History

The real story behind Nevada Day

Thomas C. Wilson, a Reno advertising executive, and Carson City Judge Clark Guild, the "father" of the State Museum, had other ideas.  In 1938, the two history-minded citizens, assisted by the Carson City Rotary, Lion's Club, and 20-30 Club, found a permanent home in Carson City for the parade and celebration.

"So well pleased were the visitors from many parts of the state," wrote the Daily Appeal, "that demands that the annual celebration be a fixture in the state's capitol city were heard from every side and quarter."  Highlights of the festivities included Governor Richard Kirman presenting 99-year-old Ex-Governor Roswell Colcord a testimonial scroll honoring his many contributions to the state, which included signing the state's first admissions day bill.

Carson City's second Nevada Day, a three-day Diamond jubilee celebration attracting 42, 000 visitors, focused on the state's 75th birthday and was a smashing success.  Five thousand dollars had been appropriated by the state Legislature to underwrite the costs of the "Diamond Jubilee" commission to plan the event.  At the same time, a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Peter A. Amodei of Ormsby County had been passed earlier in 1939 designating Nevada Day an official holiday.  A large contingent from Las Vegas participated in the event and some 3,000 Indians representing Nevada tribes were involved in the program activities.

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Site updated February 29, 2008
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