Twaddle-Pedroli Ranch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Twaddle--Pedroli Ranch
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Wilson Commons Park, 2010
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 Location in Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Location | Washoe County, Nevada, USA |
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| Nearest city | Carson City, Nevada |
| Built | 1860 |
| Architectural style | Agricultural utilitarian |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000340 |
| Added to NRHP | April 06, 2000 |
The Twaddle-Pedroli Ranch is a historic place in Washoe County, Nevada. It is also known by other names like the Jackson-Harp Ranch and Wilson Commons Ranch. John Twaddle bought this ranch in 1869. At that time, it was called the Sturtevant Ranch and was about 630 acres large. The ranch is located near Franktown, Nevada and close to the famous Bowers Mansion.
Contents
A Ranch Through Time: Its Owners and Changes
This ranch has seen many owners and changes over the years. Each family added to its story. Let's explore how this important place developed.
The Pedroli Family: Dairy Farmers
In 1885, John Twaddle sold the ranch to two brothers, Stefano and Anselmo Pedroli. They were from Switzerland and spoke Italian. Before buying the ranch, they worked with cattle in the Washoe Valley. Stefano later bought out Anselmo and started a dairy business. He sent fresh milk and cheese to the miners working at the Comstock Lode. Stefano's son, William, took over the ranch when his father passed away in 1924.
A Special Visitor: Eleanor Roosevelt
On July 7, 1943, a very important person visited the ranch. Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the First Lady of the United States at the time, came for a walk. She was with her friend, Gertrude Pratt. Gertrude was staying nearby to get a divorce.
New Owners and Becoming a Park
After the Pedroli family, the ranch changed hands again. In 1948, Harp Brothers, Inc. bought the ranch. John Jackson managed it for them. Later, from 1956 to 1986, the Willson/Rand family owned the property.
The ranch was in danger of being developed for businesses. To save it, the Washoe County Parks Department bought the property in 1986. They agreed to call it the Wilson-Commons Ranch. It then became a county park. Today, the park is about 25 acres. About 5 acres of this land make up the historic heart of the ranch.
What Remains of the Ranch Buildings
Sadly, the main ranch house was torn down in 1998 because it was too old and damaged. However, some other buildings still stand. These include a horse barn, a chicken house, a dairy house, and a bunk house. There is also a tack house and a privy (an outdoor toilet). The privy was built in 1938-39 by the Works Progress Administration. This was part of a program to build fly-proof privies in Nevada. Several animal corrals also remain on the property.
A Place of History: National Recognition
The Twaddle-Pedroli Ranch is an important historical site. In 2000, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a place worth preserving for its history.
The 2016 Wildfire: A Sad Loss
In 2016, a large wildfire caused a lot of damage to the ranch. Most of the buildings, including the barn, were destroyed. Very little of the original structures remain today.
