Courtyard at restored school to be named for LV historian

A courtyard at the restored Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas has been named in honor of Frank Wright, the late historian known for his infectious enthusiasm for local history and historic preservation.

"Frank really loved this building," said his wife, Dorothy, at a ceremony Thursday night. "He spent a long time working with the state historic preservation office to get it on the national register. He was so pleased, as we all were, when it was listed."

Wright, who died in 2003, was a researcher at the Nevada Museum and Historical Society and for many years wrote "Nevada Yesterdays," a series on KNPR. That's also the name of a book he wrote that was published posthumously.

On Thursday, though, he was remembered for giving of his time to people with questions about Las Vegas' history.

In fact, the city could use more people like him, said Mayor Pro Tem Gary Reese, who lamented the state of disrepair of many historically significant structures.

The Depression-era Fifth Street School has been restored, but it's an exception.

The Huntridge Theater, a historical and architectural landmark, might be renovated but now sits empty and dilapidated. A house belonging to founding father Charles "Pop" Squires was one City Council vote away from being demolished before a last-minute intervention recently. The Green Shack restaurant, once a bustling gathering spot for all Las Vegans, went bust and no longer occupies the spot on Boulder Highway where it stood for seven decades.

"We haven't taken care of them," he said. "The last time I was in the Green Shack, I was ashamed. The floor had fallen in. The walls had caved in. There was nothing left to save.

"I just wish that we had more Frank Wrights, more Bob Stoldals," he said, referring to the current chairman of the Las Vegas Historical Preservation Commission. "People like that: They're the ones who grab the bull where it counts and make sure it gets done."

Las Vegas had named a plaza at Fourth Street and Stewart Avenue in Wright's honor, but, ironically, the plaza has been closed and fenced off in preparation for new construction.

Contact reporter Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or 702-229-6435.