Construction of the Greil Ranch was slated to begin in the early 1940s. However, that construction project – and many others – was delayed due to WW II.
It is our understanding that the original owners of the ranch, Jim and Emily Greil, wanted the Wungnemas – and only the Wungnemas – to build the ranch house and outbuildings and were willing to wait until such time as the Wungnemas could begin work on their dream home.
Construction finally began in 1946. Master stonemasons Ernest, Randall and Burton Wungnema were the creators of the stone buildings on the property.
Emily and Jim Greil, purchased the ranch in 1937 for the back taxes owing in the amount of $2,400.00. The ranch was then known as the Quarter Circle JP. The ranch was water rich and its spring once provided water to the area’s Native Americans.
The ranch is still owned by members of the Greil Family and continues to be a productive, working ranch.
In August of 2017, Randall’s children were invited to visit the ranch by Muffy Greil Vhay. The children were frequent visitors to the ranch during the construction process. They all have fond memories of playing in and around the construction site as their grandfather, father and uncle worked to create this masterpiece. The 2017 visit marked the first visit by the children in 70+ years!
The photographs of the Wungnemas plying their craft are important pieces of Nevada’s history – we know of no other other photographs documenting Native American stonemasons at work on a specific project or interacting with their customers.
As we look through these photographs, we are struck by the vibrancy of color. The stones have not faded since they were laid in 1946. We also counted at least three chimneys! Imagine how cozy the ranch house was during the long Nevada winters, with the fireplaces keeping everyone warm and toasty – the family safe from the Washoe Zephyrs blowing across Washoe Lake and past the house!
L – R, Ernest and Randall Wungnema
