2018 Reno Lens: Reno 150 (1868-2018) by City of Reno

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER City of Reno Attn: Reno Lens book Office of Communications and Community Engagement P.O. Box 1900 Reno, NV 89505 Reno.gov/RenoLens | RenoDirect@Reno.gov

The Reno Lens logo is the property of the City of Reno. The City of Reno is concerned with and committed to using environmentally friendly printing practices. All papers in this book are FSC certified paper manufactured with 10%-30% post-consumer waste. The materials in this book can be recycled. ÂŠ 2018 City of Reno All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

2017: Downtown Reno Photographer: John Rodgers

FOREWORD Welcome to Reno Lens: Reno 150, a book that would not be possible without the incredibly talented photographers who submitted their original work to grace the pages of this special publication. This second edition of Reno Lens focuses on Reno’s fascinating 150-year history: one of the many characteristics that make The Biggest Little City a great place to call home, or visit. Thanks as well to our local historical organizations that contributed images and information to this project. Part of the City of Reno’s year-long Reno 150 sesquicentennial celebration, the Reno People Project has set out to nominate and award past and present residents of our city who have made a significant, positive and influential impact. Ultimately, 150 people will be recognized by May 9, 2018. Learn more about Reno 150 and the Reno People honorees, who are listed in this book on the side pages, at Reno.Gov/Reno150.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 - Reno: 150 Years in the Making 7 - University Town 9 - Downtown Reno 15 - Reno Arch 17 - Reno’s Railroads 19 - Mapes Hotel / Reno City Plaza 23 - Virginia Street Bridge 29 - Belle Isle / Wingfield Park 33 - Virginia Lake 35 - About Reno Lens & Photographers / Credits 3

2017: Virginia Street Bridge - Downtown Reno Photographer: Eric Marks

circa 1930: Downtown Reno Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

RENO: 150 YEARS IN THE MAKING “Reno has always been a town of contrasts: cosmopolitan on the edge of the desert; the academy uphill from the gambling district; the darkness and despair of the human soul amid exquisite natural beauty,” according to Reno Historian Mella Harmon in an article she wrote for Online Nevada. A city of contrasts, indeed, with a diverse history.

Central Pacific Railroad reached Reno, from Sacramento, in 1868 and bought acreage from Myron Lake. In the 1860s, Lake had stockpiled land along the Truckee River, which included a successful hotel business. On May 9, 1868 the Central Pacific Railroad auctioned off hundreds of town lots, which officially established Reno, Nevada.

In these pages we document Reno’s intriguing history, which began when the

Since then, Reno has gone through many notable and defining eras, including the

arrival of the University of Nevada in the late 1800s, incorporation in 1903, official ownership of the slogan “The Biggest Little City in the World” when it first appeared on the downtown Arch in the 1920s, several recognizable decades as the nation’s divorce capital, the modern casino boom that followed and today’s transformation as a business and technology center. 4

2017: The Great Reno Balloon Race

circa 1920: Mackay Statue Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1903: University of Nevada, Reno entrance gates Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

circa 1897: Morrill Hall Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

circa 1905: University Pond - Manzanita Lake Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2016: University of Nevada, Reno Homecoming Mascots: Wolfie Jr., Alphie and Luna

UNIVERSITY TOWN Originally called Nevada State University, Elko was home to the University of Nevada starting in 1874. After more than 10 years of second-guessing, including ridicule from Nevadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influential newspapers, in 1885 state leadership decided to move the university to Reno. What began as 10 undeveloped acres on a hill north of the center of town grew to a viable institution with four major halls, two laboratories, and 150 students in just a decade. Today, the University of Nevada, Reno ranks in the top tier of best national universities by U.S. News and World Report and is steadily growing in enrollment. The university currently serves more than 22,000 students, and its most recent Commencement conferred 1,835 degrees and certificates. 7

2018: Marzantia Lake

1926: Mackay Athletic Field Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1955: University of Nevada, Reno Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2015: Mackay Stadium, University of Nevada, Reno Photographer: Jessie Lumbo

