Eureka Living Visitors Guide

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R EKA NEVADA 150

EUREKA LIVING

EUREKA COUNTY, NEVADA VISITOR’S GUIDE

We suffered a fire in April and want you to know we are continuing to serve you during our rebuild. We thank you for your patience and patronage while we recover from out fire.

Still Serving Fresh, Hot Food Send & track money online

Ask About Meal Deliveries!

EZ Stop Still Has Everything You Need

Cold beer & liquor Fluff & fold laundry Cheapest gas in town

Slots (Coming soon) Propane Cheapest cigarettes

We have burritos, burgers, chicken tenders, fresh sandwiches, snacks and more!

775-237-5533 | 291 Main Street | Eureka, Nevada

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Creative Director & Publisher Dana Lee Fruend Miss Dana’s Visit Eureka Nevada Shoppe and Tourist Information Center 85 N. Main Street visiteurekanevada.net danaleefruend@gmail.com Contributors Writers Trina Machacek, Rich McKay Jesse Watts, Anthony Miller, Rose Buchanan, Kathy Porter Photo Contributors Dana Lee Fruend, Trina Machacek, Rose Buchanan, Kathy Porter Graphic Design Christine Bryner, Studio 509 602-339-4543 christine@studio509llc.com Advertising 775-230-2232 danaleefruend@gmail.com ON THE COVER

Photography Dana Lee Fruend Top row right to le: Eureka County Courthouse, 180 Gallery Corner Building: e Aerlife Antiques and Oddities Shop, Miss Dana’s Visit Eureka Nevada Shoppe, Cuda’s Italian Restaurant and Winery Upstairs e Eureka Inn.

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Commissioner Letter

22 Not the Loneliest Phone Booth

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Sheriff Welcome

24 Event Schedule

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Visitor Welcome & History

30 Trail Map

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Farm to Table

32 Businesses & Resources

10 Ranching in Eureka

34 Eureka County School District

12 Traditions: e Adventure

36 Mining

14 Ghost Stories

38 Dining

18 Rural Living

Second Row: Economy Drug, Eureka Opera House, the Sentinel Museum. ird Row: e Jackson House Hotel, Eureka Opera House, Tannehill Cabin.

Fourth Row: e Owl Saloon & Roadhouse, e 1880 Mason’s Hall, Eureka Palisade Crew Car.

reka Eu

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Volume 2, Edition 2, 2023. This publication is intended as a resource for general information purposes only. While we strive to provide information that is updated and correct, those using this resource should also check with the vendor or event organizer to confirm dates and times of events.

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Welcome to Eureka, Nevada!

My name is Rich McKay and I am one of the Eureka County commissioners.

My family has resided in Eureka since 1875 when the silver and lead mines were in full production and the town was booming. ere were over 10,000 residents that lived in Eureka and another 4,000 living 4 miles away in Ruby Hill. Eureka supported over 100 saloons, dozens of gambling halls, theaters, multiple newspapers, hotels, restaurants, an opera house, as well as five fire companies.

Fun Fact - My great grandfather, Alexander McKay, was a deputy sheriff and also served as a constable. In 1878, Alexander was shot in the leg by a “stray” bullet - like many mining towns it was the Wild West.

Eureka is much calmer these days, but history thrives and there is still so much to do and enjoy.

Mining has booms and busts and the population of Eureka today has closer to 1,000 permanent residents. Despite being one of the most remote towns in America, Eureka is an excellent destination for anyone interested in Nevada’s mining history and ITS WIDE OPEN SPACES. In many ways, visiting Eureka is visually like stepping back into the late 1800s. e Victorian West buildings in our historic downtown are stunning. Almost all of the downtown businesses offer a free walking tour map – stretch your legs and

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

VisitEurekaNevada.net

get some exercise while you get a history lesson. If you have kids and they (or you) need a break, cool off at the town’s swimming pool or have a picnic lunch at the town park.

If you are a mountain bike enthusiast, check out our new biking trails and take an adventurous and scenic ride on the newly marked bike trails.

We are in the midst of another mining boom and the primary mineral being mined today in Eureka County is gold. e local mines are mostly focused on exploration and expansion.

New ore deposits continue to be discovered. Recently, work has begun on a Vanadium mine South of Eureka. Vanadium is considered a critical element for battery development and steel hardening. It will be the first vanadium mine in the United States.

Eureka has some of the best schools in the State of Nevada; we very oen achieve 5 star ratings. Farming, ranching and mining are our main industries, but Eureka’s downtown business community is vibrant and growing. We offer eclectic restaurants and charming coffee shops. You can get a haircut at the Jackson House Salon or a tattoo at e Eureka Tattoo shop. You can pick up a car battery and automotive items at the Eureka Supply, fill up with gas at the Chevron, EZ Stop, or Raine’s Fuel Center and grab some groceries and camping supplies on your way out of town at Raines Market. If you don’t feel like driving and want to stay the night, we have several restaurants, four hotel/motels, RV parks, and some beautiful and historic Airbnb vacation rentals.

Aer visiting our town, you may find you love Eureka and envision your future here. My family has been here for 148 years and counting. Like many rural Nevadans, Eurekans are fiercely independent and self-reliant but they will also give you the shirt off their back if you need help. I hope you enjoy your visit to our historic Eureka, Nevada.

