This is where the black entertainers stayed until they were allowed to stay on the strip where they entertained. That took many decades. The casino & hotel opened in May 1955-Some say the mob that controlled the strip properties forced its closure, but we will never know for sure. The hotel stayed opened, but the casino with all of its wild excitement, a place where black & whites mingled freely, closed in October 1955. It again made history when in 1960 civic leaders & the NAACP officers met and agreed to an informal desegragation of las Vegas. Las Vegans have long dreamed that this historic establishment would re-open, but an arson fire in 2003 and a 4-alarm fire 3 weeks after these pics were taken have dashed that hope. Amazingly, the famous sign, designed by Betty Willis, who also designed the welcome to Las Vegas sign, was saved from both fires.
April 2009
Kit Inkin Creations Funky Sunset-versatile and fun!!!
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Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009 GMT Views: 192
Favorited:2
Registered: October 23, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 1928
Mon, May 11, 2009 @ 11:48 AM
Wow, what a cool story and wonderful page, love the vintage photo also. Great job!
------------------------------ April - My Gallery With enough caffeine, I could rule the world!! August Scrappin Goal 10/10 YTD 73/125 September 5/10 Pounds Lost 48/80 Out of my rut!!!