2017: University of Nevada, Reno Campus Credit: University of Nevada, Reno

1910: Gambling Houses on Commercial Row Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

circa 1970: Comstock Casino

DOWNTOWN RENO Reno’s downtown landscape has transformed tremendously throughout its 150 years, but the one constant is that downtown has remained a social hub for residents and tourists alike. Early-1900s Reno was defined by intimate commercial rows that included family-owned bars, breweries, clothing stores and hotels. Reno adorned the national scene by the 1930s, becoming known as the place to get “Reno-vated,” a play on words used by a well-known journalist at the time to describe getting a divorce in The Biggest Little City. On New Year’s Eve 1963, the city ushered in 1964 in grand fashion by erecting and lighting a new Arch spelling out RENO in four yellow octagons and of course including the slogan, “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Surrounding the Arch were such casino-hotels as Harolds Club, Harrah’s, and the Silver Dollar Club. In that same decade Reno debuted two new convention centers, and Interstate 80 through Reno was completed by 1974. Today, downtown is still a popular gathering place, including many community events such as the popular annual Veterans Day Parade in November. 9

1963: Downtown Reno

RENO PEOPLE The Reno People Project is a way to tell 150 stories about some of the people that make up our unique community history. Following are 150 extraordinary people, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reno People,â&#x20AC;? who helped build this City, create its character and move it forward. Go to Reno.Gov/Reno150 for full biographies.

2017: Downtown Reno Photographer: Ivan Lara

1950: Virginia Street Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: Downtown Reno

_D avid Aiazzi _Cynthia Albright Sheriff Chuck Allen_ Dr. Fred Anderson_ Chris Ault_ _Alicia Barber Krys T. Bart__ _Kathie Bartlett _Bud Beasley_ Jesse Beck_ _Teresa Benitez-Thompson Barbara Bennett Ondra Berry_ Benson Billinghurst_ Mary Elizabeth Conover Booth _Erin Breen Richard Bryan_ Randy Burke_ Caleb Cage_ _ Don Carano Bernie Carter_ Bob Cashell _ Crissie Caughlin _ John Champion Dr. James E. Church Hannah Clapp_ _ Ty Cobb Felice Cohn_ Rev. Onie Cooper__ Karen Craig_ _Lenley Eugene Crocker Joe Crowley_ Nancy Cummings Rabbi Mendel Cunin_ Sarah Cunin Britt Curtis Ron Daniels Jacob Davis Frankie Sue Del Papa_ Frederick De Longchamps Perry Di Loreto_ John Henry Dressler__ Bishop Luther DuPree Jr. _ Joe Dutra

RENO PEOPLE The Reno People Project is a way to tell 150 stories about some of the people that make up our unique community history. Following are 150 extraordinary people, “Reno People,” who helped build this City, create its character and move it forward. Go to Reno.Gov/Reno150 for full biographies. _D avid Aiazzi _Cynthia Albright Sheriff Chuck Allen_ Dr. Fred Anderson_ Chris Ault_ _Alicia Barber Krys T. Bart__ _Kathie Bartlett _Bud Beasley_ Jesse Beck_ _Teresa Benitez-Thompson Barbara Bennett Ondra Berry_ Benson Billinghurst_ Mary Elizabeth Conover Booth _Erin Breen Richard Bryan_ Randy Burke_ Caleb Cage_ _ Don Carano Bernie Carter_ Bob Cashell _ Crissie Caughlin _ John Champion Dr. James E. Church Hannah Clapp_ _ Ty Cobb Felice Cohn_ Rev. Onie Cooper__ Karen Craig_ _Lenley Eugene Crocker Joe Crowley_ Nancy Cummings Rabbi Mendel Cunin_ Sarah Cunin Britt Curtis Ron Daniels Jacob Davis Frankie Sue Del Papa_ Frederick De Longchamps Perry Di Loreto_ John Henry Dressler__ Bishop Luther DuPree Jr. _ Joe Dutra

