Opened the Whitaker School Was Built on the School

FootPrints Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Historic Resources in the Truckee Meadows through Education, Advocacy and Leadership.

vol. 14 no. 4 F a l l 2 011

HRPS’ Harvest of Homes Tour 2011 by Debbie Hinman

This year’s September 24, 2011 Harvest of Homes Tour promises to be every bit as exciting as our Tinaugural year 2010’s was, with six distinctive and beautiful homes, one in our new conservation district, the Powning Addition, one in the University district, one in the West of Wells neighborhood and three in the Old Southwest. We hope you will enjoy viewing them as much as we have enjoyed selecting and getting to know them. 59 Winter Street – the Powning Addition Our oldest home on the tour, circa 1906, this bright and cheerful little Queen Anne cottage will charm you with its many angles, lovely ceiling molding and baseboard, and unique period light fixtures and hardware. A small guesthouse occupies a corner of the backyard. One of the first homes on Winter Street, it has been lovingly restored by owners Mary Beth Goddard and Michael Powell. Photo courtesy Sharon Honig-Bear. 1127 Codel Way – the University District Looking up at this fairytale home surrounded by a lovely, lush garden, you would imagine that an artist might live here, and you would be right. This home of Patty and Wayne Melton, constructed in the late 1920s, is an example of Period Revival eclecticism. The interior, with all of Patty’s artistic touches and wonderful antiques is as eclectic as the architecture. You step inside and the outside world goes away, which is what we all want for our homes. Photo courtesy Emily Rogers. 137 Burns Street – the West of Wells Neighborhood This is one of the several homes in Reno referred to by neighbors as “The Castle,” but it is Moorish or Spanish in style—not at all Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It has an exotic aspect that draws one’s attention immediately. The architectural style is considered Spanish Eclectic but rather than using the usual stucco, this castle was constructed of imported brick, which is as golden and flawless as it must have been when it was built nearly 80 years ago. The longtime home of Phillip and Katie Curti, local business people, it has amazing original tile and stunning parquet wood floors throughout the interior. The home is now owned by Ivye and Lee Johnson. Photo courtesy Emily Rogers. Continued on page 2 1 FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 HRPS’ Harvest of Homes Tour 2011 (continued)

Continued from page 1

700 Monroe Street – the Old Southwest As with the Burns Street house, the style of this lovely home is Spanish Eclectic but clad in a more traditional stucco exterior. It has the red tile roof and archways that are hallmarks of the style and sits on a portion of what was once the Patrick Ranch. Built circa 1937, it was the longtime home of Marce and Walter Herz and even had a short early tenure as a school featuring horseback riding and other sporting activities. The home has been beautifully maintained, the interior simple and elegant with mission and craftsman touches, another characteristic of this style of architecture. The home, now owned by Ellen and Gene Williams, is watched over by the couple’s delightful collection of friars. Photo courtesy Emily Rogers.

835 S. Arlington Avenue – the Old Southwest The tall, impressive Colonial Revival home has graced Arlington Avenue since 1937. Designed by E. L. Howard and built by local contractor Paul Manuel for heiress Susie Snyder, it features a Regency-style porch hood and an asymmetrical façade. Local attorney William Woodburn Jr. purchased the home in the late 1940s and it remained in the family for many years. Now owned by Jessica and Troy Schneider who purchased it from the Woodburns, its interior is fun and eclectic—a real contrast to the stately, conservative exterior. Photo courtesy Emily Rogers.

1155 Mark Twain Avenue – the Old Southwest The youngster of the tour, this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home, was built in 1964 in the established Newlands Manor subdivision for Harold Hall and his family. Designed by architects Selden and Stewart of Reno in a classic, mid-century modern style, the glass walls of the backside of the home fill it with light, the pass-through entry with air and the wood walls with warmth and character. It has been changed very minimally since its construction. Current owner Carl Shogren is only the third owner and has augmented the intrinsic style of the home with his wonderful art and mid-century-style furnishings. Photo courtesy Emily Rogers.

HRPS’ Harvest of Homes Tour 2011 Details

What: HRPS’ second Reno Harvest of Homes Tour outlets: Sundance Bookstore, St. Ives Florist, Ryrie’s Art and Home, Ince Jewelers, Zephyr Books and Junkee Clothing. When: Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Retail outlets accept cash or checks only. Tickets on sale beginning August 29th. Why: Tour the interiors and gardens of six distinguished homes in four historic Reno neighborhoods Volunteers Needed for Home Tour. Two shifts available. Volunteer for one shift and get free admission How: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on day of Tour. to all of the homes. Contact Jean at 746-5219 or Tickets are available online at historicreno.org. or at retail [email protected].

