Teri Vance: Ornaments depict Carson City’s historical places

Lovers of Nevada and its capital city have a couple of ways to pay homage during the Christmas season.

The 14th annual Carson City ornament, the Nevada State Prison, is on sale now at the Carson City Visitors Bureau and other downtown shops. “Not only is it a good way to commemorate the history of Carson City, it’s also a cool-looking ornament,” said James Salanoa, store manager at the Carson City Visitors Bureau. “And it’s affordable. It’s only $15.”

The Legislative gift shop is selling a special Christmas tree ornament designed just for Nevadans.

The keepsake ornament is in the shape of a three-sided pyramid and depicts buildings on the Capitol Mall that represent the three branches of state government — the Capitol, the Legislative Building and the Supreme Court. On the bottom of the three-inch tall ornament is the Great Seal of the State of Nevada.

Gift shop manager Kaci Capurro said the ornament is made of etched-brass with a silver-tone finish and splashes of color.

“It was totally made in the U.S. and is only available at the Legislative Gift Shop,” she said. “The price is $19.95.”

The Downtown Redevelopment Citizens Committee began the Carson City ornament tradition in 2002 as a way to highlight unique historic and unique buildings.

This year’s silver ornament depicts the Nevada State Prison, which operated from 1862-2012 and was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Past years’ ornaments have been the Central School, Laxalt Building, Nevada State Mint, St. Peter’s Church, Bliss Mansion, Capitol, St. Teresa of Avila Church, Governor’s Mansion, St. Charles Hotel, V&T Depot, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church and the Civic Auditorium, now the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada.

Salanoa said for many people collecting the ornaments is part of their Christmas tradition.

“People come in here to buy the latest one because they have the whole set,” he said. “And if they don’t, we have all of the past ones so they can create a set.”

The ornament can also be purchased at the Purple Avocado, 904 N. Curry St.; Carson City Chamber Artisan Shop, 1900 S. Carson St.; Nevada Legislature Gift Shop, 401 N Carson St.; the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.; and from the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society from Cheryl Knight at 297-3242.