1913: Women’s Sufferage Parade Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2018: Women’s March Photographer: Judy Martin

1949: Reno Rodeo Parade

2015: Veterans Day Parade

1911: Commercial Row

1910: Nevada Day - Jeffery vs. Johnson Fight Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: Veterans Day Parade

1933: Virginia Street Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1903: Virginia Street Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1940: Douglas Alley Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1961: Reno City Hall

2017: Downtown Reno Photographer: John Rodgers

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circa 1968: 2017: Downtown Reno

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circa 1968: Downtown Reno

2017: Downtown Reno

2018: Reno Arch

RENO ARCH

Although the Virginia Street version gets more attention in modern photos and film, the historic arch now located on Lake Street is one of Renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most intriguing landmarks. Fashioned after California city gateway structures, the steel arch was erected in 1926 at the intersection of Commercial Row and 15

Virginia Street to promote the 1927 Nevada Transcontinental Highways Exposition. The arch location changed numerous times over the years, including a short stint on 4th Street in the movie Cobb, before it was restored and erected on Lake Street in 1995. (source: Reno Historical)

The iconic arch currently located on Virginia Street was installed in 1987. The Reno Arch Refresh Project of 2018 changed the background colors to gray and blue and the skin color of the legs from gold to silver.

1927: Reno Arch Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1935: Reno Arch Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1964: Reno Arch

2013: Reno Arch

circa 1900: Depot Hotel - Commercial Row Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

RENO’S RAILROADS Seen as how the Central Pacific Railroad was responsible for establishing Reno in 1868, railroads have been a defining characteristic of the town and city’s identity from the very beginning. The Nevada & Oregon Railroad Company was founded in Reno in 1880, with the intent of connecting the city northward to the Columbia River, transporting both freight and passengers along its narrow gauge tracks. Long backed by the Moran Brothers, a New York banking firm, the railroad joined the existing Central Pacific and Virginia & Truckee (V&T) railroads, enhancing Reno’s status as a prominent western junction. Modern Reno is still very much connected to its railroad roots. The ReTRAC project, which lowered train tracks that ran through downtown, was completed in November 2005. The elegant Nevada-California-Oregon (NCO) Railroad Depot building, constructed in 1910, recently underwent an extensive renovation and is now home to The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery. (source: Reno Historical) 17

2013: ReTrac

RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

circa 1900: Train Depot Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: AMTRAK

circa 1908: Virginia and Truckee Railroad Credit: Nevada Historical Society

circa 1900: Depot Hotel - Commercial Row Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

Louis Erreguible Catherine Farahi John Farahi Cory Farley Darryl Feemster Dolores Feemster Ben Felix Thomas O. Fennessy_ Patrick Flanagan Max Fleis chmann_ Imogene â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jeneâ&#x20AC;? Evelyn Young Ford_ _Katie Christy Frazier Bob Fulkerson_ Robert Lardin Fulton_ Mariluz Garcia_ Jeff Griffin Britton Griffith __Dan Gustin Estella Levario Gutierrez William Harrah _ Jorge Herrera John Hicks Aaron Hiibel Diana Hiibel Dorothy Nash Holmes_ Kenneth Howard_ Sadie Dotson Hurst Clarence Jones Colin Kaepernick Mike Kazmierski Lauren Klein_ Myron Lake_ Kathryn Landreth Mills Lane Katherene Cladianos Latham Moya Leer_ Dr. Gilbert Lenz Elizabeth Lenz _ Andrew LePeilbet Sheila Leslie Pat Hardy Lewis_ John Glenn Little Marlene Lockard Susan Lynn_ Clarence H. Mackay Anna Henrietta Martin_ Charles Mathewson Stacie Mathewson Bob McDonald Arlan Melendez_ Courtney Rhiana Meredith Michael Mikel Maya Miller

RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

Louis Erreguible Catherine Farahi John Farahi Cory Farley Darryl Feemster Dolores Feemster Ben Felix Thomas O. Fennessy_ Patrick Flanagan Max Fleis chmann_ Imogene “Jene” Evelyn Young Ford_ _Katie Christy Frazier Bob Fulkerson_ Robert Lardin Fulton_ Mariluz Garcia_ Jeff Griffin Britton Griffith __Dan Gustin Estella Levario Gutierrez William Harrah _ Jorge Herrera John Hicks Aaron Hiibel Diana Hiibel Dorothy Nash Holmes_ Kenneth Howard_ Sadie Dotson Hurst Clarence Jones Colin Kaepernick Mike Kazmierski Lauren Klein_ Myron Lake_ Kathryn Landreth Mills Lane Katherene Cladianos Latham Moya Leer_ Dr. Gilbert Lenz Elizabeth Lenz _ Andrew LePeilbet Sheila Leslie Pat Hardy Lewis_ John Glenn Little Marlene Lockard Susan Lynn_ Clarence H. Mackay Anna Henrietta Martin_ Charles Mathewson Stacie Mathewson Bob McDonald Arlan Melendez_ Courtney Rhiana Meredith Michael Mikel Maya Miller

2017: Inside “Space Whale” Photographer: Tucker Monticelli 2016: “Portal of Evolution” Artist: Brian Tedrick

2017: “Space Whale” Artist: The Pier Group and Matthew Schultz with Andy Tibbetts. Belly glass by Android Jones.

MAPES HOTEL / RENO CITY PLAZA The 12-story Mapes Hotel became the tallest building in Nevada when it burst onto the Reno scene in 1947. The Mapes was one of Reno’s most elegant hotel casinos until it closed for good in 1982. Despite a vigorous campaign by preservationists to adaptively reuse the Mapes Hotel, the Reno City Council voted in September 1999 to demolish the building, which occurred in January 2000. (source: Reno Historical) By 2008, the site had been paved with concrete for use as a City Plaza. The Space Whale and BELIEVE art sculptures, previously seen at Burning Man, are currently installed. They have become popular photography destinations and a popular backdrop for gatherings and rallies. 19

1960: Mapes Hotel Credit: Reno Historical

2016: “BELIEVE” Photographer: Beau Rogers Artists: Jeff Schomberg and Laura Kimpton

1947: Mapes Hotel

circa 1905: Overview of Truckee River Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2018: Reno City Plaza

2016: “BELIEVE” and Virginia Street Bridge Photographer: Eric Marks

2017: Downtown Reno Photographer: John Rodgers

circa 1880: Virginia Street Bridge Credit: Nevada Historical Society

1907: Virginia Street Bridge Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

circa 1900: Virginia Street Bridge Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1952: Virginia Street Bridge Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

VIRGINIA STREET BRIDGE A bridge has graced this site since the mid-1800s, when Charles William Fuller constructed the first recorded span of the Truckee River in 1859 at what was then known as Fullerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing. Several iterations of the Virginia Street Bridge have existed in Reno since, the most historic being the concrete bridge that withstood the test of time for 110 years from 1905 to 2015. With the adoption of a new flood control plan, this icon of Renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s divorce heyday was demolished; its replacement was dedicated in April 2016. (source: Reno Historical)

1882: Virginia Street Bridge Credit: Reno Historical

2017: Virginia Street Bridge

2017: Washoe County Court House Photographer: John Rodgers

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RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

2018: Downtown Reno, Court and S. Virginia Street. 1950:

Bertha Miranda Rosa Molina William Moon_ Evelyn Mount_ Bertha Mullins Tina Nappe Teresa Navarro Shaaron Netherton Marilyn Newton Marlene Olsen__ William Pennington Dr. Daniel Enrique Perez Janet Phillips Roy Powers Carol Quinn Bertha Eaton Raffetto William Raggio_ William Silas Redd Miguel Ribera _Harry Sampson Gov. Brian Sandoval_ Kathleen Sandoval Sean Savoy Martin Schwamb Eddie Scott Dr. Rupert Grant Seals Edwin S. Semenza Dr. Emma Sepulveda Jessica Sferrazza Pete Sferrazza Johnson Sides Marge Sill Alice Lucretia Smith Debbie Smith_ Harold Smith_ Pappy Smith Myra Soifer William “Bill” Stead_ Turkey Stremmel_ Angie Taylor Beatrice “Bea” Thayer_ Barbara Thornton William Thornton Rey Trevino_ Captain Truckee Ray Valdez_ Sue Wagner_ Hewitt C. Wells Helen Westbrook Ollie Westbrook Shane Whitecloud George Wingfield Carolyn Wray

