The Primadonna was originally a Bank housed in a
three story building (first photo). Ernie Primm removed
the top two floors when he opened his club. He was the
first to open on the west side of Virginia st. breaking the
old “red line” rule that required 100 rooms to have gambling.
I remember all the stools at the bar and 21 games were
bolted to the floor. If a big keno ticket was hit, Ernie would
fire the whole crew. I remember eating in the colorful
restaurant upstairs. Also I remember watching Pat Moreno”s
“Artists and Models” topless show in the showroom which
had folding chairs to sit on. Later I dealt quarter craps there
after Del Webb bought the place. I remember seeing Ernie
Primm in the pit at Whiskey Pete’s in Primm Nevada.
.