The Jarbidge Community Hall is a central gathering place for the residents of Jarbidge, Nevada. Built in 1939, the hall has served as a venue for community events, meetings, and social gatherings for more than 80 years. The hall is located on the main street of Jarbidge, and its distinctive Art Deco design makes it a landmark in the town.
The history of the Jarbidge Community Hall is intertwined with the history of the town itself. Jarbidge was founded in the late 19th century, during Nevada’s mining boom. The town was named after a nearby creek, and its population grew rapidly as miners flocked to the area in search of gold and silver.
By the early 20th century, Jarbidge had become an important mining town, with several mines operating in the area. The town’s population peaked in the 1920s, with around 1,500 residents. During this time, the town was home to several businesses, including hotels, saloons, and general stores.
However, the Great Depression hit Jarbidge hard, and the town’s mining industry began to decline. By the late 1930s, many of the mines had closed, and the town’s population had dwindled to just a few hundred people.
Despite the difficult times, the residents of Jarbidge remained committed to their community. In 1939, they came together to build a place to gather within the town. The building was designed by local architect Paul Revere Williams, who was one of the few African American architects working in the United States at the time. Williams was known for his Art Deco designs, and the Jarbidge Community Hall is one of his few surviving buildings in Nevada.
The Jarbidge Community Hall was built using local materials, including stone from a nearby quarry and wood from the surrounding forests. The hall’s Art Deco style is evident in its streamlined design, geometric shapes, and use of decorative elements such as the zigzag patterns on the building’s façade.
Over the years, the building has served as a venue for a wide range of events. In the early days, it was used for dances, social gatherings, and community meetings. During World War II, it was used as a venue for USO shows and other events to support the war effort. In the decades that followed, it continued to be a central gathering place for the residents of Jarbidge, hosting everything from weddings and birthday parties to town meetings and political rallies.
Today, the Jarbidge Community Hall remains an important part of the town’s identity. It is still used for community events and social gatherings, and it serves as a reminder of the town’s rich history and strong sense of community. The hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1990, and it is considered one of the most significant Art Deco buildings in rural Nevada.
In recent years, the Jarbidge Community Hall has undergone several renovations to ensure that it remains a functional and attractive venue for the town’s residents. The building’s stone façade has been restored, and the interior has been updated with new flooring and lighting. The hall is now fully accessible, with a wheelchair ramp and updated restrooms.
Despite its small size, the Jarbidge Community Hall is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Jarbidge. It is a symbol of the town’s enduring spirit and its commitment to preserving its history and traditions for future generations.
Nevada State Historic Marker Text
Gold discoveries by Dave Bourne in 1909 created the town of Jarbidge.
With 1,500 population in Jarbidge Canyon by 1910, citizens built this pioneer-type community hail with a “floating” maple floor. Support from the Nevada Commission for Cultural Affairs and the community funded the restoration of the building.
STATE HISTORIC MARKER NO. 153
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
JARBIDGE COMMERCIAL HALL FUND AND IMPROVEMENT CLUB
Nevada State Historic Marker 153 Location
Jarbidge Community Hall Summary
| Name | Jarbidge Community Hall |
| Location | Jarbidge, Elko County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 41.8783, -115.4303 |
| Nevada State Historic Maker | 153 |