The mountains near Virginia City, Nevada. Virga can be seen falling from the clouds. Like many cities and towns in Nevada, Virginia City was a mining boomtown; it developed virtually overnight as a result of miners rushing to the Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859 on the eastern slopes of Mount Davidson. But, Virginia City far surpassed all others for its peak of population, technological advancements developed there, and for providing the population base upon which Nevada qualified for statehood. The riches of the Comstock Lode inspired men to hunt for silver mines throughout Nevada and other parts of the American West. At its peak, Virginia City had a population of over 25,000 residents and was called the richest city in America. Dominated by San Francisco moneyed interests, Virginia City was heralded as the sophisticated interior partner of San Francisco. “San Francisco on the coast and Virginia City inland” became the mantra of west coast Victorian entrepreneurs. Early Virginia City settlers were in large part the backwash from San Francisco and the California Gold Rush, ten years before. Mine owners who made a killing in the Comstock mines spent most of their wealth in San Francisco.

The Desert Inn Hotel's float entry in the Helldorado Parade, Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, May, 1958. The float is titled "Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp," and features a couple dressed as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine with a large Genie behind them. Several children are seated around them. The float has just passed Joe W. Brown's Horseshoe Club (in operation from 1935-1958), located 128 Fremont Street at the corner of Fremont Street and 2nd Street, and is passing the Boulder Club, located at 118 Fremont street. The Boulder Club was in operation from 1931-1960. Part of a sign for "Farmer" Page that is on the Boulder Club is partially visible on the left. The Hotel Apache and the Fremont Hotel are visible in the background. A few people can be seen watching the parade from the windows of the Boulder Club and the Fremont Hotel.

The May 6, 1947 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce luncheon honoring the pioneers of Las Vegas. The luncheon was held at the Biltmore Hotel, corner of Bonanza Road and No. Main Street. Shown here left to right are: Bob Hall, Mrs. C.P. "Mom" Squires, C.P. "Pop" Squires, Mrs. Ed Von Tobel, Sr., Mrs. R.E. Lake, Sr., with her two daughters, Mrs. Anna Lake Bearden and Mrs. Alice Lake Gifford, Mrs. Minnie Westlake with her son, Otto Westlake, Mrs. Charles Aplin, Charles Aplin, Mrs. Pearl Lavavey Payne, Mrs. Bob Hall, Fred Pine, Mrs. Fred Pine, Mrs. Ann Kramer, and Mrs. Emily Ball. Physical object has an insert containing additional biographical information.