Discover The Rich History of Douglass House

Located in the heart of Fallon, Nevada, the long-enduring beauty of Douglass House stuns visitors and locals alike. This historic home, dating back to the early 1900’s, is a standing testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating Fallon’s rich history. Keep reading for a quick look into the history of Douglass House!

Built in 1904, the house was announced in the paper with no listed architect. Despite the mystery, construction of the house went without a hiccup and Robert Lee Douglass and his wife, Eleanor Ernst, moved into the mansion within the year. They didn’t stay long, deciding to move out in 1906 and relocate to their Island Ranch in Churchill County. 

Fast forward to 1913, Dr. F.E. Nichols bought the house and transformed it into his office. He also turned its southern garage into the modern 10-bed Cottage Hospital, which was later converted into an apartment building (remaining under Nichols’ ownership) after being severely damaged in a catastrophic attic fire. After the death of Dr. Nichols in 1935, the property was managed by his widow, Annie B. Coffrin, until 1946, when she sold the last piece of the Douglass property to other owners.

The house saw a few more owners come and go until Jerry and Suzanne Noonkester bought it in 1996, turning it into the 1906 House, a charming bed and breakfast. In 2000, the Noonkesters reached out to museum staff for assistance in having their home listed on both the State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to their efforts, the home was successfully added to these registers in 2001. This act ensured the future preservation of this landmark, bringing significance to a local level and allowing citizens to become more involved with their local history.

Douglass House and Cottage Hospital are a living testament to the rich heritage of Fallon. Paying a visit to this historic landmark is not just a step back in time, but also a celebration of Fallon’s enduring legacy! History enthusiasts and curious visitors alike will find that Douglass House offers a captivating glimpse into Nevada’s history.