Columnist Ruthe Deskin: State song is music to our ears

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 28, 2002 | 8:22 a.m.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt wants to change the official state song.

I don't know what her reasons are, but they must be logical, as the lieutenant governor is well versed in the language of music.

Our state song has special significance for me; it brought me a small bit of fame some years ago.

Several friends were playing a game of Nevada trivia, and sailing along quite admirably until the question was asked, "What is the state song and who wrote it?"

My immediate answer amazed the other players. None of them knew the answer. The state song, I told them, is "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Raffetto.

It was officially adopted by the state Legislature in 1933. The statute naming "Home Means Nevada" was changed a bit in 1950 when the words "that certain song" were replaced with the words, "the song entitled ..." thus making it more secure as our state's official musical ditty.

Raffetto was from Reno and definitely not well acquainted with Southern Nevada. But who, in the 1930s, would ever dream that the southern end of the state would become the seat of power and population growth?

The lyrics, consequently, allude to the beauty of Northern Nevada. The song mentions the old Kit Carson Trail and the Truckee River.

The words are more descriptive of Northern Nevada and have little connection to anything resembling Las Vegas and its environs.

Perhaps Lt. Gov. Hunt has good reason to propose a change. I would not object too strenuously, but until something better comes along this aging Nevadan will be singing "Home Means Nevada."

Which makes one wonder how many new residents of our state know that the Legislature has designated the following as symbols:

Animal, the desert Big Horn Sheep; state bird, the mountain bluebird; state colors, silver and blue; state flower, sagebrush; state tree, pinon pine; grass, Indian rice grass; metal, silver; fossil, the ichthyosaur; fish, Lahontan cut throat trout.

I offer this information in case you get caught up in a game of Nevada trivia.

Lilly Fong was a gentle lady with a beautiful spirit, who left a legacy of community service, especially in the field of education, that will endure for many years.

It was a privilege to know and work with this petite, dynamic person. Lilly Fong taught school at the old Fifth Street Grammar School and the West Charleston School.

Today an elementary school carries the name of Lilly and Wing Fong; and a building on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus is named in her honor.

Lilly endeared herself to friends with acts of kindness. She loved hosting dinner parties.

When pomegranates were in season, she filled bags from the trees in her garden and delivered them to friends.

Her generosity and kindness will be remembered by her many friends.