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Olcovich--Meyers House
Photo by Terri McBride,
Courtesy of Nevada State Historic Preservation Office |
Constructed in 1874 by Prussian immigrant and merchant Joseph Olcovich,
this residence is one of the few in Carson City that still has intact
Gothic Revival architectural features. Joseph sold the house to his brother
and business partner Bernard Olcovich one year later, and in 1885, the
house changed hands again, becoming the property of another merchant,
George H. Meyers. Meyers added Victorian elements to the residence, such
as the Italianate bays. The porch detailing, spiral posts and a spooled
frieze harkens to the Eastlake design style. Significant not only for
its intact Gothic Revival features like a cross-gabled roof, arched lintels
over windows and decorative bargeboards, this residence is also significant
for its association with the local Jewish community and the mercantile
trade in Carson City.
Olcovich-Meyers House, front view
Photo by Terri McBride, courtesy of Nevada State Historic Preservation
Office
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The five Olcovich brothers owned and operated a mercantile enterprise
on Carson City's main street. They, and other Jewish merchants, greatly
aided in Carson City's development through their role in supplying the
Virginia City and the Comstock mining district with much needed goods
and services. Bernard and Joseph's brother Hyman built a house a few blocks
away in 1876 (412 North Curry Street). The Carson City Jewish community
never grew to such a size to establish a synagogue; in general, families
practiced Judaism within their homes. Eventually Reno became the hub of
the Jewish community in Northern Nevada and a synagogue was built there.
The Olcovich--Meyers House is located at 214 West King St. on the
northeast corner of King and Nevada sts. in Carson City. It is a private
residence and is not open to the public.
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