Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Historic Bowers Mansion Opens For Tours



The recently renovated historic Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley will reopen for tours on May 18 for the first time since 2009. Two $100,000 grants from the State Historic Preservation Office Commission on Cultural Affairs were received for the seismic and structural rehabilitation of the mansion. In addition, the mansion’s spring-fed swimming pool will reopen June 8. The William N. Pennington Foundation donated $150,000 to renovate the Bowers Pool, which has also been closed since 2009.

There will be a series of programs entitled “Programs on the Porch” at 7 p.m. Friday evenings May 31-June 28. Washoe County Parks Ranger Jerry Buzzard will host the programs, which will include music and guest speakers and are free with donations accepted.

WHERE: 4005 U.S. Highway 395 North, Carson City, NV 89704 (21 miles south of Reno on old US 395).

WHEN: Tours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 29. Tours are on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

COST: Adults, ages 18-61, $8; children 6-17, $5, seniors 62+, $5; children 5 and younger are free.

CONTACT: Group tours can be coordinated by calling 775-849-0201.

Bowers Mansion offers a rare glimpse into Nevada life during the 1860s. The mansion was built in 1864 by Comstock millionaires L.S. “Sandy” Bowers and his wife, Allison Oram. Their story reflects the rags-to-riches-to-rags tales so commonly associated with Nevada’s first silver boom. Along with the history, visitors are sure to enjoy the beauty of the mansion’s sixteen rooms, each elegantly furnished with Victorian antiques.

For more information, visit washoecounty.us/parks.

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