Look what we found! A beautiful stone house in Tahoe City, California.
Built in 1939, this little beauty immediately caught our attention. We believe it may have been built by some of the area’s Native American stonemasons. In fact, we suspect that members of the Wungnema family—master stonemasons all—may have had a hand in its construction.
There are several reasons for our hunch.
First, the date fits. In 1939, Native American stonemasons associated with the Stewart Indian School tradition were actively working throughout Northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area. This was also during the period when members of the Wungnema family—including Ernest, Randall, Johnny, and Burton—were working as accomplished stonemasons in the region. Stone houses, cabins, fireplaces, walls, and other structures were very much in demand.
Then there is the stonework itself.
Take a look at the fireplace. Its prominent keystone is reminiscent of keystones found in other stonework associated with Ernest Wungnema. And notice the beautiful detailing around the fireplace, along the walls, and even tucked away in the corner. Those little touches—the careful placement of individual stones and attention to otherwise easily overlooked areas—remind us of known examples of Randall Wungnema’s craftsmanship.
There is another intriguing connection. Randall’s brother, Burton Wungnema, was the master stonemason responsible for the Catholic Church in Tahoe City, with his father, Ernest, assisting on the project.
The Wungnema family was clearly working in and around Tahoe City during this general period.
With so many examples of Wungnema stonework around Lake Tahoe, it is certainly possible that this charming little house is another product of their creativity and craftsmanship. And if it wasn’t built by a member of the Wungnema family, perhaps it was constructed by one of the other Native American stonemasons working in the region, many of whom learned their craft through the Stewart Indian School stone masonry training
For now, we have a hunch—just not yet the proof.
We’re hoping that historical records, old photographs, newspaper accounts, or perhaps even someone’s family memories will eventually help us identify the stonemasons who built this wonderful little piece of Tahoe history, Nevada history.
And here’s the best part: the cabin is currently available as a summer rental.
We may just have to book it for a week next summer. Besides enjoying some time at Lake Tahoe, it would give us an opportunity to study the stonework up close. Our own house has been verified as having been built by Native American stonemasons, so it would be fascinating to compare the two—the masonry techniques, stone placement, keystones, fireplaces, and all those small details that can sometimes reveal the hand of the person who built them.
This little stone house still has a story to tell. We just have to find it.
(internet photographs)