California ECV Chapters Visit the Comstock
On Saturday, Aug. 15, the historic Donovan Mill welcomed the largest single tour group since reopening its doors. More than 110 members of E Clampus Vitus, representing several California chapters and led primarily by Chapter 7-11 Pair "O" Dice, joined volunteers from the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture for an afternoon of Comstock history and hands-on exploration of one of Nevada’s most important industrial landmarks.
As they toured the sprawling mill site, visitors learned about the vital role mills played in processing ore from the Comstock Lode. At the height of mining activity, as many as 236 mills operated throughout the Comstock region. The Donovan Mill was the last of the Comstock’s historic mills to remain in operation, continuing to process ore until 1959.
Guests spent several hours exploring the property, viewing original equipment, and experiencing one of the tour’s highlights: seeing the mill’s stamp batteries in action. The working stamps provide a rare opportunity to witness the powerful machinery that once helped drive Nevada’s mining industry.
The Comstock Foundation welcomes private group tours in addition to its regularly scheduled public tour days. Proceeds from tours and donations are reinvested directly into preservation and restoration projects that help protect the Comstock’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring its stories, artifacts, and historic sites can be enjoyed by future generations.
For more information about tours, preservation efforts, and upcoming events, visit comstockfoundation.org.
