Postcards: News of 1906

Last week, I wrote about the surprising array of businesses operating in Fallon in 1906. Some were typical for a small rural community at the time, but many of them were unusual in their niche offerings—oysters, for example, and fresh peaches. In any case, the advertisements offered up a snapshot of what commerce on Maine Street would have looked like, and it was booming.

Another way to get a sense of early Fallon is to read the local news. The journalistic writing style of the day was formal, detailed, and wry. Humor, tragedy, and melodrama arrived in each edition…and, always in the form of a good story.

My heartstrings were stirred by this story, headlined with a question: “Where is J.C. Bell?”

“Mrs. J.C. Bell arrived in Fallon on Monday’s stage from Broken Bow, Nebraska, to meet her husband. She was accompanied by a daughter 2 years of age. Mr. Bell was not here to meet her, and the lady went to the Churchill Hotel and informed Mr. Wetmore that she was without means and offered to assist in the hotel work for board and lodging for herself and her child until such time as she could find her husband. …Mrs. I.B. Marsh, hearing of the destitute circumstances of the strangers, kindly took them to her home” (“The Churchill Standard,” October 11, 1906).

The newspaper went on to reveal that Mrs. Bell had received a letter from her husband, reporting that he had located 80 acres in the Carson Sink and that she should join him. When she got here, Bell could not be found.

On a lighter note, the same newspaper carried this story about the niece of William Grimes, after whom Grimes Point is named. He was a successful farmer, entrepreneur, and politician, who settled on what many of you might remember as the May Ranch, now owned by the Naval Air Station. The article recounted that Grimes’ niece, Miss Florence Roche, had become “acquainted with George Bertchy, who made frequent stops when going to and from Fairview in December and January. …As assistant hostess of the Grimes ranch, famous for its hospitality and well known as the overland stage road, this young lady so impressed Bertchy that he located for her the ‘Sunlight’ claim, one of the best known in the district.

…As further testimony to her personality, Harry Jamison named for Miss Roche the ‘Florence’ claims…. Miss Florence Roche is the accomplished and deservedly popular niece of one of Churchill County’s most highly respected citizens, District Attorney, W.C. Grimes.”

Apparently, Florence had inspired quite a competition. However, neither suitor won. Florence Roche married District Judge LeRoy French in Fallon, in about 1908, and they made their home in Reno.

The news of the day usually included updates on the local dancing scene. The editor showed off his vocabulary on this one. You might need to get out—or google—a dictionary.

“Another enjoyable time was indulged in at Stillwater last Saturday night when the elite of the various towns in the Sink assembled for a dance. A most palatable supper was served at 12 o’clock.

Among the young folks was Lieut.-Gov. Lemuel Allen, who put to blush with his latest and up-to-date stunts the pretended master of the terpsichorean art. His ability to entertain the fair sex, the while engaged in the hazy whirl of the waltz, made him the envied of all beholders” (“Fallon Eagle,” Nov. 22, 1906).

And, closer to the center of things, a Thanksgiving Ball was held at the local courthouse, on Wednesday night, Nov. 23, 1906. You might be surprised to learn that the top floor of the courthouse was used as a ballroom! Admission to the ball, “with Lady, Including Supper” was $3.00, and everybody was invited (“The Fallon Eagle,” Nov. 22, 1906).

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