F R O M T H E S H E R I F F, E U R E K A C O U N T Y

WELCOME TO THE ANYWHERE, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. Eureka County is a wonderful place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Whether you live here, or are visiting and taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor activities we enjoy every day, my staff and I welcome you.

I encourage you to navigate through our community, and if you need anything, the men and women who work hard each day to keep this community safe, will gladly assist you. We’re a full service agency.

Eureka County Sheriff Staff

e Eureka County Sheriff ’s Office is responsible for public safety in the 4,180 square miles of Eureka County. Not only do we respond to 911 calls and conduct criminal investigations, our other duties include operating the Eureka County Detention Center, providing security at the Eureka County District Court, Search and Rescue operations, and assist with emergency management. ese services are provided by 23.5 dedicated employees and several committed volunteers.

Our dedicated staff conducts several public relation events, such as the Elementary School Coloring Contest,

Cops ‘N Kids, Movies in the Park, National Night Out, among others.

We hope you enjoy your time in our community and if you need anything, do not hesitate to contact us.

I am confident your interactions with the Eureka County Sheriff ’s Office will reflect our core values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service and Teamwork. ank You for visiting our community.

Stay Safe & God Bless Jesse Watts Sheriff-Coroner

Jesse Watts, Sheriff-Coroner

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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V I S I TO R S W E LC O M E & H I S TO RY

We are so glad you are here!

Eureka! You’ve Found Us! Touring Eureka

History you can see, experience and enjoy! There are several tours you can take while visiting our historic town. First, you can procure a walking tour map and explore the amazing downtown. Next, you can stop in and visit the 1879 Eureka Opera House and arrange a tour of the 1879 Eureka County Courthouse or The 1879 Eureka Sentinel Museum.

Learn the haunted truth on the ghost tour.

Enjoy our Sentinel Museum Tour.

Visitors come from all over to visit Eureka

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

VisitEurekaNevada.net

Stroll the historic downtown, enjoy our restaurants, stay in our comfy motels, go shopping, bike, hike, or ride our many trails, and have fun at our many events.

Eureka was discovered in September of 1864 by silver prospectors, WR Tannehill, GT Tannehill, JW Smith and Moses Wilson from nearby Austin. ey were not disappointed as they found rock containing a silver-lead ore in Discover unique gifts in our local shops.

New York Canyon, near the present site of Eureka.

In 1869 Major William M. McCoy and Alonzo Monroe selected a site for a town in what was known as Horse ief Canyon. e town was surveyed on January 27, 1870.

A Post Office was established, then it was officially named “Eureka.”

In 1873, Eureka became the county seat and was carved out of Lander, Elko and White Pine Counties.

Eureka became a fast growing boomtown, coming in second only to the Comstock Lode of Virginia City. Life sprung up to support this growing community with ranchers, shops, three newspapers, doctors, lawyers, surveyors, a railroad, churches and several schools.

All working to build a life in Nevada. A large amount of growth was spurred in 1875, due to the completion of the Eureka Palisade Railroad allowing the ore and resources to be shipped out and brought in.

In the 1880s Eureka held one of the most eclectic international populations with folks coming from all over seeking their fame and fortune in the gold and silver mines of the Eureka Mining District. Most notable were the Italian, Cornish, and Chinese immigrant populations contributing tremendously to the construction, mining,wood cutting and charcoal burning needed to keep the numerous mines and smelters running.

50 mines produced gold, silver, lead and zinc for the 17 smelters that had processed up to 700 tons per day. In 1879, and in the 1880s, devastating fires and floods nearly destroyed all of the buildings in Eureka.

e immigrant pioneers rebuilt the town, better and stronger each time.

Today, Eureka is vibrant and alive with the blood of these immigrants flowing Explore the beautiful Eureka Opera House through her people.

Two very prominent bloodlines in Eureka are the Italian and Basque descendants. e Italians, also known as the Carbonari, arrived in the 1870s and 1880s to chop and transport wood to fuel the charcoal ovens. e Basques were enterprising sheepherders that came in the 1890s and early 1900s.

Ranching and farming are still very much a part of Eureka’s local farm to table experience and economy with alfalfa, Timothy hay, beef, bison, pork and lamb being major agricultural exports.

From 1864 to the present day, Eureka County still has active and successful mining operations contributing to it’s vibrant economy.

WELCOME DEAR VISITORS! Stroll the historic downtown, enjoy our restaurants, stay in our motels and go shopping. Bike, hike, ride our many trails or join us at one of our many events.

We are so glad that you are here.

Eureka! You Found Us!

visiteurekanevada.net visit.eurekanevada

Eureka!

You Found Us! Miss Dana’s Visit Eureka Nevada Shoppe and Tourist Information Center PICK UP YOUR TOUR MAPS HERE: The Afterlife Antiques and Oddities Clementine’s Steakhouse Eureka County Courthouse The Eureka Depot The Eureka Palisade Crew Car EZ Stop Eureka SureStay Best Western 180 Gallery The Opera House The Owl Saloon & Roadhouse The Sentinel Museum The Sundown Lodge

visiteurekanevada.net visit.eurekanevada

Miss Dana’s Visit Eureka Nevada Shoppe and Tourist Information Center Historical Ghost Tours 85 N. Main Street, Eureka, Nevada

FARM TO TABLE Farm to table not only benefits the restaurants and customers but also has great value to the community.

