Minden was founded in 1906 on Dangberg Ranch property by Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg Jr., who named it after a town in Germany near his father’s birthplace.

Looking west down Esmeralda Avenue in 1935 in Minden. Photo/Courtesy of Francisco’s

The white columns barely visible at the far end of the street (between the trees) front the Douglas County offices.

Minden retains its small-town feel. Photo/Bill Kingman

Built 105 years ago in 1910, “The Heidlberg” (as spelled on its outdoor plaque) building has been a saloon/bar, card parlor, soda fountain, grocery store, and several restaurants, including Francisco’s Mexican today. The three-story block building across at left is the CVIC Hall.

Gardnerville was established in 1879. While Gardner Mountain at the South Shore is named after lumberman Matthew C. Gardner, former Nevada State Archivist Guy Rocha clarifies how the nearby town of Gardnerville actually got its name in this article.

An event in Gardnerville in 1900 at the “S” curve on the main road. Photo/Douglas County

That same building still stands today. It is Frontier Antiques. Photo/Bill Kingman

— Bill Kingman