We came up to Reno for the New Year's celebration and took a quick day trip out to Virginia City. Yes, it's a tourist trap - but it's got a lot of neat history. Sitting right next to the "Suicide Table" which seems to get all of the fame of the Delta Saloon, there's a giant wall plaque dedicated to the Silver Kings of the Comstock. John Mackay, William O'Brien, James Fair and James Flood. We all know my pictures are horrific - but I did what I could. The entire plaque stands about 10 feet tall, and is surrounded by Morgans and Peace Dollars. The Peace Dollars are all up top (my luck, couldn't see any up close!) For those interested in a bit more reading - here you go. http://irishamerica.com/2012/09/the-silver-kings/ Happy New Year!
The last time I visited Virginia City was in 1982. From what I remember, the Suicide Table was near the back wall of the "Silver Queen". This was an old saloon that was eventually transformed into a small bar & casino. There used to be a 10' tall portrait of a saloon girl behind Plexiglas on the right-hand wall next to the bar. More than 3,000 silver dollars were used to form her gown, and gold coins were used to form her belt and bracelet. If the establishment is now called the Delta Saloon, I can only surmise that the business was sold sometime after 1982 and the name was changed. Is the portrait of the saloon girl no longer there? Chris
It's a tourist collective, so the historic things probably move around. The lady in the silver dollar dress was nowhere to be found. I certainly would have noticed her - for more than one reason! I'd love to find out where she went and look up her dress!
Since the name has changed, it's my guess that the new owner(s) chose to dismantle the portrait and use about 150 of the silver dollars for the "Silver Kings". I'd bet that it probably happened when the price of silver and gold were pretty high. Since you don't live too far from Reno, it would be easy enough to make a trip to the county offices and check the business records to learn when the Delta Saloon was incorporated. By the way, if you do that would you mind stopping along the crest of I-80 near Donner Pass and give a "shout-out" for me? I'm wondering if the old miners will give a "Hello!" back. Chris
@Cascade @Paul_62 That's good to know! I would hate to think that it was destroyed just for a few thousand silver dollars. Chris
I asked the bartender if the owners would sell her and I was told no but I could buy the hotel. That was back in June. An a side note. Upstairs, in the hotel, there us a very famous room where a prostitute killed herself in the claw foot tub aND her ghost haunts the room. I haven't stayed in the room yet but I plan to
I didn't see her, and surely my wife or I would have noticed if it was around. I walked all of the lobby. The slot machines were gone, the cashier cage was closed, it was just open seating for a restaurant and the bar. Maybe someone bought the hotel for the silver dollar dress.
