This article is written by Doug Denny, accompanied with the photographs of Richard Massey. Richard writes, “We are proud to announce that Mr. Doug Denny of Mason Valley is joining our Pizen Switch Times team. Mr. Denny is a well-known historian, writer, editor, and publisher. Our readers are sure to be educated and entertained by his unique ability to weave fascinating stories about the rich history of our area.”
A Fun Shopping Experience With a Little Bit of History!
An entertaining way to spend a lazy weekday or weekend afternoon is to drop by and visit your closest antique shop. That is exactly what I did several months back with my friend and partner Chris as we explored a local antique store called the “Red Rooster Emporium.”
After having breakfast at Dini’s and looking at all the aging pictures on the walls and their display case of antiques, we decided to search out more at an antique store on Main Street. The proprietor graciously greeted us as we entered the store.
Jane Montalbano is co-owner of the Red Rooster Emporium along with her daughter Chrissy. -RM
While wandering by tables of neatly gathered items, we observed old-time hardware, glassware, toys, dolls, bottles and kitchen utensils all from days gone by. Depending on your age, you might recognize something from your childhood or something you remember seeing when you visited your grandmother’s house. It was fun to pick up and view treasures from the past. For myself, it was an older shoeshine box and a game board from Milton Bradley Company called Kreskin’s ESP, both from the 1960’s (Kreskin had a magic show and was a night club performer in Las Vegas Casinos). These have become must-haves! Finding an old camera or phone, you can’t help but wonder if someone back then could even have imagined the modern devices we have today. It’s not just the treasure trove of unique items in the shop that attracts you. The entire establishment has a story. For me this is the mark of a great antique store! As a special treat, since I’m a “History Buff”, there was a story and that was the story of the building itself!
Ben Little and daughter, April Locke of Brownwood, Texas found some real collectables. -RM
I mentioned to an acquaintance of mine, a lady named Holly, that Chris and I had enjoyed a recent visit to the Red Rooster and that I wanted to do an article on the store for the Pizen Switch Times for their “Spot Light” on business section. Holly, who is a friend of the store owner, said she would ask the owners Jane & Chrissy Montalbano to write a short history of the store and take a few pictures. I have included only a few of the more interesting historical facts below due to space limitations.
Birds are abundant at the Red Rooster. -RM
The store’s inventory consists of new gifts, collectibles, garden art, jewelry, and thousands of nice interesting items that all fit well into what was, the old “Lyon County Bank” building. If you are unaware of what a special building this is, come and take a tour. Once busy with townsfolk depositing and withdrawing money, the building has a fun history. There may be historians out there that know more tidbits about the building, but for over 100 years the building had only a handful of occupants. First the Bank, then Crawford’s jewelry store and beauty salon, a delicious deli, and the Bank Club Bar, before becoming a vacant store front housing theater props for the local dance studio.
One of the two massive walk-in safes that remind us that this was once a bank. – RM
To resurrect herself from a less than exciting retirement, Jane leased the building in 2015. The signage above the door reads “Interesting Gifts & Collectibles, Appraisals and Estate Management”. It took no time at all for Jane to meet the other occupants of the building.
A variety of beautiful Kachina dolls are among the colorful offerings. Each has a story to tell. – RM
A shadowy figure that whisks by the corner of your eyes to the bewilderment of the observer. He or she, who Jane calls Jack, is a harmless prankster making himself known by knocking on the wall or the ceiling.
Around May of 1915 Kid Blackie better known as Jack Dempsey a boxer and cultural icon of his time, visited Yerington. He was on his way to Goldfield Nevada to fight Johnny Sudenberg when he stopped off to help a friend or relative, whose name has been lost over the years, to lay down some ceramic tile floors.
Jack Dempsey was the world heavy-weight boxing champion in the 20s. His reputation and income even exceeded that of his contemporary, Babe Ruth. Early in his career, in May of 1915 he was heading from Reno to Goldfield for a ten-round fight with Johnny Sudenberg. On the way, he stopped for a few days in Yerington to help a friend lay the tile floor that we see in the Red Rooster. – RM
Jane was told the men laid three floors in total. The only surviving floor in town is at the Red Rooster Emporium. Another historical item in the store are the two very large, built-in bank vaults with their spectacular doors. Jane says with a wink, “that’s where I head when there’s a tornado.”
The floor that Jack built. – RM
One can feel the energy and passion that Chrissy and Jane delivered to each and every customer that was diligently searching for interesting and affordable gifts and collectibles. They also assist folks when necessary, with Estate Liquidations. But most importantly they will always take time to share the history of what is now known as the “Old Bank Building”.
Morgan Peri purchasing several decorative pieces for her front yard. – RM
About the photographer:
Richard Massey is an international award-winning photojournalist and freelance-writer. He has a passion for film and does much of his photography using vintage film cameras…as seen here. His interest in teaching has led him to start a photography YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdW0Jjsca47EpKE5N_jtag
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