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Last Seen:
3700 N. Carson Street - Carson City
This marker is currently missing
City
Carson City
Region
Reno-Tahoe
Signed
No signs exist for this marker
MISSING
This marker has been missing since 2003.
Exact Description
The first air flight in Nevada took place on the
old Raycraft Ranch immediately to the west. The flight was of national interest not only because an air journey had never before been made at such an altitude (4,675 feet), but also because Ivy Baldwin, a nationally known parachutist and balloonist, would make the flight.
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This was a trial flight, as stipulated by the Sagebrush Carnival Committee of Carson City. It was followed by exhibition flights on July 3, 4 and 5 at the Carson City racetrack.
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Baldwin made the flight in a 48-horsepower Curtis Paulham biplane, reaching a height of 50 feet and covering one-half mile before returning to the starting point.
Street View
Case number 179
Missing Since: 2003
Whereabouts
According the State Marker System:
"Located along U.S. 395, three miles north of Carson City."
The story of #179 is an odd and depressing one. This particular marker is so far gone that us hunters believe it'll never be shown the light of day again. Of all the MIAs, this is one of the oldest in the system and strangely nobody knows what's happened to it - despite it have been missing for more than a decade!
The disappearance of this marker is likely due to the (now defunct) construction that's taken place in the area since 2000. Both the Nevada Department of Transportation and the SHPO have been informed about this marker, but nothing has been done to replace it, even after such an extended period of time.
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These are the updates and my findings regarding FIRST AIR FLIGHT IN NEVADA:
November 2010
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I was recently contacted by Carson City local Carol Hohn, who asked specifically about this marker. It turns out that the Hohn family have been pushing to replace it ever since its disappearance many years ago alas ... with many failed attempts. To my surprise, on October 26, 2010, the Nevada Appeal ran an article about this marker and its relation to the Hohn Family. The Appeal had interviewed Carol Hohn - the daughter of the woman who pushed to have the marker erected in the late 1980s! [179] stands as a testament not only to Nevada's first air flight, but also to the hard work her mother put forth to get the marker installed in the first place.
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Carol also recalled bluntly that [179] used to stand alongside N. Carson Street, but fell victim to the bulldozer when plans commenced the building of a K-Mart near the present Glen Eagles Restaurant. After the plans for the store were scrapped, the marker was never replaced, and instead "lied on its back for weeks and weeks in the empty field." If so, why didn't anybody pick it up?
December 2010
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Just after the Hohn article ran, the Nevada Appeal ran another article titled, "Three MIAs were found in Carson City." This article, posted December 29, 2010, revealed the whereabouts of three MIAs that've been missing for the past decade. Needless to say, the debut of this article has sparked some commotion around Carson City. Like myself, many area locals are ecstatic that these MIA's have been found, after a long decade's worth of wasted time and frustration! You can imagine my surprise when I received a batch of photos by avid marker hunter, Dave Morris. Before the markers were carted away to a "safe location" on December 28, 2010, he obtained these rare images for us to see. I, and every other marker hunter, thank you for these shots, Dave!
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Until this marker is back in action, the only shots we'll ever get of [179] can be seen below. Notice the MINT condition of this plaque! Dave found these markers covered in snow and road grime. A rat had made its nest underneath [181] Washo Indians, another long-lost state MIA. Our historic markers deserve better than this ...
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These contractors (likely hired by NDOT) were ordered to cart away our three MIAs to an undisclosed location for repairs. The good news is that both the plaques and marker bodies are in excellent condition, saving the SHPO an estimated $1,100 each in replacement costs!
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State sub-contractors are too at the mercy of funding and manpower. Until I see this marker placed on N. Carson Street, [179] will unfortunately remain under MIA status. Us marker hunters may be able to sleep a little better, though, knowing that this fine symbol promoting Nevada's First Air Flight, was found and is now in safe hands.Now, is it only a matter of time before [179] and his brethren are back in action? Only time will tell.
This is the only photo we have of #179. This photo was sent to me by Dave Morris in 2010. He managed to shoot off a few images right as contractors from NDOT were loading it onto a truck.
This is the only photo we have of #179. This photo was sent to me by Dave Morris in 2010. He managed to shoot off a few images right as contractors from NDOT were loading it onto a truck.
There are a few possible strategies we've analyzed to replace this marker to prevent further mishaps (red tape) in the future. Considering the growth of western Nevada, the point is clear: get it off of Carson Street!
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Considering this landmark is about the air flight, it's only logical to place it at the airport. Placing the marker here would give it huge protection due to the airport's naturally tight security, thus further preventing removal and/or sabotage to the marker. The logical option is placing at the entrance to the terminal inside the compound. However, this would limit it's viewing hours.
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2. Intersection of Lompa Lane & College Parkway
This is a close location to the airport that although doesn't guarantee its security, is close enough to represent the flight. This intersection is easily accessible to the public and eliminates the mandatory operating hours of the airport. Furthermore, if you placed it facing east, visitors can view the mountains and Raycroft Ranch.
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Our personal recommendation!
Like the airport, security is tight here and would further grant the marker the protection it needs from future perps. Best of all, Western Nevada College is the actual site where the flight took place. The site of the Raycroft Ranch is now the campus of WNC. The GPS link above places the marker at the Jack Davis Observatory on the NW side of the campus with a lovely view of the mountains, and as close an approximation to the old Raycroft Ranch. You could also place the marker at the edge of the student parking lot.
If you have any information regarding [179] - FIRST AIR FLIGHT IN NEVADA we ask that you please contact me or the State Historic Preservation Office at
(775)684-3448 as soon as possible.
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Let's get this marker back to the people and/or the justice it deserves!
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3.9 miles
Next Stop:
Carson City
Total Mileage to The Warm Springs Hotel
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