Work Inspiration

This weekend marks the birthday of Pablo Picasso, who was born in 1881.

Known for being one of the founders of Cubism in the early 1900s, the Spanish artist started deconstructing images into basic shapes. Then rearranging those shapes to show several perspectives simultaneously.

Picasso is attributed with saying that, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

He was a prolific artist who produced a new piece of art just about every day of his adult life. And he even held a Guinness Record for the amount of art he produced.

Whether or not you like his art, it’s worth noting that Picasso’s 1955 painting “Women of Algiers (Version O)” is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at over $179 million.

We’re inspired!

Pictured: Tahoe Fence redwood and black, metal-framed “cubed” enclosure at Lake Tahoe (2025.)

Have You Lost Your Marbles

The process for weaving chain link fencing has been around since 1844.

The idea of using inserts in chain link fabric, whether for privacy or signage, was first patented in 1893. Clarence White got the patent for “marbles or other loose independent filling pieces” to be placed in the openings of chain link mesh.

The idea was to fill the open spaces in chain link fences to create inexpensive lettering for signage and advertising. A simple and actually brilliant idea.

Could you imagine the determination it took to sell the idea of filling chain link fabric with MARBLES! Likely more than a few people thought Mr. White had lost his.

Pictured: Tahoe Fence chain link with gray, privacy slats (inserts) in Silver Springs (Lyon County.) 2025

Building Relationships

Tahoe Fence has been in business since 1974. That’s more than 50 years of excellence from the mountains to the valleys.

We’ve been in business that long, not only because we believe in creating lasting fences, but because we believe in building lasting relationships. Several of our customers and vendors we’ve known and worked with for decades.

And we’ve done business with many on nothing more than a handshake and our word. It’s nice working with people you admire, get along well with, who help make your job enjoyable, and you can call a friend.

One downside to being around for a long time is that you unfortunately see people you’ve come to know pass away. We’re sad to have learned recently about the passing of two such acquaintances and friends.

Thank you for the education, experience to work with you, and for the opportunities to get to know you.

May the gates ahead always be open to health, joy, love, and peace. And that they remain closed and secure against hardships and pain.

Picture: Tahoe Fence automated ornamental steel ranch gates in Yerington (Lyon County.) With a thank you to Awaxx Systems for providing the gate operators and controls.

Queen of the Silver Camps

Tonopah was the Native American name for a small spring in the area near the San Antonio Mountains.

After the discovery of silver around 1900, the town that grew because of the find took the name for itself. Located roughly halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, Tonopah became the richest silver producer in America.

As a result of the silver produced, Tonopah is also known as the “Queen of the Silver Camps.”

Pictured: Tahoe Fence installed some galvanized (silver-like finish) chain link and security gates for new schools in Tonopah (Nye County.) 2025

Fall in a Pine Forest

Ever wonder how you tell it’s Fall in a pine forest? It is very similar to how you identify the season with other trees.

Pine trees shed their old needles, usually the ones farthest from the branch tips, like deciduous trees lose their leaves. Older pine needles can yellow or turn brown, then fall off. This allows the trees to focus their energy and the sun’s more efficiently on the newer, green needles near the branch tips.

It might not be as colorful, or as easy to spot as leaves changing. But you can identify when it’s Fall in a Pine Forest.

Pictured: Tahoe Fence woven wire on wood framing through the trees in Truckee (Nevada & Placer Counties.) 2025

1st in 50 Years

This week, Carson City’s new Fire Station 55 and Emergency Operations Center had its ribbon cutting.

Fire Station 55 is the 1st new fire station in Carson City in 50 years.

Tahoe Fence is grateful for our area firefighters and 1st responders.  And we’re honored to have been able to contribute to Carson’s new fire station.

Pictured: Tahoe Fence slatted wire and pedestrian gate for CCFD in Carson City 2025

Opposites Attract

Not all opposites attract, like in the case of oil and water. But ornamental iron and wood can make quite a pair.

The rustic look and natural beauty of wood often contrasts nicely with the modern look of ornamental iron. And when bigger posts are used, the strength and weight of wood combined with sleek, finished steel components makes an impressive visual.

The differing materials and textures add depth and create an engaging boundary.
Like this Tahoe Fence ornamental steel on wood post install at Incline Village (Washoe County.) Its versatility allows it to compliment traditional Lake cabins, contemporary construction, designed gardens, and natural landscapes.

Before & After

Since before records were kept for such things, enclosures, fences, and walls were built with what was at hand. Usually, from rocks, stones, and wood (bushes and trees) off the land.

Original fences were practical. And function was more important than optical design.

But after advancements in ship building, and later the creation of aircraft, fence design followed. New adaptations in construction, like with cable railing, led to modern, unobtrusive, and sleek looking fence construction.

Pictured: Tahoe Fence replaced this old, wood railing (before) with new, cable railing (after) at Incline Village (Washoe County.)

Labor’s Day

Labor Day became a federal holiday back in 1894. It was an acknowledgement of the hard work, long hours, and dangerous conditions workers endured through the industrial revolution.

All of us at Tahoe Fence understand that whatever you do to make tasks more efficient and safer, some jobs (like building fences) are just tough!

We wish and hope our employees and everyone a fun and safe Labor Day holiday weekend.

Pictured: Tahoe’s crews installing miles of barbed-wire fencing with multiple, vehicle-mounted barbed-wire spoolers in Wadsworth (Washoe County.)

School Moment

The Chicago fire of 1871 led to a renaissance in building known as the Chicago School of Architecture. It was a group of architects and engineers who used innovative designs and building methods to rebuild the city.

One of these design methods was the creation of the steel moment frame. To increase strength, rigidity, and stability against lateral forces, like wind and earthquakes, steel columns and beams were joined together. Originally these were welded joints. These steel frames resisted bending and warping/rotating at the moment of these applied lateral forces.

This allowed the creation of the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, which is commonly referred to as the first moment-frame building. This design and building method led the way for building bigger vertically, such as with skyscrapers. It also introduced the development of the elevator.

Closer to home, you can see moment-frame construction on a smaller scale in security fences and gates. Tahoe Fence installed these screened ornamental iron gates with moment frames and panic hardware for Douglas County.