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 A History of Reno’s Early Schools: 1868-1912 by Debbie Hinman Author’s Note: The history of the Reno number of pupils. A Nevada State Journal By 1879, a solution was found to remedy schools is a long, complex and ongoing article of 1894 describes the overcrowd- the overcrowding at the Riverside School. one. This article deals with the early ing at the school, with pupils turned A school known as Central School and schools, or those constructed before 1912. away for the lack of available desks. later Reno High School was constructed A future article will chronicle the history Because the school could only provide the at Fifth and West Streets to provide some to the present. “Three Rs,” private classes in penman- relief. The new school was a fine brick ship, art and the graces were offered in two-story building with a handsome por- ducation is simply the soul of various family homes. tico with pillars and a bell tower. The high a society as it passes from one school students met on the second story; “Egeneration to another,” said G. The more well-to-do families with overflow from the Riverside School occu- K. Chesteron. However wild and uncouth daughters were offered a more gen- pied the first floor. In 1895, in response Reno was in its early days, it nonethe- teel option in 1876 when Bishop Ozi again to overcrowding, a large addition less had a soul that prized education and Whitaker opened the Whitaker School was built on the school. provided its children with quality school for Girls, on the site of the present-day facilities and teachers to enable them to Whitaker Park at University Terrace By the 1880s, neighborhoods south of the learn and grow. Those children who grew and Washington Streets. The three- river were springing up and there was a into adulthood in the area used that call to provide a school so those chil- education to contribute much to the dren would not have to walk so far. growth of the Truckee Meadows. A small wood building known as the Southside School opened with 20 stu- Prior to Reno becoming a town in dents in the early part of the decade. 1868, there were numerous one- A later version of the Southside room schoolhouses in the various School, only multi-storied and in areas where enough of a popula- brick, would be built in 1903, occupy- tion had gathered to necessitate a ing this same site. school. A schoolhouse was erected in Franktown in 1857, at Ophir in 1858, As Reno continued to grow, the older Washoe City in 1859 and both Mill students were shuffled among the Station and Galena in 1860 or 1861. existing schools. A newspaper notice The Glendale School that would earn in the fall of 1895 clearly dictated to the distinction of having the longest parents where their children were to continuous use in Nevada—94 years— report: first and second grade stu- opened in April 1864, built on a cor- Riverside School at First and Sierra, with additions on dents living south of the river were ner of Henry Whistler’s ranch. both sides. Photo courtesy Nevada Historical Society. to report to Southside, those living between the river and the railroad Early Reno grew quickly after the auc- story frame structure was designed tracks to the Riverside School, and all oth- tioning of lots on May 13, 1868 and as a boarding school as well as educa- ers were to report to the “brick building” though there was no school building, a tional facility and intended to serve the (Central School or Reno High), first grades classroom was established in the base- daughters of the Comstock or any fami- through high school. ment of Alhambra Hall, formerly Myron lies who could afford the hefty $150 Lake’s grist mill, located on the south- per semester tuition. In addition to the In 1890, a kindergarten was opened at east corner of Virginia and Front (First) solid subjects, pupils were taught art, the Whitaker School for children aged Streets (later the site of the old Reno music and other ladylike pursuits of the four through six and longtime popular Post Office and Federal Building, and Victorian era. Teachers were brought in teacher Abby Nichols had a kindergarten even later, the Mapes Hotel). Miss Lucy from distinguished universities in the class in the Riverside School. In 1897, a Scott was the first teacher for roughly a East. Locals were a bit ambivalent about formal group organized by Hannah K. dozen students, which rapidly increased the separation between the genteel elite Clapp, university librarian, rallied to build to 30, then 80 students. of this school and the town children a kindergarten building. After four years of fundraising and appealing to the school To accommodate this rapid growth, a of the public schools; on the one hand they had some pride in establishing board, the association was able to pur- wood frame schoolhouse was built on chase lots on Sixth Street to construct a the corner of Front and Sierra Streets. It Reno as “the Athens of the West” scho- lastically, but had some resentment fine brick structure that would be known was known as the Riverside School. The as the Babcock Memorial Kindergarten school was enlarged several times as the against those who considered themselves of a higher social standing and named for Elizabeth Babcock, first kinder- little town grew, more teachers were garten teacher in Reno and close friend engaged and classes were sometimes held who could finance a fine education for elsewhere to accommodate the growing their offspring. Continued on page 4 3

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 A History of Reno’s Early Schools (continued)

