Sand Springs 39.274312° -118.413487° (approximate)
Benadum Freight Station 39.278876° -118.269308° (approximate)

Charles Lafayette Benadum was born in 1860 in Ottowa, Kansas. Moving to Colorado, he found work as a stage coach driver and as a railroad brakeman. In 1886, while in Colorado, he took 20-year old Sarah Guire as his bride, and in 1889 they had a daughter, Tillie, followed by another daughter, Bertha, in 1890, and a son, Orville, in 1902. The Panic of 1893 made him realize that the best way to survive was to diversify, and he purchased land and planted orchards, which he worked for over ten years. Deciding to head West, he found himself and his family in Utah, where they heard about the Newlands Project. Around 1907, the 47-year old found himself in Fallon, Nevada.

Andrea Rossman over at the Churchill County Museum graciously provided some background on Charles Benadum:

Charles Benadum was born in Kansas on March 20, 1860. In 1907 he and his wife Sarah [Guire] arrived in Fallon. He was considered a "Johnny Come Lately," by the local business crowd, but at the age of forty-seven, Benadum quickly established a freighting business serving the booming mining towns of Fairview and Wonder. He later operated a stage line and began acquiring property in Fallon, opening a blacksmith shop which he later converted to a garage as the use of automobiles increased. He saw the need to assist the children who lived in the rural areas so he started a bus route. Benadum wanted to enhance the community he lived in. Always civic-minded, he held up the belief that the future was filled with opportunities for the city of Fallon. He served as first president of the first commercial club organized here. He served many years in public office as deputy sheriff, county commissioner for six years, city councilman for four years, and as police judge. He passed away in October 3, 1944.

In fact, while we're on the subject, if you want to know everything there is to know about Mr. Benadum, you should consult Andrea's In Focus Volume 17 article entitled Charles L. 'C. L.' Benadum : The Versatile Businessman published by the Churchill County Museum, and which can be purchased here.

My understanding is that Benadum's Freight Station was a "private" station used by his teams, which he created when Mr. Bermond gave him some static about using his at Frenchman's. Later, he allowed other teamsters to us it as well. It was situated close to Frenchman's. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure.

When you look up the word "entrepreneur " in the dictionary, you should find a photo of Mr. Benadum. Not interested in farming, he went into the freighting business, recognizing the need to deliver goods to the up and coming mining towns of Fairview, Rawhide, and Wonder. He sold and delivered coal, bartering with local farmers for what they produced, which he could then sell in the hungry mining camps. Due to the long distance between Fallon and the camps, he recognized the need for freight stations, and he created them at near Salt Wells, Sand Springs, and Frenchman's. He provided water for free at his stations, which was very much appreciated. Recognizing another need, he secured a mail contract to Fairview and Rawhide, and later, to Hazen. In 1911, his friend George Wilbur joined him as a business partner and they opened a blacksmith shop. This shop was located where the "old" post office stands in Fallon. Seizing yet another opportunity, Benadum recognized the usefulness of automobiles and began using them for mail, freight, and transport. He opened up the New Dorris Garage and became a dealer for that— at the time— expensive automobile. (a 1910 Dorris sold for $2500, the equivalent of $75,000 today. Later on, the closed cars would sell for the equivalent of $210,000) It soon became evident that Henry Ford's production methods resulted in a more reasonably-priced car, and Benadum began to sell those. And while his garage offered not only new cars but fuel, oil, tires, and repairs, he also took on the Durant line of cars, including their economy model, the Star, and later Studebaker, which had moved from making wagons to automobiles. Starting in 1912, Benadum ran and won a seat on the County Commission. He also served, at various times, as a City Councilman, a game warden, a police judge, and a deputy sheriff. He donated men and equipment to help build schools. He got into the oil drilling business, looking for crude in the area. By the 1930's Benadum took his doctor's advice and slowed his activities. Sarah passed away in 1939, and he joined her in 1944.

Firmin Bruner describes some of Benadum's facilities.

