Columnist John Katsilometes: The spread at Dr. Hammargren’s house known as ‘LooneyLand’

Friday, Oct. 28, 2005 | 7:48 a.m.

Typically when a neurosurgeon starts talking about the toys in his back yard, it might be time to slowly back away. But Dr. Lonnie Hammargren is no ordinary neurosurgeon (he's no ordinary former Nevada lieutenant governor, for that matter) and this is no ordinary back yard.

Hammargren, who closed his practice in July because he could not afford rising malpractice insurance premiums, will again open his Las Vegas home to the public in celebration of Nevada Day. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday he hosts his annual Nevada Day party in what he often calls "Hammargren's Home of Nevada History." Admission is free.

The house is at 4318 Ridgecrest Drive, near Flamingo and Sandhill roads, and sits on about 2 acres. Hammargren has created a Nevada-themed wonderland since purchasing the home in 1972; the latest addition is a nonfunctioning replica of the Las Vegas Monorail (which was once a nonfunctioning replica of a "Simpsons" prop).

Also on display are a fire-spewing dragon from the defunct MGM Grand show "EFX," an electric mining railroad engine and car used to dig tunnels in Yucca Mountain, a replica of Hoover Dam, a wedding chapel made of the marble used in the original Golden Nugget, vintage signs from several imploded or closed Las Vegas hotels (including the Hacienda, Dunes and Showboat), a Clark Gable-sized model of Clark Gable hanging from an Army-issued parachute and a big tank full of live turtles.

Oh, and there will be bands and appearances by celebrities and refreshments sold by the Boy Scouts.

"I don't know whether it's LonnieLand or LooneyLand, but it will be fun," says the good doctor. Call 596-6669 or 806-2604 for information.

NoteMart

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