A Photo for the History Books: Ania Calvillo-Mason’s Sutro Tunnel Donation
Some pieces of history seem to find their way home.
For several years, Ania Calvillo-Mason admired a striking 3-foot by 2.5-foot color photograph of the Sutro Tunnel displayed at Reno Antiques on Wells Avenue in Reno, NV. The image—dating to the 1940s—captured the tunnel during a formative era, and Ania found herself returning to it again and again, drawn to its quiet sense of place and history.
“I was always drawn to it,” Ania shared. “Every time I saw the photo, it felt like it was telling a story that mattered.”
Recognizing her connection to the photograph, a close friend surprised Ania by purchasing the piece for her as a birthday gift. What began as a thoughtful gesture soon became something more meaningful.
Years later, after attending the Nevada Outdoor Recreation Playbook Summit and Forum in October 2025, Ania learned about the Friends of Sutro Tunnel and the ongoing work to preserve and restore this iconic landmark. Realizing the historical importance of the photograph—and that it could serve a greater purpose—she reached out to our organization.
“Once I learned what Friends of Sutro Tunnel was doing,” she said, “I knew the photograph belonged with the people who are preserving its history.”
Ania chose to donate the photograph to the Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity, ensuring that this rare visual record of the tunnel’s past will be preserved and shared with the public. Her gift strengthens our ability to tell the story of the Sutro Tunnel and connect future generations with its legacy.
We are deeply grateful to Ania Calvillo-Mason for recognizing the power of history—and for helping this remarkable image find its rightful home.