By buying from local farmers and ranchers, the local economy is strengthened. e farm to table concept is changing how we value what we eat. By encouraging more local sourcing, we are seeing sustainable farming once again on the rise. e support is growing and not just with consumers but in every aspect from the local economies to community life. Local Eureka and Diamond Valley farm to table providers:

Miller Bison Ranch Free Range Bison

The Rusted Shack

Snowball Ranch Organics

BatEmaN Farms Premium Pork Products 1211 12th Street Eureka 775-388-7116

LyNFord aNd LaVoN miLLEr

3 BELL FarmiNg

BErg LaNd aNd LiVEstock

Alfalfa and Timothy Hay Diamond Valley Eureka 775–237-5510

Diamond Valley 775-318-0060 (Lynford) 775-318-0072 (Lavon)

Hay David Blanco, Mgr. Diamond Valley 775-761-0037 (David)

m & c Hay

marty PLaskEtt

Hay Diamond Valley Hay Co. Diamond Valley 775-721-0087

craig BENsoN

Hay Stax West Inc Diamond Valley 775-720-9479 dusty moyLE

miLLEr BisoN raNcH

EurEka ProducErs co-oP

NEVada Hay coNNEctioN

Free Range Bison Meat Products 490 9th Street, Eureka 775-318-0366

Hay Diamond Valley 775-934-1383

Hay Jim Gallagher, Mgr. 775-237-5400

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

1560 Keg Street, Eureka Mark Moyle 775-761-4725

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Hay Scott and Mathew Bell Diamond Valley 707-318-9624 (Matt) 775-293-5767 (Scott) sNowBaLL raNcH orgaNics

Organic Beef Eureka 775-530-5748

tHE rustEd sHack

Flowers and Vegetables Lynn Conley Eureka 775-340-3797

Inside Afterlife Antiques & Oddities 1868 Eureka Underground Tunnel Tours

Miss Dana’s Historical Ghost Tours

Old Fashioned Photo Booth Wanted Posters Miss Dana’s Manners, Mindfulness and Success Principles Dana Lee Fruend TOURISM DIRECTOR:

775-230-2232 85 North Main St, Eureka

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FA R M TO TA B L E

BIG OPEN RANGE Written by Anthony Miller

Growing up in Indiana on a dairy farm and later raising cattle and crop farming instilled in me a love for animals and the land that feeds both them and us. en when I was 17 my parents moved to Utah and I soon learned to love the west and all it had to offer. Big open ranges and cattle with plenty of room to roam. In 2006 I moved to Eureka, Nevada, working in agriculture and spending a lot of time hunting and chasing mountain lion in the winters. In 2014, I purchased my own farm where we have 250 irrigated acres and crested wheat pasture and

where I currently farm along with my wife, Benita daughter, Julie and twin boys, Dirk and Drew.

So how did we get started with bison? Well, I’ve always had an interest in things that were a little different and the adventure that awaits. You never know unless you try! So in 2013 I bought three bison heifers from a neighbor that had them to train his cutting horses, with the intentions to finish them out and butcher them for myself and possibly resell a couple of them. en a friend of mine suggested that I get a bull and raise some

calves and hence began the journey that has led us to this point. Over the years we have purchased more animals and kept our replacement heifers to slowly build our herd all the while growing an immense appreciation for bison. eir adaptive nature and efficiency of grazing even when the snow gets deep makes them a clear choice for us where we can plant cover crops for regenerative agriculture practices and graze them late into the winter.

Fences and Biscuits Written by Rose Buchanan Homesteaded in 1887, Martin Ranch is nestled in the Monitor Mountains of Eureka, Nevada. Almost a step back in time, Martin Ranch is a place where modern life has not erased yesterday's simpler ways of living.

Work on the ranch is much the same day aer day and it doesn’t always feel like much gets done compared to what still needs doing. Endless miles of fence, built over a hundred years ago, now needs replacing. Springs that used to water cattle, now need repairing. I lit three propane lamps, not wanting to use battery before sunrise. Our ranch was homesteaded in 1887 and still operates

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

off-grid today. e coffee pot is perking on the cook stove, sloppy biscuits hot from the oven, and bacon is sizzling in the cast iron skillet. My husband and our six young children sit around the table. It’s basically an employee meeting. is kitchen has entertained family meetings for six generations. “We’ll need the pack saddle for Hacksaw,” my husband says. Six heads all nod in agreement.

“We’ll need fence posts, extra wire, and don’t forget the post driver,” he continues.

Six young heads nod again. I place the basket of biscuits before my family. Great grandmother’s recipe, still a favorite.

“We’ll put that dri fence in halfway up Golden Stairs.” More silent nods as the

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kids are buttering and passing syrup back and forth. “If we keep cows up that side of the mountain longer, we’ll push them up White Rock next month.” Plates are scraped clean, not a crumb le. is crew knows the long hours ahead. rough perseverance and struggles, harvests and sowing, we work to live the right to keep our traditions and lifestyle.

We are blessed with the opportunity to work again another day.

TRADITIONS

THE ADVENTURE Hunting and camping have been passed down for many generations in my husband’s family and we continue the tradition with our daughters.

Written by Kathy Porter We have passed down a great appreciation for the outdoors along with the discipline of hard work and patience that leads to the satisfaction of not only a mount on the wall, but delicious meat in the freezer for our family.

We have taught our children to replace the disappointment of an unfilled hunting tag with gratitude for the adventure and lasting memories with family and friends.

