Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Patricia Ryan Nixon

Ely Hosts the 100th Year Celebration of Former First Lady Pat Nixon

Approximately 100 years ago in a miner's house in Ely, Nevada, former First Lady Pat Nixon was born on March 16, 1912. Wife of 37th U.S. President, Richard M. Nixon, Pat Nixon was the First Lady from 1969 to 1974.

As she was born so close to St. Patrick's Day, at 11:50 p.m. on March 16, Thelma Catherine Ryan was nicknamed "Pat" by her Irish prospector father, a name which not only 'stuck,' but which she preferred, hence later changing her name to "Patricia."

In recognition of this esteemed former First Lady and the 100th anniversary of her birth in Ely, a variety of events are scheduled throughout the city, for a weekend of celebration March 16-17.

In addition to a special dinner on Saturday night, one of the highlights of the festivities is a special steam train ride, NevadaNorthern Railway' s Pat Nixon Centennial Flyer, featuring Steam Locomotive 40. This train ride, Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m. will be offered at regular fare.

Other highlights of the Pat Nixon Centennial in Ely include a special Pat Nixon Exhibit at the White Pine Museum, a juried art show at the Garnet Mercantile, an antique car show and parade, and a tour of the English House at the Ely Renaissance Village. Finally, there will be a dinner in Pat Nixon's honor on Saturday night.