MAY 1960
BUILDING SUNDOWN TOWN

THE STORY

Reprinted from
THE NEVADA STATE JOURNAL
RENO, NEVADA
(There was no date on the article.)

'Sundown Town' Set for Tourists

Sundown Town, Nevada, this area's newest "western city" and what
will probably be one of it's major tourist attractions, will officially
open to the public on May 28.

Sundown is the creation of Buster Keaton Jr., son of the famous movie
comedian and George Carrell. It is located about 17 miles from downtown
Reno on the west ridge above Washoe City.
As a matter of fact, the 130 acre site includes Joy Lake, one time water
supply for the thriving community of Washoe City during the days of
the famous Comstock strike in the neighboring Virginia City range.

Keaton said he has designed the new 'ghost town' to be "Old West"
in the finest degree. He and Carrol have been laboring on the
project since September and between the two of them have
created a complete western born town.

In it's present stage of development Sundown has 11 buildings
including a 'saloon' for the youngsters and neighboring bar for
the adults. There is a livery stable, blacksmith shop, jail,
fire house, stable area, miner's hall and all the embellishments
of an authentic western city. Keaton said although it may sound
similar to other attractions in the West, Sundown was built to
recreate an authentic western style.

Admission to the town will be free. The only charge to visitors
will be for rides such as the stage coach, burro rides and similar
endeavors and for the few concessions that will be allowed in the town.
Plans call for creation of additional buildings including a Sundown Hotel.

Keaton said some of the features of the town will be kept a surprise
for opening day visitors. "We've tried to create a family recreation
area," Keaton said. "There will be no charge for use of the picnicking
facilities. There will be fishing in our lake for the youngsters. We've
tried to arrange enough activities for everyone so that a family can
spend an entire day at Sundown and have something to do."

The idea for the town was a spontaneous one between Keaton and Carrol,
a former operator of a Reno riding stable. "We looked all over the area
for the best spot to build the town and none of them could compare with
the area we've settled on," Keaton said.

Sundown is set in the middle of a pine forest above Washoe City.

Although plans for the opening day have not been completed, Keaton
said he hoped to have "an exciting afternoon for all visitors".

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