Gardnerville in Douglas County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
East Fork Hotel Building
1441 Highway 395
— Vernacular Utilitarian Style —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein
1. East Fork Hotel Building Marker
The East Fork Hotel was constructed in 1893 by George and Charley Brown, two brothers who came to Genoa, Nevada with a traveling circus. The Brown Brothers also owned the East Fork Brickyard, providing bricks that were used in many Valley buildings.
The hotel is one of the earliest commercial buildings in Gardnerville. The East Fork advertised, "Excellent accommodations and an excellent livery stable connected" at the turn of the century.
One of three eventual Basque hotels in town, the East Fork provided boarding rooms and meals for Basque shepherds. The two story, 3500 square foot building also was the home for the Borda family who operated the East Fork Hotel in the 1900's.
Damaged by fire that also destroyed the adjoining bar, the East Fork Hotel awaits restoration.
In the upper left corner of the marker is seal of the city of Gardnerville, while in the lower right hand corner is the seal of the US Forest Service.
Erected 2004 by Town of Gardnerville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed.
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Sharkey's Nugget (within shouting distance of this marker); The French Hotel and Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Adaven Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gardnerville Branch Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The East Fork Hotel (about 300 feet away); J & T Basque Restaurant Building (about 300 feet away); Perry's Dry Goods (about 400 feet away); Airtanker 130 Is Headed West (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gardnerville.
More about this marker. The marker is located just to the right of the front door.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2009
2. East Fork Hotel Building
In Home Away From Home: A History of Basque Boardinghouses, Jeronima Echevarria lists the more than 60 Basque boardinghouses that were present in Nevada at one time or another, including the East Fork Hotel. The boardinghouses were set up, for the most part, to provide room and board for the Basque shepherds that would periodically come into town, and were spread throughout Idaho and the northern part of Nevada.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,537 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
