Boomtown Saloons: Archaeology And History In Virginia City

List of Illustrations

Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in nevada history b o o m t o w n saloons a r c h a e o l o g y a n d h i s t o r y i n v i r g i n i a c i t y university of nevada press Reno and Las Vegas Kelly J. Dixon Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in Nevada History Series Editor: Michael Green University of Nevada Press, Reno, Nevada 89557 usa Copyright © 2005 by University of Nevada Press All rights reserved Manufactured in the United States of America Design by Kathleen Szawiola Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Dixon, Kelly J., 1970– Boomtown saloons : archaeology and history in Virginia City / Kelly J. Dixon. p. cm. — (Wilbur S. Shepperson series in Nevada history) Based on author’s thesis (Ph. D.)—University of Nevada. Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn 0-87417-608-5 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Virginia City (Nev.)—Antiquities. 2. Archaeology and history—Nevada— Virginia City. 3. Frontier and pioneer life—Nevada—Virginia City. 4. Bars (Drinking establishments)—Nevada—Virginia City—History—19th century. 5. Historic sites—Nevada—Virginia City. 6. Material culture—Nevada—Virginia City. 7. Excavations (Archaeology)—Nevada—Virginia City. 8. Virginia City (Nev.)— Social life and customs—19th century. I. Title. II. Series. f849.v8d595 2005 647.95793'56'09034—dc22 2004023025 The paper used in this book meets the requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences— Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ansi z.48–1984. Binding materials were selected for strength and durability. f i r s t p r i n t i n g 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 5 4 3 2 1 This book is dedicated to ron james for having the vision, to don hardesty for paving the way, and to carrie smith for knowing what I needed to make it happen. contents Contents vii List of Illustrations ix Preface xv Acknowledgments xvii introduction: historical archaeology methods Much More Than Digging with Small Tools 1 1 opening saloon doors Archaeology Unearths the Real Mother Lode 23 2 facades of public drinking Saloon Architecture 43 3 Authentic Saloon Sets Interior Fixtures 55 4 menu items Drinking and Dining in Virginia City Saloons 73 5 a toast to the artifacts Saloon Serving Ware 99 6 desires for diversion Saloon Vices and Amusements 112 7 crime scene investigation? Forensic Applications and Saloon Artifacts 136 conclusion : casting the saloon of the wild west in a new light 147 Notes 167 Bibliography 201 Index 213 ...