The First Recorded Drug Bust in Mason Valley

The First Recorded Drug Bust in Mason Valley

Long before marijuana, cocaine, crack or meth, Mason Valley did have a drug problem.  It was opium.  Around 1910 the newspaper reported that there was a drug bust at the Mason Hotel in Mason.  At the time, the Hotel was run by a China man by the name of Charlie Foo.  Apparently he had quite a business selling opium to the Indians who frequented his establish.  In the raid, $2,500 worth of opium was obtained.  

Yerington Monday: Mason, Nevada

Yerington Monday:  Mason, Nevada

OK, Yeringtonites & Masonites.  I need your help.  The internet needs your help.I have tried to find enough information on Mason to write about it, but there is very little about it online.  If you live in Yerington or Mason, could you take some photos and tell us what you remember.  We had many classmates who lived in Mason.  As children our noses were made aware of its slaughterhouse three miles away.  I remember drinking & dancing at the bar in the Mason Hotel.  Let’s keep our Nevada heritage alive.  Please contribute.

Mason Hotel

Mason Bridge

Mason Merchandise Building

Old Mason house

Summer 1913 Mason Hospital of Dr. Robert D. Smith.  This was moved to Yerington on Broadway and became the Mason Lodge.

Mason Hospital

1100 Hwy 339, Mason, Nevada

Mason Hotel Gas Pumps