Bliss Mansion anniversary event invokes nostalgia

Joyce Harrington, co-owner of the Bliss Mansion, said she honors the original owners of the home, and the contented spirits who may or may not roam the halls, by keeping it open to the public.

The Bliss Mansion's 125th anniversary celebration Sunday will honor the days of 1879 with games, food and dress from 1-5 p.m.

"I just wanted to share it with the community on the same level it might have been in 1879," Harrington said about the mansion's anniversary.

She took out a copy of an old newspaper clipping, which recorded a society event at the mansion in the 19th century. The report praised the event for its glamour and sophisticated guests.

Harrington and co-owner Ron Smith would like to keep that feel.

She expects about 500 people to visit the bed-and-breakfast at 608 Elizabeth St. The kids will have Victorian games to play, such as rolling hoops and Jacob's ladders.

Harrington said she loves the history of the mansion.

"You can't live here and not get involved in it," she said.

But the history is so rich and long that Harrington feels like she can't just call it her own.

"What the phenomenal part is, we're the caretakers here," Harrington said. "It feels like you can't really ever own it."

Restaurants catering the event include Adele's, Comma Coffee and Garibaldi's Ristorante Italiano.

The Millennium Bugs, a five-piece jazz combo from the Mile High Jazz Band, will play from 1-4 p.m. in the mansion's back yard. A duo will play on the veranda.

Admission is free and includes a tour of the mansion. Stagecoach and covered wagon rides are also free. The event is also sponsored by the Carson City Redevelopment Authority.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

What: Bliss Mansion 125th anniversary celebration and open house

When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday

Where: 608 Elizabeth St., across from the Governor's Mansion

Attractions: Live music, mansion tours, stagecoach and wagon rides, free food and desserts, Victorian games and garb.