Gold Hill News Retrospective at The Odeon

Long before computers, desktop publishing, and digital shortcuts, producing a newspaper was a true labor of love. Every page was painstakingly assembled by hand, from artwork and layout to the printing process itself. Looking at so many issues of the Gold Hill NEWS during the July 23-26 retrospective exhibit at The Odeon in Dayton was a reminder of just how much dedication went into preserving the everyday stories of the Comstock. Today, they remain an invaluable record of our shared history, helping us understand where we have been and ensuring that future generations can continue telling our Comstock chronicles.

The original Gold Hill Daily News was published from 1863 to 1882 during the height of the Comstock's boom years. When the bonanza faded, so did the newspaper, which remained dormant until 1974. However, its revival began when "a small group of creative Comstock denizens with no money decided there existed a need for a new approach to, and outlet for, local and regional news and information to serve the citizenry of this historic and illustrious region of Nevada," stated the exhibit pamphlet.

With this issue the Gold Hill NEWS resumes publication after a hiatus of 92 years. To our readers and advertisers we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay.

On June 3, 1974, the Gold Hill NEWS roared back to life after a 92-year hiatus—hence the apologetic notice featured in its premiere issue (and above). What followed was an impressive run of 99 issues packed with talented local artists, thought-provoking editorials, and engaging coverage of life on the Comstock.

What started as an ambitious grassroots effort grew into an award-winning publication. During its second life from 1974 to 1977 (with a special farewell edition on Nevada Day 1978), the NEWS was supported by more than 80 staff members and over 50 contributors, although only six to eight people worked full-time at any given moment. The newspaper earned more than 30 Nevada Press Association awards across a variety of categories, proving that passion and determination can go a long way.

A special thank you goes to Robin Cobbey for keeping the Gold Hill NEWS retrospective exhibit alive in honor of her late husband, David Toll, and the many dedicated writers, editors, artists, photographers, and volunteers who made the publication possible.

If the exhibit extends its stay at The Odeon, we will post details in our Events Calendar.

Learn more about the Gold Hill NEWS history and retrospective from the Chronicle's July 11, 2026, Gold Hill News post via Nevada Travel Network.

Check out the Gold Hill NEWS Archive provided by E. Clampus Vitus: Julia C. Bulette No. 1864: juliacbulette.com/gold-hill-news-archive/ as well as the book "David Toll's Nevada: A 50-Year Tour Through the Most Interesting State in America" at nevadabookstore.org/.