Mr. and Mrs. Brock operated the Sand Springs Station. Mrs. Brock was a"mail order bride," and I'd say that Mr. Brock was very fortunate to marry a woman so talented in the art of cooking and housekeeping and willing to work like she did. The Station corrals were located on the east side of the road on the spot where the Nevada highway monument now stands, and the Station buildings were directly across on the west side of the road. Traces of the old Station may still be found there. The well and "Aero brand" engine and pump were located outside the corral. Due to its peculiar taste, it was hard to swallow the water at first, but after drinking it for a while, the taste seemed more palatable. Here too, it cost ten cents per head to water horses and also to fill automobile radiators. Several hundred feet south of Brock's buildings on the west side of the road, C. L. Benadum had a private station where his four-horse fast freight teams changed horses on the run between Fallon, Fairview and Wonder. A man named Ed Kellond took care of the horses stationed there. Mr. Benadum owned the Ford Agency in Fallon and also ran the stage line to Fairview and Wonder. He used Doris trucks to haul the mail and lighter freight, and Doris and Ford cars to haul passengers. I can recall the names of only two of his motor drivers. They were Irving Sanford, Sr. and Roy Stewart. The only trace left of Benadum's station, at present, is some manure where part of the horse corral had been. Widening the highway right of way has erased all traces of where the caretaker's cabin and horse barn once stood. John Peterson owned and operated the Salt Wells Station. He was a bachelor. He usually had a hired cook and spent most of his time tending to the saloon. Most of the freight teams took off straight south from the S. P. Railroad Depot on Taylor street. If a team left Fallon in the morning, Salt Wells was about the right mileage for a stopover. Otherwise they stayed overnight at L. A. Beckstead's Country Store campground, located about one-half mile east of the present Shurz highway at a distance of about five miles from Fallon.
-Freight Stations Along the Lincoln Highway, In Focus Vol.2

Mr. Bruner reminisces some more...

C.L. Benadum owned it [The Ford Garage] and they called it the New Dorris Garage. It was a very good make of a car at that time. So I was night man there. Dr. Dempsey would come in occasionally and sometimes he'd have a flat tire to fix. I'd fix it and then he'd get his stethoscope out and listen to the tube and see if it was leaking after I'd patched it. There was a guy of a prominent family that used to come in there and he'd come in just uglier than a bear. His temperament would be terrific and I'd go out to wait on somebody and I'd come back into the office and he'd be in good spirits. So one day he offered me some "snow" but I didn't take it. (laughing) He belonged to a very prominent family here in Fallon. Well, it looked like it was white stuff to me. I don't know what it was. He offered it to me so that explains why his mood was changed so quickly. I was night man there until Benadum went out of business. But before he went out of his business, his son, Orry, Oroville Benadum, got married. Wonder had shut down at that time and he bought a house up there and he had Ed Kellond go out and take it down in sections. So he sent me out there with a Dorris truck and trailer and we loaded that on and by the time I left Wonder and came on to Eight-Mile Flat--we didn't travel the grade, we just traveled alongside of it 'cause it was dry weather--it was just about dark and I went down in one of those soft crossings. I worked all night getting that out. The next morning at daylight I pulled into the Grimes Ranch and asked that fella if he had any gasoline. I knew I was pretty well down on gasoline so he drained his Model T and gave me the gas to come on into town. Orry rebuilt the structure out here right across from the Oats Park School. Then after he sold out--he sold the Ford agency and everything out--course one of the reasons that he went broke was Ed Schaeffer was the foreman there and he was accepted and lived with the family. But he kept digging in the till and finally it broke him. But Benadum's daughter was stuck on him although she had a husband and so she never would reveal this stuff. So finally Benadum went broke. After that they started the oil drilling out here. [Stillwater]
Savage Tire Company sent a man out and he camped on Four Mile Point and his job was to fill sandbags and have somebody that was going by pick up this sandbag and drop it in a chuckhole some place (laughing) and they figured they'd eventually get the thing graveled that way. Well, he didn't have too much luck so they called him off. Irving Sanford, Sr. was driving stage for Benadum to Wonder and one day he says to me, "That guy needs a separator." And I says, "What does he need a separator for?" He said, "To separate the hot air from the baloney." He didn't use that word, but apparently he was a pretty good talker.
-Firmin Bruner Oral History Part 2 of 2, Bill Davis Interviewer, Churchill County Museum Association

Benadum sets up shop. According to the 1910 census, he was living at 33 "A" Street, owned his home free and clear, and was 50 years old. He listed his occupation as "freighter."

