Saturday speakers tackle Twain at Dangberg Home Ranch

Back-to-back Saturday speakers at the Dangberg Historic Home Ranch will be revisiting both legend and history surrounding Mark Twain in the Sierra.

At 10 a.m. today, historian Bob Stewart will be sharing "The Back Stories of Mark Twain's Friends.”

The following Saturday, historian Dr. Mike Fischer will be talking about the veracity surrounding a famous stagecoach ride included in “Roughing It” involving New York Editor Horace Greeley.

Greeley and Sam Clemens only met once when the author said he mistakenly encroached on the editor’s inner sanctum at the New York Tribune in 1871.

"Well, what in hell do you want!" Greeley exclaimed

"I was looking for a gentlem____" Twain answered.

"Don't keep them in stock — clear out!" Greeley responded.

Fischer will present “Fact or Fiction? America’s Most Famous Stagecoach Ride Ever and the Deep Involvement of 1850s Douglas County” 10 a.m. Aug. 3.

Fischer will explore the mysteries and myths surrounding an event that some say occurred, and some say did not, in 1859. Questions have been raised as to if it was a figment of Mark Twain’s imagination, if it was a mail coach or a Concord Stagecoach, and why was the editor of the New York Tribune, the newspaper with the largest circulation in America in July 1859, doing in the middle of the Nevada desert. All questions will be put to rest as Fischer discloses the real story during his presentation.

Fischer was appointed Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs by Gov. Jim Gibbons in January 2007 and served in the Sandoval Administration until Cultural Affairs was merged with Tourism. Prior to that, he practiced dentistry in Gardnerville for 31 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, class of 1971 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California, class of 1975.

This event is free for all to attend.

"Once again, a great opportunity for our audience members to learn some little-known history from a very dedicated Nevada historian," said Kim Harris, the park's events manager.

Please bring your own seating and no pets allowed – certified service animals only. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy as no food or beverages will be sold at these events. All events are held outdoors. For more information on these events, or on visiting Dangberg Historic Park, visit Dangberg.org.