These lasting memories are moments created by days of searching and hiking, lunch time around small campfires on cold, wet days, naps on the side of a mountain and tasty snacks stored in backpacks. e adventure is created in conquering the steep mountain, outsmarting the wild animal and always the “short cut” back that turns out to be even steeper and more treacherous than the “long way” in.

Hunting usually begins with great expectations of a trophy animal but oen ends with tired, sore muscles, and great memories of time spent with friends and family. e adventure is in the searching, the exploring and if things turn out right, the stalk. e mountainous terrain, and unpredictable weather provide great beauty and unexpected challenges.

God’s creation keeps us in awe and wonder.

All of this culminates in a peace found on the mountain that cannot be found anywhere else. is peace, far from cell phones and the many distractions of the world, draws us to the Creator.

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e beauty and mystery of creation leads to deep gratitude for all life and quality time with our loved ones. is peace clears the mind and heals the soul.

Experiencing the raw outdoors firsthand through the time-honored tradition of hunting is part of our family’s heritage. e mount on the wall and even the unfilled tag in the drawer links our past to the present and to future generations and has priceless value that cannot be purchased or found anywhere else.

Ely’s Full Service Sporting Goods Store

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Service is our Specialty!

Come see us for all your building and hardware needs.

WELCOME TO EUREKA SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 65 YEARS

Bath Lumber Co

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!

The Eureka County Star.

Shining a light on all of Eureka County.

A new, fresh, juicy county-wide paper, The Eureka County Star, serving Eureka, Diamond Valley, Pine Valley,

Crescent Valley and Beowawe is available to all residents free of charge (for a limited time), and put in every postal box in the county. The Star is also available for sale at select businesses from our Northern to South-

ern boarders. For those out of town readers mail subscriptions are also available.

First Edition July 1

The first edition will hit the news stands and every Eureka County Postal resident on July 1, 2023 to ring in the independence of a new era, a new paper, The Eureka County Star.

Shining a light on all of Eureka County.

Adver se Today!

S E R V I N G D I A M O N D VA L L E Y, P I N E VA L L E Y, E U R E KA , C R E S C E N T VA L L E Y & B E O WA W E

Advertise

Subscribe today!

Contact Trina Machacek 775-778-5829

Have the Eureka County Star delivered to your door for $80/yr.

Call for credit card payment 775-778-5829, or mail payment to: Eureka County Star, P.O. Box 239 Eureka, NV 89316-0239

or Dana Fruend 775-230-2232

VETERANS PARK | ELY, NEVADA WHITE PINE

County Fair

JOIN US FOR ART, FOOD, & FAMILY FUN!

AUGUST 19 & 20 8/19 9am-5pm

8/20 9am-3pm

2023

ARTS PARK IN THE

AUGUST

5 &6

SATURDAY 10 AM - 6 PM SUNDAY 10 AM - 4 PM

Boots, Jeans and Nevada Dreams EVENTS

Horse Races Vendors & Open Exhibits 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Games, Live Bands, Entertainment for All Ages Sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi, The District 4-H & Ag District 13

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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G E T LO S T I N T H E N E VA D A M O U N TA I N S

THINGS TO DO IN Austin ere’s a reason why Austin, Nevada is a hotspot for tourism for those who love the great outdoors. is little mountain town is nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is close to several ghost towns and natural attractions that will astound.

July 1 Gridley Days Cowboy Contest

September 9 Annual Wine Walk

July 4 Fourth of July Parade Lion’s Club 4th of July Fireworks & BBQ

October 28 Halloween Party

July - September Movie in the Park

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

December 2 Tree Lighting Christmas Event December 12 Austin Community Live Nativity

Begin planning your next outdoor adventure!

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Afterlife Antiques & Oddities SHOP. LOOK. COLLECT. EXPLORE OUR UNIQUE COLLECTION

Afterlifenevada

(775) 230-1784 | 90 N. Main Street, Eureka NV

Rural Living Today and Yesterday Written by Trina Machacek From this Diamond Valley Girl’s perspective I sometimes don’t want to take the 20 mile drive to pick up my mail. I am content to not go anywhere for a week or more. I look out of my windows in any direction and see the most beautiful sights.

From within spitting distance I see birds playing and bathing in the hollowed out end of a watermelon I have le under a dripping faucet making a natural birdbath. To looking 50-90 miles drinking in the view of the mountains that encircle this valley. It’s a blessing to call Nevada my home every day. As a writer, all of that makes my life magical.

Knock on wood I have never had to reach far for inspiration.

I LOVE TO WRITE. I think those feelings come through in the words of my books and in my column, “Is is You?” in the 12-20 papers I am graced to be in weekly.

So it’s kind of funny when I hear people who live in a city talk of how awful it can be to have to go “clear across town” to get to a particular store. It’s a bit comical to hear that the trip would take a whole extra 15 minutes. I wouldn’t know how to act if everything in my world was within just a few blocks of my house aer living rurally for all of my years. But! Yes a short reach to a “but.” Here in Eureka County we kinda like having to travel at least 100 to 300 miles one way to run errands.

Actually traveling for things I want or need is fine with me because I use those trips as mini vacations. Whether I get it all done in one day or it’s an overnight trip it can be such fun. In Eureka we have some great places to eat, a great clinic with wonderful providers and other great services for sure. BUT! Going out of town is like having the best of both worlds. Oh and I never get tired of going to my favorite places out of town because I don’t go to them oen. I am a list maker.

