As strangers, they had adjoining claims. After a rich vein was struck, they were soon married and had the mansion built.
Misfortune followed fortune and soon all was lost. The richness of their vein gave out; a new mill was destroyed; financiers balked. Then Sandy died in 1868.
Maneuvering to make the property self-sustaining, Eilley struggled on, finally, in 1878, losing the mansion by foreclosure to Myron C. Lake. Thereupon, the property had a succession of owners including Henry Riter, who managed it as a popular resort from 1903 to 1946. Eilley Orrum Bowers had died in 1903, in poverty and unwittingly, she and Sandy left a legacy to Nevada.
Taken during early summer. Compare this photo to the one below...
Taken during mid-December. Bowers Mansion is impressive spring, fall, night or day.
[166] Bowers Mansion holds a special place in my heart. As many of you may know, Nevada-Landmarks and myself were featured on KOLO 8 News Reno , Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Of all 100 or so markers in the immediate Reno area to be on air with me, I chose this one. Here's the segment to see it for yourself!
I shot this image as the segment was being shot.