C. L. Benadum informs us that he will soon have his blacksmith shop operating in full blast. Every modern appliance common in up-to-date shops has been ordered, and a blacksmith and wagon and carriage maker is preparing to move here from Canyon City, Colorado, to take charge of the shop. In the meantime, an expert horseshoer has been engaged and is on the way here to take charge of the mechanical affairs.
-Churchill County Standard, April 28, 1910

NEW STAGE LINE
Fallon, Fairview, Wonder
Fast Freight and Express Line
Leaves Fallon Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 a.m.
Returning Leaves Wonder Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays at 5 a.m.
C. L. Benadum, Prop.
-Churchill County Standard, July 7, 1910

It cost $7.00 to go from Fallon to Wonder; $5 to go from Fallon to Fairview.

Always expanding and improving. He saw the need for coal and ran with it.

ROCK SPRINGS
COAL $12.00 COAL
Delivered to any part of the City. Country orders filled at car for $11.00 per ton.
C. L. Benadum
-Churchill County Standard, January 5, 1911

Elsewhere in this will be noted the advertisements of C. L. Benadum, having to do with his stage line into Wonder and Fairview and his local coal yard, recently established. Mr. Benadum calls the attention of the traveling public in his stage advertisement to the fact that he has reduced the stage passenger fare into Wonder from $10 to $7 and into Fairview from $7 to $5. In his fuel advertisement, Mr. Benadum displays the additional service he has performed for the community by announcing a cut in the price of Rock Springs coal from $14, the price ruling for two seasons, to $12 delivered to any part of the town. Those living on ranches in the valley can get the coal at the car for $11 per ton.
-Churchill County Standard, January 5, 1911

C. L. Benadum has equipped two new coaches for his stage line operating out of Fallon, the work having been done in the Benadum-Sprieyer blacksmith shop.
-Churchill County Standard, March 8, 1911

The C. L. Benadum station and eating house at Sand Springs was opened to the public the first of the week. Mr. Benadum tells us that he makes no charge for water for horses used at the station watering place. This is a new innovation on the Fairview-Fallon route of travel.
-Churchill County Standard, May 3, 1911

Not to brag, but....

We are still making the best scrapers what is. Plow work of any kind. We have imitators, but no equals. BENADUM & SPRYER.

C. L. Benadum purchased two 40-horse power Dorris cars the first of the week for use on the Fallon-Fairview-Wonder route. The cars were sold through Herbert Hamlin and George Sherman, local agents and the delivery will occur in a few days.
-Churchill County Standard, April 10, 1912

It's here! Let's put it to work!

One of the two fine 40-horse. power Dorris cars, ordered by C. L. Benadum for his stage line out of Fallon, arrived Sunday and will be placed in use in a day or two. Mr. Benadum is having contrivances make for the rear of the autos that will carry the mails between this point and the mining camps. The second auto will be along in a few days and then a regular schedule will be maintained by Mr. Benadum.
-Churchill County Standard, May 15, 1912

Hold on to your hats, people. But not getting rid of the horses just yet.

C. L. Benadum, proprietor of the Fairview, Wonder and Fallon stage line, inaugurated the first auto mail service between these points Monday morning, when his second Dorris car was formally placed in the service. His daily schedule is now a trip each way between these points with his fast automobiles, with the difference as compared to the old stage service that his running time is now reduced to only a fraction of what it was formerly. In the meantime his stock and coaches will be maintained in the fast freight service between Fallon and the mining camps.
-Churchill County Standard, May 29, 1912

WHAT?!?! Another price reduction?

COAL PRICES REDUCED AGAIN.
C. L. Benadum Brings About Another Reduction in Price of Fuel.
Those who use coal and most everybody is included In this category, will welcome a reduction in the price of coal, genuine Rock Springs, from $12 to $10 per ton, with no extra charge for delivery to any part of town in ton lots. It will bo remembered that Mr. Benadum was instrumental in establishing the $12 rate and conditions now make It possible to further reduce coal prices. If ranchers want to save money go to Benadum's coal yard for their fuel and grain. Highest cash prices are paid for poultry. Stage office telephone 13x1.
-Churchill County Standard, February 26, 1913

In case you were wondering about Rock Springs coal....

