful setup in the basement of a public As I said before, all the towns—Carson, building over there [in Carson City] where Genoa, Winnemucca, Lovelock, Fernley— the Marines from Pickel Meadows could relax cooperated, too. Reno might give the picnic, in between bus connections. They had to wait but Mrs. Ira Rent and her group of AWVS- there when they went back to Carson from USO volunteers from Fallon would come Reno to be picked up by another bus that in with corn and watermelons right out of went from Carson City to Pickel Meadows. the Kent ranches. And other people would Sometimes it’d be cold, and sometimes it contribute. I remember times when the would be raining. And then, also, they didn’t Dresslers contributed beef or sheep for like them out on the streets and possibly at barbecues. loose ends. I don’t think there’s even been a more We had Carson City representatives fabulous party than the one given by the come over, too, [and] Virginia City. And, AWVS up in Virginia City. That was “A Night of course, you had a military installation in on the Comstock,” when we were allowed to Winnemucca at that time. They responded to use the service from the USS Nevada, and the the appeal for blood donors at the Veterans’ entertainment was put on as it would’ve been Hospital. put on in the days of Piper’s Opera House, And at one time, a combined AWVS- the entertainers taking the parts of Lotta USO provided hostesses (I think I mentioned Crabtree, and Adah Mencken, and various that in my report on the AWVS) [as] it was characters of the Bonanza days. necessary to call on all organizations for While Mrs. Charles Mapes was chairman more girls for the dances. And they were very of the USO, she was instrumental in having carefully screened so that they would be up benefit performances put on by the Bowers to the age requirements. Mansion tableau group, where a series of gold [Was it a problem to screen the hostesses rush day characters were presented within for the USO dances?] Yes, they fibbed about frames: Mr. John W. Mackay, Mrs. John W. their ages because they wanted so much to Mackay, Eilley Orrum, Sandy Bowers, and meet the heroic men in uniform. And then, various prominent mining moguls and bank too, there’d be some other girls that were in representatives. an entirely different business. They wanted Yerington sent in hostesses for the USO to come. Certainly, they were pretty enough, dances, [also] Fernley, Fallon, Carson Valley. and they would dance well enough, but if Genoa was especially hospitable. And the they’d look them up when checked, they’d find servicemen seemed to appreciate that Genoa, that they had a record of an entirely different being the first Mormon settlement in the nature. state, turned over its homes and gardens to That was another problem, too, you the homesick men in uniform. know, when they declared that this [legal They came in from California, too, prostitution] was out of bounds. It was really the servicemen. They came from Pickel properly handled by the medical profession Meadows, which is [in the] Bridgeport [area]. when we had the Stockade here. But then, they It was through Don Bowers mother (Mrs. did away with that, there wasn’t any. And the Homer Bowers), who was on the Chamber venereal disease soared—I mean, the number Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 37 of cases reported, which would be logical. We often obtained buses for the USO, but And it didn’t get rid of the business, ’cause I don’t remember any real transportation they just scattered to motels and rooming department. houses, and just wherever they could proceed [To return to the evolution of the various with their business. Before that, they had hospitality centers for the USO], well, [in been inspected weekly. I know. I talked to a the basement of the Elks’ Club] was the doctor who was in charge of that, and he felt only USO one they had until the Elks’ Club it was wrong, the way many of the good ladies burned down. And then, in between wars, of this area thought it was righteous, to do there’ll be a general disbanding, there’ll be away with it entirely. But you don’t do away less activity, although it was never completely with it entirely. You just get it more difficult discontinued. The charter exists, and I think to inspect. it will probably be made available to you to [That was done on the demand of the be kept for the future in the University of military.] That’s right. But it was also backed Nevada [Library]. up by a lot of the women’s clubs. But I think I can’t remember the date, but when that just as many didn’t think it was as logical it was publicly announced that a military as it seemed, because it didn’t do away with it. center was badly needed, and where was the I thought one of the amusing stories money going to come from, Mr. (Raymond I.] that went the rounds in those days was that Smith of Harolds Club came up, as he almost when they did away with the line in Virginia always did, with a very generous check of City, they just moved down to the outskirts $5,000, which he presented at that time to of Carson City. And members of a very the American Women’s Voluntary Services. important and highly regarded women’s The AWVS was able to find a house on Sierra organization went to the public utilities and Street, about a block away from where the asked them if they would please have the Eagle (Thrifty) “Shopping World” is today, lights turned off, disconnect the electrical on the southwest corner. connection, which, in the nature of their Mrs. A. J. Bart Hood (the first Mrs. business, [laughing] seemed rather funny to A. J. Bart Hood), who had been AWVS people who were listening to the story. representative at the Veterans’ Hospital, I’m sure everything possible was done became the hospitality hostess at what for the boys who were away from home at became known as the Reno Military Center. Christmas, to remember their birthdays, When word was received the servicemen and to see that they kept out of trouble. It in vast numbers would be coming through was a problem to keep the services from the state, and the USO received word that it overlapping and duplicating. The USO could be adequately staffed and maintained supplied more entertainment overseas, and by them, the then-treasurer of the AWVS, organized most of the parties here. The Red Mrs. S. J. Hodgkinson, together with Mrs. Cross was more for answering appeals for Hood, chairman, and Jordan Crouch, of the boys stranded without money, or families First National Bank, turned the funds and who needed assistance from the serviceman the building over to the USO. This center who was away from home. They all did an was maintained for several years until a equally fine job, ’cause the Red Cross at smaller building seemed more sensible in that time had a transportation department. view of the fact that the war activities were 38 Phyllis J. Walsh subsiding. The USO then moved to North the fact that we had an AWVS Indian unit, Virginia Street, opposite the University of which worked through the USO. And we all Nevada. Entertainment was provided at this went out together. That seemed to be very center throughout the existence of the Stead popular with the Stead Air Force Base wives Air Force Base until the phasing out of this and children. They would do all their pageant military training center. dances in costume in a fine auditorium with Ping-Pong, and musical entertainment, a standard size stage. In return they would and very often entertainers from the be given a wonderful supper, a buffet supper, downtown casinos furnished acts for the afterwards. USO parties. Magazines and letter writing At one time, the narrator of the Indian facilities were available at all times, morning pageant group was a beautiful, young Indian through reasonably early [evening]. I don’t girl, Carol Frazier. She was not only beautiful, know exactly what time they closed at night. but extremely talented, and she still is. She [It was] under the guidance of an executive was very shy. And she was sitting in that director, always in close cooperation with the little sitting room instead of out in the big military installations surrounding Reno. auditorium, where all the men could see Girls, again, were hard to get, because her. She was sitting in there close to her by then, the custom seemed to be that the family, after having changed her costumes. girls attending the University of Nevada The enlisted men who heard that she was an were “going steady,” as the phrase was. And artist, they used the excuse that they wanted even though the beau of the moment was to come in to talk art to her, or they wanted in college, he was due to be a serviceman to come in to sketch her, not to really talk to next on his graduation. And yet, there was her, or monopolize her. But she was so lovely a definite, strong objection to the University looking! It was very interesting to watch as lending the young girls, students, to the the rumors spread. And although the Indians servicemen’s hospitality groups. Dean Elaine were much shyer then than they are now, I Mobley appealed, the dean of men appealed, know they enjoyed it. the men in uniform who attended the USO It was not always easy to get a musician for regularly went across the street and appealed. the dances because the Indians out at Pyramid But it was a custom of the times, that the Lake are mostly all Paiute. And we Caucasians girls were considered “squares” if they didn’t don’t notice the difference; the average layman adhere to the current rulings, and she would doesn’t notice the difference. What we would be almost ostracized at University parties if consider the man singing (which is what she left to go off on the USO outings. And the the musician does, and sometimes playing servicemen felt [hurt]. There were even some the drum), we would only notice a sort of demonstrations. a humming and a definite tempo, which I must say that the facilities out at the would be satisfactory to us, but it wouldn’t Stead Air Force Base were exceptionally good. be satisfactory to the Paiutes if he turned out They had wonderful, soundproof rooms for to be a Washoe musician, because, to their the men who liked to listen, undisturbed, [to] trained ears, the difference is great. And the serious music. They had their own orchestra. same with the narrator. The Indians must be The Indians took entertainment over from satisfied with whoever’s doing the narration. Pyramid Lake. We very often did that, due to And that lovely Carol Frazier was one of the Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 39 first that I can recall. Usually, the narrating Frank Fanelli, Sue Carson, Eddie Fitzpatrick, was done by a man. Edie Gorme. I remember one of the meetings at that We were all active. Sometimes it came particular USO, when the center was right through the individual, sometimes it came opposite the University of Nevada. The through the owner of the nightclub or the chairman of the USO, who was connected hotel. Everybody was active. Everybody was with the Bell Telephone company, happened interested. Whole bands would go out (to to be leafing through some old records of the various installations and hospitals]. And then, USO, and he found the date and the ceremony of course, you see, the installations had their of the turning over of the military center own recreation directors, who would contact by the AWVS to the USO. And he came to the hotels and the individuals. I know in other an AWVS meeting at Mrs. Charles Mapes’s cities, Ray Bolger was very faithful about house. She was the chairman of the USO going to Veterans’ Hospitals. And the Kean at the time. He presented the AWVS with a sisters here, and Harry Richman. certificate of appreciation, which I thought [Why do I think the entertainers were so was very nice, because it was quite some time generous with their time?] I think theatrical after it all happened. And the AWVS didn’t people are naturally generous and interested expect any thanks, but it was nice of them to in helping. I would say the ones that turned remember. us down were very much in the minority. (Some of the nightclub acts from Most theatrical people worked closely with downtown that performed there.] Sophie the military or with the hospital patients. I Tucker was always—oh, Sophie Tucker was think they just are a generous, thoughtful lot magnificent! She always invited the men in of people when it comes to helping the sick. from the Stead Air Force Base, the men from And then, you see, Mrs. Hope, Bob Hope’s the Fallon Naval Air Station, the Marines wife, has always been active in the Stage and sailors from Hawthorne, the Pickel Door Canteen. We didn’t have one here, but Meadows Marines. If she was appearing at the people who worked with the Stage Door the Mapes or the Riverside, she would either Canteen in Hollywood, or the Stage Door have them come to her performance, or she Canteen in Philadelphia or in New York, those would go out to their center, as long as she same people would work with the USO). it could. There came a time when her heart was a kind of a reciprocal thing in the way of wasn’t strong enough because of the altitude, entertainment and hospitality. I know, from and Sophie got kind of heavy. But she was friends of mine who worked for the Stage always unfailing in her generosity. I can’t tell Door Canteen, and then they could contact you how many groups of blood donors she people or tell them about the USO) or the hostessed when she was at the Sparks Nugget. AWVS, or whoever happened to be handling The Sparks Nugget, along with the Mapes and entertainment in some other city. the Riverside, Harrah’s and Harolds, were You see, the two East Coast and West unfailing in their cooperation through these Coast USO’s were first housed in the Pepsi service clubs. Cola buildings in San Francisco, when Walter Eddie Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Mack was the chairman of the board. Mrs. appeared at the Veterans’ Hospital, (also] Walter Mack served two terms as national Beatrice Kay, Rusty Draper, Celeste Holm, president of AWVS. That big USO) building, 40 Phyllis J. Walsh you know, on Market Street, that was Pepsi veterans’ hospital representative. And you Cola! And then, later on, Joan Crawford, meet other national people when you go back when she was Mrs. Steele (that’s how she to their conventions, and then they talk to you became so interested in the USO), after Steele about entertainment and the entertainment died, you know), they put her on the board of world. You get to know more people, and Pepsi Cola. Joan Crawford had an unflagging you get to have more contacts. But as far as interest in entertainment through the USO), participating or cooperating, I don’t think or securing entertainment. that you could find any more generous lot of I think that’s another reason, and then people than we have right here in Reno. that’s far reaching. Friends of theatrical greats Some of the charter members Were: Mrs. or outstanding figures, they do it for their own John Sanford, Mrs. Mapes, Mrs. Elizabeth friends—you do it for my organization, I’ll do Bailey. it for yours. It’s the same way we do things. I’ve only been on the USO National You know, like dentists stick together, and Council within the last—oh, I guess I was put doctors, and lawyers, and so with musicians on about seven years ago, and that was merely and actors. It’s a brotherhood. to represent a certain area in the country. They Then, you know, there’d be people here, just wanted one person who’d been connected getting divorces from time to time. Don’t with the USO over a certain period of time, forget that! You’d have theatrical people and, of course, I knew Mrs. Mack, whose getting divorces, or you’d have, maybe, husband was so instrumental in setting up the former head of RKO, or Paramount, the USO in the Pepsi Cola buildings. But it or something like that, at one of the dude wasn’t anything personal. It was, I think, just ranches, like the famous M. E. Woods’s ranch having to have representatives distributed in Truckee Meadows, or the Drackert ranch around—the west, the Pacific northwest, in Dog Valley, the Washoe Pines. There were southeast, middle west, deep south, and all so many dude ranches and divorce ranches. that.. We’ve been practically dormant here in (Now there’s not that many because there are the USO since I was put on that USO council. so many other states where short divorces are It is merely a question of keeping Nevada and obtained.) a member from the Nevada group with the Well, until I was put on the USO National organization. I’ve tried to place what I could Council, which was only within the last ten in the way of publicity, as they send it out years, my connection with the USO was being from New York City, but nothing has been a member of the board. But I mainly brought done, really, here, since Colonel Ray Arnold in our group from the AWVS because we was chairman. (Before Colonel Ray Arnold, worked closely with the AWVS, and because there was Mrs. Lawrence [Tosca] Means. we felt that, in a sense, we helped to install Before Mrs. Lawrence Means, there was Mrs. them in their new headquarters out there Charles W. Mapes. Before Mrs. Mapes, there on Sierra Street. We helped staff it, too, was Major Charles Clipper.) But back of that, and helped furnish it until it got so big. It ever so many, you see. And I would say, before needed the USO kind of substantial backing, Clipper, there was a commanding officer from because AWVS was just a comparatively small the Reno Army Air Base, Colonel Robert T. voluntary organization. But I was on their Romine. But those have been since the USO national board, and I became their national has not been as active as it used to be. Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 41

