39° 16' 46"N, 118° 16' 09"W - FRENCHMAN quad

Directions: Take Highway 50 east from Fallon for 32.5 miles until... until... well, until you get to where Frenchman's used to be.

From Fallon: 32.5 miles

Frenchman's -- sometimes referred to as "Bermond's" and sometimes even "Frenchie's"-- was a freight station built around 1906 or 1907 on what would become the Lincoln Highway between Fallon and Austin, to serve the boom towns of Fairview and Wonder. It took on the name "Bermond" when it acquired a Post Office. Probably because the owner, a Frenchman named Aime Bermond, wanted to name it after himself. But it was usually referred to as "Frenchman's." It was an important water source, as Mr. Bermond traveled about 11 miles south to Big Boy Spring to gather water to sell at his station and at Fairview.

Was it the first Frenchman's Station in the general area? Apparently not. There was another one roughly 16 miles west of New Pass Station that operated in the 1860's. But seeing as how our Frenchman was born in 1871, we can pretty much guarantee he wasn't around in 1863. An excerpt from a newspaper article detailing travel to the Reese River country:

From West Gate to Middle Gate is 4 miles; then to Cold Springs, an Overland station, is 10 miles; thence to the Junction House, 7 miles. Here, leave the Telegraph Road, keeping the route taken by the Overland Mail; and after passing the Overland Station at 4 1/2 miles, where it is no use to lose time by stopping to inquire for accommodations, we will stop at Frenchman's Station, 1 1/2 miles beyond. The Frenchman is a clever fellow, and will give you a fine meal, and, if he can possibly do so, will let you have a feed of barley for 25cents a pound. Get it, by all means, for it is your last chance for barley in the Reese River country. One mile beyond we find another Overland station, and to the next Overlander it is thirteen miles.
-Alta Californian, October 8, 1863

Meanwhile, our Frenchman's gained a reputation as an important stop very quickly.

Aime Bermond, of Bermond's Station, six miles this side of Fairview, came in Saturday and returned home on Monday's stage, after transacting business matters in Fallon. Mr. Bermond has one of the best supplies of desert water in this county and sells his liquid to Fairview in addition to the traveling public that passes his place.
-Fallon Standard, December 15, 1910

Evidently Bermond wanted to be more than just a stage stop and watering hole.

A social affair unique in it manner occurred here Thursday night. A party of 17 chartered an auto truck and went down to "The Frenchman's" station, out in the middle of the desert, for a dance and a frolic. This station is situated just 12 miles from the nearest water and is maintained for the purpose of supplying teamsters with water, which is hauled from springs in the hills. There is a large pavilion here, with a good floor, and walled up with wire netting to afford a place for travelers to sleep during hot weather. The merrymakers had music along and danced until midnight, when Mr. Bermond, the proprietor, announced supper. The unique part of it is that away out on the big alkali flat a dinner was served with all the French fixings, wines, etc., about the same as would be had in a first-class restaurant in a city. About the last place in the world where one would expect to encounter a first -class French chef is out in the sand, so far from other human habitation.
1913 May 20, Reno Evening Gazette

It was important to have reliable, well=kept stations on the Lincoln Highway. We're not sure about the "52 miles," though.

The 52 miles separating Fallon and Wonder were negotiated at express train speed, another stop being made at Alme Bermond's station, generally referred to as Frenchman's station. Here Mr. Bermond keeps open house for cross country travel and his hospitality has won him fame wherever automobile tourists go. His station is maintained as a model of neatness. Here he finds pure mountain water brought down to the desert stopping place from springs 12 miles away and a brief respite there suffices to send the traveler on his way, cheered and rejuvenated, made to feel that after all this land of magnificent distances counts cheer and comfort in most unexpected places.
-Fallon Standard, April 21, 1920

Looks like they might have been having a little too much fun out there on the flat.

SHERIFF SEIZES LIQUOR
This afternoon Sheriff C. M. Way arrested Aime Bermond, the well-known proprietor of Frenchman's Station, on the Wonder road, on a charge of unlawfully keeping and storing intoxicating liquor. The sheriff states that he found a 52 gallon barrel of liquor in process of fermentation and another about half full, a 20-gallon cask partly full of wine, a case of home brewed beer, besides 50 bottles of beer -- Fallon Eagle
1920 June 28, Nevada State Journal

AIME BERMOND PLEADED GUILTY TO LIQUOR SALES
Aime Bermond, proprietor of Frenchman's Station in the eastern part of this county, appeared in the district court Monday afternoon and pleaded guilty to the charge of selling liquor at his catering place. Judge Hart meted out a sentence of two months in the county jail and a fine of $200 and a stay of execution of sixty days was granted in order for the defendant to arrange his business affairs so that he could serve his jail sentence.
-Fallon Standard, August 5, 1920

Frankly, I have no idea why they felt they needed a post office here, but in 1920, it happened.

