• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Paul Laxalt U.S. Senatorial papers now open, available for research

RENO — How was one conservative Republican U. S. Senator from Nevada, which is comprised mostly of public lands, able to work with a majority Democratic Congress to get things done?

U. S. Senator Paul Laxalt served two terms in the Senate (1974-1986), the only Basque-American to do so, and chose the University Libraries Special Collections and University Archives Department at the University of Nevada, in which to deposit his personal congressional papers of approximately 850 linear feet.

Thanks to funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records, the Paul Laxalt U. S. Senatorial Papers are now organized and open for research. The papers provide numerous research opportunities for users wanting to understand Laxalt’s former legislative role not only in its original context, but also in the context of how it shaped events and issues that this country is still experiencing today.

The Laxalt Papers contains important decisions on issues of public lands in the American West during the 1980s —including the Sagebrush Rebellion and the proposed MX Missile system. Laxalt, a close confidant and informal advisor to President Reagan, was a proponent of the Sagebrush Rebellion, which favored transfer of public lands to state and local control. At the same time, Laxalt opposed an increase of MX Missiles to Western state. Despite his dedication to the president, Laxalt became the leading opposition to the MX project, swayed by the popular opinions of his state’s constituents.

The collection also sheds light on the federal legislative processes and decision making including uses of public lands for such things as: cattle ranching, wild horses and burros; the care and preservation of native and endangered species; land swaps; land claims and uses by Native Americans; mining and power companies; and the use and allocation of water in arid areas.

Historically, public land management has been an issue in the West and will continue to be into the foreseeable future. Recently, the incidents with the Bundy family have reignited debates about who should administer public lands in the West — individual states or the federal government.

Processing of a previous portion of Senator Laxalt’s papers, which dealt with his professional relationship with Ronald Reagan, was completed by Special Collections and University Libraries in 2016. Funding for this project also came to the University Libraries through the same funder mentioned above.

Laxalt, often referred to as the “First Friend” of President Reagan, assisted Reagan with his campaign and later re-election for President of the United States. With both groups of files now completed, researchers can see the totality of Laxalt’s influence in Washington as well as Republican Party politics within this manuscript collection.

Laxalt’s political life in Nevada goes back to 1951 when he became the District Attorney of Ormsby County. In 1963 until 1967, he was Lieutenant Governor, then became Nevada’s 22nd Governor from 1967-1971. He decided to run for the U.S. Senate and was elected in 1974 for two terms, leaving office in 1987.

Those interested in using or learning more about the Paul Laxalt Senatorial Papers collection can view the University Libraries finding aid for this collection online. Assistance is also available in-person or by phone. Contact the University Libraries Special Collections and University Archives Department via email at specoll@unr.edu or phone at 755-682-5665.

The Special Collections Reading Room is open to the campus and northern Nevada community from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.

— Jill Stockton is a Marketing Communications Specialist, University Libraries for the University of Nevada, Reno. She can be reached at bstockton@unr.edu

Top Stories

... or see all stories

A day of free family fun for the community is planned in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Bob Boldrick Theater located at the Carson City Community Center.

A bear that was severely burned during the Davis Fire has been moved by the Nevada Department of Wildlife to the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center for continued care.

To celebrate the opening of its newest exhibit, Mint to Museum, the Nevada State Museum presents "The Legacy of the Carson City Mint," a Frances Humphrey Lecture delivered by History Curator Emeritus Robert Nylen on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Creativity and talent abound in the Capital City Arts Initiative’s "Graphics Extraordinaire 2024" exhibition that presents graphic design work by seven Western Nevada College students.

The Carson Valley Arts Council will kick off its 2024-2025 Concert Series beginning October 11, bringing diverse music performers from across the country to our local community and schools.

Last year’s Halloween Block Party was so much fun that the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada and the Nevada State Museum have decided to do it again this year! The community is invited to share in the excitement on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Carson City.

Come join CASI at our annual Pooch Plunge pool party happening Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Carson City Aquatic Facility outdoor pool.

In our very dry climate and closer proximity to the sun, dermatology has become very important in keeping our skin youthful and free from cancer.

Got an unsightly wart, rash, acne, or other skin imperfection? You can now be treated at the new state-of-the-art dermatology practice just opened by Dr. Samantha Schneider.

During the 32nd annual Critical Issues Conference—hosted by the Business Council of Douglas County—four local businesses were recognized with the 2024 Spotlight Award. This year’s awards were held September 17 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline.

Similar to Reading Week in March, each year, students and teachers also dedicate a week to celebrate Social Studies.

