|
|
Dear HRPS Members and Friends,
I just returned from a trip to magical Morocco, where 800-year-old kasbahs and 2,000-year-old Roman ruins add a new dimension to the term 'historic preservation'. Our treks through the medinas with vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dried fruits and nuts, spices and herbs, cosmetics, clothing, shoes, and household goods, looked much like it has for centuries. In a culture where resources are scarce, old buildings are retrofitted for modern conveniences like plumbing and electricity, rather than razed, the restorations with local designs and materials, elegant and comfortable. Preserve Nevada has again listed the Lear Theater on its list of most endangered places in the state, as is the East Fourth Street Corridor - Lear Theater on Preserve Nevada's 2025 Endangered List. Each day that old buildings sit unused, devoid of any human activity, they decay, and if left long enough, become unusable. SB145 was introduced by Sen. Angie Taylor to allocate $12.5 million for Lear restoration, but as of this date no action has been taken, and it is unlikely that any will, given the projected shortages in both state and local revenues. Perhaps the word "Theater" is hanging us up. Some have suggested other uses such as the Lear Local History Museum, or the Lear Community Center, the Lear Events Center, or the Lear Museum of Architectural History. None of these ideas negate the need for expensive repairs and infrastructure improvements, nor do any of them solve the problem of limited parking and accessibility. But an historical and architectural landmark sitting vacant for years with a fence around it to keep out vandals, does nothing to attract visitors or portray us as a community that cares about its history. Some creative thinking is required if we are to prevent this landmark from remaining an eyesore. So, as you stroll through neighborhoods on one of our walking tours, chat with neighbors or are out and about running errands, let your mind wander to new possibilities. Perhaps a workable idea is still out there!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right - Colorful stairway to a Moroccan home |
|
|
|
|
2025 Walking Tours are off to a great start! |
|
|
Home on 2025 Newlands Manor Walking Tour |
Our Historic Walking Tours are off to a great start, with most at capacity and half a dozen or more names on the waitlist for each walk. Thanks to those who have notified us when they need to cancel (please email board@historicreno.org if you are unable to cancel on your own), as this automatically bumps up waitlisted people in the order they registered.
Other than Peggy Boni, our part time administrator who hauls tables and chairs, brings the banner, and prints the registration lists, everyone else - tour guides, equipment managers, registration people, and cabooses - are all volunteers. Thank you! This is truly a community effort. And thanks to all of our new members who joined HRPS to take advantage of free Walking Tour registration. We're glad you're here and hope you receive many benefits from your membership!
WE STILL HAVE A FEW OPEN SPOTS ON THESE TOURS: - Truckee River All the Time - July 5
- Powning Addition - July 15
- Delongchamp Residential Architecture II (Repeat of 5/31 tour) - July 26
- Bike Tour of Reno Parks - July 27 (Must have own bike and helmet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Reno You Know with Steve Ellison |
|
|
Steve Ellison is a longtime HRPS supporter, providing the official photos of our Harvest of Homes Tour homes. In addition to being a professional photographer and painter, Steve Ellison - Official Website, Steve is also a documentarian and film producer, and hosts a YouTube channel called "The Reno You Know". |
|
|
As Steve states, "I've had a lifelong interest in history, and spend much time exploring and researching this wonderful area. I started this channel to share some of what I've learned. Perhaps you're thinking of moving to Reno and are looking for background on the area, or you're already a resident and this content might help give you a sense of place. I shall endeavor to cater to both groups!" Worth checking out!
The Reno You Know - Reno, Nevada - YouTube
|
|
|
Nevada Historical Society Events |
|
|
The Nevada Historical Society is closed through May 2026. Regular in-person programs are being hosted at alternate locations. Click the program links below for full details.
June 7, 1:00pm - Nevada History On the Go!
Boundary Boondoggle: The Chaos and Confusion of the California/Nevada Border
June 11, 5:00pm - Writer's Wednesday On the Trail of Female Prospectors: Nevada
Artown On the Go Talks - Nevada Sunset Winery - July 1-31 NHS Artown Talks at Nevada Sunset Winery - On The GO! Series | Nevada Historical Society
|
|
|
|
|
Are You Reading The Barber Brief? |
|
|
Each week, Alicia Barber combs through mountains of information on the latest City Council, Planning Commission, and other community activities, to distill down the things we as citizens need to know and care about. Worth a read! The Barber Brief | Alicia Barber
|
|
|
In 1883, a rancher named Andrew Litch (also sometimes spelled Leitch) ran an ad in Reno's Nevada State Journal stating he would pay $3500 for 80 acres with a "good house" on it. At the time, Litch lived in the Susanville/Honey Lake area, in nearby Lassen County, California.
After years of housing family members, the building eventually became a restaurant with several additions, known to modern residents as Holcomb House, Bailywick's, Snowshu's Tavern, and Silver Peak Brewery. Today it is the home of Fox Restaurant & Brewery. |
|
|
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 - Monthly e-mail newsletters
- FootPrints, a quarterly publication on local properties and history
- Free admission to walking tours and certain other HRPS events
- The knowledge you are helping support historic preservation in Reno.
|
|
|
|
|
Officers President - Joy Orlich Vice President - Derek Partridge Secretary - Deedee Pace
Treasurer - Bill Newman
|
Directors Brett Banks Patrick Cantwell Tim Gilbert Melissa Hafey Sharon Honig-Bear Kathy Williams Immediate Past President - Carol Coleman |
|
|
|
|
Historic Reno Preservation Society | P.O. Box 14003, Reno, NV 89507 board@historicreno.org | 775-747-4478 HRPS is a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization, Tax ID 88-0428751
Virginia Street Bridge photos courtesy of Nevada Historical Society
|
|
|
Follow us on Facebook Twitter (X) and Instagram |
|
|
|
