Paher’s new book looks at state’s spirit

“Nevadans: The Spirit of the Silver State” by Stanley W. Paher of Reno is a record of the state from the first explorers and emigrants through the major mining eras, through the years of the Great Depression and up to modern times. Articles in this book tell of Nevada’s entry onto the world’s stage, a story of luck, historical circumstances and crafty promotion.

This book reviews the first 150 years of Nevada’s development, with sections devoted to each of the 17 counties, as well as the story of early explorers, the emigrants and the state’s silver and gold mining booms. Included are articles about ranching, agriculture, gaming, politics, the military, collectables, and back road travel, and several other Silver State themes.

What is the modern role of the convention business, tourism, modem, mining, education, and aviation? How did a relatively small state with its foundations in ranching and gold and silver mining rise to greatness? How does Nevada, which became the nation’s 26th state in 1864, promote itself in the 21st century? How did the name Las Vegas circulate around the globe within ten years after World War II, and what led Reno to become the Biggest Little City in the World?

The human side of the Silver State is also told through a series of 70 “reflections,” short statements by Nevadans who truly love their homeland and its heritage. Might a veteran Nevadan dare to compare a simple, short Christmas parade in a small town on U.S.95 with New York City’s Rockefeller Center?

Why would a noted Nevada lawyer engaged in a criminal trial in Winnemucca suddenly rush out of a courtroom and man a fire engine? How does a woman on the high slopes of an Elko mountain range communicate successfully with a French-speaking Basque sheepherder?

This book discusses these and scored of other topics of interest, all told by author Stanley Paher and 26 fellow Nevadans experienced in their fields. Throughout, Nevada pride shines as bright as a silver dollar from the Carson City Mint.