'Curse of the Hanging Tree' plays Sept. 21 and 22 in Genoa

The most infamous hanging in Nevada history and the seven-generation curse all began with an argument over a 25-cent drink.

Adam Uber shot and killed Hans Anderson at the Millerville Saloon in the early morning hours of November 26, 1897. Uber made an attempt to escape but was restrained and taken to jail in Genoa and later lynched from a tree on Genoa Lane.

The Douglas County Historical Society's play, "The Curse of the Hanging Tree," is loosely based on this historical event. Performances are 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 21, and 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 22.

Entertainment will be provided by All Hat & No Cattle. Seating is limited to 55 per performance so advanced tickets are recommended.

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

Information, 782-2555.

'Hanging Tree'

in a nutshell

The first act of "the Curse of the Hanging Tree" begins in the bar at the Masonic Lodge in Genoa. The German bartender, who speaks with an accent except when he forgets, tries to get ticket holders to buy drinks because the historical society needs the money.

"Flossie" the floozy and her friends bat their eyes and flip feather boas. These girls have no shame - ladies, watch your husbands.

The temperance women harp and wave signs, preaching about the evils of devil alcohol. Besides these characters, there is the victim Hans Anderson, the killer Adam Uber, bumbling Sheriff Brockliss, the Constable and anybody else that shows up.

In 1897, a procession of more than 50 wagons and buggies followed the remains of the popular young teamster for burial in Garden Cemetery in Gardnerville. In the play, the funeral is held at Genoa Church and the preacher, Flossie and the floozies, the hysterical mourners, the fiddler and the temperance ladies form a procession from the saloon to the church.

A reporter from Genoa Weekly Courier interviewed Uber in jail where he expressed sorrow at having killed Anderson. He said the shooting was over before he realized what he had done. The audience visits Uber in the actual jail where he was held.

Upstairs in the courtroom, District Attorney Nagel presents a strong case against Uber in act three. Alfred Chartz, a convicted murderer who had served time in the Nevada State Prison, was retained to defend Uber. Judge Mack tries to keep order in the courtroom.

In act four, a mob of masked vigilantes drag Uber from his cell to hang him and Uber proclaims a curse on those who beat and are lynching him.