I never go anywhere without one or more lists stuffed in my pockets or the cubbies of my truck.

Traveling was not always easy or even possible. Here is a story I was told by a woman who lived here years ago when the 120 miles to Elko,

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

Nevada for groceries was not as easy as it is today. Expecting company for dinner she planned for a good month for her guests. It was early spring, before anything could be picked from the new garden. A grocery run was needed.

Of course there were parts for farm equipment, bagged sweet feed for the horses and all, but mostly to buy coveted fresh veggies.

Dinner was grilled steak, potatoes and a fine fresh salad. e company lived in “the city” and sadly the fact that the woman had traveled some 250 miles for the lettuce and salad fixings was lost on them. Now this is kinda icky but I can absolutely understand her thinking. e dinner came to an end and the woman cleared the table. is is the crux of living rurally. One of the salads was hardly touched so she—yes she rewashed the green onions, radishes and cherry tomatoes from the salad, put them back in the refrigerator and used them for another meal for her family. Rural living of times past?

Maybe even today.

You do what you can with what you have.

In Diamond Valley, Eureka and all of rural Nevada we still stop to check on people when a car is stopped along the roadside.

We look people in the eye when we talk to each other. We know when the kid’s football, basketball, volleyball, track and all their games are played. Oh and when our kids go off to tournaments in busses excited parents line trucks and cars up on Main Street honking them on to victory. We ask our friends if they need anything picked up if we go out of town. We vote, we attend meetings and nearly all of us have been on some committee for the betterment of the county, the fair, the schools and our community.

Aer winters we are rewarded with amazing summers. You can see and hear a summer rain coming for miles, and the smell—oh the smell is heavenly. Spring can be frustrating because a late freeze can wipe out a garden just as it gets going.

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But it’s evened out with Indian Summers of Fall that shower us with the true beautiful colors of Nevada. Long evenings around campfires under skies so clear you can nearly reach out and grab a handful of stars. Night or day, across my valley or up into the sky I can see forever.

What is happening now you may ask? Well, I am beginning a new exciting adventure, I am embarking on creating, editing and publishing a new community newspaper!

It is called THE EUREKA COUNTY STAR, It will cover Eureka, Diamond Valley, Pine Valley, Crescent Valley and Beowawe. e first edition will be out in June 2023. Oh it’s going to be an amazing Journey, the enchanted rural life is not for everyone, but I am lovin it.

Trina lives in Diamond Valley, North of Eureka. Celebrating 10 years in 520+ stories in 2023 she writes her self syndicated weekly humor/lifestyle column “Is is You?” Her books, ITY BITS, ey Call Me Weener and Life Aer a Death are available in Eureka, on line wherever you buy books or buy signed copies direct from her on her website, www.trinaspinkslippers.com or email her at itybytrina@yahoo.com Really!

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NOT The Loneliest Phone Booth Written by Trina Machacek Since the Life Magazine article came out in July 1986, deeming US Highway 50 between Fallon, Nevada and Baker, Nevada as the loneliest highway in America, there have been those who have climbed on that bandwagon touting of the loneliest town, hamburger, airport, even the loneliest outhouse. But! Yes, a loneliest “but.” In Diamond Valley, Eureka County there was a phone booth on the corner of 7th Street and Highway 101, AKA the valley road that was never lonely. Not by a long shot. Oh and there were several long shots taken from that phone booth at rabbits and squirrels over the years of its life.

In the late 1960’s when Diamond Valley was coming of age and the residents were still miles apart and money was still being scraped together to plant and harvest a crop the need of better communications was becoming a must. Many of the farms had their own CB (Citizen Band) radio towers with units in houses, trucks and equipment. e valley residents communicated with each other that way for years. Most of the valley residents were still driving into town on deeply rutted dirt roads. e roads were so dusty that windshield wipers were oen needed when driving into Eureka in the summer months to use the phones available in town. Eureka was some 10 to 17 or more miles away depending on where your farm was. When Diamond Valley started to grow and more people erected small houses or brought in little trailers to live on their farms, they were still all those miles away from the nearest telephone to get news, call families and bankers. Some residents were lucky to have made friends in town who would take messages on their phones and drive out to the valley to deliver those messages. It was always exciting to see dust coming from town because that meant company and news was coming.

AT&T was still a company and an offshoot of AT&T was Nevada Bell. Nevada Bell was centrally located in Reno, Nevada with satellite offices throughout Nevada. With meetings between new farmers and Nevada Bell employees out of Ely a plan was devised

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Today all that is le on the corner of 7th Street and the valley road, Highway 101, are memories, a tired and dilapidated wooden post. to offer phone service to Diamond Valley. It didn’t happen overnight. It took a few years of planning, mapping out a route from the central office in Eureka to where the first phone would be installed. It was settled near the end of the 1960’s to bring the line out to 7th Street, some 10 miles. e ground was so hard that two small CAT tractors and one IH farm tractor was needed to have enough horsepower to pull the ripper through the ground deep enough to bury the line five feet down. But with hard work and cooperation between a few farmers and Nevada Bell the first phone was set in Diamond Valley and that phone was a pay phone!

Over the next years farmers began to sign up for phone service to their farms. It was expensive as they had to pay so much a mile to get service and then the monthly bill from

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then on included a per mile service fee. e mileage was set from the central office on Main Street in Eureka to where ever the service was provided. In the early years of phone service there were no dial phones.

