A. W. Von Schmidt Letter to D. L. Bliss

Collection

Identifier: 2011-26

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains one 2-page letter written by A. W. Von Schmidt. The letter is written on Truckee Hotel letterhead, where Von Schmidt stayed during his visit to Lake Tahoe. Von Schmidt reports that he has been sent to Tahoe by his employer "...to select a proper site for his Grand Observatory. I have examined several locations near Lake Tahoe, and have found one on a prominent point projecting into the Lake known as 'lousey' [Lousy] point." He goes on to inquire if Bliss would be interested in selling the land, and remarks that "...you will appreciate the great liberality of Mr. Lick in putting up one of the largest and finest Observatories in the world, for scientific purposes, as a cost of at least $300,000." Lousy Point is actually Dollar Point, originally known as Chinquapin, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Dates

October 24, 1873

Creator

Von Schmidt, A. W. (Alexis Waldemar), 1821-1906 (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Historical Note

A. W. (Alexis Waldemar) Von Schmidt worked as a stateline surveyor and also was employed by James Lick, of observatory fame, to find a suitable location for his observatory around Lake Tahoe. The location, Lousy Point, selected by Von Schmidt was located on land owned by D. L. Bliss, developer and businessman, who owned much of the land around Glenbrook and Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 page)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A. W. (Alexis Waldemar) Von Schmidt worked as a stateline surveyor and also was employed by James Lick, of observatory fame, to find a suitable location for his observatory around Lake Tahoe. The collection contains one letter written by Von Schmidt to D. L. Bliss regarding purchasing land owned by Bliss for the observatory.