Story behind 'The Hanging Tree'

Mob rule reigned in Douglas County in 1897 and it will reign again when "The Curse of the Hanging Tree" is re-enacted Sept. 21 and 22 in downtown Genoa. Ticket holders can relive the historic events that led to the lynching of Adam Uber and the curse of the hanging tree.

Act One: The Masonic Lodge in Genoa will take the place of the Millerville Saloon. It all begins with a barroom brawl over a quarter, the price of a drink in the Millerville Saloon. Adam Uber pulls a gun and shoots and kills Hans Anderson.

Act Two: The Genoa Church. Ticket holders will be led across the street to the Genoa Church by the ill-tempered temperance ladies. The audience will attend the funeral of Hans Anderson as mourners, so appropriate decorum is suggested. Mr. Anderson was a very popular 26-year-old teamster and his sudden death was a terrible shock to all who knew him.

Act Three: The Genoa Courthouse. The preliminary hearing takes place in the courtroom with the district attorney and the defense attorney arguing their cases, calling several witnesses and examining and cross-examining them. Judge Mack tries to keep order in the court with the help of the bumbling sheriff and constable.

Act Four: In front of the courthouse. Uber is dragged from his jail cell and hung from a tree. Uber utters the curse proclaimed upon those who took part in the lynching.

Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Genoa Court House Museum in Genoa and the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, Gardnerville. Advanced tickets are recommended.

You may also purchase tickets by sending a check or money order to the Douglas County Historical Society, 1477 Highway 395, Suite B, Gardnerville, NV 89410. Indicate date and time of the performance you desire. Performances are 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 and 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Information, 782-2555.