Raymond Borda, upon returning from World War II, owned and operated the hotel for many years. The French Hotel was one of the three main Basque hotels in Gardnerville during the 1930's.

In what is now the parking lot to the rear of this building, a pilota court stood with a large fronton, or wall. (Pilota is a traditional Basque handball game.)

In the mid 1930's, teams from as far away as San Francisco would come to play in championship tournaments. The prize money of $1000 (1930's value) gives a clear indication of the caliber of play that was seen here.

Source: Adapted from an interpretative marker on the building.