Letter: Working to restore the Comstock Historic District

Recently, a few naysayers have written to local newspapers, criticizing the effort of the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, a 501(c)(3) organization, to raise funds to preserve historic resources within the Comstock Mining District, a National Historic Landmark.

The project is the selling of prints of a painting by well-known Comstock artist, Steven Saylor, who has depicted an imagined scene on October 31, 1864, one hundred and fifty years ago. Former governors and first ladies joined current elected officials by posing for the painting – and their volunteerism is much appreciated.

Three letter writers to various newspapers have objected to the additional presence in the painting of three of us, representing the Comstock Foundation, two of whom are also in leadership roles with Comstock Mining, Inc. This company has generously dedicated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Comstock Foundation to support the saving of resources. The company’s role is unique on the Comstock, and I believe it warranted their presence in the painting: no company has ever given half as much as to the district’s preservation.

I make no apologies for having a partnership with a legal business that has voluntarily contributed funds to preserve resources within the Comstock. As it happens, it is the historic district’s single largest employer, having created over 150 high-paying jobs. The Comstock Mining District-turned Landmark includes over 14,000 acres; the company is working on less than 100 acres that it is in the process of reclaiming. Given these facts, I must conclude that this is a partnership worth pursuing. Detractors are free to criticize Comstock Mining, but when their denigrating remarks extend to a non-profit organization that is only trying to restore historic resources, then they have gone too far.

I am extremely proud of what the Comstock Foundation has achieved since organizing in 2012. We have restored the Upper Yellow Jacket Hoist and Ore Chute, we have helped with restoration projects at the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, the St. Marys Arts and Retreat Center, and the Gold Hill Depot, and we have hosted fundraisers that have assisted nine non-profit organizations including the Comstock Cemetery Foundation, the Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, and the Comstock Firemen’s Museum. And this is only the beginning of projects that are saving resources and making a difference.

The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to raise additional funds through the sale of the prints thanks to the artistry of Steven Saylor. In fact, critics who wish to see the role of Comstock Mining diminished in the preservation of the National Historic Landmark are free to purchase a print. Or if that is not to one’s taste or budget, donations are accepted: please visit www.ComstockFoundation.org and donate to help with the great things we are accomplishing.

The Comstock with its remarkable mines helped make Nevada a state 150 years ago, and the mining district survives today as an important place where visitors can enjoy the past. So rather than listen to criticisms of an effort to do something good, I call on all Nevadans to contribute to our effort to preserve our shared Landmark. Donations would be great, but at the very least, take a trip to Comstock, have a fine meal, and visit the various museums and organizations that are doing so much to make the historic district an enjoyable destination in our own backyard.

But most of all, consider what the Comstock Foundation has actually accomplished – in large part because of our partnership with Comstock Mining – before being swayed by cynics who apparently cannot recognize or acknowledge a positive effort.

Ron James, Executive Director
Comstock Foundation for History and Culture

For information about the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture and its projects go to www.comstockfoundation.org or contact Ron James, executive director of the Comstock Foundation, at 775-443-7803.