Who is Old Mike?
In August 1911, an unidentified man was found dead in Prescott's city park. There had been a tent revival the evening before and it was assumed he had attended. there was no evidence of foul play and the cause of death was speculated to be a stroke. Although the gentleman was a regular visitor to Prescott, arriving by train every few weeks to sell small items such as pencils, no one knew his name. No identification was found on his body and attempts to identify him by calling other cities on the train route failed. As was common at the time, he was embalmed and put on display in the window of a local mortuary in the hopes that a loved one would come looking form him. Although dozens of people viewed him hoping to find their missing loved one, no one ever claimed him. The gentleman was eventually dubbed "Old Mike" and he remained on display until 1975. He is now buried in De Ann Cemetery on Greenlawn Street.
The Old Mike Exhibit at The Nevada County Depot Museum
Every community has that one macabre or bizarre story that is unique to the location. The story of Old Mike is ours. The Nevada County Depot Museum remembers Mike with an exhibit that recreates the room in which Mike was on display, recreating the experience of thousands of visitors who viewed Mike prior to his burial. The exhibit was initially established in the 1980s and, after 40 or so years of use, the exhibit is in need of repairs and updates. In particular, the hand-made mannequin representing Mike has seen better days. We are currently fundraising to purchase a new, museum quality mannequin as well as recreating the display, interpretive materials, and upgrade nearby exhibit displays. Your contribution will help us reach our $15,000 goal! You can donate any amount, all helps!
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Contact
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870-887-5821
