History

The real story behind Nevada Day

In the meantime, the 50th anniversary of the state in 1914 was officially observed.  Governor Tasker Oddie issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, October 31, "the semi-centennial anniversary of the admission of its Nevada into the Union," and a public holiday.  Jeanne Wier, the director of the Nevada Historical Society in Reno, worked closely with the governor's office in calling for the proclamation.  Reno, the state's largest city, staged many colorful events throughout the day.  The 10-year-old Historical Society was open to the public, where the famous Civil War Gridley sack of flour was exhibited.

Oddie's proclamation also had called for the creation of a "Society of Nevada Pioneers."  In response, a committee of Nevada's oldest residents met at the Riverside Hotel, formed an organization, and adopted by-laws and a constitution.  The "Society of Nevadans," as the pioneer group came to be known, sponsored Nevada's Admission Day celebrations in Reno until the mid-1930s.  Governor Fred Balzar issued a proclamation in 1929 declaring Admissions Day a legal holiday and called on all concerned Nevadans "if possible to join in the official celebration to be held in the City of Reno."  Similar proclamations were also issued in 1930 and 1931 but they conspicuously did not declare Admission Day an official state holiday.

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