All calls were picked up and placed by telephone operators located in Ely, Nevada some 80 miles to the East. All the lines in the valley at first were party lines and the stories of party line phone service—Well that’s another story for sure. e Diamond Valley phone booth was such that it got a lot of use over the years.

Not just farmers conducting business and keeping in touch with families and ordering parts. It was a lifeline for many hired men who found themselves out in the middle of nowhere. It became a sort of gathering place.

Especially on paydays when hired farm and

ranch hands would call “home” putting in nickels, dimes and quarters to hear things of home and talk to loved ones. A lot of beer was consumed at the tiny phone booth that would shine like a star at night when the door was closed. You see there was a light in the top of the phone booth that came on when the door was shut. You know the glass of that booth was never shot out and the phone was never vandalized. It was that important to the residents of Diamond Valley. e phone booth over time would be a gathering place to discuss life with other farmers and ranchers of the valley while waiting turns at the phone. As time does though, the phone booth was used less and less. e coin collector from the phone company came fewer and fewer times. e valley grew and soon in the early 1970’s dial phones were installed and the original payphone was replaced by a dial payphone.

In 1975 Nevada Bell went to push button phones in most of its area. But the phones and the phone booth in Diamond Valley remained dial phones. Equipment was upgraded slowly in Eureka and as with all things, when cell phones started to

come on line things changed again. Push button phones came to Eureka and with that in the late 70’s our phone booth had outlived its life and was taken out.

Today all that is le on the corner of 7th Street and the valley road, Highway 101, are memories, a tired and dilapidated wooden post that many leaned on over the years, a green phone connection box and a few exposed old wires. It’s quiet on that spot today. But if you stand there long enough you may just hear the ding of dimes being put in the coin slot to make calls. A dime might still be found with a metal detector. You might also hear the laughter of so many who made much needed connections with loved ones from Diamond Valley to places and people far and wide.

My family was part of Nevada Bell. I was a phone operator in Ely before I was married and moved to Eureka. My brother and father worked for the phone company for over 35 years each. So right time right place put me in the position to obtain the last Diamond Valley phone pictured in this article. e phone booth was at the road that went into our farm on 7th Street. Diamond Valley is full of wonderful history and great people who made it what it is today.

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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D I S C O V E R W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N E U R E K A C O U N T Y

For a full list of events, dates and times be sure to visit www.visiteurekanevada.net

June

Legends of the West Bike and Car Fest Perdiz - FFA Spring Shoot Perdiz - Fathers Day Shoot Eureka Opera House Event

July

EVFD - 4th of July Celebration Perdiz Fun Shoot VFW Annual Softball Tournament Miss Dana’s Arts in the Park

August

Perdiz - Walkabout Eureka County Fair and Rodeo Perdiz - Dove Hunters Warm Up National Night Out 24

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ART, WINE & MUSIC FEST EUREKA RESTORATION’S

Saturday, September 16 | Eureka’s Main Street Dig Deep Run

Dutch Oven Gathering

Treasure Hunt — There’s gold in those hills!

Beer & Wine Walk and More

Reserve Your Ticket on our FB page

Eureka Restoration

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Eureka County Recreation Board

D I S C O V E R W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N I N E U R E K A C O U N T Y

For a full list of events, dates and times be sure to visit www.visiteurekanevada.net

September

Perdiz - Firemen’s Picnic Shoot Eureka Restoration Enterprise - Art, Wine & Music Fest Perdiz - Bird Hunters Challenge Lion’s Club Bingo

October

Eureka Opera House Event Eureka Opera House - Halloween Ball Miss Dana’s Great Eureka Ghost Hunt

November

Eureka Opera House - Veterans Event Eureka Opera House - Holiday Bazaar Perdiz - Thanksgiving Shoot

December

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ECVFD - Fireman’s Ball 26

EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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Eureka Book and Writer’s Club 775-230-2232 Eureka County Fair and Rodeo 775-232-3293 Eureka Opera House 775-237-6006 Eureka Garden Club 775-401-8057 651-470-6165

Eureka Swimming Pool 775-237-5316 Eureka Paint Night 775-443-5597 Lion’s Club 775-443-5597

Perdiz Sport Shooting Range 775-318-0697 Sentinel Museum 775-237-5010 VFW Post 8194 775-293-2815

Eureka Tourist Information 775-230-2232

EUREKA COUNTY EVENTS

NEVada oLd timE FiddLErs coNtEst Preserving a rich musical history with deep roots. Friday nights activities include a “Hot Fiddle” contest, jam session and competition. e event is free to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

LEgENds oF tHE wEst BikE aNd car FEst Car, Motorcycle and Custom Bicycle Show. Cruise night, pin-up contest, car games.

EurEka FirEmaN’s 4tH oF JuLy cELEBratioN Firemen have kindly hosed down the town sparkling fresh, facilities have been put in place, folks are getting ready for the big parade, amazing downtown games and what is an awesome evening fireworks display.

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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EUREKA COUNTY EVENTS

NatioNaL NigHt out Free hot dogs. Meet your local first responders and check out their cars and equipment. Demonstrations, music, food, and fun for the whole family.

JoiN us at tHE EurEka couNty Fair & rodEo Exhibits, Stock Dog Trials, Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, Sheep Riding, Mud Volleyball, Gymkhana, Greased pigs, Team Roping, Vendors, Kid Zone and more.

art, wiNE & music FEst Eureka Restoration Enterprise annual Art, Wine and Music Fundraiser. Stroll historic downtown Eureka while sampling wine and enjoying featured artists and music.

