TONOPAH, Nev. (Sept. 18, 2008) – The former home of Nevada’s famed divorce-granting judge, George A. Bartlett, becomes a construction site Oct. 9, 2008 as work begins on an 18-month project to restore it to its original glory. Gutted for architectural salvage by past owners, the renovation of the Bartlett House, located on Brougher Ave. between McQuillan and Stewart Street in Tonopah, Nev., will restore the craftsman-style mansion to as closely as possible resemble the original condition. Once complete, plans include opening the house for use as a bed and breakfast and using common areas for community gatherings and events.
The Bartlett House, inducted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, was the home of Judge Bartlett before he was elected a U.S. Congressman for the state of Nevada in 1907. After returning from Washington D.C., Bartlett became a District Attorney and District Court Judge in Washoe County, Nev., where he presided over more than 20,000 divorce cases during Reno’s boom in the 1920s and 30s. The home has changed ownership several times and is now in the hands of Tonopah resident Michael Burnaroos who purchased the property and is spearheading the renovation.
“This project has the support of the entire community behind it and local enthusiasm continues to grow,” said Denise Nelson, chairman of the Tonopah Chamber of Commerce. “Tonopah is called the ‘Queen of the Silver Camps,’ and the restoration of the Bartlett House puts another jewel in our crown. We are thrilled to kick off the project and once complete we anticipate that it will draw visitors to Tonopah and help renew the community’s enthusiasm for growth.”
Burnaroos, a retired construction worker, learned his trade from Norwegian craftsmen and will complete much of the work himself while staying on property. Using existing photographs, Burnaroos’ goal is to rebuild the house and maintain its historical integrity. The home’s massive stone-work, wood beams and shingle siding are well-documented in exterior images of the structure and will remain. However re-creation of the interior structure proves his challenge. Few images are currently available of the home’s interior, except those of its unique twin staircase, and Burnaroos is searching for anyone that may have old photos from the house’s heyday in the early 1900s.
For more information on Tonopah, Nev., visit the Tonopah Chamber of Commerce at http://www.tonopahchamberofcommerce.com/ or call 775-482-3859.
Oct. 8
8 – 10 p.m. Stargazing reception at Tonopah Historic Mining Park
The darkest skies in the United States look down on Tonopah making it the best stargazing location in the country, according to USA Today.
Oct. 9
9 – 10:45 a.m. Tonopah Historic Mining Park Tour
Tonopah’s Historic Mining Park collects, restores and displays mining artifacts on-site and in the park’s original buildings. Located atop the original mining claim that started the town’s silver rush, the mining park offers self-guided walking tours and the chance to go underground and explore the over 100 acres of claims that put Tonopah on the map as “Queen of the Silver Camps.”
11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Bartlett House Construction Tour and Event
Take a “hard hat” tour of The Bartlett House, led by owner Michael Burnaroos, and see firsthand the current state of the house and planned renovations.
1 – 4 p.m. Otteson’s Mine Tour, World Famous Turquoise Mine
A staple of the town since 1961, mine tours offer the chance to dig in mine tailings for turquoise, which the owners will then set into sterling silver and gold jewelry for the fortunate collector.
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