Two New Post Offices—
Bermond, formerly known as Frenchman's Station, is now a government post office with Mr. Bermond the postmaster, he having received his official papers Monday. Broken Hills has also been given a post office with Mrs. George H. Williams designated as the charge d'affaires. The need for these post offices has been apparent for a long time.
-Fallon Standard, December 9, 1920

One problem of being out in the middle of nowhere is that not everybody is nice.

ROBBERS GET HAUL OF $210
Special to the Gazette
FALLON, Feb. 25.—Amie Bermond, proprietor of Frenchman's Station, thirty-nine miles east of Fallon, was held up at the muzzle of a gun yesterday evening and compelled to hand over the keys to his safe. Two robbers secured $210 and escaped in an auto. Bermond walked to Sand Springs, six and a half miles away, and telephoned to Fallon officers. Sheriff James Smith and Deputy Sheriff M. B. Johnson went to the scene, but were unable to locate any clues to the trail of the robbers.
-Reno Evening Gazette, February 25, 1921

Linsea and Davis on Trial for Robbery
NEW TRIAL WILL BE GIVEN THE DEFENDANT IN U. S. DISTRICT COURT
A great deal of interest has centered around the trial of Roy Linsea and S. M. Davis, of Fallon, in the U. S. court at Carson this week, on a charge of holding up Aime Bermond, postmaster at Frenchman's Station and robbing the office of $5.12 government money. The Carson News of Wednesday says: In his opening statement Mr. Woodburn told the jury that evidence would be introduced to show that Bermond was well acquainted with Linsea, who had often been a guest at the station; that the Frenchman saw a man he believed to be Linsea pass the station in a car about dusk the evening of Christmas day; that later in the evening he recognized Linsea as he entered his car to help him up and compelled him to open the safe. Bermond testified to such effect and told how he walked eight miles to Sand Springs, after the robbery and notified Sheriff Smith by phone. He also testified that the revolver taken from Linsea by the officers under authority of a search warrant looked exactly like the gun in the hands of the robber.
-Fallon Standard, May 25, 1921

Mr. Bermond settles down a bit.

AIME TAKES A WIFE
The friends of Aime Bermond, who conducts Frenchman's Station and is one of the most popular desert station tenders of the state, was married Monday morning to Rose D. Halverson, of Washington, Minn. Judge Jones performed the ceremony. The many friends of the happy couple are extending congratulations and in the future the traveler will find a Mrs. Bermond at the station which is a haven of rest and a good many miles from nowhere.
-Fallon Standard, November 7, 1923

After managing the station for 17 years, Mr. Bermond was tired, ill, and ready to give it up.

FRENCHMAN'S STATION FOR SALE
With all improvements and water rights from Lucky Boy Springs [located 11 miles south - FN] 36 miles east of Fallon, 83 miles to Austin, Nevada. Aime Bermond, Bermond, NV
-Reno Evening Gazette, November 11, 1924

POPULAR DESERT HOTEL MAN IS SUICIDE
FALLON, Apr. 17.—(Special)— Aimee Bermond, better know to travelers on the Lincoln highway as "Frenchy," who for the last thirty years has conducted what is known as "Frenchman Station," about thirty miles east of Fallon, shot himself to death sometime yesterday morning. Bermond had been in poor health for some time, and only last Sunday when an old friend passing through, stopped and asked if he could bring anything back from Fallon, the old man replied that by the time he came back he would be dead. He was fifty-five years of age, and a native of France. He is survived by a widow, at Frenchman station, known in postal circles as Bermond, and by a nephew, living in France. Frenchman station was a stopping place for meals and water, Bermond transporting water to his place a distance of eight miles, for which he charged by the gallon and by the quart. Fresh drinking water sold by the quart, and water for automobiles sold by the gallon.
-Reno Evening Gazette, April 17, 1926

Churchill ranch foreman Hugh Gobin takes over.

GOBIN LEASES DESERT HOTEL
Frenchman's Station, known as Bermond in official circles, which was owned and operated for years by the late Aime Bermond, is now in charge of H.D. Gobin. Mr. Gobin has taken a lease and option on this desert hostelry, and under its terms will remain in possession for one year.
-Reno Evening Gazette. May 13, 1926

Apparently not to his liking. Frenchman's is for sale again.

REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE OR LEASE: Frenchmans Station, 35 miles east of Fallon, Lincoln Highway, completely furnished rooms, lunch, gasoline. Phone Station.
-Nevada State Journal, May 26, 1927

Big news at Frenchman's! A bird dropped by.

FALLON — Carrier pigeon bearing tag “A-U-28-F-350” lands at Dodge Bros. highway camp at Frenchman's station. Bird is being cared for by men at camp in hopes that someone knowing record will communicate with Dodge Bros., Inc., Fallon.
-Nevada State Journal, May 26, 1932

The numbers and letters on the pigeon's tag, "A-U-28-F-350," are a typical system used in the sport of pigeon racing (also known as "homing pigeons") to uniquely identify the bird and its origins. "AU" almost certainly stands for the American Racing Pigeon Union, one of the largest pigeon racing organizations in the United States. This indicates the bird was registered with them. 28: this would mean the pigeon was hatched in 1928. F: This letter could be a local club code, a state code, or an association code within the larger AU organization. For example, it might stand for "Fallon," "Fresno," or a specific regional federation. And finally, 350: This is the bird's serial number or individual band number. Combined with the rest of the tag, this number makes the bird's identity unique across the entire organization (AU). And there is your pigeon lesson for today.

More people not being nice.

FALLON — Driving near Frenchman's station Thursday, James A. Bellinger had a blowout. He parked the car along side of the highway and when he returned in the evening someone had stolen all of his tires.
-Reno Evening Gazette, July 21, 1942

The beginning of the end.

Bombing Starts In Churchill Area
Warning Given To Trespassers
Dive bombing operations were started today by the navy at Labou flat, near Bermond and Frenchman's station in Churchill county. Live bombs are being used, and officers at the naval auxiliary air station at Fallon warned that all persons going on the bombing ranges will be in danger of fatal injury. Trespassing on these ranges is forbidden and all trespassers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, the naval officers declared. Notices have been posted on the forbidden areas, and all persons in the vicinity have been warned to keep away. Firing will continue on these ranges, and no one should request permission to enter any range except in the case of urgent necessity. This permission can be granted only by the commanding officer at Fallon. Persons who are in doubt as to the location of the bombing area, or who require additional information, may obtain the same from the commanding officer.
-Reno Evening Gazette, August 3, 1944

By now, Zeke Williams is the owner, and Zeke listens to the news, criminals!

Youthful Trio Held in Lander
FALLON, May 4.—Three juveniles from Fair Oaks, Calif., who had turned bandits along the highway in western Lander county were caught Saturday evening at Frenchman's station. They were held by Zeke Williams, owner, until the arrival of Churchill and Lander county officers. The lads, one 15 and the other two 16, were in a blue Dodge car stolen at midnight Sunday from their grandfather at Del Paso Heights, Calif. Between Carroll summit and Peterson's station they demanded money from a couple at gun point. The victims' car was alongside the road undergoing tire repairs. When only two dollars was produced, the boys told their victims to keep it. They turned around and headed west. At Austin the couple notified the sheriff who in turn telephoned the sheriff's office at Fallon. A mile beyond Frenchman's they ran out of gas. Two of the youngsters walked into the station with a tire jack offered in trade for gas. Mr. Williams recognized their description and held them for authorities. Sheriff Ralph J. Vannoy and Deputy Pete Lagaski apprehended the other youth and continued on to Frenchman's. The youths told the Churchill county sheriff about their escapades, including the hold-up.
-Reno Evening Gazette, May 4, 1948

One of probably several fires that probably took place at Frenchman's.

Flames Raze Frenchman's
Highway Station Burns to Ground
FALLON, Aug. 20.—Fire razed Frenchman's Station, 37 miles east of Fallon on the Lincoln highway Thursday evening. The frame structure which housed a bar, lunch counter and several guest rooms was completely destroyed. Only the gasoline pumps out in front were left standing. The blaze was apparently started by a leaky oil hot water heater about 6 p. m. Flames spread rapidly and burned the telephone so that no alarm could be given. Passing tourists phoned the sheriff's office from Salt Wells, about 16 miles from Fallon, but by that time the building was too far gone to save. The establishment was owned by Mrs. Obie LeFavour and was operated by H. Williamson. Aimie Bermond built the structure in 1907 during the Fairview mining boom, and because of his French name the place was called Frenchman's Station.
-Reno Evening Gazette, August 20, 1948

