Donation to benefit prison preservation group

Recognizing the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society’s efforts to protect and restore the Nevada State Prison, a historic Nevada cultural and architectural treasure, the Leisure Hour Club of Carson City recently presented the group with a $500 donation in support of its efforts.

The Nevada State Prison Preservation Society (NSPPS) is a nonprofit Nevada corporation established to preserve and maintain the decommissioned Nevada State Prison for the education of present and future generations as to the history and use of the prison.

The Nevada State Prison operated in Carson City from 1862 until May 18, 2012. It was one of the oldest prisons still operating in the United States and was the only prison to legally include an inmate casino and sports book.

The high security facility was designed to hold 841 inmates.

In the early 20th century, the prison became the sole designated facility for executions by the state of Nevada. It carried out the first death sentence by gas chamber in the United States on Feb. 8, 1924.

During the May Leisure Hour Club dinner/meeting, Society President Glen Whorton shared his insights on the prison’s history and some of its more notorious residents. He also provided club members with updates on the status of the facility as a historic sight, tourist destination, and a classic image of old Nevada.