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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Eureka! You found us. Ride, walk, hike, bike and explore the Eureka Recreational Trail System. See maps on avenza.com

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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EUREKA COUNTY BUSINESSES AND RESOURCES Eureka County Board of Commissioners 775-237-7211 www.co.eureka.nv.gov

FuEL / coNVENiENcE Eureka Chevron Station 20 N. Main Street 775-237-5242

Eureka County Courthouse 10 S. Main Street 775-237-5530

EZ Stop 291 Main Street 775-237-5533

Eureka County Landfill / Waste Olcese Waste Services 775-246-2710 888-690-2709

Raines Market & Deli Raines Lightning Fuel Station 900 N. Main Street 775-237-5296

Eureka County Sentinel Museum 10 N. Munroe Street 775-237-5010

Eureka County Medical Clinic 250 S. Main Street 775-237-5642

Eureka Outdoor & Tires 190 Main St. 775-237-5367

Miss Dana’s Historical Ghost Tours 85 N. Main Street 775-230-2232

Economy Drug / Pharmacy 775-237-7700

Suburban Propane 130 Ely Ave 775-289-2901

sPortiNg FaciLitiEs Eureka County Fair Board 775-232-3293

Eureka County Public Works 701 S. Main Street 775-468-0326 775-237-5372

Eureka Supply 300 N. Main Street 775-342-4666

Eureka County Fairgrounds Camping and stalls 775-237-5372

Eureka County School District 660 Mathew Street 775-237-5373

Eureka Tattoo 61 N. Main Street 619-886-9271

Perdiz Sports Shooting Range Windfall Canyon 775-237-7027

Eureka County Television District 775-738-4055

Jackson House Beauty Salon 11 S. Main Street 775-217-5500

Mt Wheeler Power 790 Monroe Street 775-237-5497 Eureka County Extension Great Basin Research Education Center 4H Club 461 S. Main Street 775-237-6134

motELs / VacatioN rENtaLs e Colonnade, Stone Church Lodge e Doll House www.airbnb.com Ruby Hill Motel 380 N. Main Street 775-237-5339

Eureka County Library 80 Munroe Street 775-237-5307

Sure Stay by Best Western 251 N. Main Street 775-237-5247

Eureka Senior Center 20 W. Gold Street 775-237-5597

e Eureka Inn/Sundown Lodge 251 N. Main Street 775-237-5334

sHEriFF aNd FirE Eureka County Sheriff ’s Office 411 N. Main Street Non-Emergency: 775-237-5330 Eureka County Fire Department Main Street Non-emergency: 775-761-7315

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musEums / tours / iNFormatioN Aerlife Antiques and Oddities Shop Underground Tunnel Tours 90 N. Main Street 775-230-1784

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Miss Dana’s Visit Eureka Nevada Shoppe Tourist Information Center 85 N. Main Street 775-230-2232 Eureka County Opera House 31 S. Main Street 775-237-6006

worsHiP Baptist Church 711 11th Street 775-237-5726

Catholic Church 70 N. O’Neill Avenue 775-318-0065 e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 775-237-5535 Eureka Community Church 775-318-1121 Mennonite Church 775-293-2703

EurEka & diamoNd VaLLEy BusiNEss Beauty Counter Skin Care Kristy Miller 775-318-0638

Allison’s Pantry Melissa Fitzwater 435-619-6512 Pampered Chef Mary Jane Hodson 775-318-0132 Rodan+Fields Skin Care Kathy’s High Desert Skin Care Kathy Porter 530-640-1175 4 J Fabrication 171 SR 278 775-340-8394 Silver State Repair LLC 161 SR 278 775-237-5538

PHotograPHEr Alecia Douthit aleciadouthit@gmail.com Dana Lee Fruend Old Fashioned / Studio 775-230-2232

crEscENt VaLLEy Crescent Valley Advisory Board 5045 Tenbo Avenue 775-468-0326 Fannie Komp Senior Center 728 7th Street 775-468-0466

crEscENt VaLLEy sHEriFF Sub Station: 775-468-0589 Justice Court: 775-237-5540 Crescent Valley Medical Center 5043 Tenabo Avenue 775-468-0250 Crescent Valley Library Town Center, Suite 103 5045 Tenabo Avenue 775-468-0250 e Bunkhouse Bar Restaurant 3089 Crescent Avenue 775-455-2634

Etsy Store Natural Soaps & Baked Goods Kerri Peachy 775-388-7868

Sam’s Corner Store 3093 Crescent Avenue 775-468-1162

Avon Robin Blanco 775-340-0634

Cortez General Store 3042 Crescent Avenue 775-468-3575

The power of human connections®

Mt. Wheeler Power Welcomes You to Eureka!

We are the Power Cooperative providing its members with safe, reliable and affordable power solutions for over 50 years.

We are proud supporters of our communities and hope you enjoy your time in our beautiful part of Nevada.

Main Office: 1600 Great Basin Blvd., Ely, Nevada 89301 | 775-289-8981

Eureka Office: 790 S Monroe St | 775-289-8981 | mwpower.net

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50 UNITS 20/30/50 AMP LAUNDRY SHOWERS 1105 SOUTH MAIN, EUREKA NEVADA 89316 | RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY: 775-318-0392

EUREKA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

a rich sense of tradition

Eureka is located on Highway 50 in central Nevada in the county of Eureka.

