Chautauqua features first director of national parks

Steve Hale will become Stephen T. Mather, first director of the National Park Service, in a Chautauqua performance in Minden on Aug. 10.

Mather distinguished himself as a consummate salesman, including the iconic 20 Mule Team Borax brand, which helped him amass a fortune by the early 20th century. After visiting the new western national parks and meeting John Muir, Mather went on to mold the vision of the National Park Service and was honored by being appointed its first director in 1916.

Tickets are $5 for adults, free for 16 and younger. Tickets are available in Gardnerville at Battle Born Wine, in Minden at 88 Cups & More, or online.

The event starts at 6:30pm at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. This is an outdoor event, and visitors should bring chairs. Dogs are not permitted.