Daughters of the American Colonists treasurer; Mrs. Marjory Morser, registrar; Mrs. H. H. Creek, corresponding secretary; The Nevada state chapter of the National Mrs. Howard Browne, historian; Mrs. C. A. Society of the Daughters of American Paterson, librarian. Colonists was established on November 3, In October, 1963, Miss Phyllis Walsh 1951. Mrs. Chester A. Paterson, Reno, [was] received a letter from Mrs. Guild Gray, regent, regent; Mrs. B. R. Addenbrooke, curator Las Vegas chapter, thanking her for accepting of the Bowers mansion, [was] vice regent. the state chairmanship of the memorial and The latter’s informative and often humorous marking of historic spots. Mistress of the Mansion, written about the In 1965, Mrs. William Gonzales was state ascendancy, decline, and fall of the lucky (and regent (membership, 45). [Other officers luckless) Sandy and Eilly Orrum Bowers, was were] first vice regent, Mrs. Ralph Seward, placed in the national library of the D. A. C.. Las Vegas; second vice regent, Mrs. Glenn In March, 1953, the state offices presented W. Turner, Reno; chaplain, Mrs. H. Rebecca and elected were Mrs. B. R. Addenbrooke, Peterson, Las Vegas; recording secretary, regent; Mrs. J. J. Hill, vice regent; secretary, Mrs. Howard Browne, Reno; corresponding Mrs. C. A. Early; treasurer, Mrs. John H. Fant; secretary, Mrs. H. O. Froslie, Reno; registrar, registrar, Mrs. Willis Pressell; historian, Mrs. Mrs. Harold Foutz, Las Vegas; treasurer, H. H. Creek. Mrs. Addenbrooke and Mrs. Mrs.. George I. James, Reno; historian, Mrs.. Creek were scheduled to attend the general John DeSteunder; library, Mrs. Oscar Bray, assembly in Washington, D. C. on April 15. Henderson. In May, 1954, Mrs. C. A. Early Was [These are other state and local officers]: installed as state regent. In March of 1954, Las Vegas chapter, membership, twelve. Mrs. C. W. (Minerva) Pierce donated one of Regent, Mrs. H. Rebecca Peterson.Reno her famous water color paintings to be raffled. chapter, membership fourteen. Regent, Mrs. Mrs. F. M. Young continued as chairman Howard Browne. of memorials and marking historic spots, [In] 1966: state regent, Mrs. Gonzales; 1954-56. In January, 1958, the state chairman Las Vegas regent, Mrs. R. Guild Gray; Reno reported on the organization on November 2, regent, Mrs. Chester Paterson. [In] 1967: state 1957 of the Las Vegas chapter. Five hundred regent, Mrs. Rebecca Peterson; Las Vegas dollars was reported to be in the marker fund. regent, Mrs. Guild Gray; Reno regent, Mrs. Plans were announced for the centennial Chester Paterson. [In] 1969: state regent, Mrs. celebration of the discovery of silver in 1859, Rebecca Peterson; Las Vegas regent, Mrs. for the year 1959. On November 10, two letters Ernest Holcomb; Reno regent, Mrs. Carl B. were received from Mrs. Glenn Oliver, Pacific Stanley. coast chairman (from Cheyenne, Wyoming) In June, 1972, Mrs. Harold B. Foutz by Mrs. Pollard and Mrs. F. M. Young. addressed all state and chapter historians as The Reno chapter was formed November national historian chairman. 18, 1957. [Officers were] Mrs. F. M. Young, I first became interested in the DAC regent; Mrs. William Gonzales, vice regent; through Mrs. Chester Paterson, who was its Phyllis Walsh, second vice regent; Mrs. representative at the Veterans’ Hospital. As Wayne Wilson, chaplain; Mrs. E. J. Hund, a charter member and eventually a second recording secretary; Mrs. George I. James, Vice Regent, I became more familiar with 42 Phyllis J. Walsh their aims and the details of eligibility. The The DAC’s activities in Nevada have organization is patterned along the same included scholarships at McDermit in lines as the Colonial Dames except that both conjunction with the marker sponsorships. the initiation fee and annual dues are less. (Great interest was shown in this [marker An invitation to become a member is issued, dedications] by Scandinavian visitors passing and the nominee must be passed on by board through and attracted by the crowd. They members. Genealogically, the ancestor must had but recently arrived in the East and were have arrived prior to 1776, and in most unaware of the existent understanding and instances, had been part of the colonization interest linking present-day Caucasians and since the early seventeenth century. the “First Americans.”) Mrs. Curtis Sequoia As a member of the Historical Landmark [Nellie] Earner, a Pyramid Lake Paiute leader, Committee, I recall making an address on the holder of two degrees, personally supervised steps of the capitol in Carson City during the the data for the McDermit dedications. governorship of Grant Sawyer. (The text was (her husband is a direct descendant of the written by the late Dr. Gloria Griffen [dine] famed Oklahoma chieftain, for whom he was Harrison). The governor, Grant Sawyer, and named.) Mr. Donald Bowers, editor of the Nevada The Nevada DAC contributes annually to Highways and Parks magazine, headed the Indian schools at both Bacone and Haskell. program. Markers had been previously It also cooperates with its national society’s sponsored at the University of Nevada, policy to furnish aid to other designated Virginia City, and the Carson City Virginia educational programs. It presents awards of and Truckee Railroad depot. Since that time, encouragement to young military graduates three have been placed in McDermit, Nevada, and cadets, men and women. two on the main Nevada-Oregon highway, close to the border (giving background of * * * * * Indians, history of old Fort McDermit), and one within the Indian reservation, dedicated No, there are not as many young people to Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, daughter of in these patriotic organizations as there Chief Winnemucca, and the leading Paiute should be, but I believe they are presently woman of her day. too engrossed in “doing their own thing,” or This past summer of 1971, a landmark whatever they believe in, and I think this will was unveiled between Wadsworth and Nixon, all work out. The young sorority members giving a summary of the two battles of Pyramid hereabouts seem to be headed in the right Lake. This text was written by Sessions S. direction. They seem to want to know more Wheeler, noted author, conservationist, and “why” than we did at their age, but the educator. It emphasizes the fact that Numaga, troublesome ones are in the minority, and son of Winnemucca, was a peace-loving I feel sure we were nearly all troublesome leader, and highly regarded by both Paiutes once—it’s like growing pains. When I was and the early white settlers. their age’, we were more content with taking The DAC is planning two similar markers what was dished out to us. Now, I mean, even for the coming year 1) giving a history of the little ones say, “Why?” We took it because “it Lake Tahoe Washoe Indians, and 2) the site of said so” in the book. Well, just ’cause it says the world-famous steam boat springs. so in that book doesn’t mean that it’s so any Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 43 more. And it doesn’t, always, either. Take the others moving up. I think we have a great things that you know and I know that have love of country born in us, as Americans. I been discovered within the last few years. I’ve know we have. I think that these patriotic been told, and I’m sure you must’ve been told, organizations, perhaps, are beginning now too, there are lots of discoveries that have been to do more, actually, than just meet for made within the last, even, ten years that have social purposes and be content with sending not been made public because it’s been too back their dues, and their money raised by technical, or because it would mean a whole benefits, to a board, wherever the national change of textbooks. That certainly has to headquarters may be. And I think that’s better, do with the discoveries in the archaeological too. It should be spent by the people who are world, scientific, too. Well, what do we raising the money, and who are aware of the understand? A very few of us understand needs of the local people. what they brought back from the moon. And [What kinds of personal satisfactions yet, to scientists, more and more, it seems to do I get out of working for these patriotic be a very great contribution. Let’s hope so, organizations?] I know I wouldn’t be doing it considering the money that’s been spent! if I didn’t like it. I’ve never thought of it that I think we all have a great love of country, way. I’ve been fortunate enough, ever since built-in. We’re confused at the moment I can remember, to know so many people because we don’t seem to get a logical answer who interested me in what they were doing. on this second “incident” [Viet Nam] that Obviously, I must’ve liked it. It has an awful we have participated in, to help another lot to do with the people with whom you’re country out, where they don’t seem to want associated. (And if you weren’t doing these to be helped out! As in Korea, they appear to things, you wouldn’t be with them.) I think want us “out,” and to be permitted to settle the average person Wants a certain amount their own differences (as did we, in our war of privacy, and a certain amount of time between the states). There are, as always, the to themselves. But there’s the fact that I’m young idealists who cherish the thought of not married, too, and have no children. I’ve dying for a noble cause. We had it. I had it. We always been part of a large family, and have were given to understand we were “crusaders always been with others my own age, my all.” I don’t believe any one of us who loves generation. Now they’re all married. I’m the history wasn’t a pushover for the knights in only one who isn’t. So I think the old maids shining armor and the guest of the holy grail. and the old bachelors get their satisfaction I think being idealistic is a very common and happiness, or whatever you want to call it, trait, although I guess it has a touch of the adjustment, ability to adjust, out of the people extrovert in it, wanting to seem to be. I know closest to them. I think that’s just a human with me, it wasn’t a question of a principle, it characteristic. I think it’s preferable to have was a question of wanting to be recognized. your own home and your own family, but if (Even rewarded!) at the time the decisions were made when [What do I think is the future of all of it didn’t seem that it would work out right, these patriotic organizations?] Well, of course, there had to be a substitute. I never stopped I, being one of the older ones today (which I to think of it before, but I guess that’s the can’t seem to resign myself to), I know pretty answer. You want to be with certain people, soon we’ll be gone. So there’s bound to be you want to be part of a certain structure, or 44 Phyllis J. Walsh it’s a completion of something, I think. It’s same women that are in the Red Cross, or the a substitution for a career, a career either as DAC, the DAR, the Century Club, the Elks, a housewife, or a mother, or a[n] architect Emblem Club—all the women’s auxiliaries. or a doctor, [or] what have you. I’ve always I don’t think that’s so odd, that they so often been—what is the old expression?—”jack of should be the same women. all trades, and master of none.” Perhaps if I’d There’s plenty to be done. The only time been particularly good at one thing, I wouldn’t where it seems to me there isn’t enough [to have had as much time to be part of as many. do] is when so many service organizations I can’t think of any other answer. are represented in a small hospital, like our [What do I think the other people around Veterans’ Administration center. We need me get out of it?] Oh, I think a great many lots of people to work in the hospital on people with whom I work give up a great [wheelchair] escort service, and things like deal. I don’t give up anything. I feel that I’m that [during the daytime], which a great many doing exactly what I want to do. But I know a of those women can’t give the time to, because great many people who really have their own they’re working women. They’re members of homes to run, and their own children to look these auxiliaries [of] men’s groups, like the after, and they do this, additionally. I guess it’s [American] Legion, and the VFW. The Elks’ a fulfillment. Nothing is worse, I don’t think, Club is one of the most generous. It’s also one than boredom. And you don’t have time to be of the most financially well fixed. But there bored. Of course, it’s a question of association, are not enough beds in that hospital for more actual experience, personal experience, and— organizations to visit. There’s plenty of work well, I guess, environment, but people, mostly. to be done that I really, sincerely believe those I love people, being gregarious. I like to write, women are willing to do, but they haven’t but I’ve known so many people who had so got the time, ’cause they have to give their much more talent. I’d rather read their books services when they can. A lot of them aren’t or writings, or hear them talk. I think that has free at night when they could—and then an awful lot to do with the child’s upbringing, visiting hours are short at night. Then, don’t too, being influenced by people, right people. forget, too, it takes a little discrimination in I owe a great deal in my life to having met selecting the right people to be with patients some very wonderful people. More than the in any hospital. There has to be a certain principle of the thing, we have admitted that knowledge of psychological handling of we were influenced by wanting to do the right patients no matter what, whether it’s sickness, thing in order to please someone, or live up or whether it’s the result of a war-connected to somebody else’s standards. injury. Nobody wants to be in a hospital, if [All of these patriotic organizations have they have friends or family. interlocking and overlapping membership.] We have a very fine Veterans’ Hospital Yes. Well, because a great many of the ones here, very fine staff, very fine equipment. That that are members of the DAR could be seems to be the general feeling. I think that members of both [DAR and DAC], providing there’ll be probably revision there because their forbears were here in this country long just the little that I can see as a Volunteer, I enough to have been part of the colonization. can see Where so much money, perhaps, is The Bowers Mansion committee? This is expended unnecessarily in certain lines, like another group of women, most of them the correspondence, maybe paperwork, stamps, Work in Nevada with National Service and Patriotic Organizations 45