It provides fresh high desert air and stunning mountain views. e Eureka County School District Board, teachers, administrators and staff believe that every student can learn and achieve.

Our goals are to provide rigorous instruction, guidance, and assistance

toward acquiring skills in academic, occupational, and social areas. We feel these skills are essential for choosing success and making positive contributions to society.

Eureka County Schools offer a variety of classes, extra-curricular activities, and community sponsored events for students. Our student population is around 290 students K-12, which provides small class sizes for rich, hands-on instruction.

Eureka County School District sponsors a strong athletic program, FFA Club, Rodeo Club, and Performing Arts, to name a few.

Ely Family Q U I C K

Eureka County High School, 1 Vandal Way, Eureka

Eureka Vandal Athletic Center. A new 42,000 SF facility, gymnasium and recreation.

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BRISTLECON

C A R E

PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY CARE

Thrive Wellness

Your Place for Care Offering Health Services for Children and Adults

IV HYDRATION VITAMIN THERAPY & BOTOX

®

For appointment: 775-289-0089 | 1200 Avenue E, Ely Nevada

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Art Bank

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775-289-3753 34

807 East Aultman Street, Ely EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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Find out what’s happening in White Pine County, check out our Community Calendar

WHITE PINE COUNTY’S LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER

THE

Need new tires or A/C? Or are you looking for a friendly auto mechanic to answer all of your questions, honestly.

We can help.

Bristlecone Tribune

ELY RENAISSANCE SOCIETY

Combining History with Art

Local artwork, pain ngs photography & more!

Downtown Ely | 399 E. Aultman Street

Renaissance

THE

With a rich sense of tradition, we take pride in being one of the top ranked school districts in Nevada. With high student achievement and exceptional opportunities for students, our employees are committed to making a difference in children’s lives.

VILLAGE Art / Wine Walk Historic Homes

General Store & Gi Shop Open May-September | 400 Aultman St.

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100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE.

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CONEX & CONTAINERS 20 & 40 foot

1‐Trip / New! Delivery included

EUREKA MINING

Rich history in mining Eureka was discovered in September of 1864 by silver prospectors, WR Tannehill, GT Tannehill, JW Smith and Moses Wilson from nearby Austin. ey were not disappointed as they found rock containing a silver-lead ore in New York Canyon, near the present site of Eureka.

In the 1880s 50 mines produced gold, silver, lead and zinc for the 17 smelters that had processed up to 700 tons per day.

Eureka, Nevada was the nation's first important silverlead district, and was Nevada's second richest mineral producer during the 1800s.

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EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

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Ruby Hill Mine

Eureka Consolidated smelter 1880

Richmond Consolidated Mine

Mining companies in Eureka County: From 1864 to present day, Eureka, Nevada still has active mining. Companies continue to explore and process gold, silver, vanadium, and other precious minerals. ese mining companies not only contribute greatly to Eureka’s economy, they generously donate to our community organizations and events.

Calibre Mining Corp Cortez Gulsill I-80 Gold Corp Kinross McEwen Mining Nevada Gold Mining Nevada Vanadium

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37

OUT & ABOUT

Serving Breakfast & Lunch

Food,

Fresh Pastries Sandwiches & Slaws Specialty Coffee & Teas

g n i n i D Fun &

Monday to Saturday 6 am - 3 pm | 775-237-5715 | 51 E Clark St, Eureka, NV

EUREKA

Saloon & Roadhouse Dinner Specials

We hope you enjoy visiting and sampling

WEDNESDAY: CARNEA ASADA SATURDAY: PRIME RIB

our eclectic dining establishments.

Daily Chicken Fried Steak

It’s no secret that food brings people together.

MULTI-DENOM SLOTS

61 N Main St, Eureka NV | In-House Catering 775-237-5280

From festivals to local restaurants,

Steak House

Eureka offers something tasty

Clementine’s

for every pallet.

Breakfast Buffet Ranch & Homestyle Cooking Salad & Baked Potato Bar Homemade Bread, Pastries & Desserts CATERING AVAILABLE OPEN 6 AM TO 9 PM | 501 S. MAIN ST., EUREKA | 775-237-5135

Still Serving Fresh, Hot Food

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775-237-5533 291 Main St, Eureka, NV EUREKA VISITOR’S GUIDE

We have burritos, burgers, chicken tenders, fresh sandwiches, snacks and more!

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Ask About Meal Deliveries!

Join us for Events

Best Outdoor Recreation in the State!

Not Just Elevated, Ely-Vated @VisitElyNevada

Rich History

Arts & Culture Find out more, visit us online: ElyNevada.net

Located in the heart of Historic Eureka

Sundown Lodge Motel and Eureka Inn Vacation Rental

NEW ROOMS COMING SOON!

Welcome to Sundown Lodge Motel and Eureka Inn Vacation Rental, “Your home away from home.”

We aim to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible — which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. We offer free Wi-Fi and parking to all guests. Room comforts include A/C, microwave, mini fridge and in-room coffee supplies.

Our Eureka Inn Rental was featured on the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures.

FREE Wi-Fi KITCHENETTES LAUNDRY AVAILABLE

Enjoy Your Stay!

60 N. Main Street | 775-237-5334 | sundownlodgemotel.com