Four Douglas Women in History selected

It is National Women in History Month, and the time has come to reveal the Women in History for 2024. The Douglas County Historical Society will present the four women and their stories. A special afternoon program is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the public is encouraged to attend.

Eva Ceccarelli Scarselli

Eva was born and raised in Sparks to Italian immigrant parents. Eva spoke only Italian until it was time to start school. She has many childhood memories of the prohibition in the 1920s as well as the stock market crash of 1929. Eva graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1941 with an education degree and earned the French Honor Medal and Italian Honor Medal for her advanced studies. Following graduation, Eva began her career in education. Eva and Gene Scarselli were married in 1946 and moved to Gardner- ville in 1956 where they raised their son and daughter.

Josie Aufdermaur Graham

Josie was born on March 17, 1935, in Lovelock. She graduated valedictorian from Pershing County High School and attended the University of Nevada, Reno, on a four-year Harold’s Club Scholarship. Josie was a committed teacher and coach throughout the years. Josie and her husband George raised their four children in Douglas County. She served as a Douglas County commissioner in the early 1990s after being appointed by the governor to finish out Barbara Cook’s term.

margaret Park Pruett

Margaret was born to parents who were some of Douglas County’s early landowners. Her childhood was filled with memories of five-day cattle drives from Bridgeport to Topaz to Tahoe. While studying at the University of Nevada Margaret met “the best-looking man I ever saw.” That man, Robert Pruett, would become her husband of over 50 years. They had three children together David, Robert, and Zoe.

Anna Mae Owen

Ann moved to the Carson Valley in 1965 with her husband James Owen and their four daughters. Together they opened Silver State Title Co. and ran a successful business for 20 years. Ann was acknowledged for her hard work as the president of the Easter Seals for the evening event “fundraiser” which included dinner and entertainment. Ann loved to host dinner parties and help out were needed.