Continued from page 3 new grammar schools. Because of the was at that time nearing completion. overcrowding, the district was currently Another selling point for his selection was of Miss Clapp. The kindergarten was renting space for classrooms described his project in California of an addition to designed pro bono by a bay area friend as poorly equipped and uncomfortable the State Normal School in the Bay Area. of Miss Babcock, and was completed in for $2,800 annually in Whitaker Hall, Following the 1906 earthquake, Ferris’ 1901. The school was owned and operated the Parish house and the Presbyterian addition was the only part of the school by the association, not the school district, Church. The superintendent made the left standing. and served the youngest pupils for many argument that the interest on the bonds years. would be less than this amount. He said The two new schools would be named that this amount would not solve all Orvis Ring, after Reno’s first school A women’s group, The Twentieth Century of the overcrowding issues, but that it superintendent and longtime educa- or Century Club, was particularly active would be a good start and appeals for tor, and McKinley Park, as this school during this time period in the area of would occupy land in the park of that education. They had been urged the name, the park having been named for school board to augment “the three Rs” President McKinley. with what they called practical education in manual and domestic arts and in art Construction began once Ferris’ plans itself. They found teachers to instruct high were complete, but it was not entirely school students in these areas outside of smooth sailing. By December, accusa- regular school which, as the school board tions of faulty construction were being president admitted, was very successful, whispered throughout the town. An REG but he would not immediately commit reporter was sent to interview school to adding these pursuits as a regular part board president Walker, who denied of the high school curriculum. Due in all such accusations and explained that large part to the Club’s efforts, this would minor changes had been made to the eventually happen. original plans for the schools, due to efforts to meet the $40,000 per school The year 1908 would prove to be a banner budgets, but insisted none of the changes year for education in Reno. An educator impacted the structural integrity of would relocate to Reno from Prescott, the schools. The reporter then went to Arizona who would leave a lasting mark architect Ferris who echoed Walker’s on Reno’s educational system. His name assertions and with Walker’s permis- was Dr. Benson Dillon Billinghurst and sion, opened all of the paperwork on the he became superintendent of the Reno Central School, built in 1879 on West St. project for the reporter’s perusal. Ferris schools. According to his December 1935 between 4th and 5th. In 1895, an addition was angry at the suggestion of shoddy obituary, in 1908, “he found the schools on the right almost doubled the size. The workmanship and claimed the assertions badly overcrowded, their buildings far school was later known as Reno High. did not come from the Reno general from modern, and their teaching staff Photo courtesy of Nevada Historical Society. population, but from some of the com- seriously overtaxed in its effort to take peting firms who had wanted the project care of the increasing number of pupils.” more funding could be made later. The themselves. At any rate, the protests were bond passed, demonstrating the locals’ groundless, as evidenced by the fact that In the fall of 1908, there were 1539 stu- commitment to bettering local education. two of the schools have survived one dents in attendance in Reno schools hundred years. with an average of 67 to a class. The Reno Although the funds were now available Evening Gazette (REG) reported that they to build the schools, Billinghurst and the In the latter part of February 1910, the were occupying rooms that were already School Board proceeded slowly, want- schools opened and evening open houses crowded the previous year, when only ing to spend them wisely and provide were held in each so townspeople could 1187 students were in attendance. B. D. the best facilities possible for students. view the schools fully lit. The schools were Billinghurst made it his mission to resolve Billinghurst and board president Walker beautiful, built in the Mission Revival this deficit. visited schools in neighboring states to style, with large windows to admit light get ideas and have a basis of comparison for bright, cheerful classrooms. The In October 1908 in an “Appeal to for the proposed Reno schools. In May schools were basically one-story for fire Parents” published in the REG, of 1909, George A. Ferris of Reno was safety reasons though there were base- Superintendent Billinghurst advised par- selected as the architect for the schools. ments housing a domestic science room ents of a special election to be held on a Ferris had been praised for designing the for the girls and a manual training room Saturday at the Reno High School to issue Governor’s Mansion in Carson City, which for the boys. The assembly halls were 40 $100,000 in school bonds to construct feet wide and 80 feet long, with a stage