and things like that. And then you’re always Gray. She’s very interested in promoting hearing that they have to keep within their talented children, or finding out if they have budget, and then they need more money for any [talent].” I couldn’t tell you now what specific improvements in patient care. Yeah, happened, but it was through that beginning but who are we to adopt a side? That has to that that child was brought to the attention be approved, passed on, and looked into by of Mrs. Les Gray. And if she has talent, I feel experts, medical and military administration certain that Mrs. Gray has put her on the specialists. right track. Slowly, I see a definite improvement since You say, “What do you think’s going to I’ve been here (thirty-two years), in rapport, in become of [the organizations]?” They’ll always understanding, in cooperation. And I’ve said be in existence, and probably get better all the this repeatedly, I think that the way the people time, as women are more recognized. I’m not here in Nevada respond to an emergency is a “lib” woman, myself, but I think the fact that just great! I’ve seen it happen over and over they are heeded has been great—and the fact again. When we had the Hungarian revolt that they are being given a more equal basis [1956]; when we had the great disaster in in their vocational training is good. That’s Chile; whether it’s war, whether it’s a typhoon, true in everything you can think of, not just the response is “all out.” women. That’s true in racial discrimination. Returning to the subject of the patients But then, I can remember way back—and I at the Veterans’ Hospital, the old ones, now mean way back, in my childhood—talking that they’re reached that age, they’re lost in to my cousins, some a little older, some my the crowd and they just are so grateful when age, talking about different school friends and people come over to see them. A pretty girl college friends. Kids didn’t discriminate much reporter on the Carson City paper was up in that I can remember. It had to do whether they Virginia City last spring at a luncheon that were good in sports, good in studies, and fair, the AWVS gave for the Veterans’ hospital not snooty, they’d say, or “snotty.” [laughing] patients. And she said if they had time and I ran into a shot-putter in Haiti. And they wouldn’t mind, “I would just like to he’d gone to Princeton with my cousin, Tevis interview a few of them.” They were delighted. Huhn. And he was very, very dark. Mostly the One had been a miner, another one had Haitian Negro predominated. And my cousin worked on locomotives, and all had, in some said that nobody ever thought of that. He said way, tied in with, if not specifically Virginia it was just that he was a hell of a shot-putter. City, a mining town, or they had been part of something, somewhere. And they loved to reminisce, and to think that somebody really wanted to still hear what they had to say. One thing leads to another. She had a child, and her child was a very promising musician, but she didn’t have the money to spend on musical education or piano lessons, what have you. And then, Don Bowers, editor of the Nevada Highways and Parks magazine, said, “Oh, why don’t you see Mrs. Les [Alleta]