Now Norma owns it, and she's ready to move on.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
BY OWNER. Sell or lease. Frenchman's Station, Highway 50, 37 miles east of Fallon, Bar, cafe, gas. 60 acres. Terms Normal M. Kennedy, Frenchman's Station via Fallon
-Reno Evening Gazette, October 25, 1952

County Acquires Telephone Line
FALLON—A 30-mile telephone line running from Fallon to Frenchman's Station was scheduled to be turned over to Churchill county Tuesday. Owned by the Bell Telephone Co., the line was transferred to county ownership for the sum of one dollar. The line services three toll stations—Salt Wells, Summit King and Frenchman's Station—on U. S. highway 50 east of here. Maintenance cost will far exceed revenues on the line, which officials describe as a “public service” telephone line.
-Reno Evening Gazette, January 4, 1954

The Fairview Peak earthquake struck on December 16, 1954, at 3:07 a.m. PST, and had a magnitude of about 7.1 to 7.3. It was immediately followed by the Dixie Valley earthquake, which was magnitude 6.9 just four minutes later. There were many aftershocks later.

Ed Weyher, owner of a store at Frenchman Station, reported the quakes toppled his large liquor stock, breaking scores of bottles and causing damage estimates at $3,000.
-Nevada State Journal, December 17, 1954

More aftershocks

At Frenchman's Station, a highway 50 bar and trading center east of Fallon, operator Ed Weyher reported the shocks spilled some canned goods from shelves. “But they didn't get the bottles in the bar this time . . . We’ve got them wired in place,” gloated Weyher. Weyher's liquor stock repeatedly has been destroyed by past earth tremors.
-Reno Evening Gazette,June 23, 1959

Must be tired of earthquakes. Frenchman's is for sale again.

FOR SALE
Frenchman Station. Bar, service station, cafe, motel 100 miles east of Reno on Highway 50. Write Helen Weyher, Fallon, Nevada
-Nevada State Journal, July 31, 1968

After years of dickering and complaining about the Navy using the Valley as a bombing range, the current owners sold to the Navy.

Frenchman's Station sold
Frenchman's Station, a popular U.S. Highway 50 mom-and-pop operation, closed this week after being purchased by the U.S. Navy. It's the latest property purchased under a federal buyout of residents affected by noise from jets flying out of the Fallon Naval Air Station. Located 35 miles east of Fallon, Frenchman's Station opened in 1856, when it was a way station where supplies were dropped off for area mines. The Navy reports 31 of the 118 parcels in the Dixie Valley area have either been purchased or are in escrow. Frenchman's Station is in nearby Fairview Valley, used as a jet bombing target. A new U.S. Air Force B-52 low-altitude training route passes over Frenchman's Station. The Chealander family, owners of the business for 16 years, will move 7 miles outside of Fallon. They have 90 days to move.
Reno Evening Gazette, September 9, 1986

Churchill County
FRENCHMAN'S STATION — The Navy plans to demolish Frenchman's Station, a store, gas station and community gathering spot for 100 years. Located 30 miles east of Fallon, the business was purchased by the military because it is under a jet training area.
Reno Evening Gazette, February 8, 1987

Near as we can tell, from the various newspaper clippings, this is a list of owner, leasers, and operators of Frenchman's Station.
1907 Aime Bermond, owner
1926 H.D. Gobin Leaser operator
1933 Henry Baxter
1940 Francis Hanrahan
1943 A. R. McDonald, owner
1944 Obie LeFavor, owner
1948 Zeke Williams, owner
1948 Mrs. Obie LeFavor, owner; H. Williamson, operator
1949 W. A. "Whitey" Cannon, Operator
1952 Norma M. Kennedy, owner
1952 Ed & Helen Weyher, owner
1970 Burton Chealander
1975 Chris & Laurie Chealander
1986 U.S. Navy

Nov. 24, 1920- May 31, 1926

Nothing. Just a wide spot in the road. [sob]

I remember when Luis and I were coming back from a visit to Rawhide when his fan belt broke. We managed to limp into Frenchman's Station, where thankfully they had a replacement for only, oh, I don't know, $80 or something. Oh, I'm just kidding. It was really, really nice to have a little place out in the middle of the desert to stop for stuff, and although I love the U.S. Government with all my heart and I admire the U.S. Navy in particular, I hate them for taking Frenchman's Station. And I'm not entirely happy about the whole Dixie Valley thing either, in case you wanted to ask.