Buried under the streets of Rock Springs, Wyoming are seams of coal. In 1850 Howard Stansbury noted that coal could be found near the present town. When, in 1868, the Union Pacific Railroad built through the area, the large commercial mines opened. Number 1 Mine, opened in downtown and the village streets were said to have been laid out by "a 'drunken' miner on a dying horse." The Number 1 Mine, along with the nearby Blair Mine, which opened in the early to mid 1860's, formed the nucleus of an infant community. The town became known as the "Newcastle of the West," (after the fabled England coal town). From 1868 to until the mid-nineteenth century, coal from Rock Springs area mines provided relatively clean burning fuel for steam locomotives that crossed the Rocky Mountains.
-Rock Springs Historical Marker

C. L. Benadum and Geo. S. Spreyer, associated together for several years in the conduct of the Maine street blacksmith shop, dissolved partnership last week, Mr. Benadum retaining the blacksmithing interests. He has a first-class mechanic in charge of the various shop departments. Meanwhile, Mr. Spreyer has announced his intention of re-engaging in the same line of business endeavor in Fallon and will open a new shop shortly.
-Churchill County Standard, April 30, 1913

Benadum is now recognized as not only a leading businessman, but a staunch supporter of the community and instigator of progress.

In addition to the Tedford forwarding business are others, chief of whom is C. L. Benadum. He has 10 men, two autos, one auto truck and 65 head of horses and necessary wagons in the freighting, passenger and mail carrying business between Fallon, Fairview, Wonder and Rawhide. It is estimated that Messrs. Tedford and Benadum disburse in Fallon for wages and firm supplies needed for the carrying on of their businesses the sum of $10,000 monthly. Mr. Benadum engages in a general trade and traffic between the mines and the farms. He is an intermediary who markets in the mining camps thousands of poultry, he carries to them the provender for the population, and he, too, is a functionary who is a real agent of prosperity for this valley and as necessary for the mining camps. He carries the mail over the desert stretches and by his enterprise has made desert travel out of Fallon a pleasure.
-Churchill County Standard, April 1, 1914

Now, that wasn't nice at all.

ALLEGED FORGER WANTED
FALLON (Nev.) April 24. The authorities here are looking for one Dr. F. B. Nash on a charge of having passed a bogus check. C. L. Benadum a businessman of Fallon sword to the complaint against him. He claims that Nash bought a wagon and gave him a check for $70 and took change. The check was issued on the Nixon National Bank of Reno and proved to be worthless. The wagon was subsequently recovered by Benadum at Lovelock but Nash escaped.
-Sacramento Bee, April 24, 1914

More improvements on the way!

The Benadum garage will be ready for the public's uses by July 1st. It will offer storage for cars, oils and expert care for automobiles and repair work of all kinds. Ted Cupit, formerly assistant master mechanic of the Buckhorn plant, has been engaged by Mr. Benadum to take charge of the garage and he comes recommended as one of the best mechanics anywhere.
-Churchill County Standard, June 10, 1914

Branching out, Benadum is now carrying the mail.

New Star Route Prices C. L. Benadum has been officially notified of the acceptance by the post office department of his tender to carry Government mail of all classes between Fallon and Fairview and Wonder for the four-year period commencing July 1. The contracts have not been completed as yet, but will be shortly. Under its terms Mr. Benadum will receive $2400 per year for carrying first and second class mail matter and one cent per pound for third, fourth and parcel post mail matter.- -Fallon Standard.
-Eureka Sentinel, June 20, 1914

At this point in time, the Lincoln Highway was being popularized, and it was important to keep the road in good shape. Benadum was, as you might expect, involved in this.

