Virginia City Institute

Comments of Past Trainees

Virginia City, Nevada , HCN Restoration, 1864 then, 2007 now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------First My only serious, prior restoration experience derives from 10 years living in Galveston, Texas. 1978-1988. Restoration there was vigorous, and city wide. Support was broad, Federal in the form of tax incentives, Local, in the form of an active and involved Galveston Historical Foundation, and institutional from a variety of philanthropic groups. Additionally, the region was booming, as oil prices were elevated.

The details of this work are a separate story, however the contrast with those in Virginia City Nevada, made my eyes pop.

2nd Contrasting Virginia City and Galveston, I would say the magnitude of the job is comparable, but the available resources bear no resemblance. One man, Mr. Jeff MacDonald, along with a staff of under 10, (my estimate), is doing the work that 50 would do elsewhere. Further, funding in southwest Montana is fractional compared to Texas in the boom years. Nevertheless, he and staff are moving forward, steadily. It is impressive.

The combined work in Virginia City-Nevada City involves, say, 100 structures I would postulate 15 years work, at the current rate, until a Maintenance phase is achieved. Thankfully, they are blessed with a 'high and dry' environment.

3rd On a detail level, Mr. MacDonald and staff are doing important work. The story of gold and the opening of the West, fundamental in our history, is re-presented every morning at sunrise. Life, as it was lived, is at hand. The Virginia City-Nevada City valley is much as the early settlers found it.

There is no Walmart, no Wendys, and there are no billboards. If you miss them, they are over the mountain. Same goes for cellphone service and internet. To borrow the phrase, 'this is where the rubber hits the road.

4th Mr. MacDonald is a good leader. Every morning he started the 9 of us, advising and differentiating as to what is doable, and what is better left alone. He discussed Restoration, Conservation, and Preservation 18 inches away from the subject. What a great way to teach and inspire.

5th No one need be fainthearted. There is hot water, the plumbing works, the food is western and ample. What it is like in the winter will require another trip. Oh yes, the saloon; closes about 11. Check your six guns.

6th The details of our hands-on work, I am sure, will be better discussed by others. I mostly fetched, carried, applied lime-wash to clapboard that had not seen a paintbrush in 40-50 years. It took 7 coats. Midst all this, history just kept unfolding.

Bill George, September, 2007