4 Work with Nevada Indians

I can remember well going to my first on the commission, and three Caucasians. Indian [Affairs] Commission meeting in the In the beginning, we had difficulty getting capitol, because Grant Sawyer, the governor, Indians who enough other Indians felt were attended our first meeting. And I can recall both representative and possessed of enough an outstanding young Indian named Oscar self-confidence. Johnny. He was from Elko. I remember Shortly thereafter, I was called on out at liking him immediately because he asked the ranch by, first, Teddy James, who had been a perfectly logical question: why, on the chairman of the Pyramid Lake Tribal Council. commission, were there four non-Indians He was very anxious to have us look upon his and only three Indians? And I thought son’s application for Commission Executive that was a good question. It indicated his Director with favor. A day or so later, his honest desire to find out why. We were in son came to call on me. Alvin had gone to the majority, and they were in the minority. the University of Nevada, and he seemed to And I think it was because, in the beginning, be interested in business management, and perhaps, the tendency was to establish—we he was ambitious, so he presented his letter. had been so used to establishing clubs and (Actually, because Sessions Wheeler was organizations, that maybe it would be helpful the secretary of that commission, Sessions if there was a little more guidance, just to presented the letter.) Alvin James became one begin with. But I know I’ve discussed this of our first secretaries. with Sessions Wheeler, who was our most Another promising young Indian at that eminent member, Sessions being an educator time has since been studying law. He had been and a conservationist and an author. And the football coach of the Fernley High School, I think we both felt that it would only be a [Warren Em]. He moved away temporarily question of time before it would be perfectly to study law. Now he’s back, living over in satisfactory all around to have four Indians Schurz. 48 Phyllis J. Walsh

Oscar Johnny was the representative from if they wanted us. We didn’t want to go where Elko, and John Dressler became the chairman we weren’t welcome. And it wasn’t that we of the committee. And John Dressler was very were unwelcome. I think they felt we weren’t concerned and dedicated, and very articulate. achieving anything much. And we weren’t, (It seems to me that he also had a very capable really, because we had to find out just what we secretary at that time by the name of Sybil could do. I think we were all dedicated. I don’t Rupert. I think he had her as his secretary know of anyone who has the Indian’s welfare when he was chairman of the Tribal Council.) more at heart than Sessions Wheeler. And he At that time he was chairman of the Tribal already had, to a great extent, the confidence Council for Reno-[Sparks]; later on, he was of the majority because of his writings and not permitted to hold both jobs. his teachings. A misunderstanding, I think, in the It took a while—into Paul Laxalt’s regime— beginning, was that the Tribal Council to be accepted. This came up at an Inter represented the Indians better than we ever Tribal Council meeting. The first one that I could which was most understandable. What really remember, the Indians demonstrated. had to be explained was we were representing They weren’t particularly happy with what the governor. And it was thought that we we were doing (and we weren’t happy with would be able to hear the Indians’ problems, what we were doing, either). But we didn’t and then be able, with the little authority that know how to expend, since we really had we actually had, to present it to the governor never been given that much permission to without wasting his time. In fact, the idea then make decisions. But we started going to the was, if there was a need for better lighting different reservations. We went to Owyhee, on the streets, or if there was a question of to Fallon, to Schurz, to McDermit, and, of insufficient water for either irrigation or for course, continued with Carson City and Reno. living purposes, or for transportation for It seems to me that the University, at all schools, it wasn’t that we could wave a wand times, indicated its interest in making the and achieve these things; it was just that we hall available to us for meetings, at the Travis could possibly get the governor’s attention, Union building. It was a very convenient he being the busy man that all governors are. place, and the Indians seemed to like it, too. In the beginning, that was something else Of course, some of the complaints that that had to be—. You know, in the beginning, came in to us either would be a biased white everything is a little bit weak, and we really complaint, or be a biased Indian complaint, didn’t have that much authority. We weren’t and it would have to be debated. Both sides trying to avoid responsibility. It was just that had to be heard from. I can always remember our word didn’t carry that much weight. It was from the very beginning that there seemed really a question of bringing it to the governor’s to be not only dissatisfaction, but a very attention quicker, and perhaps we were in a definite, and almost understandable, distrust position to present it more articulately. of outsiders. (I’d only been here under thirty And then the next question that came up years, so was not an “old-timer.”) was, “Should we always meet in the capitol?” It seemed to me that the Indians had That didn’t seem to be right. “Why can’t we not been as Satisfactorily looked after as we have meetings at different places?” And then had been led to believe the Bureau of Indian it was decided to have them write in and ask Affairs functioned. I know that as a non- Work with Nevada Indians 49

