The photo was taken along Virginia Street, and shows the modest scale of the casinos, even when compared to the Las Vegas casinos of the 50's. However, the signage is awesome! I love the li'l cartoon prospector who has struck it rich at The Nugget (notice the shiny golden nugget hanging over the entrance!). On your way to Club Prima Donna, you can stop by Tiny's and get a plate full of waffles. Mmmmm! Nothing like a night of gambling to help work up an appetite. I also like those tri-color taxis.
Sadly, due to a number of factors, Reno's casinos have fallen on hard times, and many of the most famous (Harold's Club, the Nevada Club, and the Horseshoe Club, to name a few) have folded - only to be converted into condos.
Major, your posts are always very enjoyable, and surprising. In one day, you've gone from the Bronx to Reno, both in that heyday of fun-loving entertainment, the early 1960's. You're making me nostalgic for a time I never lived in (but my parents did).
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous picture....that neon slot machine is too cool but the TINYS sign is definitely my favorite!! :D
ReplyDeleteAll of those signs, fonts & colors are fantastic. Where are the keys to my DeLorean? Gptta get back in time.
ReplyDeleteIs that the original Nugget, now the huge facility in Sparks??
ReplyDelete@anonymous, I think so. They started downtown anyway.
ReplyDeleteThis is the Reno I remember. Everything is smaller scale than Vegas, even now. A few years ago, I went into a casino not far from this photo, everyone inside knew each other, "where hometown folks go to gamble".
Dad took us to dinner at Harold's Club on one trip, the dining room was on the second floor over the casino. Very uptown, with fake brick and plastic palm trees. The staff was very careful to protect the little boy from peeking in on the gambling.
The family at home was scandalized that Dad took his wife and child into a casino. Never thought of my Dad as a rebel, but I guess he had his moments.
Major, two (very old feeling) thumbs up for this one.
JG
On second glance, the two-toned coupe, Buick I think, is exactly like Dad's car from photos of that era. His had the four "holes" in side of the fender, and was gray and white.
ReplyDeleteHe traded it for a station wagon shortly after my birth, so I was told. Have a kid, get a semi-truck.
What I would give to have that car now.
JG
Oh my gosh, VERY cool!
ReplyDeleteReno was always a favorite city of mine - fun and without the freaky excesses of Las Vegas.
ReplyDeleteThe colors are breathtaking. LOVE this one, Major.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you guys liked this one! My only visit to Reno was about five years ago, and it was nothing like this photo. Kind of sad and deserted.
ReplyDelete