Our History

The Historic Silver Circle Ranch has always been a place where people come to enjoy open space. With a rich history that spans generations, this plot of land reflects a deep appreciation for open space and a love for equine companions. Prior to our more recent history, the ranch underwent several transformations that have shaped its character and legacy.

Top: Warren Nelson. Bottom: Harry Drackert and his wife Joan. University of Nevada, Reno Special Collections

“Silver Saddle” Ranch

Prior to the 1970s, the land was owned by Mrs. Bertha Schilling Menzi. Under her stewardship, the ranch gained recognition as a hub for raising polled Herefords and bearing the ranch name "Silver Saddle”. Following Mrs. Menzie's passing the ranch transitioned into new ownership and was sold to the Drackerts and Nelsons. Harry Drackert, former rodeo champ and director of the Reno Rodeo Association, was no stranger to ranch life. For more than 30 years he hosted celebrities and Reno divorcees at his guest ranches in the Sierra Nevada area, like the Donner Trail in Verdi. Warren Nelson was a pioneer in gaming and former owner-operator of the Cal-Neva, The Place Club and the pioneer of Keno in Nevada.

Silver Circle’s Evolution

1970

Main home on Holcomb that was part of the guest ranch. University of Nevada, Reno Special Collections

Under the guidance of the Drackerts and Nelsons, Silver Saddle Ranch underwent extensive changes - including the renaming of the ranch to what we currently know as the Silver Circle Ranch and its conversion into a guest ranch. New buildings were also constructed in the year 1975, among them the residence where Warren Nelson would reside until 2020, situated on Fairview Road. The Drackerts' warm hospitality became a major draw for visitors. However, changes in national divorce laws and the availability of "quickie" divorces in places like Mexico and Haiti led to shifts in the guest ranch market.

1976

The Gardeners with their chimpanzee Washoe. University of Nevada, Reno Special Collections

In 1976 the Drackerts and Nelsons sold the guest ranch to Beatrice and Robert Gardner who planned to use the facility for primate behavior research. The Gardeners raised an orphaned chimpanzee named Washoe from West Africa in an effort to research how close chimps are to humans. Washoe was the first non-human to communicate with sign language. Robert Gardner joined the UNR faculty in 1963 until 2010. We believe that in 1976 when they sold the guest ranch to the Gardners, that the property was then split and Warren retained ownership of the now Silver Circle Ranch on Holcomb and home located on Fairview Rd.

Where the Historical Silver Circle is today.

Purchased by Landess and Bruce Whitmer in 2019 from the Nelson Family, the historic Silver Circle Ranch now spans at almost 13 acres. Over the years, this iconic ranch has served as a home for numerous racehorses and a substantial population of longhorn cattle. The bustling 28-stall barn has played a central role in the ranch's vibrant operations.

The cattle that once lived in the upper portion of the property have all left, and that pasture has been updated with beautiful fencing for our turnouts. The landscape hasn’t changed, other than some much needed repairs and updating and the grounds are meticulously cared for, so our neighbors can enjoy the natural landscape as they drive by.