The Sawtooth Chronicles

In 1899, a relatively small silver discovery about 14 miles south of present day Tonopah by James Court and T. J. Bell resulted in the small mining community of Southern Klondike. Little did they know, at the time, that this small strike would lead to some of the richest discoveries in the United States and elevate Nevada out of an economic depression that the state has been suffering since 1893. Within 20 miles of Klondike the towns of Tonopah and Goldfield would flourish bringing thousands of people to central Nevada. Find out more about the discovery of Southern Klondike and its place in changing Nevada in the episode of The Sawtooth Chronicles. This episode has been published and can be heard where ever you get your podcast.

It was July 1997 and Lane Griffin was surveying the old Goldfield Consolidated Mining Company workings on the property just behind the Mohawk Mine, which was one of the largest producer in the Goldfield District back in the day. He entered the shaft and observed all sorts of debris. Further investigation revealed a treasure trove of artifacts from the Goldfield Consolidated Mine engineering offices. As Bill Metscher of the Central Nevada Historical stated, "This amazing treasure trove was found in an abandoned mine shaft and gives one insight as to what life in Goldfield was for the people who threw the items away. The amount of items recovered gives us a view of what life was like in early Goldfield. It was one of the lucky finds that every collector, archaeologist and historian dreams about.” Join me in the telling of this fascinating true story of discovery of the Goldfield Dump Shaft and the glimpse into the life of Goldfield residents in the early days of the Goldfield boom.

Central Nevada's own, Peavine Pickers, have recorded Nighttime in Nevada to use in The Sawtooth Chronicles Podcast. They perform all over Central Nevada and due to COVID, their performances have been limited. The full rendition of Nighttime in Nevada is the majority of this Episode. I hope that when they are able to increase their performances, you will go and see them in person. They have fun and are amazing musicians.

Tonopah was booming and calls for a railroad were heard from the beginning. The area was exploding with all sorts of people. Miners, engineers, shopkeepers and just regular people. Twenty mule team wagons from Sodaville and Candelaria carried the supplies to and the silver ore from Tonopah. Only the highest grade of ore was transported out. Several stage lines were in operation and could not handle the people headed in or out of Tonopah. Several attempts were made to construct a railroad from Sodaville on the Carson and Colorado, standard gauge the Nevada Central from Battle Mountain to Tonopah, Eureka to Tonopah and from San Joaquin, California to Tonopah. The railroad was finally built by 1904 and the Tonopah Railroad was the first in and its descendent, the Tonopah & Goldfield Railroad was the last out in 1947. Join me in learning a little bit of history of the Tonopah Railroad.

The Nye County Courthouse in Belmont, Nevada, was constructed in 1876 and served Nye County until 1905, when the Nye County Seat was moved to Tonopah. Learn a bit of history about the construction, use and saving of this unique and beautiful building by the Friends of the Belmont Courthouse. Belmont's Nye County Courthouse is a true "Gem of the Toquimas."

The date was February 23, 1911 and the night shift had just returned to the surface of the mine at 4:30 AM. While in the cage, they noticed a slight scent of smoke. Once at the surface, they reported the smell of smoke to the hoist engineer, who in turn reported it to the day shift foreman on his arrival two hours later. The day shift foreman and the superintendent entered the mine. So, began a tragic day in the operation of the Tonopah Belmont Mine which resulted in the death of several miners and making one miner a hero. This is the story of "Big" Bill Murphy. Hero of that tragic day.

Bill and Belle Butler came together after tragic circumstances in 1888. Isabella "Belle" McCormack was born in 1861, Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 1866, the family settled in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada and in 1880. moved to Tybo. Belle married Maurice Donahue and they had three children. After Maurice's death, Belle married Jim Butler. A true pioneer woman, she supported Jim in his wanderings. After Jim's discovery of Tonopah, the family became quite wealthy and moved to California where Belle continued to stay in the background, run the family business and love her family. For more about Belle, listen to this brand spanking new episode of The Sawtooth Chronicles.

Lottie Stimler Nay. Pioneer woman of Tonopah. Lottie, her brother Harry and John Nay opened the first boarding house and restaurant in Tonopah. She is an excellent example of pioneer women in the old west.

On November 22, 2019, a plaque was placed and dedicated on the Brougher Avenue side of the Mizpah Hotel and says, “Suffrage Leader – Marjorie Moore Brown worked for Nevada's Vote & the Nineteenth Amendment. Suffrage meetings held here at the Mizpah Hotel, 1912 – 1914.” This plaque was placed in cooperation with The National Votes for Women Trail - Road to the 19th Amendment and the William C. Pomeroy Foundation, 2019. This is Episode 3, Marjorie Moore Brown – Lady In Boomtown.

A short biography of the interesting life of Jim Butler.

Corrected a few errors. Why the Sawtooth Chronicles? I explain what they are and a brief history of the Sawtooth.