Welcome to RENO REPORTER
Reno Reporter is dedicated to the brief but glamorous era of the six-week Reno divorce.
In the 1930s to 1960s, if you wanted a quick, simple exit from marriage, Reno was the place to go. Divorce seekers by the thousands, including Eastern socialites, movie stars and housewives, came running to Reno seeking the “Reno cure”.
In most states, divorce required a wait of a year or more and proof of adultery. But in 1931, Nevada made it simple: Six weeks residency at a hotel, boarding house, or one of the exclusive divorce ranches; a list of legal grounds that required little proof; and an average of six minutes in court.
“I’m going to Reno!” became synonymous with getting a “quickie” Reno divorce. Worldwide, Reno was known as the “Divorce Capital of the World”.
From 1947 to 1950, author Bill McGee was the head dude wrangler on the Flying M E, an exclusive divorce ranch 20 miles south of Reno that catered to wealthy Easterners and Hollywood celebrities. Bill recounts his stories in our co-authored book, The Divorce Seekers: A Photo Memoir of a Nevada Dude Wrangler (2004).
Hope you enjoy reading about this remarkable chapter in American West history. A documentary on the subject is in the works: Reno & the Romance of Divorce. You can view the trailer on the 1st posting (sticky post).
Wishing you many happy trails ahead, –Sandra McGee
Hi, I found out about your blog from your husband’s comments on FB. Being a South Dakota country boy born in 1938, this electronic stuff doesn’t come easily so I know nothing about it. But I’m trying. I wrote an epic western book that Penguin Berkly Publishers in New York is publishing in December called “The Black Hills” that my agent and my editor says is unique and quite good. I have been given to understand that it is a very good thing to have a book reviewed by a blogger. How does this work? Do you do reviews? How much does it cost? How long of a wait is there? And anything else you care to take the time to tell me. As I said, I know absolutely nothing about this process but am reasonably sure you are very busy. Thank you, Rod Thompson WWA member also.
PS: It’s 120,000 words if that is of any importance. Actually, it’s 120,000 words whether it’s important or not.
Rod, Thank you for the comments! The good news is… there are many Western Writers of America members that can advise on the book promotion process. You might want to contact some of them. We haven’t done book reviews in the past, but might consider it based on your comment. In the meantime, as I’m sure you’ve heard, the author has to be his own shameless publicist. Good luck with “The Black Hills”!
P.S S. We did it backwards, we got married in Reno 43 years ago.