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 A History of Reno’s Early Schools (continued) at one end provided May, Ferris accepted with two sets of scenery. local bids and Nevada Outside, there was a Engineering Works welcoming courtyard provided the largest and entry with a fountain heaviest steel girders spraying a column of ever used in a Nevada water into a fishpond. building, including, as reported by the REG, Because of the severity of the courthouse and the overcrowding at the federal buildings. The Southside School, older reporter proudly stated students were moved to that this level of struc- McKinley Park, so that tural support would two stuffy rooms in Orvis Ring Elementary School, built in 1910 on Peavine (now Evans) and 7th Street. enable the building to the basement and a Photo courtesy Nevada Historical Society. “last for generations.” small office would no And it might have, had longer need to be occu- principal of Reno schools. The Doten it been given the oppor- pied at Southside. School was completed in February 1912 tunity. The structure was razed in 1967, in the Western Addition, on Fifth Street after a mere 55 years of service. As good as his word, Billinghurst suc- between Washington and Bell Streets. It cessfully urged the passage of a second is interesting to note that Mrs. Doten’s At some point Ferris must have altered school bond, this time in the amount of name was not on the initial list of possible his design for the high school as the com- $250,000, providing funds to build two names for the new schools, nor was that pleted structure bore no resemblance to additional grammar schools and a new of any other woman. The Century Club the initial description of his plans. The high school. All three schools were under petitioned the school board to name one completed school was a two-story struc- construction simultaneously. Ferris had of the schools for this woman who was so ture in the Spanish Renaissance style, the won the bid for the high school in 1911; influential in education in Nevada. exterior bearing a smooth finish of white his plans reflected a mission style, one- cement with decorations in tile. There story structure with three units of partly- The Doten School was first occupied were two towers with rounded caps and separate buildings joined by archways. by high school students, awaiting the three bowed second-story balconies; a The two grammar schools were Mt. Rose completion of their school in the fall. large one in the center and smaller ones School and Mary S. Doten, named for a They had been occupying quarters in in each tower. The school accommodated longtime Nevada educator and 25-year the old Whitaker School, referred to 500 pupils. by Billinghurst as a firetrap. Later that The addition of five exemplary schools in month Mt. Rose School the span of two years was only part of B. was completed for D. Billinghurst’s admirable achievements occupancy on Lander as Superintendent. His 27 years of service Street, in the Parkview to Reno’s schools had barely begun; by the Addition. The two time his tenure ended, he had done more schools were in the to improve Reno’s schools than few, if any, same style as McKinley have done since. and Ring, though the newer schools had two tall towers rather than Information for this article was a central parapet. It taken from various Reno Evening is fortunate for Reno Gazette and Nevada State Journal that an example of each stories, 1869-present; Tough style was saved. Little Town on the Truckee by John Townley; and a document Due to a mild winter entitled “History of the Washoe in 1912, construction County Schools 1857-1912” by Rose on the high school M. Bullis. progressed well. Ferris maintained his pref- Debbie Hinman is a HRPS Reno High School, built in 1911 on West Street between 4th erence of using local Tour Guide and on the HRPS and 5th Streets. Photo courtesy Neal Cobb. labor as available; in Editorial Board. 5 FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 HRPS September 2011 Historic Walking Tours

Tour cost is $10 per person, or free to HRPS members. Walks generally last from 1½ to 2 hours. No dogs please. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please visit www. historicreno.org or call 747-4478 for information and reservations. Cut-off date for reservations is the day before the tour.

Saturday NEWLANDS NEIGHBORHOOD - Enjoy an architectural walk through one of Reno’s oldest and September 3 most prestigious neighborhoods. Meet at My Favorite Muffin, 340 California Avenue. Tour guide: 10:00 a.m. Scott Gibson. literary reno - Take a tour of Writing from the “Underbelly.” There is more to Reno’s literary history than “City of Trembling Leaves!” Reno continues to be a mythical magnet for Saturday ‘outsider’ writers and characters...the misfits, outcasts and seekers. Let your imagination September 10 roam as we travel downtown streets encountered by traditional writers like Will James, 10:00 a.m. Robert Laxalt and Joanne Delongchamps, then walk the haunts of contemporary writers such as Bernie Schopen, Willy Vlautin and Susan Palwick. Meet at the Riverside Artist Lofts, 17 S. Virginia. Tour guides: Charlotte Voitoff and Nancy Manfredi. monroe street - Stroll along Monroe and Joaquin Miller Streets, savoring the history and Saturday architecture of this lovely residential area south of the Newlands Neighborhood. You will see September 17 the Hart House, the Patrick Ranch House, Greystone Castle, and other homes. Meet at the 10:00 a.m. corner of Monroe and Manor Drives. Tour guides: Elsie Newman and Anne Simone.

Where in Reno?

HRPS' tour leaders often focus attention on architectural details and we decided to play a little game! We invite you to identify a detail of a Reno landmark in each FootPrints issue.

Submit your guess by mailing it to: HRPS P.O. Box 14003 Reno, NV, 89507.

All correct entries will be placed in a ballot box and the winner will be drawn on October 15, 2011. The winning entry wins a free year of HRPS membership.

In a building very deco Of its past you can see an echo Pass the Lowary Building slow Take a whiff and smell the joe.

Where can you find this architectural feature?

The Summer FootPrints “Where in Reno?” image of a lion was the NCO/Western Pacific/Sierra Wine Building on East Fourth Street and correctly identified by five people. Hannah Hollad Satica correctly identified the building and won the drawing. 6 FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 Message from HRPS President Sharon Honig-Bear

