Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Crystal Bar

Photographed By Jim Cirner

1. The Crystal Bar Marker (When the marker was mounted to the building.)

Inscription. The doors were first opened for business in 1871 by original owner Grant Israel. In the early 1880’s Con Sheen became the second owner. In 1909 William H. Marks became the third owner. The bar is still in the family as William L. And Margaret Marks have owned this establishment since 1955. During Prohibition Era it was an ice cream parlor and a “speak easy.” The original crystal chandeliers are from France and arrived by ship in San Francisco and railroad to here. The photos on the walls are all originals as is the back bar and all the hardware. The crystal goblets and glasses are very unique indeed and most of them are irreplaceable. The bar has been in continuous service from 1871 up until today.

Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864
E Clampus Vitus
June 27, 1992

Erected 1992 by Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1992.

Location. 39° 18.58′ N, 119° 39.009′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of C Street and Taylor Street. Marker

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is now located behind the bar inside the Virginia City Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 86 South C Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Banner Brothers Building (a few steps from this marker); Bank of California (a few steps from this marker); William Sharon (a few steps from this marker); Col. Morris Pinschower Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nevada Bank of San Francisco (within shouting distance of this marker); Dowling's Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Millionaires Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia & Gold Hill Water Company (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker Incorrect?
The marker appears to be incorrect. This is not the original site of the Crystal Bar. Article from the Nevada State Journal dated 12 Jan 1932 announces the move to more spacious quarters at the corner of "C" and Taylor Streets. Also Lists the proprietor previous to the Marks family as Con A. Ahern. Mr Ahern was my Great Uncle.

— Submitted December 18, 2019, by Thomas of Oregon City, Oregon.

The Crystal Bar around 1992 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Julia C. Bulette Chapter 1864 E Clampus Vitus

2. The Crystal Bar around 1992

<i>The Original Crystal Bar</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1940

3. The Original Crystal Bar

Crystal Bar Post Card image. Click for full size.

circa Aug 1975

4. Crystal Bar Post Card

Post card picture of the Crystal Bar in 1975.

The Crystal Bar Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Nevada State Journal, January 12, 1932

5. The Crystal Bar Marker

1932 newspaper article referencing location and ownership

Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2018, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 142 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1. submitted on February 21, 2018, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 2. submitted on February 22, 2018, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 3. submitted on February 23, 2018. 4. submitted on March 28, 2020. 5. submitted on December 18, 2019, by Thomas of Oregon City, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.