Save The Winnemucca Hotel
Donation protected
I represent a group of local citizens who are attempting to intervene on behalf of an historic landmark: The Winnemucca Hotel, fondly known as The Winnemucca.
The Winnemucca Hotel was closed several years ago after the death of its owner and is now for sale. There is an interested buyer, but his stated intention is to demolish the building and build something else in its place.
After local government decided not to intervene, we have decided to act ourselves. We would like to purchase the building – on behalf of the community – and restore it to its former elegance. However, the first step in saving the building from demolition is to obtain it.
HISTORY:
The first section of the Winnemucca Hotel was built in 1863 by the Lay Brothers. At the time, Winnemucca was known as French Ford due to the fact the original settlers who operated the crossing of the Humboldt River were French. Only later was the town renamed “Winnemucca” – along with the hotel.
The hotel was constructed in four sections over a period of 52 years. It is the oldest building in Winnemucca, with two stories, 38 rooms, a large apartment, and property.
It operated as a boarding house and Basque restaurant until its closure. Meals were served family style and those who sat at the tables of the Winnemucca Hotel made many friends over the wonderful cuisine, a glass of wine, or the hotel’s famous Basque Picon Punch.
Over the years, the Winnemucca Hotel was operated successfully by quite a few local families. The last to own the Winnemucca Hotel were the Alano’s. Mike Alano Sr. purchased the Winnemucca in 1963 with his friend Claudios Aguirre and they ran it together until 1971 when Cladios sold his half to Mike and went home to the Old Country.
Mike Alano was quite the local character. Many people would stop by – those passing through and locals – to drink a Picon Punch and enjoy one of Mike’s songs or wonderful stories.
When Mike Alano Sr. passed away, the Winnemucca was handed down to Mike Jr. and the tradition of gathering for a meal and entertainment continued.
Although The Winnemucca remained a favorite gathering place, it’s age and wear was taking a toll on the wonderful old building. Unfortunately, before Mike Jr could begin the much needed repairs and restoration, he also passed away.
Alano’s heirs, who were distant relatives living elsewhere, opted to sell the Winnemucca Hotel.
HISTORICAL TIES:
I became involved in the effort to intervene on behalf of the hotel early on due to my family’s ties to the beautiful building, which is near and dear to my heart.
My Great, Great, Grandfather traveled from France to start a new life in America. He arrived here in 1891 and the Winnemucca Hotel was briefly his home until he was able to find work and a place of his own.
My family has always been connected to the Winnemucca Hotel. I have many fond memories with my grandparents and parents, extended family and friends, eating, drinking, and having great food and fun.
These memories of good times prompted me to want to help save the Winnemucca Hotel from being demolished.
A CALL TO ACTION:
Unfortunately, there are many people here in Winnemucca who do not appreciate the appeal of the old building and would not care if it was demolished. Ours is not the first attempt to intervene on behalf of this building.
When some people look at The Winnemucca, they do not see 150 years of history. They see an opportunity for development. When members of local government looked at the building, they saw an expense they didn’t want to pay.
Although we understand buying and restoring old buildings is costly and time consuming, we see it as an opportunity in invest in our history. Not just Winnemucca’s history, but Basque history, and ranch history, etc. The Winnemucca is a representation of so much that is rural Nevada.
TIME:
The reason we are reaching out to the larger communities – the Basque Community and historical societies – is because we feel time is of the essence and those who are attempting to intervene for the Winnemucca Hotel are on the losing side.
Already, the beautiful Brunswick bar that graced the building for 100 years, which sailed around the horn to the west, and was packed from California to Nevada in a wagon, has been sold to an antiques dealer and moved out of state.
Now, there is someone who wants to purchase The Winnemucca for demolition in order to develop the property.
There seems to be a misconception the building cannot be demolished because it is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is not only inaccurate, but it is said by people who do not know their local history.
Twenty years ago there was debate about the preservation of another local historical building, the Nixon Opera House. There were people who were strongly against using money to preserve the beautiful, old building. One night, someone ended the debate by setting fire to Nixon Opera House, which burned to the ground and was lost.
THE WINNEMUCCA COMMITTEE:
I am implementing a plan to intervene on behalf of the Winnemucca Hotel. The initial step is the creation of a committee of interested people who are willing to work to save the Hotel.
A fund raising account will be opened in its name for the donations. I will also be looking into government agencies that specialize in helping with this sort of project with the hope of stalling any plan to tear this building down.
I would also like to apply for grants to help restore and preserve the building. I will keep everyone updated on our progress and continue from there. Help anyway you can. I would appreciate it as many others would as well.
