Nov 21 at 10:30 AM - Sale 2687 -

Sale 2687 - Lot 247

Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(WEST--NEVADA.) Pair of Independence Day celebration broadsides from the small mining town of Silver Peak. Sizes and condition as noted. Silver Peak, NV, 1907 and [1939]
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Additional Details

Silver Peak is an old mining settlement about halfway between Reno and Las Vegas. The most recent census placed their population at 120, but these broadsides suggest that they were once much larger.

"1907 Fourth of July Celebration at Silver Peak. Ho! All You Desert Tarrapins, Buro Punchers and Hard Rock Miners of Nevada, Take Notice." Letterpress broadside, 12 x 9 inches; folds, contemporary pencil note in lower margin. Promises a barbeque, a performance of Fong Kee's Chinese Band, a boat race on the lake, swimming, and deep sea diving contests. This may be sarcasm as we don't spot much water on the map there today. A manuscript note at bottom asks that guests "bring their own tomato cans." 4 July 1907.

"Free! Silver Peak, Nevada, July Fourth. Letterpress broadside, 17¾ x 11½ inches; worn at corners with 1-inch puncture in first word, archivally reinforced. This celebration features bicycle and foot races for boys and girls, a "ladies' ball game" between Silver Peak and Nivloc, a parachute jump, and three boxing matches between local miners--their home mines are named. Undated, but the Nevada State Journal reported on the program in its 15 June 1939 issue, including the same boxing match-ups. Goldfield, NV: Goldfield News Print, 4 July [1939].

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