History of the Gold Hill Historical Society

The Gold Hill Historical Society was incorporated in 1994, but the informal history extends back as far as 1975.  Prior to its incorporation, as a non-profit corporation, many of the present day principals worked on preservation efforts now formalized by the organization.  Some have gone on to other projects outside the Comstock (Fernley depot relocation and restoration as a museum), but most have stayed with the local projects on the Comstock for more than 20 years.

The complete history of the GHHS is being constructed from verbal interviews and will be posted here as substantial sections are completed.

The Gold Hill Depot was held open to the public in 1992 and 1993, and even sold train tickets to the public from there.  The areas open were the ticket office and adjacent waiting room.  A telegraph key, period furniture and locomotive model displays were set up.  At one time, a model railroad was under construction in the freight shed.  The depot had no water supply, so could not be used as a "rest stop" for the train passengers.

Some internal, cosmetic lath-and-plaster wall repairs were made and the sagging front porch was put up on pier blocks, but no major restoration work was done.

Prior to the formation of the non-profit Gold Hill Historical Society, there was no organized effort to acquire public grant money for restoration, so that all of the funds available came from small private donations.  Since incorporation, the Society has raised over $225,000 in grants.

Last updated 7/25/2008