Indian member of the Indian commission, interested in the Indian, but very grateful for I definitely had that feeling, that in the past, the assistance rendered them by the Indian perhaps, enough discretion had not been used in their years of farming. Mr. Marco De in the selection of the agents, or enough time Paoli, Mr. “Bill” Ceresola, the Garaventas, and personal interest had not been devoted to had all employed Indians and found them the plight of the Indians, themselves. I know industrious as well as desirable neighbors. we were very pro-Indian, and a great deal of The feeling, it seemed to me, was more my knowledge came from Sessions Wheeler, on the part of the Indians. They had become through his compassion, and the enormous so imbued with the idea that they were there amount of time that he’d spent studying first, and therefore their land was stolen away conditions. Also, I had the benefit and the unjustly. This, in some cases, sadly enough, privilege of a friendship with Mrs. Wendell is correct. But in other instances, there have Wheat, [Margaret] “Peg” Wheat, who also has been many good friendships between Indians very sincere sympathy for the Indian situation. and non-Indians. An American-Italian is such And Mrs. Floyd [Barbara] Savoy (whom a good worker, himself, a hard worker, and he I knew through the Veterans’ Hospital), she appreciated that in an Indian. is receptionist and interlocutor to all the Dick McCulloch was a neighbor of ours, anesthetists in this part of the state. Her very anxious to improve Indian relationship[s], headquarters are with Dr. William O’Brien the late Dick McCulloch. And Dick was very on West Fifth Street. In addition to her own well known as a horseman—raised horses, vocation and very busy life, she is also the sold horses. And a great many of Dick’s horses grandmother of several very promising, as she eventually found their way East and became said, “little half-breeds,” since her daughter excellent polo ponies. (Dick McCulloch more married a San Juan Indian. She has a very high than once mentioned to me ponies that he regard for her son-in-law and was terrifically had procured for Willie Tevis here on the interested in the future of her grandchildren. West Coast.) And Dick, I can remember, And, of course, my situation, living on was the only non-Indian who was allowed to the Pyramid Lake Indian reservation, had me go prospecting on the Indian reservation. It constantly in touch with the Paiutes mostly, was because of their confidence in him as an a few Washoes, and a few Shoshones, but employer, as well as a neighbor. mainly Paiutes, and their past grievances due It was interesting to us in the early days to land misunderstandings. The creation of of the Indian commission to learn how some the Pyramid Lake reservation under General of the California Washoe Indians were so Grant (President Grant) was a comparatively anxious to come over to the Nevada side of recent thing, you might say, and particularly the line, hearing that the Indian would get interesting to Mrs. Thomas and myself. more personal attention from the Nevada Mrs. Thomas being the owner of a ranch courts. There were so few of them, you know, on the Indian reservation, and the only one and they felt there were quite a number of not in litigation, because the ownership of Washoes here in the Dresslerville-Tahoe area. the other ranches had been disputed for so The Tahoe Women’s Club up at Tahoe City many years because of the creation of the were interested in doing anything they could reservation. And yet I found that, amongst to help conditions amongst the Indians. These my Italian neighbors, they not only were very women are composed of property owners and 50 Phyllis J. Walsh shopkeepers, not only just in Tahoe City, but great flair for story-telling and creating a sort around the Lake. They were always anxious to of a theatrical milieu for his Sunday school secure clothing, if needed, and Christmas gifts children. He had a beautiful speaking voice. or packages of food. That was very gratifying And many times during World War II, the because there is a tendency to just help the various commanding officers of both Fallon Indians that you’re nearest to. And, of course, and Hawthorne would preferably come to up at Tahoe, most of those people would be Wadsworth to listen to Brother David in his nearest to the Washoes, and yet they were just small chapel, or community church, reading as interested in helping any family that they the simple Biblical stories to the Indians and felt needed attention amongst the Shoshones the servicemen alike, even though, sometimes, or the Paiutes. he’d bring his own [army] chaplain with him. It never seemed to me at any time Brother David also was directly responsible that there ever was any discrimination for interest being taken in the Indian colony against the children at our nearby schools. by the prominent motion picture people then It all seemed to be a question of good in Hollywood, like Marion Davies and all the sportsmanship and excellence in sports. And great stars. They’d send costumes, and they’d it was very noticeable. The Indians were always send gifts. One gave an electric organ, another, outstanding, their balance, and their ability to a gold chalice. handle themselves in games. In the beginning, About that time the Indians began to of course, there was just the small elementary show an interest in taking part in the war school in Wadsworth, which eventually closed effort, and the American Women’s Voluntary down, and all the Indians (excepting the very Service all-Indian unit came into being, the small ones, who are taught, still, at Nixon, on members of which came from both Nixon the reservation), they all go to Fernley high and Wadsworth, and worked with church school. And it doesn’t seem to me to have and school alike, assisting also in the Reno anything to do with color. It has to do with Veterans’ Hospital when requested. They the boy’s personal leadership or patriotism or were the first group in all Nevada to come outstanding qualifications in the sports world. as a group to give blood to the Veterans’ I, personally, was fortunate in obtaining Hospital. They came under the leadership of firsthand information from some of my the son of a former chieftain. That was Flora Pyramid Lake Indian neighbors, some of the Smith’s husband, whose father was one of the women in the arts and crafts shop, and some last chiefs, Johnny Smith, a little fellow. (I of the men who were interested in taking us have a picture of him, very impressive in his fishing or had worked for us. war bonnet. But the average visitor was quite Religions have changed, you see, so often disappointed. They expected a more Indian over there at Nixon, at Pyramid Lake. First, name than Johnny Smith.) there were the Jesuits, and then, shortly Going back to the Indian commission, after we arrived the Anglican seems to be several of the outstanding Indian members most represented. Under Bishop [William have been: Arthur Manning from Owyhee; Fisher] Lewis came that picturesque former today, one of the most progressive is Leroy motion picture actor, Brother David. Gareth Rupert; I believe that Mrs. Herrera, who, since Hughes, having been an actor ever since her appointment to the Indian commission, leaving his native Wales for England, had a has moved up from Las Vegas, has been a Work with Nevada Indians 51 very useful member of the commission. constructive. (I’ve mentioned previously] the Mrs. Herrera told me that, actually, in her young minister at Nixon today, representing background, she is partly Mohawk. She the Anglicans, David Tybo. David is half had worked with the Moapa Indians before Indian and half non-Indian. He’s a very coming to Carson City, and been instrumental intelligent young man. He saw service in the in obtaining improved conditions. American Navy and was in Japan for several It’s difficult—anyone should understand years. that—difficult for Indians living in a small To me, the outstanding farming being colony on the edge of such a glittery, .booming done in this part of the state, as we saw it, from town as Las Vegas, and seeing money won and having attended a commission meeting there, lost, and apparently without much concern is at Owyhee. (Owyhee, you know, is named, either way. It’s easy to understand how the they say, because of some shipwrecked seamen Indian, himself, wouldn’t place the proper who stopped by there. And they mentioned valuation on how to obtain and keep a fortune Hawaii. But the people there spell it O-w-y- of any size. The living conditions, the example, h-e-e. That was told me by some Indians that itself, can’t be very constructive, can’t be. And day that we had the meeting.) Their cattle are yet, today, they have obtained better housing in wonderful condition. The living conditions conditions out on Moapa, a desert town, an are excellent, and there seems to be a general hour out of Las Vegas. air of prosperity. The new houses are up, and yet the open Several of the Indians who seem to be irrigation ditches are still there. And there’re responsible for the tribe’s outstandingly goats and pigs and children, and everything, prosperous appearance saw active service just all over the place. But the houses are very, overseas, in World War II. One of them very substantial in there, and not too close brought back a French wife, and several of together, and the Indians seem satisfied. They them acquitted themselves with distinction. were having a grange meeting, and it was The same at Nixon. Probably the same being very well handled. everywhere, because I understand that the And as I said a few minutes ago, it must’ve Indian in every branch of the service seemed been puzzling to the Indians, the changes to wish to acquit himself with honor and in their religious mentors, because, as I say, courage. starting with Catholics—nothing wrong with I was on the Indian [commission] any of them, excepting the Indians had their for two terms, which is now no longer own [religion] to begin with. Usually in all permissible. Only one term for a member of these different religions, there’s a mother, and the commission. So now, under Governor a baby, a child, and a father. All seem to lead O’Callaghan, there will be several changes. to one creator of something. And since I’ve They have a very fine young lawyer on the been living out here, I’ve seen the Mormons, commission now. I only hope that when his come and go, and right now, attention is being term is up that he will be replaced by someone paid at Nixon to the “Holy Rollers.” (Assembly half as good. He’s very interested in bettering of God) They have built their own church, the conditions for the Indian. His name is they have nice services for the children, they Steven Walther. He’s currently a member have a very cheerful Sunday school, and of the firm of Vargas, Bartlett, and Dixon. they give noteworthy picnics, which all are He told me several times if only he has time 52 Phyllis J. Walsh enough outside of his professional business, somebody to babysit. But the training year, he would like nothing better than [to] devote and then the following year, working, uses up his life to writing stories of the background of that hundred dollars before you know it. So the different Indian reservations in this state, that’s why we voted to make it two hundred which would be fine, because we’ve long felt this time. Mrs. Clevenger is very anxious to that in handing out these brochures, “Come have it continue and call more attention to to Nevada and gamble,” “Come to Nevada it. I’ll show you this brochure [Spotlight on and go surfing in Lake Tahoe,” we could say, Education, Volume 3:3 (September, 1971)]. “Come to Nevada and see our Indian.” And if It has been a very pleasant experience to someone like Steve Walther could only write have made the friendship, through my serving up their background and their arts and crafts, on the Indian commission, of the executive that in itself would be sufficient to attract a director, Ross Morres, who is highly respected group of above the average visitors. That was in Carson as a businessman, where he was one reason that we all felt so enthusiastic in the insurance business; and is very well about the different groups that announced known as a member of the National Guard. their intention of furthering the erection of Mr. Morres is married to a non-Indian, and is historic landmarks, which has been done developing some very talented children, who since at Owyhee and at Fort McDermit and also show great promise in sports. Pyramid Lake. [The real successes and real failures of the During my first year on Governor Sawyer’s commission?] Well, improvement is needed commission, I was privileged to make the in certain areas for advice on the irrigation acquaintance of Mrs. Ralph Clevenger, systems, and the buying and selling of cattle, Marguerite Clevenger, who is the state and the available transportation for children director of vocational training for nurses. It for their school systems. I think we were able was under her guidance that the scholarships to improve those situations. Perhaps in the for Indian women interested in taking the not too distant future, if the commission state nursing courses was formed. They’re stays intact, it might be better to have it all- small. They’re not really scholarships; they’re Indian. It was the governor’s intent in the very awards. And we had to start with very little beginning to have somebody represent him, because we had nothing, and they were only a and meet with somebody representing the hundred dollars each. This year at a meeting, Indians, and then have it further discussed it was voted to raise them to two hundred and arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. I dollars. The course is free. It’s a state course. think it was lack of understanding, mostly, And we have the Indian health officer on our that held us back. It certainly wasn’t lack of advisory committee, [Albert] Wabaunsee, interest. and we have an Indian head of education on [Did I think that the Inter Tribal Council the committee. And it seems that the Indian came into being because of the Indian Affairs women who are anxious to avail themselves Commission not being able to deal with of this opportunity are very apt and deft, but Indian matters?] No. Because the Inter Tribal easily discouraged, perhaps because of the Council was in existence in other states before fact that they’ve had such a tough life. Some our commission here. There’s still, in my of them have two kids, some of them have ten, mind, a certain political aspect to this that I and they have to have enough money to pay don’t know enough about. Work with Nevada Indians 53

