When we
think about Reno NV, the images of casinos, dancing girls, games,
large crowds and food come to mine. But there must be more to
such a city then the glitter of the gambling nights. We set out
to find such places in the light of the day. Reno, with its
choice location at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, near
the recreational drawing card of Tahoe, is an ideal place. Much
smaller, then Las Vegas this town seems to project a warmer,
friendlier atmosphere. 
Even
the heart of the downtown area with its famous sign presents a
closer feeling. The roads are only 2 lanes in most places and
many of the casinos are smaller, without the massive hotel
complexes that are traditional in Las Vegas. Don't get us wrong.
The hotels and the complexes are there, just not in the abundance
and concentration as appears in her sister city. Even those shows
that are world famous can be found among the attractions offered
for fun and excitement. Still we wondered, 
"Is that all there
is?" What could be done after the money ran out and the
taste of buffets began to wane. We found ourselves wondering
north to the Rancho San Rafael Park, and the Wilber D. May
Center, Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Wilbur D. May lived a
life that most people only dream about. Born in 1898, the son of
David May, founder of the highly successful May Department Stores
Company, Wilbur became a pilot early in his life and went on to
become a world traveler and adventurer. A talented, successful
man, Wilbur was also recognized as a collector, businessman,
rancher, composer, artist , pilot, big 
game
hunter and philanthropist. Handicapped by a lame leg at birth,
Wilbur believed that with support and encouragement the most
severe handicaps could be overcome and that children in
particular merited such support. He was a long time supporter of
a variety of children’s organizations and shared his times
and wealth helping educate youngsters. Throughout his life his
commitment to the welfare and education of children never
wavered. Wilber D. May settled in Reno in 1936 and it remained
his home until his death in 1982. The Wilber D. May Foundation
built and maintains the Wilbur May Center to perpetuate
Wilbur’s commitment toward family, children and education.
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