Carson City residents are taking a glance back in time this weekend, thanks to the “Past Pages” column featured in the Nevada Appeal. The latest installment, published Saturday, March 7, 2026, delves into historical events spanning from 156 years ago to more recent developments, including a glimpse of the Carson City Airport as it appeared in 1960. The ongoing series, a tradition since 1947, offers a unique window into the city’s rich past.
The March 7th edition highlights a variety of historical snippets, ranging from 19th-century fire insurance rates to a narrow escape during a snowslide in 1876. However, a key focus is the Carson City Airport, with a photograph showcasing its state in 1960. This feature is part of a daily column begun by historian Bill Dolan and continued by Susan J. Ballew and L. Trent Dolan, chronicling historic events in Carson City dating back 160 years. The photographs used in the column are sourced from private collections and the Carson City Historical Society.
Early Days of the Carson City Airport
The Carson City Airport’s origins trace back to 1928, initially encompassing just 1.02 acres of land. The first runway is now known as Taxiway Charley. A significant expansion occurred in January 1958 when the John D. Winters family donated approximately 240 acres to the city for airport use, forming the foundation of the main runway. In the 1960s, the airport saw increased activity, with the Carson City Sheriff’s Aero Squadron paving and improving a portion of the ramp on the south side of the runway, operating from that location for over 40 years. The airport also served as a base for firefighting operations, utilizing former military aircraft contracted by the U.S. Forest Service and the Nevada Division of Forestry.
Historical Events from the Past
Beyond the airport’s development, the “Past Pages” feature also recounted events from earlier eras. In 1870, Otto Schoeneman had a close call in Seven-Mile Canyon, nearly being buried by a snowslide whereas riding his horse. A stagecoach traveling from Reno to Virginia City was robbed in 1871 by three armed robbers, who made off with approximately $2,000 in coin and currency. The column also noted a performance by Dickie Jose in San Francisco in 1886, who previously performed at Sweeny’s in Carson City.
Housing Developments and Local News in 1946
Looking further back, the March 7th installment included details from 1946 regarding veteran’s housing. Plans were underway to construct housing for 24 families, maintaining a minimum of 50 feet between buildings. The housing units, sourced from Vancouver, numbered 47, as reported by Temple Dick, Assistant Director for Development and Reutilization for the Federal Public Housing Authority (FPHA). Other local news from 130 years ago included fair weather predictions and the arrival of a recent Salvation Army representative, alongside a shipment of rock from the Merrimac quarry.
Sue Ballew and the Legacy of “Past Pages”
The “Past Pages” column is a testament to the dedication of local historians. Sue McKennon Ballew, a longtime resident of Elko and Lamoille, Nevada, contributed significantly to the column and passed away on May 16, 2026, in Carson City. Her work, alongside that of L. Trent Dolan, continues to bring Carson City’s history to life for a modern audience.
The Carson City Airport continues to evolve, now over twice its original size and remains a vital part of the city’s infrastructure. The airport is self-sustaining, retaining one-third of the tax revenue generated from fuel flowage fees, personal property tax from aircraft, and property taxes from hangars. Approximately 30% of the generated tax revenue is retained by the airport, with the remainder allocated to Carson City for education and public safety.
As Carson City looks to the future, remembering its past remains a priority. The “Past Pages” column serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the events and individuals that have shaped the community.
What aspects of Carson City’s history would you like to see highlighted in future “Past Pages” installments? Share your thoughts in the comments below and aid keep the conversation going.
