Writers’ Wednesday – Behind the Arch Book

Writers’ Wednesday

February 14, 2024
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Book signing and wine/cheese Reception
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Lecture

This month’s book is called “Behind the Arch: The Story of Reno, Nevada’s Unique Chamber of Commerce and the Making of “The Biggest Little City in the World,” discusses the history of the Chamber of Commerce and how Reno and northern Nevada were advertised and promoted from the 1920s through the 1970s. Publicists used booklets, pamphlets, billboards, slogans along with television and radio commercials and even special events to promote Reno. The book is by Nevada in the West Publishing.

You will meet with author Joyce M. Cox, who will visit, and sign books. Neal Cobb will talk about the book.

Summary of Talk

Behind the Arch Book

This book tells the fascinating story of how a small innovative chamber of commerce was responsible for fashioning the image of one of America’s most unique and recognizable cities. It is the story of how Reno, Nevada took shape as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” and how the city and that label became nationally, even internationally, famous.

The primary concern of any community’s chamber of commerce is to promote business and economic development. This, in turn, leads to betterment of the lives of the community’s inhabitants. The interests of the Reno Chamber have been no different, but Reno’s setting in a state with unusual laws that emphasized the freedom of individuals made the organization unique from its very beginning.

Author and Speaker Bios

Joyce M. Cox

Joyce M. Cox

Joyce M. Cox has lived off and on in Washoe County since 1974. As a research librarian, Joyce has worked in libraries in Washington, California, and Nevada and enjoys researching the captivating history as told through the photographs of Washoe County. The photographs for this book come from the Nevada Historical Society and private collections. This is her third book.

Neal Cobb

Neal Cobb

Neal Cobb is a Reno native, and was involved in his family’s business, Modern Photo. Neal fell heir to fourteen large boxes of old Reno and Northern Nevada photos and printable film after his parents died in the 1980’s and subsequently authored two books, Reno Now and Then, Books I and II. He has worked closely representing the Nevada Historical Society, having presented over 500 programs in Reno, Sparks and Northern Nevada since 1988.

The Writers’ Wednesday Lecture Series, held the second Wednesday of each month, features a different author who takes part in a book signing, a presentation and question-and-answer session with the audience. A wine and cheese reception precedes the lecture.

The intent of the program is to highlight writers who specifically focus on Nevada, the Great Basin, or the West in general. The authors talk about the content of their books but also share details about the creative process.

Make sure to arrive early as we have limited seating available in our Event Space. Don’t forget, we provide free, temporary parking permits to make it easier to visit NHS!