Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Visiting Twain

There are many museums in Virginia City, but the one the drew my attention was the Mark Twain Museum (go figure). Some of what I saw.

The side of the Territorial Enterprise. This is where Samuel Clements started his writing career and first used the pen mane Mark Twain.

In case you didn't believe me.

About the museum.

The desk and chair he used.

Probably should of had a smaller picture for his desk.

This is the basement museum of the Territorial Enterprise. Most of the equipment was here during Mark Twain's time. 

The main press.

The cases that held the type which was selected by the person composing the page. All original.

Another press.

And another one.

Notice the shaft across the ceiling, belts were attached to the various wheels to power the presses.

Not sure why this was here, it really didn't fit.

This was the first switchboard installed in Nevada.

The printing was all done in the basement. The upper floors housed the editorial staff and the business office. The basement was a real step back in time.

I have decide that my departure date will be next Monday as I start heading for the Grand Canyon. I have a couple of stops to make on the way to ensure that I continue to enjoy the good life.

18 comments:

  1. I did not know that Mark Twain started his writing career in NV. Jim would love that place cause he is fascinated by printing presses and stuff.

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    1. See, you've learned something today. The day's a success.

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  2. Back in those days, you had to be really dedicated to be a regular blogger, I think. Digital is certainly much more convenient and also much less time consuming...allowing more time to watch important things in life, like ball games!

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    1. Just think how busy yesterdays bloggers would be delivering their words of wisdom to their readers all over the country, probably take the best part of a day.

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  3. I've been to Virginia several times. How did I miss that Mark Twain started his writing career there? I was probably sticking my head into the bar that has women's bras hanging from it to take a picture. LOL

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    1. With all that goes on around there it would be easy to get distracted.

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  4. I am with Sandie...Nevada...Mark Twain.

    I would love this museum. When I taught high school, for several years I taught a class called Business Machines. One of the machines the students learned is called the offset press. They actually did all the duplicating for the entire district. They would complain about how long it would take to set up the machine. I would love for them to see those presses. They might appreciate the speed of our press.

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    1. I'll bet the kids would really get a kick out of watching a newspaper being hand set with slugs of type. reading backwards and upside down is an art.

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  5. Learning interesting history like that is a great way of Enjoying the Good Life. Be Safe!

    It's about time.

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  6. The Mark Twain museum would definitely draw our attention too.

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    Replies
    1. It was like they closed up the basement a hundred years ago and then let us back in.

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  7. Replies
    1. Growing up next to his boyhood home in Hannibal, I guess some of it rubbed off.

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  8. Great pictures and blog. How did I miss this when I was in Virginia City? Must go back...

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  9. I put the museum on my bucket list. Pretty soon I will have to change to a swimming pool list with all the stuff I need to see and do.
    Very interesting place.

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    Replies
    1. Once you get you new RV you'll have plenty of places to go.

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