Lyndon B. Johnson

President Lyndon B. Johnson speaking in front of the Nevada State Building in downtown Reno in 1964. This building was located at the corner of Virginia and State Streets. Built in 1926, this building housed the Nevada Historical Society, Nevada National Guard, Washoe County Library, and an auditorium. As well as being a popular gathering place and social hub for Reno. In front of the building was Powning Park. In 1966 it was demolished to make way for the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Date Uploaded: December 19, 2024

Permanent Link: http://wnhpc.com/details/fb10234477440307768

Contributor: Dorlon Peckham on Facebook

Source: Facebook: Dorlon Peckham

Source URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345496490863/permalink/10163426407780864/

Source Caption: Monday, Oct 12, 1964 was a beautiful autumn morning in the Truckee Meadows. Reno had a population of only 51,470. At that time, I was an eight-year-old, second-grader, attending Roger Corbett Elementary School on Villanova Drive. My second-grade teacher, Mrs. Carlson, encouraged our class to attend the event to hear President Lyndon B. Johnson speak in front of the State Building in downtown Reno. (The State Building was located where the Pioneer Center for the Arts now stands). With my parents at my side, we were only feet away from the President. I can still see President Johnson vividly in my mind. What strikes me now, as unbelievable, was the lack of security around the president. The audience had access to him as we were only feet away. The assassination of Kennedy happened less than a year prior, yet, no one in Reno could fathom shooting the president. Shootings of any kind in the United States, let alone Reno, were far and few between… At that time, Reno was truly The Biggest Little City… that Reno of yesteryear is long gone… Photo credit: RJG

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