BETTER MINING CAMP ROADS
Public Spirited Citizens Co-operate To Make Mining Camps More Accessible To This Place.
A movement for better roads between Fallon and the mining camps has been under way for some time. The county commissioners have gone as far as finances would permit at all times, but lately another element has been introduced into the situation. It has to do with the cooperation of public spirited citizens, a most important factor always, and in the present case this aid will result in substantial improvement to the thoroughfare, where otherwise it would be next to impossible, when the county's limited resources are figured. Lately the Churchill County Chamber of Commerce has hammered away on the importance of good roads and the example of the body must prove beneficial. Indeed benefits have already accrued. Through the efforts of the local commercial body the active aid of Messrs. C. L. Benadum and J. N. Tedford, both of whom use the mining camp roads continuously, and both of whom are extraordinarily public spirited citizens, has been enlisted in the plan of keeping the roads in better repair and that their aid will be real will be known when it is stated that Mr. Benadum will attach his specially constructed road drag to his teaming outfits covering the distance between Fallon and Salt Wells, where Mr. Tedford's outfits will take It on to Sand Springs and return to Salt Wells, where it will again be taken up by the Benadum outfits for the route between there and here. This process will be continued indefinitely at a probable expense to Mr. Benadum and Mr. Tedford each of several hundred dollars, though it is being done without compensation beyond that afforded by better roads.
In the meantime if public spirited farmers living along the way between Fallon and Grimes' ranch will cooperate with the county and Messrs. Tedford and Benadum, their agency will prove vital in correcting an aggravating situation. It must be remembered that the route in question is a part of the Lincoln Highway. It surely should be worth something to every farmer to have his premises bordering the Lincoln Highway and in lieu of funds for road improvement the farmer may well assist whenever the occasion demands and his time is not otherwise occupied. A few hours a few times a year will correct many chuckholes, if land owners work in concert and the improved impression of our section that will go abroad will be ample recompense for the extra effort.
-Churchill County Standard, June 24, 1914

At this point in time, Benadum decided it might be time to extend himself even further and become in involved in the government.

C. L. BENADUM
Announces himself a candidate for
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
(Long Term)
Subject to the decision of the Republican voters of Churchill County at the primaries September 1, 1914.
-Churchill County Standard, July 29, 1914

Looks like he won! But Benadum gets a hint to slow down a bit.

COMMISSIONER BENADUM TAKEN TO RENO HOSPITAL
X-ray Photo Taken and Develops Presence of Blood Clot in Vein of Wrist.
Commissioner C. L. Benadum was taken to Reno Sunday by Dr. Ferrell for the purpose of having an X-ray photo taken of his wrist. Since the amputation of the ends of his third and fourth fingers a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Benadum has been suffering intense pain that was at first thought to be due to rheumatic condition aggravated by the amputation. The X-ray, however. showed a thrombus or blood clot in the vein of the wrist. This is a very painful condition and requires time and complete rest in order for the clot to absorb or break down. Mr. Benadum insisted on attending the meeting of the commissioners last Saturday and In attending to his private business, thus aggravating the condition. Hence Dr. Ferrell has advised that he remain In the hospital for a few days away from business worries. Mrs. Benadum accompanied him to Reno and will remain with him during his enforced confinement.
-Churchill County Standard, June 9, 1915

Benandum lost an employee on the rough Lincoln Highway.

CRUSHED UNDER WHEEL OF HEAVY AUTO TRUCK
J. W. Lilly Meets With Terrible End Last Friday—Body Shipped to Old Home in Iowa.
The Sand Springs summit was the scene of a sad accident last Friday morning when J. W. Lilly, employed as cook and hostler [a man employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn. - FN] by C. L. Benadum at the Sand Springs station, fell to his death from an auto truck and was instantly killed. Lilly had been to Wonder and had been drinking heavily and was intoxicated when he boarded the truck to return to Sand Springs. Lloyd Coverston was driving and Lilly insisted on taking the front seat beside the driver, who repeatedly endeavored to persuade him to lie down in the back part, but he stubbornly refused, although several times saved from being thrown off by the pitching of the truck over the rough road. At the Sand Springs summit, while Coverston was busily engaged in piloting his machine over an unusually rough section through a cut that sloped sharply down to the track, Lilly suddenly plunged headlong over the side, striking on his head and shoulders and slipping down the steep hank between the front and hind wheel of the truck. The wheel paused over his head crushing it to a pulp. Death was instantaneous. Assisted by two other passengers the body was placed on the truck and brought to Sand Springs and a report of the accident telephoned to the authorities at Fallon who gave instructions for the body to be brought to town. A coroners Jury was impaneled which returned a verdict of accidental death. Lilly had been in this section but a few weeks. He was an ex-Philippine soldier and was said by all who knew him to be a man of good instincts, but with an uncontrollable appetite for liquor. C. L. Benadum wired to his home at Muscatine. Iowa. and received instructions from his brother, Ben G. Lilly, a prominent business man of the city„ to have the body properly prepared and shipped to that place for burial. It is understood that he has a mother living in Muscatine and a sister, Mrs. J. W. Frame, residing at Elko. He was about 40 years of age.
-Churchill County Standard, May 8, 1916