The observance typically falls around Constitution Day (a national holiday celebrated on Sept. 17) and is designed to enrich student understanding of history, geography, economics and civics.

Enjoy live music and see artists create new, vibrant public murals across Nevada’s capital city Sept. 26-28.

The Brewery Arts Center’s second annual Carson City Murals & Music Festival will bring live musical performances and 19 new, colorful murals to Carson City, Nevada starting Thursday, Sept. 26 through Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. This year’s festival artists will add to the 23 murals created during the inaugural festival in 2023.

Catmandu’s cat of the week is a very special guy. At first glance, Rigby looks like a garden variety black cat. He is not. He is a Bombay, with all the amazing physical and personality traits of the breed.

In his first appearance with Reno Tahoe Comedy we are excited to present Comedian Steve Bruner. He is the man who slices through dullness with his razor-sharp wit faster than a ninja with a caffeine addiction.

You can find him delivering laughs on Showtime’s Comedy Club Network, tickling funny bones on A&E’s An Evening at the Improv, and lighting up late-night TV on ABC’s Into the Night and NBC’s The Byron Allen Show.

There has been a recent rise in phone and video scams involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officers.

Scammers are using phone calls and FaceTime video calls to contact citizens, posing as officers or deputies from various agencies to steal personal information or extort money.

On Thursday, Supervisors heard an update from Rob Boehmer, chair of the Carson City Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, who presented on the annual urban wildlife report.

UPDATE 11 a.m.: Our Slide Mountain Hand Crew, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and air support, is actively working to contain the fire.
The tree struck by lightning has been felled, and the crew is cutting line around the fire perimeter. Upon further assessment, the fire is now estimated to cover 100’ x 20’.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue suppression efforts!

***

Incline Village, NV – The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is responding to a lightning-caused fire in the First Creek area. The fire was reported at approximately 10 p.m. on September 18th and is estimated to cover an area of 100’ x 100’.

Meet Mr. Bojangles! This charming canine has been with us since mid-May, and let's just say he's brought a whole lot of love and sunshine with him.

Before considerable scientific research by Western Nevada College Professor of Geosciences Dr. Winnie Kortemeier, it was understood that Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, was created during the Pleistocene era, also known as the Ice Age, roughly 10,000 to 2.6 million years ago.

Through her radiometric dating of rocks and examining the basalt that has interacted with the water of Lake Tahoe, Dr. Kortemeier has determined that the lake is 2.3 million years old.

CVTA's Run the Valley 5K

Carson Valley Trails Association (CVTA) is excited to be hosting the valley’s first-ever 5k trail run and 2k family fun run on Saturday, October 19th.

Designed to be fun for beginners and more advanced runners alike, this event gives everyone a chance to experience a trail run in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

Meet inspirational author Robert Drews at Browsers Corner Book Store’s next author event. He will share excerpts from his novel “Look for Something Good”, an inspiring tale about the journey through life’s transitions and crossroads for two mature men who find friendship and guidance about their places in the world.

Carson City Public Works and the Transportation Division will provide an educational presentation and summary related to the recently completed Preserve Carson City Roads report and the status of measures related to funding for local roads in Carson City.

The Carson High School class of 2025 is impressive and yet Neva Mellow stands out with her array of accomplishments. She has become a model of academic excellence and leadership, embodying the spirit of commitment and service.

Chase International Foundation recently awarded $12,500 to Northern Nevada and California non-profit agencies as part of their ‘Four Pillars of Giving’ grant program.

A 30-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of domestic battery and a combined felony warrant alleging domestic battery by strangulation on an elder and abuse of an older or vulnerable person, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

The Harvest Supermoon and partial lunar eclipse over Carson City on Tuesday evening around 7:45 p.m.

The U.S. Forest Service notes in its Wednesday morning briefing that the Davis Fire remains contained at 92 percent with 5,824 acres burned and 342 personnel remaining on the fire tackling hotspots and mop up.

Sierra Nevada Realtors on Wednesday released its August 2024 report on existing home sales in Carson City along with Lyon, Douglas, Washoe, Storey and Churchill counties. The report includes the median sales price and number of home sales in the region. SNR obtains its information from the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service.

If you are looking for something to do in the Carson City, Lake Tahoe or Reno areas this week look no further than the Nevada State Museum. We have a busy week ahead and hope you can join us for some or all of the events.

The League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, in partnership with Sierra Nevada Forums and AAUW Capital (NV) Branch, will present four free election forums featuring candidates and ballot question information on October 7, 9, 14, and 16 beginning at 6 pm each night at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St in Carson City. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

If you like reading, supporting local authors, and getting a jump start on your Christmas list, then you need to attend this author event of the year!