Jacy Jackson
Winnemucca, Nevada
The Winnemucca Hotel was closed several years ago after the death of its owner and is now for sale. There is an interested buyer, but his stated intention is to demolish the building and build something else in its place.
After local government decided not to intervene, we have decided to act ourselves. We would like to purchase the building – on behalf of the community – and restore it to its former elegance. However, the first step in saving the building from demolition is to obtain it.
HISTORY:
The first section of the Winnemucca Hotel was built in 1863 by the Lay Brothers. At the time, Winnemucca was known as French Ford due to the fact the original settlers who operated the crossing of the Humboldt River were French. Only later was the town renamed “Winnemucca” – along with the hotel.
The hotel was constructed in four sections over a period of 52 years. It is the oldest building in Winnemucca, with two stories, 38 rooms, a large apartment, and property.
It operated as a boarding house and Basque restaurant until its closure. Meals were served family style and those who sat at the tables of the Winnemucca Hotel made many friends over the wonderful cuisine, a glass of wine, or the hotel’s famous Basque Picon Punch.
Over the years, the Winnemucca Hotel was operated successfully by quite a few local families. The last to own the Winnemucca Hotel were the Alano’s. Mike Alano Sr. purchased the Winnemucca in 1963 with his friend Claudios Aguirre and they ran it together until 1971 when Cladios sold his half to Mike and went home to the Old Country.
Mike Alano was quite the local character. Many people would stop by – those passing through and locals – to drink a Picon Punch and enjoy one of Mike’s songs or wonderful stories.
When Mike Alano Sr. passed away, the Winnemucca was handed down to Mike Jr. and the tradition of gathering for a meal and entertainment continued.
Although The Winnemucca remained a favorite gathering place, it’s age and wear was taking a toll on the wonderful old building. Unfortunately, before Mike Jr could begin the much needed repairs and restoration, he also passed away.
Alano’s heirs, who were distant relatives living elsewhere, opted to sell the Winnemucca Hotel.
HISTORICAL TIES:
I became involved in the effort to intervene on behalf of the hotel early on due to my family’s ties to the beautiful building, which is near and dear to my heart.
My Great, Great, Grandfather traveled from France to start a new life in America. He arrived here in 1891 and the Winnemucca Hotel was briefly his home until he was able to find work and a place of his own.
My family has always been connected to the Winnemucca Hotel. I have many fond memories with my grandparents and parents, extended family and friends, eating, drinking, and having great food and fun.
These memories of good times prompted me to want to help save the Winnemucca Hotel from being demolished.
A CALL TO ACTION:
Unfortunately, there are many people here in Winnemucca who do not appreciate the appeal of the old building and would not care if it was demolished. Ours is not the first attempt to intervene on behalf of this building.
When some people look at The Winnemucca, they do not see 150 years of history. They see an opportunity for development. When members of local government looked at the building, they saw an expense they didn’t want to pay.
Although we understand buying and restoring old buildings is costly and time consuming, we see it as an opportunity in invest in our history. Not just Winnemucca’s history, but Basque history, and ranch history, etc. The Winnemucca is a representation of so much that is rural Nevada.
TIME:
The reason we are reaching out to the larger communities – the Basque Community and historical societies – is because we feel time is of the essence and those who are attempting to intervene for the Winnemucca Hotel are on the losing side.
Already, the beautiful Brunswick bar that graced the building for 100 years, which sailed around the horn to the west, and was packed from California to Nevada in a wagon, has been sold to an antiques dealer and moved out of state.
Now, there is someone who wants to purchase The Winnemucca for demolition in order to develop the property.
There seems to be a misconception the building cannot be demolished because it is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is not only inaccurate, but it is said by people who do not know their local history.
Twenty years ago there was debate about the preservation of another local historical building, the Nixon Opera House. There were people who were strongly against using money to preserve the beautiful, old building. One night, someone ended the debate by setting fire to Nixon Opera House, which burned to the ground and was lost.
THE WINNEMUCCA COMMITTEE:
I am implementing a plan to intervene on behalf of the Winnemucca Hotel. The initial step is the creation of a committee of interested people who are willing to work to save the Hotel.
A fund raising account will be opened in its name for the donations. I will also be looking into government agencies that specialize in helping with this sort of project with the hope of stalling any plan to tear this building down.
I would also like to apply for grants to help restore and preserve the building. I will keep everyone updated on our progress and continue from there. Help anyway you can. I would appreciate it as many others would as well.
Jacy Jackson
Winnemucca, Nevada
Organizer
Jacy Jackson
Organizer
Winnemucca, NV
