March is Women’s History Month, a time we proudly look back with appreciation to honor the women that shaped Carson Valley into the destination that it is now. With help from the Douglas County Historical Society and their Van Sickle Research Library, we are happy to bring you their stories. From nurses to pioneers, Carson Valley has been home to many influential women and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Each story represents a nomination brought forth from The Remembering Women in History Project. This peak back in time features a nomination from 2001, Marie Thran Cordes.
“Marie Thran Cordes was born in the Carson Valley in 1901 and died in 1998. Wow! Ninety-seven years in the Carson Valley. Think of the changes she has seen: from horse and buggy to the space age.
Marie grew up in the Thran ranch and lived there until she married Chris Cordes and moved to his ranch down the road in Centerville. There, her days were spent cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, sewing and raising their three children.
Even with her busy lifestyle, she found time for community involvement. Marie was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught vacation bible school and Sunday school for many years. She belonged to the Carson Valley Homemakers, Minden Fortnightly Club and taught 4-H tailoring classes. Among her students were state and national winners. Marie was very skilled in crocheting and made hundreds of afghans for veterans, church missions and other charities.
All who knew her and know of her will remember Marie Cordes as a great lady.”
If you would like to learn more about Marie Thran Cordes and the rich history of Carson Valley, stop by the Museum and Cultural Center at 1477 Highway 395 in Gardnerville from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday (excluding holidays).
