The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is delighted to announce that at its Tuesday, June 2, 2026 meeting, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors issued a Certificate of Recognition honoring David A. Comstock for his work in promoting Nevada County history.
Dave passed away on December 11, 2025, a few months shy of his 99th birthday. After a career in the Bay Area, he moved to Nevada County and married Ardis Hatten in the 1960s. They purchased land in the Chalk Bluff area and there, in a hand-built 6 sided home, he began Comstock Bonanza Press in 1979. Dave published more than 50 books offering a unique perspective on Nevada County and California history. He also wrote and published the 3 volume Nevada County Chronicles, the foremost history of Nevada County during the Gold Rush days.
As the Board recognized:
“Dave was a longtime member of the Nevada County Historical Society and the Historical Landmarks Commission, where he compiled and published its guide to the County’s historical landmarks, Exploring Nevada County. Throughout his career, Dave helped numerous writers and organizations, including churches and civic groups, to self-publish. He added a professional touch, offering an enhanced appeal and expanded readership, at nominal fees or no charge at all. In one of his later publications, he published a rare account of history as told by Nisenan voices.
Beyond his historical contributions and those in the world of publication, Dave was an accomplished artist who created over 200 watercolors and illustrations, including many regional scenes. He also designed a Gold Rush postage stamp, which is now displayed in the US Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. ….
Therefore, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors takes great pleasure in recognizing David Comstock’s dedication to our local history and incredible contributions to the community through both his art and publications.”
The public is invited to attend the dedication of a plaque honoring Dave at the Searls Historical Library on June 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm, to be followed by a Historical Society program exploring Dave’s many accomplishments at the adjoining Sierra Presbyterian Church.
Many of the books Dave published are available from Comstock Bonanza Press, now operated by Cindi Anderson (530-798-6169). The electronic edition of Exploring Nevada County is available for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon.
The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, please call 415-264-7230.