Pink House listed in the register of historic places

Genoa's Pink House and the Midas Schoolhouse have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

State Historic Preservation Officer Ron James said the National Register is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Both buildings were listed on Nevada's State Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

Genoa's Reese-Johnson-Virgin House, also known as the Pink House, is recognized as one of the earliest homes built in the settlement of Mormon Station and as the site of important meetings that established early local government. It is also an excellent example of early Carpenter Gothic architecture in Nevada.

The core of the house was built around 1855 by Genoa pioneer Colonel John Reese, who established Mormon Station. After Reese's business failed and he returned to Salt Lake City, the house was purchased by Genoa merchant J.R. Johnson who moved it to its present location, enlarged the home and painted it pink. Sold again, the house was owned by Judge D.W. Virgin and his family until 1938. The Virgins added a Queen Anne porch during the first decade of the 20th century.

The Midas Schoolhouse opened in 1928 and is recognized for its association with the educational and social history of the remote, Elko County mining town of Midas. Midas was established during an early 20th-century mining boom and survived the boom-and-bust cycles of the industry for several decades. Only about 20 permanent residents remain in the town today.

The school also serves as the community's cultural institution. The nature of mining is reflected in the history of the school, from its construction during a boom period through years of low enrollment and the final sale of the building by the school district in 1972. The building is being preserved in its original condition by the Friends of Midas.