Although Benadum's places of business have been erased by the boot heel of time, the old Post Office in Fallon-- built in 1928--sits on the site of some of his properties.

NEW POST OFFICE SITE IS SELECTED BY DEPARTMENT
Word was received in Fallon last Friday that the Post office Department had accepted the offer of a site for the proposed new federal building to be erected in this city in the near future. The location chosen is that now partially occupied by the building used by Benadum & Wilbur's harness shop and extends north to the corner of the block. Officially it is lots 15 and 16 and one-half of lot 14 in block 205, Oats addition. In addition to housing the post office. it is designed to provide quarters for the Reclamation Service and for the U. S. Federal Court should the bill pass providing for the holding of the court at several places in the State. An appropriation of $55,000 has already passed Congress, but has been held up in the office of the Construction Bureau.
-Churchill County Standard, January 17, 1917

Benadum is now a member of the Fallon City Council.

NEW TOWN BOARD TOOK OFFICE LAST EVENING
New City Council Met Last Evening 0rganized For the Two-Year Term
The recently elected city council with new faces from each of our three wards, organized last evening with Former Councilman J. C. Jones as the new mayor. C. L. Benadum, from the first ward, Thos. Kendrick, from the second ward, and C. B. Likes, from the third, comprise the town hoard. Last evening's session consisted mainly of outlining policies for the future conduct of the town's affairs. Councilman Benadum declared that he had been elected from his ward upon a policy of retrenchment in city affairs that he had promised his constituents that he would work for the utmost economy In the town's conduct of government and in the course of his remarks stated that people generally in Fallon were highly desirous of being informed upon the manner of money disbursements and general policy through the papers. He brings to the town board the benefit of his several years' experience as county commissioner and believes it would be good policy to particularize by publication city transactions as they occur from time to time. In this movement he has the hearty support of Mayor Jones and the other councilmen.
-Churchill County Standard, May 21, 1919

I would have held onto the Ford dealership and got rid of the others, but that's just me.

YERINGTONITE BUYS FALLON PROPERTY
An important deal was closed yesterday when C. L. Benadum sold the New Dorris Garage, an extensive business which he has been a number of years building up. The machine shop and repair department was purchased by G. D. Fraser, of Yerington who is adding powerful equipment to the shop, including a 20-inch lathe 16 feet in length, which with other machinery, will enable him to handle any class of work that comes along, says the Fallon Eagle of last week. In fact, the oil well drillers will be able to get work done at this shop that has hereto-fore gone to outside points. Mr. Fraser is now busy installing the additional equipment. The sales department and auto supplies has been sold to Howard Brown, formerly of California, but recently from Yerington. Mr. Brown has taken over the Ford agency and will handle all Ford supplies as well as the usual lines that Mr. Benadum has carried in the past. A car of Fords has just i arrived for Mr. Brown. The two departments will be handled separately. The sale does not include the real estate or buildings, which have been leased to the new proprietors.
-Mason Valley News, January 15, 1921

Yet another jewel in the Benadum crown of successes.

