This episode was done in Carlin, Nevada, which is my hometown! I spoke with Ella Trujillo and Sabra Esparza about their journey in creating the museum, which actually began as a historic building was being destroyed, the history of Carlin, an old concert advertisement for a lively State Hotel, and an amazing exhibit detailing the story of 13 Chinese graves.
The old schoolhouse turned museum
From its beginnings as a railroad town to its journey as a mining town, Carlin has an interesting history. Featured first in this episode is a particular concert advertisement that depicts the long-gone "party" days of a booming metropolis. The combination of the two artists is also a little intriguing: Country Western and Swing Judy Lynn (America's Champion Girl Yodeler) and Rock and Roll artist Pat Kelly and the Shamrocks!
The State Hotel pictured here on Main Street, the building with the Cafe entrance overhang and just visible is the bottom of the State Hotel sign.
We also talk about the amazing story behind a forgotten Chinese graveyard and the journey after the death of the individuals buried there. 13 bodies were accidentally discovered in a backyard property in 1996. The unmarked graveyard became a flurry of activity as archeologists began unearthing the remains and artifacts. The 13 Chinese men were buried in the 1800s and likely were descendants of settlers from the railroad boom or immigrants who settled after the gold rush. Many different artifacts were found, and a choice few are on display at the Carlin Museum, including 3 burial stones, an opium pipe, and coffin handles.
Burial bricks found in the graves, from left to right: Identification Brick #12: Wu Baizong, Identification Brick #1: Yu Baizhi, Identification Brick #11: Yu Weiyuan
Some 21 years after their discovery, the bodies were at long last laid to rest in the Carlin cemetery with proper Chinese burial practices performed by a local Chinese woman, Lijuchin “Lee” Chin. Finally put to rest and acknowledged by the community, the bodies may now rest in peace.
Episode links:
The Carlin Historical Society and Museum webpage: https://carlinhistoricalsociety.com/carlin-historical-society-and-museum/
Tales of Carlin from the Carlin Historical Society: https://carlinhistoricalsociety.com/
The Carlin Historical Society Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CarlinHistoricalSociety/