In the tradition of 601 generosity, Chairman Gus Fincel and Legends Keeper Frosty Walker are shown giving away a total of $8,000 in donations. Accepting $4,000 each for the Comstock Cemetery Foundation is Cal Dillion and for The Let ‘Um Run Foundation is Lacy J. Dalton.
There is no doubt that Comstock era history is still alive and well in Virginia City, Nevada. As in the days of 1870’s, “the 601 Vigilance committee was active about town” on February 14th 2020. The 601 again occupied the historic piper’s opera house in force, dressed in period attire and armed with period firearms, however not for the purposes of Instituting summary justice on a villain of society or criminal malcontent. On this occasion the 601 was more in line with its modern-day mission of protecting and preserving the historical Comstock, as a non-profit Nevada registered corporation, for fundraising. The atmosphere was one of celebration, music and admiration for true western music talent and making contributions in support of the community.
The 601 valentine’s day fundraising event, billed as “an evening of hearts and roses,” was not only sold out in advance, but with standing room only for a time. This event brought back the elegant days of gala Victorian era celebrations. White table cloths and 400 sweet smelling, live, red and pink roses were distributed on the tables and the stage. Rose and wild horse pictures decorated the balconies. Champagne on every table, pink and white balloons and a full 601 bar made for a social gathering of days gone by. The aroma of the delicious prime rib/roasted chicken dinner by the cider factory, and a 601 bar set the stage for an evening of wonderful food and entertainment.
The featured presentation for the event was a special and unique performance by two exquisite performers, Lacy J Dalton and David John, with their single musical accompaniments of Dale Poune and Robert ”Doc” Quam. The performance was all original songs written by each of them, and performed along with a narrative as to the inspiration, meanings and messages for each song. Alternating songs between the artists brought exuberant applause and several attendees to their feet which included sometimes tearful expressions for songs like David John’s Listen To The Wind”, “Father Time” and Lacy’s songs “Old Soldier” and “Little Boy Blue”.
The evening concluded with a silent auction of donated items by Lacy J Dalton, David John and Dien, Rita Fincel, Rick and Gina Stephenson, Barry and Gwen Humes, the 601 Vigilance Committee, the Let ‘em Run Foundation and the Cider Factory restaurant. In total, the 601 event raised $4000.00 in support of the efforts of The Comstock Cemetery Foundation to repair vandalism and improve security at the silver terrace cemeteries, and $4000.00 to the Let ‘em Run Foundation to provide for care and protection of local wild horses of Storey County.
This evening, with patron support from as far away as Austin, Texas and Van Nuys, California, added to the 12 years of fundraising efforts of the 601 Vigilance Committee who have in the past have contributed in excess of $50.000.00 to preserve and protect various historical entities within the Comstock historical district. Benefactors have included Piper’s Opera House, St. Mary’s Art Center, police and fire museums, the Cemetery Foundation, the Let ’em Run Foundation, “V” lighting on Mt. Davidson, the 2nd Amendment July 4th celebrations and local friends of the NRA events. If you wish to support the 601 Vigilance Committee ™ in the future with donations, please go to 601VC.org.