Many Fallon People Take to Cat-Fishing
Prize Catfish of Season Landed By C. L. Benadum at the Narrows Sunday
Competition for the I. H. Kent Co.'s prize offered for the biggest catfish caught during the season is getting keen. The latest entry in the contest was made by C. L. Benadum who hooked a fourteen and a half inch catfish weighing one and three-quarters pounds Sunday and had it on exhibition at the Kent store for a short time Monday. Other big ones that have been brought in lately are: C. H. Cress with a one and one-half pound fish; Tom Kendricks, twelve ounce; M. B. Johnson, twelve ounce; Chas. Howser, eleven ounce. Mr. Benadum's catch has aroused the envy of other nimrods around town who claim to fling a wicked hook and line and it is darkly hinted that this record will soon be beaten.
-Churchill County Standard, April 26, 1924

Not one to sit around fishing all day. Benadum is now remodelling another building and this time it's right smack dab down town.

REMODELING BUILDING FOR NEW AUTO BUSINESS
Work of remodeling the Williams Estate building at the corner of Main street and Williams avenue has been started. This property is to be occupied by C. L. Benadum where he will display the new Star car and Durant products. The building occupied is one of the choice sites for such a sales room. Mr. Benadum also intends to carry accessories of all kinds and maintain a twenty-four hour service station for autoists.
Fallon Standard March 14, 1923



You can now buy your Studebakers locally, right here in Fallon.

PLACES CAR AGENCY
Otto Steinheimer, of the Steinheimer Bros., Studebaker agents of Reno, spent last Thursday in this city. While here he completed a deal whereby Charles Benadum takes over the agency for the reliable car for this district. Those contemplating a new car this spring can get first hand information together with terms at the Central Service Station. The Studebaker is one of the standard six cylinder autos and the old firm's name is back of every car that is put out.
-Churchill County Standard, April 23, 1924

Please be advised we are now a civilized county, hunters.

C. L. Benadum, Churchill county game warden, announces that violations of the hunting laws in the county will be rigidly prosecuted. This includes cottontail rabbits and mountain hare, season on which is limited to November 1 to December 31. Churchill county bag. limits are: Five valley quail: three pheasants, cocks only, and five cottontail rabbits. There is no open season on bob white quail.
-Reno Evening Gazette, October 27, 1926

Deputy Sheriff Benadum spreads the alarm and aids in the capture of criminals. Is there anything this guy can't do?

Escape From Fallon Jail Caught at Fernley After Deputy Shoots Companion
Deputy Sheriff Halts Escaping Prisoner with Rifle and Wounds His Companion; Had Already Rushed Through Barrier and Defied Constable
After running past the constable at Hazen last night in a stolen car belonging to Al Conley, and rented by Churchill county, Robert Anderson, a prisoner in the Churchill county jail, who had escaped during the night with Warren J. Ritter, another prisoner, was stopped by bullets from the rifle of Eli Bradshaw, Lyon county deputy sheriff and night watchman at Fernley. Ritter was shot in the ankle, and the car in which the men were making their escape was riddled with bullets. The battle took place near the bridge at Fernley. As soon as the men had made their break from the jail, towns all along the line were notified by telephone. At Hazen the constable ordered Anderson, who was driving, to stop, but he refused to heed the order. He tried the same tactics at Fernley, but when Ritter received the shot in the ankle Anderson stopped the machine. A few minutes later Deputy Sheriff Joe Kirkley of Washoe county, Walter Reimers and Sheriff Crane of Churchill county, who had been in Reno, drove into Fernley, having made the trip from Reno to Fernley in an hour. C. L. Benadum, Churchill county deputy sheriff, had been ordered to permit Anderson the freedom of the tail corridors and grounds, according to word received today from Fallon. He had promised Crane he would not attempt to escape, Benadum said today Crane had told him. When Benadum left the jail last night he took the precaution of having the jail watched from a point across the street, and as Anderson and Ritter entered the machine Benadum was notified, and he immediately notified towns along the line. Anderson, a former junk dealer of Reno, was held at Fallon on a charge of grand larceny, but he was wanted in Reno for perjury and for contributing to the delinquency of his thirteen year old stepdaughter, whom he married a few days after his wife and the girl's mother had I divorced him. Anderson fled to California, where he was arrested but escaped, and was finally taken in Solano county. His record, according to the district attorney's office, shows him to have served time in California prisons. Ritter, who was shot in the ankle, is an itinerant, and was not charged , with any crime, permitted to sleep in the jail. He was returned to the Fallon jail and will probably be charged with assisting a prisoner to escape. James Smith, newly elected sheriff, took office this morning, Sheriff Crane retiring.
-Reno Evening Gazette, January 3, 1927

But your honor! It's just in case of snake bite!