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RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

2018: Downtown Reno, Court and S. Virginia Street. 1950:

RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

2018: Downtown Reno, Court and S. Virginia Street.

RENO PEOPLE (CONT.)

2018: The Westlyn

1915: Colonial Apartments Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2016: Riverwalk

2017: 1st Street viewing West Photographer: Tucker Monticelli

2012: First United Methodist Church

1996: Riverwalk viewing West Photographer: Mark Vollmer

1868: First United Methodist Church Credit: Reno First United Methodist Church

2016: Riverwalk

1911: Belle Isle Credit: Nevada Historical Society

BELLE ISLE / WINGFIELD PARK Surrounded by the waters of the Truckee River, the small natural island now known as Wingfield Park has long been considered a leisurely oasis, offering visitors an escape from fast-paced city life in the heart of downtown Reno. The island was purchased sometime before 1909 by attorney Lewis Hinckley, who cleared 29

out the underbrush, carved walkways out of the natural stands of bushes and trees, and planted a large sloping lawn on one side of the island, naming it Belle Isle. Belle Isle hosted a wide variety of events including boxing matches and carnivals, some featuring ferris wheels,

snake charmers and other attractions. George Wingfield purchased the property in 1920 and deeded it to the city. The City Council acknowledged the generous donation by naming the island Wingfield Park, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still known today. (source: Reno Historical)

circa 1932: Wingfield Park Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: Wingfield Park

2017: Reno River Festival - Wingfield Park

2017: Truckee River Photographer: Beau Rogers

2017: Wingfield Park Photographer: Susie Lang

circa 1940: Truckee River

2018: Truckee River

circa 1940: Truckee River

32 33

2018: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dragonflyâ&#x20AC;? Artist: Peter Hazel

circa 1940: Virginia Lake

1937: Virginia Lake

VIRGINIA LAKE The late Roger Teglia convinced the Washoe County Commissioners, along with raising some money on his own, to purchase the land where Virginia Lake now sits. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Virginia Lake was created in the late 1930s specifically for fishing. The large pond sits within Virginia Lake Park, which is managed by the City of Reno. (source: NDOW) The lake has become a popular community playground. The Virginia Lake Loop Trail is a local favorite for lunchtime strolling, walking the dog, bird watching, running or simply enjoying the fountain features. The serenity of the lake and beautiful foliage put the mind at ease. 33

2016: Virginia Lake

1927: California Building in Idlewild Park Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

1960: Reno Airport Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: Bartley Ranch Photographer: Linda Seibert

1935: Post Office on South Virginia Street Credit: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno

2017: The Great Reno Balloon Race - Overview viewing Northeast Photographer: Sasakthi Abeysinghe

BEHIND THE LENS

PHOTOGRAPHERS / CREDITS

Reno Lens began as a Facebook Group created by the City of Reno in 2014 and has since grown into so much more. To view the Reno Lens blog series, visit the City of Renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog at AroundtheArch.com. Also, search #RenoLens on your favorite social media channel. We would like to thank the Reno Lens community for their incredible contributions to this grassroots marketing effort that showcases the beauty of The Biggest Little City.

Sasakthi Abeysinghe, First United Methodist Church, Susie Lang, Ivan Lara, Jessie Lumbo, Eric Marks, Judy Martin, Tucker Monticelli, Nevada Historical Society, Reno Historical, John Rodgers, Beau Rogers, Linda Siebert, Reno Historical, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Nevada, Reno & Mark Vollmer

To get involved, use #RenoLens or visit Reno.gov/RenoLens. 35