December 2023

HRPS News & Updates

Dear HRPS Members,

As you read this, our acting president, Carol Coleman, is having surgery to remove what we hope is a benign mass from the front left lobe of her brain. Two weeks ago, she suddenly felt ill, losing her ability to speak, and experiencing some mobility issues.

Thankfully, the speech inability was temporary, and we are optimistic about her prognosis. However, she has elected to resign from the board and hopes to return to a supporting role in time.

I have agreed to step in as President, pending approval at our December 4 board meeting, supported by our Administrator, Amy Burton. Deb Hinman has agreed to stay on as Secretary. We still have a vacancy for Vice President, and more importantly, we have an immediate need for a new Treasurer! If you know someone who might be interested, please call or email me and I'll be glad to provide additional details.

There is no speaker program this month, but there are many delightful activities to enjoy in our community, including the December High Noon With Neal Cobb program, and the third annual holiday craft fair at the Sparks Heritage Museum. Details below.

A lot can be gleaned from looking back at old newspaper and magazine ads - style, culture, technology, trends of the day. Take a trip back through time with our selection of vintage Christmas ads, some dating back 100 years.

And as you reflect on the past, think about the importance of preserving it for future generations, and please keep Carol in your thoughts. For the past seven years, she has been the guiding force behind HRPS. We are a much stronger organization for her efforts, and we owe her much gratitude.

Wishing you memorable holidays!

Joy Orlich

HRPS Treasurer/Newsletter Editor

joyorlich@sbcglobal.net

775-544-0686

Nevada Historical Society and Washoe County Libraries present

High Noon with Neal Cobb

Home is Nevada - Animal Ark Episode #9

with Neal Cobb

Thursday, December 21, 2023, Noon-1:00pm

via Zoom

Neal Cobb

Neal Cobb is a Reno native, and was involved in his family’s business, Modern Photo. Neal fell heir to fourteen large boxes of old Reno and Northern Nevada photos and printable film after his parents died in the 1980’s and subsequently authored two books, Reno Now and Then, Books I and II.

A special viewing of Home Is Nevada, where hosts Neal Cobb & Dick Stoddard get a behind the scenes tour at Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary. This series was developed for possible programming on a major network.

Animal Ark is a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the Northern Nevada foothills at Red Rock.

Admission is free but advance registration is required.

Gracie, one of the residents at the Animal Ark.

Sparks Heritage Museum 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair

If you’re searching for unique, local Christmas gifts, you can peruse a variety of creations from area artists and crafters on Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Sparks Heritage Museum’s 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Third Annual Sparks Museum Holiday Craft Fair - Sparks Museum and Cultural Center

Hillside Cemetery Potter's Field Project

Ryan contacted HRPS about providing support, and HRPS made a contribution to his project. You can read more about Ryan's project here: Ryan Holden BSA Troop request.pdf

Ryan Holden is working on his Eagle Scout project for BSA Troop 168. His goal is to raise enough money to provide markers for approximately 220 unmarked graves.

Ryan says, "My project entails working with the Hillside Cemetery Preservation Foundation making grave markers for the unmarked graves. Each grave will have a laser-engraved brick with the name and date to honor them. The supplies needed are bricks, cement, safety equipment, food, water, and volunteers."

Back in Time

Local Christmas Ads from December, 1923

Barnes Radio Service

James A. Barnes was a true Reno radio pioneer. His lifelong passion began as a hobby during World War I, as he learned to assemble kit radios he had ordered from magazines. By the early 1920s, he was selling a few radio sets out of his garage and his mother’s store, Barnes Cash Grocery on West 4th Street.

Barnes Radio Service - An early radio entrepreneur on South Virginia Street | Reno Historical

Source: Nevada Historical Society

Join HRPS Today!

HRPS is "Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Historic Resources in the Truckee Meadows through Education, Advocacy and Leadership". With over 500 members, your membership is a vote and a voice for historic preservation.

Do you have friends, neighbors, or family members who share an interest in local history? If so, forward a copy of this newsletter and encourage them to join HRPS! Or have them go to our website - Historic Reno Preservation Society - and click on the "Join Us" tab at the top of the page.

A single membership is just $25/year ($45 for a family membership), and you can now join and pay online.

Benefits of Membership