If you've never heard of Genoa, NV, don't feel bad. I had never heard of it either, despite visiting this general area several times over the years. Located about ten miles south of Carson City, where I'm staying, Genoa is a village of less than 3000 residents snugged up against the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's about 25 miles from Lake Tahoe and 40 miles from Reno. At 4800 feet elevation, weather here is quite variable. They experience cold, snowy Winters, mild but stormy Springs, Summers with daytime temps in the low 90s to mid-40s at night, and Falls that are dry and mild.
The town has two main claims to fame, one being the very first settlement in what is now Nevada. It was founded in 1851 by a group of Mormons sent here by Brigham Young as part of his expansion plans for the Utah Territory. Initially named Mormon Station, the Mormons were later recalled to Salt Lake City and the remaining residents renamed it.
Genoa maintains its historic charm in the form of it homes and businesses. Here are some examples of its "old West" and Victorian style architecture.
 |
| Town Hall |
 |
| Oldest Saloon |
 |
| Main Street Businesses |
 |
| Courthouse |
 |
| Community Church |
|
|
|
 |
| Pink House |
 |
| White House |
At the same time, new homes and neighborhoods are being built just outside of town. Most of these might be called "nicer" developments, such as country club and "gated" communities.
The second thing Genoa is known for is the annual "Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire" held in late September. Started in 1919 as a way to earn money for the streetlights the town wanted, it has grown into an attraction that draws many thousands of visitors from far and wide. Originally suggested by resident Lillian Virgin Finnegan, homemade candy contributed by the ladies of Genoa was, and still is, a major element of the affair. This provides a significant source of revenue for town projects.
A bronze statue of Ms. Finnegan stands near the center of town, recognition of her brilliant idea and the twenty years she passionately supported the program until her death.
Leaving Genoa around dusk, I was pleased to find quite a few birds in the pastures and fields outside of town.
 |
| Mallard |
 |
| Red-winged Blackbird |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
 |
| Brown-headed Cowbird |
 |
| Yellow-headed Blackbird |
|
 |
| Brewers Blackbird |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment