Spooner Area (Logging and Lumber Period: 1868-1895) Douglas County   39.10642, -119.91878

"I wonder what prompted the SHPO to place this one just past the entrance booth. Most people headed to Spooner Lake are headed there to park for the day, or for a few hours -- not to turn around. And that is precisely what I had to do. I came here at the wrong time of year when the fees are in full force! Fortunately, the ranger allowed me to enter without paying. If I'd had to pay the entrance fee, this would've been the priciest historical marker I've run across yet!" -- Journal Entry, August 2007

At the entrance to Spooner Lake State Park, 16 miles west of Carson City
* Access from SR 28, 1/4 mile north of US 50. Marker is right behind the entrance booth *

Original Date Visited: 8/19/07

Signed: No

Notes: Possible fee required. Good luck trying to spot this one from the highway. In fact, my recommendation is don't! The setting for this marker might be the most exotic in the entire state as it's completely hidden from view among the dense forest. Coupled with the busy traffic along SR 28 save yourself the trouble (and possibly an accident) by having a second set of eyes to help you find this marker because this one is so hidden that people are still finding it. Apparently the SHPO thought it best to place this marker alongside the turn-around directly behind the entrance booth, yet not at the actual parking area.

During my last visit in 2011 the ranger working at the entrance kiosk had know idea that this marker has been there for upwards of twenty years literally 300 feet from his daily post! When you're ready to conquer [225] begin by pulling into Spooner Lake State Park from SR 28. Although you might see the marker as you near the entrance booth, it can only be accessed by entering the park itself. This entrance booth is usually tended to only during the summer months though so if your visit is around this time, just tell the ranger that you're only viewing the marker. Doing this will save you from paying the outrageous $10 vehicle fee.

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[225] The intense green surrounding Marker 225 [225] The bustling logging and lumbering era, circa 1866 [225] An exact replica of the V-shaped flume used during the lumbering era [225] Marker 225 plaque [225] The setting for this marker may be the most exotic in the entire state!

Exact Description:
This area bears the name of Michele E. Spooner, a French Canadian entrepreneur, who, along with others, was instrumental in establishing the wood and lumber industry which supplied the needs of the Comstock mines and mills.

In 1868 Spooner became a partner with Oliver and John Lonkey, the Elliot Brothers, Henry M. Yerington, William Fairburn and Simon Dubois in the Summit Fluming Company and operated a shingle mill and sawmill. In 1870 Yerington, Bliss & Company took over the Summit Fluming Company.

In 1873 another sawmill was erected at Spooner Meadows. Later in 1873, all the mills were taken over by the Carson & Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company. This company, headquartered at Glenbrook, went on to become the largest of the three huge combines supplying wood and lumber to the Comstock.

The exotic piney settings at Spooner Lake

Next Marker:

CAVE ROCK

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Related Links & Markers

 [193] -- Historic Flume & Lumber Yard   [219] -- Glenbrook   Spooner Lake State Park - Marlette Backcountry (Nevada State Parks) 

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