A general view of buildings and cars in Pioche, Nevada.

A general view of buildings and cars in Pioche, Nevada.

Handwritten description provided on back of image: "Nevada Hatch, family trad. That she was first Anglo-Saxon child born in Nevada." Included with the image is a copy of a typed letter which reads: "Miss Merle Irwin, Vista del Monte, #118 3775 Modoc Road Santa Barbara, California 93105. Jan. 10, 1978. University of Nevada, Library, Las Vegas. My dear Friends: A year ago my brother and I visited and talked to a lovely lady to whom I promised a photograph of a distant cousin in Michigan, named NEVADA HATCH, because it was said she was the first Anglo-Saxon child born in Nevada. I have now secured it from my brother, Warren Irwin, at 9457 Las Vegas Blvd., Paradise Spa #4, have had a copy made, and herewith send you the original. Sincerely, Merle Irwin." Individual Creator credit goes to H. B. Leckenby.

Gilbert, Nevada, February 25, 1925. Gilbert was located in the Monte Cristo Range, 26 miles west of Tonopah. There is an inscription on the back of the image: "The town was founded as the result of a rich gold strike in the area by the Gilbert brothers in 1924. At its height (1925-1927), the town's population exceeded 400. After the boom, the mines maintained a small, steady production until World War II eventually forced them to close. In addition to gold, the district produced lead, silver and high grade turquoise. Nevada Historical Society Collection." There is a date stamp: 1987.

Jim Butler, the prospector who struck the first gold and silver ores in Tonopah, Nevada circa 1900, sitting in a rocking chair, probably in Tonopah.