TONOPAH, Nev. (Sept. 18, 2008) – The former home of Nevada’s famed divorce-granting judge, George A. Bartlett, becomes a construction site Oct. 9, 2008 as work begins to restore it to its original glory. Gutted for architectural salvage by past owners, the renovation of the Bartlett House, located on Brougher Ave. between McQuillan and Stewart Street in Tonopah, Nev., will restore the craftsman-style mansion to as closely as possible resemble the original condition.

The home has changed ownership several times and is now in the hands of Tonopah resident Michael Burnaroos who purchased the property and is spearheading the renovation.“Tonopah is called the ‘Queen of the Silver Camps,’ and the restoration of the Bartlett House puts another jewel in our crown. We are thrilled to kick off the project and once complete we anticipate that it will draw visitors to Tonopah and help renew the community’s enthusiasm for growth.” said Denise Nelson, chairman of the Tonopah Chamber of Commerce.

Burnaroos, a retired construction worker, learned his trade from Norwegian craftsmen and will complete much of the work himself while staying on property. Using existing photographs, Burnaroos’ goal is to rebuild the house and maintain its historical integrity. The home’s massive stone-work, wood beams and shingle siding are well-documented in exterior images of the structure and will remain. However re-creation of the interior structure proves his challenge. Few images are currently available of the home’s interior, except those of its unique twin staircase, and Burnaroos is searching for anyone that may have old photos from the house’s heyday in the early 1900s.

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