140 Years Ago
Siamese twins: Chang and Eng Banker were born in Siam in 1811. They lived in North Carolina where they had been residents for some 20 years. Chang’s name was derived from the Siamese word “left,” and Eng’s name signified “right.” They had difference dispositions and tastes. Sickness of one had no effect upon the other. Chang drank heavily, but Eng never felt any influence of alcohol ... a seemingly conclusive proof that there was no free interchange in their circulations.
130 Years Ago
All sorts: There was a squabble last evening near the Mint between two Washoe Indians — one was badly cut. Jacob Buchler, a Sutro blacksmith, committed suicide by jumping off the Sutro Bridge. A search is ongoing for the body of the Canadian who was lost in the Ophir snow slide ...
120 Years Ago
Gamblers had a fight near the Appeal office. In the tussle, $250 in gold rolled out on the sidewalk. The compositors got most of it and were credited on their wages account. The fight started over an article in the paper.
70 Years Ago
Gasoline: Price Administrator Bowles cut “A” gasoline ration in all states west of the Allegheny mountains from three to two gallons per week. He reduced permissible “B” mileage in five western states — including Nevada — from 460 to 400 miles per month.
50 Years Ago
Photo caption: Naming of Cathy Richards, Carson City, as International Queen highlighted an assembly that began International Days at Utah State University. Miss Richards is a freshman majoring in anthropology.
30 Years Ago
Blaze: Hundreds were evacuated from the Continental Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as smoke spread upward through the second and third floors. No one was injured.
Sue Ballew is the daughter of Bill Dolan, who wrote this column for the Nevada Appeal from 1947 until his death in 2006.
