Chautauqua presentation Saturday at Dangberg Home Ranch

Staff Reports

Award-winning Nevada school teacher Janet Bremer gives a Chautauqua presentation of Comstock socialite Marie Louise Mackay at a free event, 10 a.m. Saturday, at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park.

Mackay was married to John Mackay, one of the four Silver Kings of the Comstock. His mining success made fine living and world travel possible, and Mrs. Mackay became a wealthy socialite who lived in Virginia City, San Francisco, Paris and London. The Mackay family endowed the University of Nevada's School of Mines in 1908.

Henderson resident Bremer is a retired educator who was named Nevada Social Studies Teacher of the Year and Mining Teacher of the Year. She helped create the "McCaw School of Mines" at Henderson Elementary School and remains involved as a school volunteer. She is a board member of the Clark County Museum Guild. She has been researching the life of Marie Louise Mackay since 1994.

The free outdoor program is part of a speaker series offered by Nevada State Parks at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. Chairs and shade shelters are provided. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs and drinking water. No pets.

The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is on the site settled by Carson Valley pioneer Heinrich F. Dangberg Sr. and features buildings constructed 1857-1920, including what was once one of the most prominent homes in Carson Valley.

The park is at 1450 Highway 88, a half mile south of the Carson Valley Swim Center. Information and maps at parks.nv.gov/hr.htm or 783-9417.