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.

My header

I changed the header picture the other day and felt maybe an explanation is in order or at least an little information about what your seeing. The header picture is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal Missouri. Three blocks from here is where my boyhood home stood (although it has not been recognized with a plaque...yet). Like many who take their familiar surroundings for granted I took no particular interest in this building even though I passed it at least twice a day during the summer on the way to my job at the boat harbor.

As of matter of fact, my only association with the home was as a place to drop off visiting relatives to get rid of them for an afternoon. The first inkling that this Mark Twain guy might be someone of note came when I was sitting at a Greek sidewalk cafe in Athens with some of my shipmates when a Greek gentleman stepped to the table and asked us where in the States each of us was from. When I related to him I was from Hannibal Missouri I was very surprised he had even heard of the town and was even more surprised when he proceeded to tell me more about this Mark Twain fellow than I was aware of. Needless to say I felt a little ashamed and the next time I returned home I made it a point to begin to broaden my knowledge. 

I was amazed to find that someone as famous as Norman Rockwell had spent time in Hannibal painting covers for the Saturday Evening Post illustrating Mark Twain's books and 15 of those original works of art are on display at the Museum. Not to mention all the other exhibits pertaining to his life and works, including first editions and original manuscripts. A Museum worth spending some time in if you are ever in Hannibal.

Here's a sample of Mr. Rockwell's work.

This began my interest in history which continues to this day and that I pursue while I'm busy enjoying the good life.