The Story of Wonder
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The town itself was situated in a narrow valley called Badger Valley. The town developed rapidly - like many other mining boom camps. The Nevada State Journal on July 19th reported that 75 to 100 tents had been put up.
The biggest problem for the town was the lack of water. (As was the case for almost all Nevada mining boom camps.) It was being hauled in from Westgate at $6.00 a barrel.
It was reported in October that nearly all the desirable lots had been purchased and that there were three general stores, five saloons, two assay offices, two lodging houses, three restaurants, laundry, butcher shop, real estate office, two brokers’ offices, and two surveyors’ offices. Three newspapers were printed here in 1906 -1908 at various times. Wood was being hauled into the city on a regular basis.
Before the end of the year tents were being replaced by wood structures. Wonder faced a decline in 1908, but a new strike in 1910 rejuvenated the area. But that only lasted a few years and a steady decline took place. In 1920 Wonder lost its post office - a sure sign that the town was dead!
* “The Story of Wonder” by Shamberger
It was reported in October that nearly all the desirable lots had been purchased and that there were three general stores, five saloons, two assay offices, two lodging houses, three restaurants, laundry, butcher shop, real estate office, two brokers’ offices, and two surveyors’ offices. Three newspapers were printed here in 1906 -1908 at various times. Wood was being hauled into the city on a regular basis.
Before the end of the year tents were being replaced by wood structures. Wonder faced a decline in 1908, but a new strike in 1910 rejuvenated the area. But that only lasted a few years and a steady decline took place. In 1920 Wonder lost its post office - a sure sign that the town was dead!
* “The Story of Wonder” by Shamberger