love HRPS’ logo which features the wish more information or want to per- image of the Virginia Street Bridge. sonally comment about the Bridge. IThe logo is on my Tour Guide name tag, on our stationery and on the front On a lighter note: look for HRPS to page of FootPrints. Everyone recognizes shine more light on a trend in historic that the bridge is one of the oldest and preservation: the “recent past” (also most enduring images of Reno. And now, known as mid-century modern. For local it is an almost-gone icon. buildings, think the Pioneer, downtown are interested in seeing the designs, visit Library, old AND new Reno City Hall, As most of you know, the City of Reno, in the official website at www.vsbreno.com. etc.). Our desire to increase awareness partnership with the Truckee River Flood about this overlooked architectural Management Project and the U.S. Army Our greatest concern is that the bridge period is one reason we added a prime Corps of Engineers, has implemented a choice should be at “grade” (street) level. example of such a house to our Reno plan to replace the bridge. The website Several of the suggested bridge designs Harvest of Homes Tour this year. See mentions their intention to build a new require a raised roadbed. We feel these 1155 Mark Twain and you will see why bridge “while respectfully preserving its designs will affect Virginia Street in many these buildings are worth preserving. distinguished history.” ways that are problematic (examples: reduced access to the Riverwalk and The “recent past” movement now has Although we sadly acknowledge that the Riverside, possible increased safety issues, been designated with its own official sec- 1905 bridge will come down, HRPS is aesthetic impairment of streetscape, tion, Modernism + Recent Past, within the participating in aspects of the long pro- etc). Our biggest concern is the impact National Trust for Historic Preservation. cess of new bridge selection. There have of the bridge design on the historic River Preservationists nationwide have come to been two meetings of the Design Review Corridor, with the grand old Riverside the realization that if we do not develop Committee and at the last, nine bridge the most affected. a contextual understanding and appre- concepts were presented. Some designs ciation for the design of the 1950s and were eliminated because they lacked the We have already sent a letter voicing 1960s, the prime examples of this period ability to accommodate the flow of water some of the priorities and issues that are could be at serious risk. If you are inter- and debris during flood periods. A couple important to us. We want our members ested in learning more, the best website I of designs were cut because their unique to know that we continue to carefully found was www.recentpast.org. See you designs would dominate the historic consider appropriate action for our orga- at the Home Tour! buildings on either side of the river. If you nization. Feel free to contact me if you

HRPS Schoolhouse Social & All-Class Reunion! Friday, September 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Huffaker School and Pavilion at Bartley Ranch Mark your calendar to join HRPS in cel- might even run into a schoolmate or ebrating Mt. Rose School’s centennial two because Reno is, after all, still a and all of Reno’s historic schools at the small town! annual fall social and kick-off event for the 2011 Harvest of Homes Tour. There Tickets are $30 and can be will be hors d’oeuvres from the 5th purchased on the HRPS website at Street Bakehouse, last year’s popular www.historicreno.org via PayPal, or you food vendor, drinks, music, and our can send a check to HRPS Social, P.O. annual favorite, the Silent Auction of Box 14003, Reno, Nevada 89507. Please cool stuff and Nevada memorabilia. include the names of all ticket holders (women are encouraged to include their Doesn’t matter where you went to maiden names, i.e. Jane Smith Jones). school, it is HRPS’ reunion, so wear your best school duds, bring along a small For questions about the event, photo of yourself for your name badge leave a message on our voice mail (from any school year), then meet and at (775) 747-HIST. greet your old and new friends. You

