From the Classic Las Vegas Blog, the fine folks committed to making sure they don’t implode every old building locally, comes the reminder that this Sunday is Hammargren tour day. I lived a block away from Lonnie for a couple of years, and always viewed the treasures looming over his back wall with awe and reverence.
You’ve seen the back of the house as you pass by on Sandhill in the Paradise Crest neighborhood. The Space Capsule that peeps over the fence along with the observatory and more! Well, to long-time residents it is known as the home of Dr. Lonnie Hammargren.
Our pal Uncle Jack LeVine calls Dr. Lonnie the Godfather of Preservation in Las Vegas. Dr. Lonnie has been collecting pieces of Las Vegas and Nevada history for years. In addition, he has been an avid collector of American history as well as Internationally. He also collects the arcane and little known artifacts as well. Over the years, Dr. Lonnie’s collection has grown so much that it now fills up two houses and spills out over the yards.
For 364 days a year, a tour of the house is only available by invitation only. But once a year, on the Sunday following Nevada Day, Dr. Lonnie and his wife, Sandy, open the doors and invite everyone to join them in the celebration.
The Annual Hammargren House of History’s Celebration of Nevada Day will be on Sunday, Nov. 2nd from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. This year, to help cover costs of organizing and putting on this wonderful event, the charge will be $5.