Shannon Litz/Nevada Appeal Eighteen-month-old Masen Schacht checks out the Gardnerville display at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center Monday. She is being held by her great aunt Dianna Balda.
Gardnerville's 125th birthday party started with speeches from Gardnerville town board chairman Paul Lindsay, town manager Jim Park, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioner's Proclamation was delivered by chairman Kelly Kite.
Chairman Kelly Kite complimented those in attendance.
"If you don't love your community, you don't come out on a windy day and listen to a bunch of politicians," Kite said.
Representatives Yolanda Garcia for Sen. Harry Reid and Chief of Staff Mike Hillerby for Gov. Kenny Guinn also spoke at Heritage Park on Monday.
Actors Andi Johnson and James Dilworth impersonated notable figures from the past John and Mary Gardner; Lawrence Gilman was portrayed by Lewis Lloyd; and J. Longabaugh was portrayed by Linda Slater, former two-term Douglas County recorder.
On April 5, 1879, Gilman purchased 7.5 acres of land in Douglas County near Heritage Park from John and Mary Gardner and named the town for them.
After the historical re-enactment, Johnson wished prosperity on the audience and showered them with chocolate gold coins.
A reception followed the event in the park at the museum.
According to museum volunteer Sue Smith who held a counter in her hand, there were already 68 people attending the museum exhibit before its official start time of 5 p.m.
Colin Philips, 8, enjoyed the displays.
"The last time I was here I was 4, so this is all stuff I haven't seen before," Philips said. "My favorite is the bear. I'm glad to be here."
Layssa Park, 15, was also impressed.
"It's very neat that you can see how far we've come in such a short amount of time."
The exhibit had everything necessary to tell the story of Gardnerville's history, from time lines, to old photos and antiques, and of course, a bear.