7 FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 The Old Ryland House by Debbie Hinman

ou never know what you’re It is probably no wonder that when The purchase of the Hatch property going to find when you’re Hatch came to build his fine residence, by the Rylands attracted sufficient Ynot looking. I live in the Old he chose to do so on the southeast attention that it was used by the local Southwest and love to walk my neigh- corner of S. Virginia and Pine Streets. newspaper to show how attractive borhood. My dog enjoys it even more Many of the scions of early Reno chose Reno property was becoming as an than I do, though he is singularly lots along S. Virginia, just south of the investment. The Reno Evening Gazette unimpressed with the charming and brick courthouse, erected in 1873. The reported in 1902: “R. Ryland bought unique homes I stop to gaze at, as he house that Hatch built, according to what was known as the A. J. Hatch pulls impatiently at his leash. A few later newspaper accounts sometime property, on the South Side, sixteen months ago I went farther afield than in the 1870s (and dated 1869 in the years ago paying therefore $5,000. I usually do, into the “newer” neigh- Washoe County Assessor’s records), was Since that time, he has sold lots, to the borhoods of the Sharon Way/S. Marsh none other than the yellow house that value of $14,000, and what he has left Avenue area. I stopped in is valued at $20,000. This the 1400 Block of S. Marsh, perhaps tells the story of intrigued by an overgrowth Reno’s advancement as well of greenery and a brick wall as it can be told.” obscuring what appeared to be a very old home. It In 1904, Nevada (Kitty) was yellow and a bit dilapi- Ryland married Lieutenant dated, and unlike any other Horace Dodd, U. S. N., at structure in this neighbor- her parents’ residence. The hood, primarily comprised article detailing her wedding of sleek brick ranch homes called the bride “one of the with manicured lawns. The most beautiful and charm- tugging on the leash awoke ing young ladies in the me from my reverie so I state.” The Dodds had two sons, Richard Ryland Dodd walked on but could not get and Onslow, and a daughter, the house out of my mind. I Novia Kate. began digging and found an intriguing story of a survey- Richard W. married and or from Nevada’s territorial became a druggist at a days, a prominent multi- The old Ryland house at 1495 S. Marsh Avenue. Photo courtesy Debbie Hinman. downtown shop in one of his generational Reno family and father’s properties. a home that someone loved enough to save. now sits at 1495 S. Marsh Avenue in a Richard Sr. became ill while in San neighborhood born when most homes Francisco in 1911 and passed away Andrew Jackson Hatch was a U. S. of this age were long gone. at age 75. One year later, Richard W. Deputy Surveyor of the Utah Territory became ill while traveling in the East, prior to Nevada becoming a state. Once In 1886, Hatch sold his home and sur- traveled back to the west coast and the Central Pacific Railroad selected rounding land to Richard and Elizabeth died at the young age of 31. Elizabeth, Lake’s Crossing/Reno as its depot loca- Ryland, who had moved to Reno from who was 21 years her husband’s junior, tion, in addition to his surveyor duties, Eureka, Nevada the previous year with died in 1929. Kitty/Katie Dodd was Hatch became very active in the new their two young children, Richard W. left to run the considerable Ryland town, purchasing a great deal of land. and Nevada (also referred to as Kitty holdings, later with the assistance He owned 34 acres from the east side or Katie). Both New Yorkers originally, of her three children. But she was of Virginia Street south of the river the elder Rylands remained in the not content to administer just her eastward, where he raised alfalfa. He west for the rest of their lives. Ryland existing property. In 1930, she built also owned land south of California was an attorney and real estate inves- a beautiful brick building on Ryland Avenue, west to present-day Arlington tor and accrued a great deal of land and So. Virginia, which she leased to Avenue, which was known as the and buildings throughout his lifetime. Scott Motor Company. Not satisfied Hatch Addition, adjacent to the Lake Elizabeth, who was only 18 when she to build a generic auto dealership, Addition. Hatch’s office was advertised came to Nevada to marry Richard, was Katie built a fully modern structure, as “Virginia Street south of the river, a linguist and musician and became touted as one of the largest on the across from the Lake House (predeces- involved in the cultural and social life of Pacific Coast. The building stretched sor of the Riverside).” early Reno. 100 feet on S. Virginia and a block long 8 FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 The Old Ryland House (continued) on Ryland, extending to Center St. The 1495 Harris Ave. Around 1957, Harris was also a friend of good music. Dodd grand opening held in January 1931 was joined to Marsh Avenue, which had been a generous benefactor to included such festivities as a speech became the name of the entire stretch, the fledgling station (the first success- by Governor Fred Balzar to 10,000 even across Plumb Lane. The house ful FM station in the city). This was a locals, intent upon viewing the impres- number remained the same. touching tribute to a generous man. sive building, as well as the twenty Cadillacs, Buicks and LaSalles on dis- Obviously a sentimental man with In 1976, plans were created for a new play. Upon Katie Dodd’s death in 1938, pride in his heritage, Onslow remod- hotel casino on N. Virginia St., on land sons Richard and Onslow and daugh- eled the home in its new location and that was in the Ryland assets, formerly ter Novia assumed responsibility for called it his residence. Unfortunately the site of Hilp’s Drugs. Ground was the Ryland real estate holdings. broken in May of that year, the owners donning gold-plated hardhats and Onslow Dodd attended Stanford smashing glasses of champagne against University and graduated with a law the heavy equipment in honor of the degree, being admitted to the bar in new Onslow Hotel Casino. The original both California and Nevada. However, name selected was Kit Carson, but at according to newspaper accounts, he Katie Dodd’s request, explained hotel spent the majority of his time admin- president Conrad Priess, the hotel istering the family business rather would now be named in memory of than actively practicing law. He served her brother. A newspaper article men- in the South Pacific in World War II tioned an informant’s story of a price and upon being released to inactive discount for the renaming. Whatever duty, returned to Reno. Like his moth- the reason, the Onslow it was, with a er, Onslow was interested in acquiring gay-90s theme, though it had a fairly new properties as well as maintaining short-term existence and then sat the family holdings. One of his last empty for years. major projects was the construction of the “new” Ryland Building (called In stories of the move of the Ryland “new” to distinguish it from a much home from the early 1950s, it was older Ryland building in the center of stated over and over that this resi- town), a four-story, reinforced con- dence was one of, if not the oldest crete building that was located on S. home in the city of Reno. And 60 Virginia and Pine Streets. The build- years later, it still may be; there is a ing was completed in 1951 and its chance it predates the Nystrom House major tenant was Sierra Pacific Power of 1875. The following was a senti- Co. One of the innovative features of ment expressed by the Nevada State this building was a “drive-in cashier’s Journal in 1949: “And so one of Reno’s window at which local customers can old landmarks is just now beginning pay their bills without leaving their he was not able to enjoy it long. a new era in a location where busi- automobiles.” There were a few other Onslow died unexpectedly in 1953 at ness is not likely to encroach upon it offices on that site, as well as Onslow’s the age of 45 in San Francisco, as had again.” And it has not. own office. his grandfather and uncle. Just as his mother Katie Dodd had gone to her But before the groundwork could son’s deathbed, Onslow’s sister Novia, Information for this article was begin on this new monument to often called Katie or Topsy, went to her taken from various Reno Evening Onslow’s family heritage, a monumen- brother’s. She took charge of the estate Gazette and Nevada State Journal tal task had to be undertaken to clear upon his death, with the assistance of stories, 1870-present and a the land. Onslow had decided to move her brother Richard. She also lived part conversation with Neal Cobb. the family home to a site he owned in of the year in the family home, and Many thanks to super researcher Fairfield Heights, in southwest Reno. part in California. Arline Laferry for her assistnace in compiling information on the We have come full circle to the begin- Onslow Dodd was not forgotten, how- Ryland and Dodd families on a very ning of this story. The yellow grand ever. In 1954, local FM station owner short deadline. Debbie Hinman is a lady of a home has quietly occupied Jerry Cobb began calling KNEV “the HRPS Tour Guide and on the HRPS its incongruous spot in a mid-century Onslow Dodd Memorial Station.” Cobb Editorial Board. neighborhood for the past 60 years. explained that it was out of respect The home’s new address was initially for his good friend Mr. Dodd, who 9