But I did once happen to be a national At one time, we were so proud of the board member of the Association on work that was being done at Nixon by the American Indian Affairs, and I found that, Wa-Pai-Shone, we went to the American under the sponsorship of the late Oliver La Women’s Voluntary Services and asked Farge, who was beloved by Indians all over them if they would pay the insurance and this country, this is a completely altruistic the shipping charges for several big cartons organization, with a big membership, and of handiwork from Pyramid Lake. And they quite well subsidized. Oliver La Farge were on exhibition in New York City. The lived in New Mexico. But I’d say the board work was very well received. By request, the members, mostly, were from New York and work was returned here because the Indians Boston and the East, mostly people of more felt that they could get more money selling than average education and culture. One them to our summer visitors during the was a Forbes from Boston, and he had been season. But the American Indian Art Center putting his own private money into bettering in New York City is considered one of the conditions up in Alaska. They published the finest outlets for Indian arts and crafts in the Tundra Times, which was eventually taken United States. People go there and buy for over by the Indians, themselves, and is doing places like the Smithsonian, and museums well. Both Dr. and Mrs. Forbes spent a great all over the country, even all over the world. deal of time in Alaska—. And by the same And they don’t take any commission. They token, because these people, who were board just are anxious to work with the Indians. It members of the Association on American is a completely unpolitical organization. Indian Affairs, were people of more than What is the National Congress of the average wealth and intelligence, they had American Indian? This group is very highly good Contacts with big foundations, like the thought of by the Indians, and works very Ford Foundation and the different groups closely with the Inter Tribal Council. that could afford to better conditions. At Mrs. Manning, Leah Manning, is the that time, they were mostly interested in daughter of Katie Frazier (who is also the Florida Indians, the Seminoles, and also, in mother of Gordon Frazier, who did all the the Dakotas. Both at annual meetings, and riding in a picture called “The Misfits”; he speaking to the members personally, I tried handled all the horses, and he’s been one of to get more interest centered on Pyramid our outstanding dancers, and easily the best Lake and our program here. But they were athletic coach they ever had in this part of the already committed to their other activities. country). Leah’s daughter was the queen of Actually, they sent out thousands of letters, the National Congress for American Indians. calling to the attention of the members the And when we had the governor’s conference a plight of the Indians at Pyramid Lake and the year ago in Carson City (it was the first time it decreasing water situation. And they sent a was held in the new legislative building), she member out here to a meeting. She came out. was there. She was perfectly beautiful, and she They paid for her flight ticket, and they paid recited the Lord’s Prayer in Paiute. for expenses at the Mapes Hotel, and I had Billy Mills, who is the idol of all Indian her met here at the station by Clara Beatty. schoolchildren, was also present. (It was Billy Mrs. Beatty was a great and good friend of Mills who won [at] the Olympic Games, with the Indians. something like a thousand to one chance 54 Phyllis J. Walsh against him!) He’s now traveling all over the of it. And in a great many instances, that’s the country, talking to the young people. He’s in source of his sorrow. Where, actually, really, if [his] thirties now, married, with children, you stop to think, it wasn’t the fault of those very interested in improving the image of the very courageous and enterprising foreign American Indian. Caucasians who came to this country with Jim Thorpe’s daughter has been working Columbus or prior! They were just as good out here. Although Jim Thorpe hardly would people, and just as courageous, and just as be known to the schoolboy today, I suppose he worthy of respect as the ones they found here. is the all-time great Indian hero in the sports They didn’t come over here to go marauding. world, just the way Ira Hayes will always be They came over here to discover something the outstanding Marine. new that would be of benefit to their own I wish we could’ve helped more at the people, for their king, or queen, or for their Stewart School for Indians because I don’t own fortunes! They were doing something think the public ever knew how many of that they felt would reflect creditably on their those children were the product of broken own land and their own children. The idea homes, and how underprivileged and actually wasn’t to come over here and take the land retarded in intelligence because of home away from the Indians. They didn’t know influence those children were. It wasn’t an when they came what they were going to find easy job for those schoolteachers, by any here. And the journeys over in those days means. And I know there was so much were perilous. The Indians more and more are indignation expressed, in my presence, at becoming aware of that, though—the young the number of Zunis and Hopis and Navahos ones. They have to admire these “seafarers” for who were in that school over there [at their adventuresome spirit and stamina. I don’t Stewart], as a criticism. Because the general think there was anything more frightening misunderstanding was that that deprived our than coming to a strange land across an ocean Paiutes of the opportunity of going to school with wild storms and high seas. there! That wasn’t true at all. The average The Indian here, you see, in this part of Indian would rather have his child, girl or Nevada, excepting for being nomadic, because boy, go to school with all the other children. of seasonal crops, or differences in weather, I found this in personal interviews with the had it easy. They had their own fish, they students; most Indians would rather go to had their own small animals as well as big. college with everybody else than go just with They led a very leisurely life. And there was other Indians, to schools like Bacone and no reason for them to be warlike, excepting Haskell, excellent as they are. against some of their more quarrelsome The American Indian, and quite rightly— neighbors, also Indian. And don’t forget, and I think more and more people realize there were some Indians, just like some non- it today—considers himself an American, Indians, who prided themselves on their completely an American. He’s an American warlike ability. For lack of something better, Indian, and doesn’t appreciate being classified they’d go to war, too. in with the Blacks— not because of the Down there in Fort McDermit, we talked difference in color of the skin, but because the to some of those people. You know, when Black did come from somewhere else, and this we first went down there, we were early that is the Indian’s native habitat, and he’s proud morning. A lot of the commission flew; we Work with Nevada Indians 55 motored. And when we stopped in front known member of the Sparks Indian Colony, of the community hall, some little children is their chairman. Mrs. Alvin Williams (Alice came over, hung around the car and peeked Wasson was her maiden name) is his personal in the window. And quite a few of them had secretary. And they’re very anxious to do red hair. And we had an Indian with us who anything they can to help the advancement of had formerly lived there. And Gilmore (Ross, the Indian people, either through more action the Indian] said, “Well, you see, they’re all in the Tribal Council, amongst the Inter Tribal descendants of Herman Crutcher’s.” Herman Councils, or through the United Paiutes, Inc. Crutcher was a red-headed Dutchman, and a Mrs. Alvin Williams is very highly great many little red-headed Dutch (Indian) respected at the Veterans’ Hospital. We knew children have come after him. her when we worked, all of us, in the voluntary I think the most of the organizations, at services, the AVS, at the Veterans’ Hospital. least the ones to which I belong around here, She was secretary to the special service officer. are most anxious to help the Indian people. She was so good that she was promoted. Now At the last DAR meeting that was held here in she’s in personnel, in a much more responsible my house, they all agreed, instead of having position. it kind of like a silver offering, to donate that money toward a scholarship for our local Indians. More money will probably be forthcoming for a scholarship for patriotism at the Fernley high school next graduation, which will be good. Last year, we gave twenty-five dollars, and since then, George M. Cohan’s daughter has been here, and she was most anxious to meet Mrs. Paul Hanes, a past DAR regent, and we spent several very pleasant evenings together. And Georgette Cohan told Mrs. Hanes that she was very pleased with the fact that they remembered her father out here, and in his name she is also presenting a twenty-five-dollar scholarship. I spoke just recently to Patricia [Rogero] Stewart, a very dear friend of mine. And she has done everything she could to interest the children, to get the children more aware of the image of Sarah Winnemucca. She’s just completed a story on Sarah Winnemucca. Whether it’s going to appear in book form, or in serials in a magazine, I don’t know.* But she told me how interested she was, just recently, within the last week, in having a meeting with some members of the United *Nevada Historical Society Quarterly Paiutes. Dewey Sampson, who is a very well- (Winter, 1971).