FALLON RESIDENTS TO FIGHT WET CHARGE
FALLON, Aug. 8.- Special . Twelve of the fourteen men charged under Fallon's little Volstead act with selling liquor following a raid here last week by federal prohibition offii-cers will put up a defense when called tomorrow before C. L. Benadum, Fallon police judge, and if necessary will appeal the case to higher courts, it was announced yesterday by attorneys retained by the twelve defen-dants. A. L. Haight of Fallon and Roy Stoddard of Reno are the attorneys employed. The hearing Is to be held at 10 a. m. Thursday and present indications are that seats will be at a premium. The cases have been tried several times a day daily on Fallon street corners since arrests were made Thursday. Defendants by Judge Benadum were offered light penalties if they would plead guilty and were told that heavy fines would apply if guilt were proven, said their attorneys. The twelve have chosen to clear their names of charges by going to the limit through the courts, it is declared.
-Reno Evening Gazette Auugust 8, 1928

Tourists traveling on the Lincoln Highway need a place to stay, and who do you think has come up with a solution?

PLANS TOURIST PARK FALLON, March 16.- (Speciall-A modern tourist park is to be built soon by C. L. Benadum on North Carson street where he will build cabins, garages and shower baths. Building of two other tourist parks in Fallon are contemplated.
-Reno Evening Gazette, March 16, 1929

Do NOT mess with Judge Benadum, fella.

TRAFFIC OFFICER GETS OVER AT FALLON
Fallon, Feb. 24, .(UP). Do traffic officers ever get tagged for parking too close to fire plugs? Yes! A. W. Merrill, member of the state police force, left his shining white automobile-official transportation for all members of the force-in front of a fire plug. Chief of Police Vannoy tagged it, and now Police Judge Benadum threatens to issue a warrant for Mertill if he doesn't answer the charge when he nexts visits Fallon.
-Mason Valley News, February 28, 1931

Yet another accomplishment is achieved.

COUPLE IS FETED ON 52D WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
FALLON, Nev., April 1 (Special) Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Benadum were honored Monday evening on their fifty-second wedding anniversary with a party given by their daughters, Mrs. Bertha Byrd and Mrs. A. T. Caselton and their son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. 0. E. Benadum. Guests were the Messrs. and Mesdames Ted Ascargorta, Elmer Byrd. Ray Alcorn. Lester Moody. George Smitten, Dr. and Mrs. H. R. S. Consol, Mesdames L. E. Kendrick, Robert Guire, Cora Stewart, Etta Rogantini, George Eckman, the Misses Jean Stewart and Alice Byrd, and Roy Stewart, Allan Guire, Paul Copenhaver, Ed Kellond. Charles Benadum and the honored couple. Mr. and Mrs. Benadum received many lovely gift;. Prizes for card games were awarded to Mrs. Consol, Mrs. Ascargoria, Mrs. Stewart, Ed Kellond, Dr. Cosol. Ray Alcorn, Mrs. Rogantini and Charles Benadum. Mr. and Mrs. Benadum were married March 28, 1886, at Monument, Colo.
-Reno Evening Gazette, April 1, 1938

Celebrate Birthday Of C. L. Benadum At Fallon
FALLON, April 6. (Special)- C. L. Benadum's 83rd birthday was the occasion for a party last week given by his two daughters, Mrs. A. T. Caselton and Mrs. Bertha Byrd. Progressive cribbage was the diversion, with prizes going to Mrs. Lottie Ferguson, Mrs. Ora Benadum of Reno, W. F. Kaiser, Robert A. Guire, Charles Benadum of Reno and Elmer Byrd. Those present included Messrs. and Mesdames 0. E. Benadum and son Charles of Reno, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Byrd, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Copenhaver, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Guire, Mrs. Lottie Ferguson, W. F. Kaiser and Dr. H. R. S. Consol.
-Nevada State Journal, April 6, 1943

None

As far as we know, none of Benadum's structures are left any any of the locations mentioned.