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 HRPS Helps a Wells Avenue Neighborhood by Dagny Stapleton, West of Wells Group

Sartorial Masonry and the Historic any given day you can see Reno Preservation Society help a soccer games, family pic- Wells Avenue neighborhood park nics and dog walkers fill restore an historic rock wall! up the park. It is rare to see that park empty and it n Saturday, July 2, 2011, volun- is neat to see such a well- teers from the West of Wells used neighborhood asset ONeighborhood Group gathered get a facelift as a result at Stewart Park to work on restoration of work that our neigh- of the 1930s-era terraced rock wall that bors are doing,” said Ray provides the backdrop to one of Reno’s Duffy, Executive Director smallest and most well-used parks. About of the Family Promise thirty volunteers worked five hours, com- organization, whose day pleting about 2/3 of the lower terrace and center is directly across a quarter of the upper wall. from the park. Volunteers work to repair the 1930s-vintage rock wall at Stewart Park. Stewart Park, built in the 1930s as one of Sartorial Masonry of Reno Photo courtesy of Susan Mantle. the country’s depression-era New Deal sponsored the repairs to projects, has long been a center of fam- the wall and donated labor In addition to the repairs at Stewart Park ily activity for the park at the corner of and masonry to the project. Sartorial the group had a neighborhood-wide Wheeler Avenue and Stewart Street. “On is a local, family-owned clean-up on August 20, 2011, and has company that makes it a spearheaded an historic Conservation priority to give back to District designation that will recognize the community. Historic and catalog hundreds of historic struc- Reno Preservation Society tures throughout the Wells Avenue also sponsored the event, neighborhood. Barrie Schuster, one of the through a donation that organizers of the project said, “Not only was used to buy the mor- is this an infrastructure improvement for tar needed for the repairs. our neighborhood, this is also an historic The rock wall at the park is preservation project, so, we achieved two an example of construction goals through one effort.” that was done by hand, using local rock and mor- The West of Wells Group lives up to its tar to build a set of ter- mission:“Neighbors uniting to foster races that form the back- community pride through the preserva- drop to the park. The West tion of history, promotion of safety, and Barrie Schuster, one of the organizers of West of Wells, works to of Wells Neighborhood responsible development.” Contact the remove old mortar in preparation for repairing of the old rock wall at Group (WOW) organized West of Wells Group through their web- Stewart Park. Photo courtesy of Susan Mantle. the project. site, www.westofwells.com.

HRPS Endowment Scholarship Awarded

he HRPS Endowment Scholarship was awarded this semester to Morgan Waldrup, pictured at left, who is studying Historic Preservation at UNR. TMorgan is continuing the work that last semester’s recipient, Ashleigh Best, started on the Wells Avenue Neighborhood Conservation District project.

Morgan is editing five thick three-ring binders worth of surveys and photos and comparing the data with the Washoe County Assessor’s data to ensure that every structure within the proposed boundary was recorded correctly. This final step of the editing process will prepare the neighborhood to receive its official designation as a Conservation District. The boundaries of the proposed district are Ryland and Vassar from north to south, and Holcomb and Locust from west to east.

