Chautauqua Performer Dorothea Phelan as Louise Mackey
On Saturday, November 9, from 5:00-6:00 pm, Dorothea Phelan will portray Mary-Louise Mackay, wife of American industrialist and Comstock Bonanza Lode discoverer John Mackay, and wealthiest woman in Paris Society at Solista Carson, 2120 E. Carson Street.
Mary-Louise Mackay lost her first husband to alcohol and drug abuse when she was twenty years old, with two infant children to support. To survive, she gave French lessons and sewed for the Rosener Brothers store in Virginia City, Nevada. She lived with her one surviving daughter in a furnished room on A Street until her life changed dramatically upon marrying her second husband, John Mackay. Mr. Mackay, being nouveau-riche and Irish, caused the family to be snubbed by New York society. Eventually the Mackays moved to Paris where Louise Mackay entertained as the wealthiest American in that city.
Leslee Arnold in story
Dorothea Phelan has been an historian, living history performer and storyteller for over twenty-eight years. Phelan was born and raised in Yerington, Nevada, where she acted in theatricals and school plays. As an adult, she coached children’s plays and dramas. In 1962 Phelan moved to Ventura, California where she became active with the Rancho Camulos Museum, developing living history programs. She has now returned to Nevada and volunteers at the Nevada State Museum and performs Chautauqua locally.