Lodge seeks donors to help fix roof

The Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society needs some generous donors to come forward to finish fundraising to replace the roof on the historic lodge. And, unfortunately, they need that money - $50,000 - before the end of the year.

The lodge was built by George Whittell, who at one point owned most of the Nevada side of the Tahoe Basin between 1936 and 1938, and lived in it during the summers until his death at age 87. Whittell High School is named after him.

Bill Watson, executive director of the society, said the money is needed to match $50,000 offered by an anonymous donor. The funds are conditional on finding an equal amount to match it before Jan. 1 so that the donor can claim a tax break.

Watson said the society has already raised the $250,000 it expected the roofing project to cost. But he said the cost of re-roofing seven of the complex's nine buildings came in about $100,000 higher than original estimates.

Watson said the existing roof is the original cedar shake one put on in the late 1930s.

"And whenever you tear something like that open, you discover a few gremlins that add some extra cost," he said.

Watson said the new grant and equal match will get the group to its total needs of $350,000.

He said the situation is becoming critical because of damage caused last winter by high winds.

"We lost dozens of shakes with every storm." According to Nevada Historic Preservation Officer Ron James, "if we can't get these roofs replaced, we risk seeing one of Nevada's best historic resources damaged."

He said he's grateful for the contributions the society has received and hopeful some generous people will help match the $50,000.

To contribute to the project, send checks to: Thunderbird Lodge, P.O. Box 6812, Incline Village, NV 89450.