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 Next Nevada Historical Society Docent Training

Docent training is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2011 the museum, the photography collections, the front desk, and the from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nevada Historical Society, 1650 museum store. The training session will cover all the areas a docent North Virginia Street, Reno. Your help is very much needed. The can work in, followed by individual mentoring when the docent NHS Docent Council supports the mission and activities of the chooses an area of interest. Please call 775-688-1190 ext. 231 or Nevada Historical Society, by acting as gallery guides, giving school email [email protected] if you are interested in being tours, working in the research library, helping with the artifacts, a docent.

Barrie Schuster Receives National Jefferson Award

arrie Schuster was the idea of re-establishing the area as an historic neighbor- recently awarded a hood. Barrie Schuster spearheaded the effort and formed the BJefferson Award for com- group which calls itself “West of Wells.” Together they have munity service at a ceremony in organized neighborhood clean-up efforts, planted more than Washington DC. The Jefferson 175 trees in public areas and worked to limit the number of Awards are a prestigious national liquor stores there. The group has also organized a study of recognition system founded by the area aimed at highlighting some of the historic homes. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Sam Beard in the 1970s, honoring Schuster says she is thrilled with the progress she has seen. community and public service “It is amazing, and it has far exceeded any expectations that in America, both on the local I had when our group formed. This neighborhood has the Barrie Schuster, winner of a strongest sense of community of any neighborhood that I National Jefferson Award, an and national level. Channel 4 in organizer of the West of Wells Reno is a media partner to the have experienced in Reno,” Schuster told News 4. Group and Secretary of HRPS Jefferson Awards and nominated Board of Directors. Schuster for the award. In nomi- In honor of her hard work and dedication, Schuster was presented with the Jefferson Award for community service in nating Schuster, Channel 4 stated: Washington DC. News 4 and Wells Fargo are proud to honor For many years the area west of Wells Avenue in Reno was the unsung heroes in our community who go out of their way neglected. But a few residents came together recently with to make our city a better place.

FootPrints Vol. 14 No. 4, Fall 2011 P.O. Box 14003 RETURN SERVICE Reno, NV 89507 REQUESTED

“Harvest of Homes” Tour See Pages 1-2

Bulk Rate Mail Bulk Rate mail is not forwarded. FootPrints is mailed using a Bulk Rate Mail permit. If your address changes, please notify us at HRPS, P. O. Box 14003, Reno NV 89507, with your address change, to keep FootPrints coming.

FALL 2011 PROGRAMS HRPS Officers Jack Hursh Jr. – Program Chair: [email protected] President: Sharon Honig-Bear Vice President: Rosie Cevasco All program events are on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Mt. Rose School Secretary: Barrie Schuster Treasurer: Roger Steininger (Lander Street between Taylor and LaRue, just off Arlington), unless otherwise noted. Board of Directors Friday September 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. HRPS Annual Social at Huffaker School in Byllie Andrews, Rosie Cevasco, Barbara Courtnay, Jerry Fenwick, Paul Ferrari, Bill Bartley Ranch Park, celebrating the History of Reno’s Schools. See page 7. Isaeff, Jim Smith, David Vill, Carrie Young Saturday, September 24, HRPS’ Harvest of Homes Tour runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Program See pages 1-2. Jack Hursh Jr.: [email protected] Membership Director Wednesday, October 26: Will Durham presents “Light Circus.” Come see a slide show Carrie Young illustrating the vintage Nevada neon signs Durham has rescued and collected over the years. Walking Tours You will see the twin cowboys of the Mapes Hotel, the chilled martini of the Buffalo Bar, Ed Wishart Bucky Buckaroo from the Nevada Club, the 12-foot tall leprechaun from Fitzgeralds among Webmaster others. Will Durham has worked hard and sacrificed a great deal of his time and storage Rosie Cevasco space to keep the neon lights still shining. Administrator & Publicity Cindy Ainsworth 747-0340 Wednesday, November 16: Jim Bonar with “The Fremont Cannon, Where is it?” Bonar will try to answer a few of these questions: Is the Nevada cannon the same cannon John FootPrints Managing Editor Fremont dragged across the county in 1844? What happened to the cannon after Fremont Carol Coleman left it in the Sierra that cold January? Hear the tale of the possible answers to these questions Editorial Staff and how it affects our lives and beliefs today. Kim Henrick Debbie Hinman 322-9400 Opinions expressed in FootPrints are those of the contributors and do not necessarily Editorial Board reflect those of the editorial staff, the Historic Reno Preservation Society executive board or the gen- Mella Rothwell Harmon eral membership. FootPrints is a quarterly publication printed in Reno, Nevada. All rights reserved. ©2011 Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS). Editor Emeritus & FootPrints Founder Sharon A. Walbridge Graphic Design: HRPS Web Site: http://historicreno.org/ Double Click Design 324-5569