5 Conclusion

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my within—lovable tyrants, omnipotent rulers appreciation of the many welcomes and (in their own minds)! gracious hospitalities extended me here and If the “mistress of the mansion” was for the good friendships I have enjoyed. I considered wholly ornamental, she must also knew no one when I came to Reno, so I realize, have been equally durable to have coped with fully, that my warmhearted acceptance was the high living, the shuttling to resorts and due to my basking in the light of an illustrious spas [in] the beplumaged, becorseted, and name. pointy-shoed fashion of the times! To Mrs. Marye, and Helen, mother These have been kaleidoscopic decades. and daughter, with whom I shared the ups Here in the once-wild West, [life is] now and downs of the “turbulent” Truckee, my remarkably well ordered, considering the gratitude and abiding affection. wide openness of a gambling state, and To the grandfather, Mr. Marye, and compared to the lawlessness and gunplay his son, my respectful regards. Here were loose on the Eastern streets. Philadelphia, my two gentlemen whose vision matched their former hometown, is the City of Brotherly mountains. Love only in areas. (Returning from World We, too, had pathfinders and pioneers in War I, I frequently worked with a doctor our family, and if my generation venerated whose free clinic was in the poorest of them a bit more, and were a mite scared, it quarters. Yet the neighboring people were was because when their head of the house open-handed. They didn’t know his patients, said, “No!” it was no! Both my grandparents but they offered assistance. They heard that I ruled their homes as autocratically as they did had served a nation at war, and they learned their establishments, and if Mother did some they were fortunate by comparison. They gave fine finagling in her ladylike velvet gloves, what they had, and of themselves. It was a Father refused to recognize the iron hand simple as that.) Here it is perhaps made easier 58 Phyllis J. Walsh by the space and beauty around us. Here I have seen a majority of people go all out for the stricken and underprivileged. This is their concept of brotherhood and understanding. To these sometimes irrelevant, often irreverent observations, I would like to add a closing tribute to a great friend, a great entertainer, and a great lady, Sophie Tucker. [She who was] one of the most flamboyant of show biz personalities, had a heart as big as her body (Sophie was generously proportioned). Her songs ranged from bathos to burlesque blue, and her messages to the young were often overly sentimental. But these were borne of her own yearnings, and related to her own tough struggles, and her driving ambitions to one day play the Palace. Starting as a coon shouter, she progressed from the wrong side of the tracks in Hartford, Connecticut to the Ziegfeld Follies, the Paladium in London, and to being sponsored in London’s Mayfair by no less a regal personage than Queen Mary. Her contributions (several millions) to charity were made irrespective of class, creed, and color. Born of poor parents in Siberia, she became an image to her people. In Nevada, she personally and unfailingly provided entertainment for the military “well” and the veterans “hospitalized.” At the S Bar S Ranch, she relaxed, together with “Brother Moe,” keeper of her exchequer and her official weight-watcher. Sophie loved poodles, and when a namesake produced a litter of four (Eeenie, Meanie, Miney, and Brother Moe), they almost went on tour. Sophie’s will read like her life. She gave to all denominations, but kept her faith. We feel certain that she has achieved the peace we are all seeking. Appendix: Genealogy

Information in this section is from the married a John Duffield of London, in Parham-Swanson family of Philadelphia, London, in 1594.) Pennsylvania, Archives, and Watson’s History The Sherbourne branch, in 1603, was of Philadelphia, Historical Society Museum. headed by Sir Edward; his wife was cousin to The earliest mention of the Parham family Sir Walter Raleigh. Sir Edward was indicted by is in the reign of Henry III, 1227 A. D., Sir the Crown for conspiracy for plotting to place Nicholas de Parham “claiming all of eight Anabella Stuart on the throne in 1603 (along hundred hides of land in Parham,” his younger with Sir Walter Raleigh and nine others). brothers, John and Stephen, disputing his This account is in Tierney’sState Trials; claim. They laid the matter before the king, also Hume’s History of England. He was who gave them three hundred hides to divide imprisoned in the Tower of London, and (a hide was as much land as a man could stripped of his title, the charges for high cover with an ox hide in a day). This estate treason reading, “Seizure of the king, the was in Suffolk, where the village of Parham crown prince, and the crown jewels.” From the still exists. time of this downfall, there is little mention The next mention is in 1465-1547; the of the family, save the lords Willoughby de family name now being “Willoughby-de- Parham branch. (See History of Barbados Parham” of Parham, County Suffolk, and the and Antigua, B. W. I., 2. Governor-generals; first lord being Thomas; the second, William, Willoughby Bay, Parham Park.) the third, Robert. Thomas became Dean “Keddleston,” which includes the original of Caudle, Bishop of Dorset, Sherbourne, Parham Park, is now owned by the Curzon Middlesex, and Long Burton. The last lord family, presently represented by the Honorable died in Virginia, in the colonies, October 29, Darea Curzon, an elderly spinster and sister 1779, when the title became dormant. (Jane, of the late Lord Zouche. This country seat daughter of Henry de Parham of Stepney, is in the “fairest portion of Sussex,” and 60 Phyllis J. Walsh comprises a grand old Elizabethan mansion, in the Battle of Trenton and reenlisted under a magnificent gallery of paintings, sixteenth Colonel Sharpe Dulaney. His ninth child, and seventeenth century furniture, books, Robert, was a famous cabinetmaker whose armor, etc. It commands a view of the handiwork is now in the museum and library Downs, and is famous for its oaks, and large of Gerard College. His eighth son, John, heronry. (It is not far from the Duke of married Martha Sweeney, granddaughter Norfolk’s Arundel Castle.) One of the loveliest of Eleazer Sweeny, engraver and printer of paintings, formerly in the Parham Galleries, bank notes for the new U. S. Government. is the famous Gainsborough portrait of the Their son, Charles, was the inventor of the Countess Ferrers, sold for $50,000 to the late shuttle and buttonhole attachment for sewing J. Pierpont Morgan, now in the New York machines (sold to Singer), and inventor of Metropolitan Museum. Life magazine has the centrifuge for blood tests, used all over featured an article on Parham park. the world. Charles was a lieutenant colonel in The birth certificate of American-born the Pennsylvania Twenty-ninth Cavalry, was John Parham, son of John Parham, gentleman wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness, and of London, “who debarked at the port escaped from Libby Prison. (He was member of Philadelphia, together with his wife, number seven of the Royal Legion.) Hannah, prior to 1700,” is dated “Philadelphia, The lands of the sons of Sven (5,000 December 17, 1711.” His death is recorded acres) were “granted to the legendary Swedish November 8, 1750. His (second) wife was colonizer by Queen Christina for good Margaret Swanson, great-granddaughter of and important services.” The deed is dated the first Swedish commander, Lieutenant Sven “Stockholm, August 20, 1653.” A patent for Schute, of Fort Christina, 1635 (now Chester, eight hundred acres was ratified in 1671. It Pennsylvania). (Pennsylvania Archives is preserved in the Pennsylvania Historical Volume 5, page 714.) Society Collection. They were married in 1735 in Old Swedes Sven Schute was the original owner of Church, founded by the Swansons. Margaret the locality called Philadelphia, and “covered Parham’s will is dated May 31, 1794 (when the ground” known as “Wiccaco.” His sons she was aged 103). She was considered one founded Old Swedes Church, and gave the of the representative women of her day, and church the land on which it still stands. was a close friend of General George and Several hundred acres of his property were, Martha Washington. One of her sons was subsequently, exchanged by him with William William Parham, silversmith of Water Street, Penn. This is the site of the present day city near High. His shop adjoined that of Stephen hail. The Svens erected a block house as a Gerard. He married Hester Lilliebridge, place of worship, with loopholes in “the event daughter of Captain Lilliebridge of Rhode of attack by hostile Indians.” The community Island. They resided at 104 Swanson Street. repeatedly wrote to the Swedish Lutheran He enlisted in the New York Provincials at the Bishop to send Over a clergyman, as the outbreak of the French and Indian Wars, and prosperity of the colony was warranted. About was present at the surrender of Louisberg, July 1642, the Queen complied, and the Reverend 27, 1758. He served under his cousin, Captain John Campanius arrived to become their John Duche, in the Pennsylvania Rifles.., chaplain. He found the Swedish colony happy during the Revolutionary War, was wounded and religious, and in their treatment of the Appendix: Genealogy 61

“friendly Indians, kind and honorable.” Some of these had already received instructions in Christianity, and were taking part in the services on Wiccaco plantation. In translating the catechism into the Indian language, Reverend Campanius may well have been the first missionary to accomplish this in the New World. (It seems appropriate that today Laurel Hill Cemetery, high on the banks of the Schuylkill River, in Fairmont Park, is situated within the lands of the Sons of Sven. My mother, together with her parents and brothers, have returned to Wiccaco.)

Phyllis J. Walsh

Original Index: For Reference Only

In order to standardize the design of all UNOHP transcripts for the online database, they have been reformatted, a process that was completed in early 2012. This document may therefore differ in appearance and pagination from earlier printed versions. Rather than compile entirely new indexes for each volume, the UNOHP has made each transcript fully searchable electronically. If a previous version of this volume existed, its original index has been appended to this document for reference only. A link to the entire catalog can be found online at http://oralhistory.unr.edu/. 64 Phyllis J. Walsh

