Plans for a new mural tied to the upcoming Music and Murals event highlighted discussion at the Marzen House Museum Board’s April meeting last Wednesday.
The event, scheduled for June 18–21, combines public mural painting with music as part of a broader effort to promote community growth and economic development along the Interstate 80 corridor. The museum plans to participate in the project by incorporating the mural into “Marzenville,” the museum’s major ongoing expansion designed as a historical replica town.
The artist will paint the mural on the museum’s three-sided shed, where it will blend into the Marzenville setting.
Board member Frankie Graham, who also serves on the Music and Murals committee, attended the meeting and shared ideas as the group brainstormed potential themes and historical elements.
Discussion turned to historical figures who could appear in the mural, highlighting Lovelock’s ties to regional and national history. Among those mentioned was aviator Amelia Earhart, who made an unexpected landing near Lovelock in 1931 after encountering a dust storm and spent the night at the Pershing Hotel before continuing her journey the following day.
Members also suggested author Mark Twain, who lived in nearby Unionville under the name Samuel Clemens. The group discussed including Edna Purviance, a silent film actress who grew up in Lovelock and later appeared in films with Charlie Chaplin, as well as Native American educator and author Sarah Winnemucca, who operated a school in Lovelock for a short time.
The board also considered adding the town’s historic theater to the mural design. Bonnie Skoglie noted that the museum owns the original theater ticket booth, which Judge Richard Wagner is restoring. The theater once stood between the buildings commonly known as the Cowpoke and the Windmill.
Graham said that Eric Brooks, arts and culture program manager for the Carson City Tourism Authority, plans to visit Lovelock to review proposed mural sites and determine whether any preparation work is needed before artists begin painting. Brooks has produced Music and Murals festivals since 2017.
Graham later moved to proceed with a historic streetscape theme featuring older buildings and notable figures from Lovelock’s past. Darlene Vonsild seconded the motion, and the board approved the proposal.
In other business, the board approved a new official logo designed by Wendy Nelsen, which will appear on business cards and official stationery. Jack Hursh made a motion to approve the logo, adding “Pershing County” across the top and “Lovelock, Nevada” across the bottom. Frank Fisk seconded the motion, and the board approved it unanimously.
Updates followed on several developing exhibits.
Work continues toward opening the railroad house, which will include a mineral collection, a recreation of the Lovelock Mercantile, and an apothecary-style display. Officials hope to open the building by early June, depending on final preparations.
Fisk reported that he and Webb Varnum are nearing completion of the museum’s rock and mineral display. Varnum donated the extensive collection several years ago.
Plans also continue to move a building that will house the LaBelle brothel exhibit, expanding the museum’s interpretation of Lovelock history.
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