William J. Metscher Collection on Goldfield, Nevada

Collection

Identifier: NC1363

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains a variety of documents collected by Metscher created by individuals and businesses in Goldfield, Nevada. Of interest are a series of folders from the law firm Thomas, Bryant and Malburn concerning Charles S. Thomas and George Wingfield's work establishing the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company, one of Wingfield's primary mining interests in Goldfield. Additional materials from the Goldfield Combination Fraction Mining Company, the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company, the Kinkaid Mining and Milling Company, and the Tonopah Divide Mining Company are present. These materials are almost exclusively paid invoices and vouchers.

Also included are four volumes of Gerald A. Doyle's draft of his "History of Mining, Toiyabe Mountain Range, Nye County, Nevada." Metscher received these drafts in 2002 and was reading and editing the materials for Doyle. Doyle passed away before the project was completed.

Dates

1870-2005
Majority of material found within 1906-1916

Creator

Metscher, William J., 1941- (Collector, 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.

Biographical / Historical

William J. Metscher grew up in Goldfield, Nevada and began collecting documents with his brother about the history of Goldfield. Many of the early documents they collected were being disposed of by businesses or from the historic business' buildings. This early interest in Goldfield history led to a career in the field. Metscher was one of the founding members of the Central Nevada Historical Society, serving as the president and editor of the biannual newsletter "Central Nevada's Glorious Past." Metscher was also instrumental in founding the Tonopah Historic Mining Park.

Metscher later moved to Reno, Nevada where he volunteered as a docent for the Nevada Historical Society.

Extent

1.6 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

William J. Metscher grew up in Goldfield, Nevada and was actively involved in the preservation of central Nevada history. The collection contains a variety of documents collected by Metscher and created by various individuals and business in Goldfield between 1906-1916, including George Wingfield, Charles S. Thomas, and the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company.