A Bergen, Edgar, 91 Biltz, Norman H., 47 Alonzo, Manuel, 8 Blackmere, Beverly "Sis," Addenbrooke, Alice B. 95 35, 38-39 American Red Cross, 74, Borotra, Jean, 8 76, 78, 79, 80, 86 Bovett, Florence, 40, 44 American Women's Voluntary Bowers, Donald, 98 Services (AWVS), 37- Bowers, Emma L., 84 73, 74, 80, 82, 84, Bowers Mansion (Nevada), 87, 90, 93, 123 53-54, 103-104 American Women's Volun Bowman, Cleo, 49 tary Services donors, Bray, Helen R., 97 38-39, 40, 41, 42-44, Browne, Mabel, 96, 45, 46-47, 49, 50, 51- Bundy, May, 8 52, 53-54, 56, 62, 67, Burke, Billie, 71, 73 American Women's Voluntary Services, Indian group, 48, 57, 89, 116-117 American Women's Volun lahan, - anene S., 40 tary Services leaders, Caples azel W., 39 37, 39-40, 41, 42, 45 Ca;:;· , Sue, 91 Arden, Elizabeth, 18, arvi11e, E. P. "Ted," 41 65-66 Cereso1a, Bill, 30-31, Arnold, Ray, 94 113 Assembly of God Chase, Lucia, 26-27 (Nixon), 18 Clarvoe, Frank Auld, 64, Associati on Amer' an 65 Indi Affairs 22- Clevenger, Marguerite, 1 120, 121 Clipper, Charles, 94-95 FOR REFERENCECohan, ONLYGeorgette, 128 Cohn, Felice, 40 B Creek, Frances D., 95, 96 Bailey, Elizabeth, 94 Crouch, Jordan, 87 Bank Club (Reno), 46 Crutcher, Herman, 127 Bartlett, Dorothy, 24 Baruch, Bernard M., 15-16 D Beatty, Clara Smith, 40, 123 Daughters of the American Beebe, Lucius, 15 Colonists (DAC) , 95- 99 Original Index: For Reference Only 65

Daughters of the American Gardella, Louie A., Revolution (DAR), 32-33 12B Gardella, Maria Minetto, DePaoli, Marco, 113 20, 24 DeSteunder, Virginia, Genoa, Nevada, 55-56 97 Georgetta, Ruth, 40, Dexter, Edna, 40, 45 41, 44 Donovan, Gladys, 82 Gibson, Mrs. Harvey, Donovan, William, 82 76 Douglass, Robert L., 41 Golden Age Club (Reno, Draper, Rusty, 91 49 Dressler, John, 109 K. , Duryea, Nina Larry, 10

E Early, Helen, 95 Elks Club (Reno), 86 Em, Warren, 109

H F Hackett, George, 41 Hanes, Marjorie A., 128 Hardy, Bonnie Thoma, 40 Hardy, Royce A., 50 Hardy, Sam, 9 Harner, Nellie Shaw, 48, 99 91 Harolds Club (Reno), FOR REFERENCE46, ONLY81 Harrah, William F., 50 Harrah's casino (Reno) 46 Frazier, Carol, 89, Harrison, Gloria Griffen 90 Cline, 98 Frazier, Gordon, 124 Hart, George, 40 Frederick, Dale, 27 Hawkins, Katherine Freund, Gertrude Cooper, Mackay, 33 47 Hawthorne Naval Am Frohlich, August, 41 muniti.on Depot Froslie, Lucille, 96 (Nevada), 51, 53 Frost, Dorothy, 41 Headley, Marie, 58 Fugitt, Jack, 25-26 Henderson, Lou, 72 Henderson, Ruth, 71 Herrera, Bertha, 117 G Hickey, Helen B., 40 Hill, Katherine, 95 Gallico, Paul, 12 Hocker, Charles, 72 Gardella, Guiseppe "Joe," Hodgkinson, Ann C., 87 20, 24 66 Phyllis J. Walsh

Holcomb, Mrs. Ernest, 97 K Holm, Celeste, 91 Holmes, Burwell, 41 Kanters, Esther U., 47 Hood, Betty, 44, 87 Karnes, Joe, 55, 73 Hughes, Gareth Kay, Beatrice, 73, 91 "Brother David," Kent, Margaret Dolf, 25, 116 47, 83 Huhn, George A., 4-5, Kerr, Ruth, 40 8, 9, 10 Korean relief, 62 Huhn, George A., Jr., Kuser, Louise M., 40 15 Huhn, George A., III, 9-10 L Huhn, W.H.T., 7, 14 Hull, Thomas, 49 Hund, Euleila W., 96

I. Mc Culloch, Dick, 114 McDermit, Nevada, 127 McDonald, Leola Lewis, 39 McGoldrick, Edmond, 73

FOR REFERENCE ONLYM Mack, Effie Mona, 39, J 40 Mack, Helene, 37, 40, Jacobs, Honor, 45 42 James, Alvin, 109 Mallory, Frank, 8-9 James, Ruby, 96 Mallory, Molla Bjurstedt, James, Teddy, 109 8 John, Mrs. Albert, 48 Manning, Arthur, 117 Johnny, Oscar, 108, Manning, Leah, 124 109 Mapes, Gladys H., 31, 37, Johnson, Marsh, 43 40, 50, 75, 83, 94 Johnston, William M. Marich, Peter, 52, 53 "Little Billy," 9 Marks, Thelma U., 40 Jones, J. Pringle, 1 Marshall, George, 12 Marston, Max, 13 Marye, George T., 22-23 Original Index: For Reference Only 67

Marye, George T., Jr., Parham, Ann, 3 21, 22 Parham, Martha, 3 Marye, Marie Alice Pa terson, Verna,· 95, Doyle, 20, 21, 23-24, 96, 97 28-29, 30-31 Patrick, Frederica, 41 Mathey, Dean, 8 Payne, Phil, 12 May, Wilbur D., 38, Pegler, Westbrook, 13 Means, Tosca Masini, Peterson, H. Rebecca, 94 96, 97 Malnar, Abe H., 60 Pickel Meadows Marine Mendel, Elsie DeWolfe, station (California), 18 51 Merrihew, Wallis, 9 Michal, Sylvia, 68 Mills, Billy, 125 Mills, Dorothy R., 63, 65 Moapa, Nevada, 117- 118 Moody, Helen Wills, 8, 9 also: Nixon, Morres I Ros s, 121 evada; S Bar S Morser, Marjory, 96 ranch Myrick, Julian, 9

Rafael, Hattie, 40 Reifschneider, Olga, 43 Reno Army Air Base (Nevada), 42-43, 51, FOR REFERENCE54 ONLY See also: Stead Air Base Reno Civic Chorus (Nevada), 61 o Rice, Albert F., 47 Riverside hotel (Reno), Olinghouse, Nevada, 47 35 Robbins and Robbins Oregon-Nevada-California (Reno), 46 truckline, 62 Romine, Robert T., 95 Owyhee, Nevada, 119 Root, Marian, 45 Rupert, Leroy, 117 Russell, Marjorie Guild, P 37 Paiute Indians, 89-90, 115 Palace Club (Reno), 46 68 Phyllis J. Walsh

S T Sampson, Dewey, 128 Tahoe Women's Club, 56, Sanford, Myrtle H. 62, 67, 114-115 Brooks, 75, 94 Terzian, Rose, 77 Savoy, Barbara, 112 Tevis, Willie, 114 Sawyer, Grant, 98 Theater Guild, 18-19 S Bar S ranch (Nevada), Thomas, Helen Marye, 20, 23, 24, 25-28, 20, 21, 23, 29, 33-34, 30-36 37, 54, 113 S Bar S ranch, visitors, Thorpe, Jim, 125 26, 28, 31-32, 36 Tilden, William T., 8 Scholle, Hardynge, 54 Tucker, Sophie, 47, Seward, Frances, 96 72-73, 90-91, 1 Shoshone Indians, 115 Turner, Marjor' , 96 Smith, Flora, 48 Tybo, David 5, llB Smith, Francis R. "Tank," 52 Smith, Johnny, 117 Smith, Raymond I. "Pappy," 87 Unite at ions Educational, Smith, Rosalind, 40 cial, and Cultural Smi th, Roy, 48 Organization (UNESCO), Sobol, Bernard, 13, 63-65 Soldewell, Marye United Paiutes, Inc., Thomas, 34 12B-129 Southern, United Service Organiza SOEthWO tion (USO), 74-95 4 45 University of Nevada, 33, . S; pfli, erne, 45 8B, 111 tanle lice, 97 Stea FORir Base REFERENCE(Reno), ONLY 3, 77, 80-81, 87, v ~88-89 See also: Reno Vargas, George, 47 Army Air Base Veterans Administration, Stephenson, Patricia U. S., 68-69 Burke Ziegfeld, Veterans hospital, Reno, 43 47-4B, 51-53, 55-62, Stewart, Patricia 72-73, 91, 105-106, 129 Rogero, 128 Virginia City, Nevada, Stewart Indian 82, 83 School (Nevada), Vossler, F. A. L. "Dad," 125 53 Szigetti, Joseph, 43 Vossler, Ruth, 53 Original Index: For Reference Only 69

W Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Wabaunsee, Albert, 121 74, 77 Wadsworth, Nevada, 24, Ziegfeld, Florenz, 14 34-35 Wallace, Ella, 21 Wallace, Walter, 21 Walsh, Bridget Jourdan, 1 Walsh, Florence Parham Huh, I, 7, 14-15, 28, 29 Walsh, Philip, 1 Walther, Steven, 119- 120 Walsh, Phil Jourdan, 1

FOR Hotchkiss,REFERENCE ONLY W111iams, Alice Wasson, 128, 129 Wilson, Mary, 96' Winchell, Walter, 13 Wingfield, George, 27 Winnemucca airfield (Nevada), 54 Women's Overseas Service League, 67 Woodward, O. F., 47 World War I, 9-12

XYZ Yori, Mark, 40 Young, Delores Samuels, 95, 96