Nevada State Museum hosts celebration of Carson City mint anniversary for 'Mint150'
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Sat, 01/11/2020 - 2:57pm
On Saturday afternoon at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, a celebration of the 150th year of the Nevada State Mint was held, with a presentation by Chautauquans Dave and Kathy Pierson, who portrayed Carson City founding father Abe Curry and his daughter, Elvira Curry Cowen.
Abe talked at length to a small audience of history-enthusiasts about the opening of the mint and how Nevada became a state during the height of the Civil War.
“You should have seen the celebration in Carson City when the mint was approved,” said Abe.
He spoke on how he loved to fire his cannon in town “any chance he got” and fired that cannon, to the detriment of many windows in town, when the mint was approved.
It took some time for the mint itself to be built after the plans were approved.
Abe’s father Elvira also spoke about the mint being opened, and her participation as the adjuster.
Elvira, along with several other women, worked in the mint as adjusters and were provided specific work dresses that were burned every so often so the mint could reclaim the gold and silver dust that had accumulated in the fabric.
Abe Curry’s great-grand daughters, Ann Howell and Margaret Berry, were in attendance, and cut the celebratory cake which was passed out to the audience.
Mina Stafford of the Nevada State Museum said it’s important to involve the Chautauquan performers in order to give people a sense of connection with the past.
“We do it so we can have more of a connection and deep meaning about these people,” said Stafford. “Abe and Elvira, or Dave and Kathy, have done a lot of research to make sure that what they’re talking about is actually history.”
Mayor Bob Crowell was also in attendance, and said coming to these events is important to him as a personal level, not only as mayor but as a Carson City resident.
“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our founders,” said Mayor Crowell. “They laid out what I believe is a beautiful community. I don’t think we appreciate the dedication of the people who built this city, and its history. I don’t think I’d be very proud of myself if I missed today.”
Commemorative medallions will be pressed at the mint until 3 p.m. today.
These special Mint150 events are leading up tot he Feb. 4 celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Carson City mint, which is the day that the first Carson City mint marked coins were created at the mint.
U.S. Mint Director David Ryder will be in attendance for the anniversary, and will strike the first sesquicentennial medallion on Coin Press No. 1.
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