A recent post on old downtown LV reminded me of my first visit there in 1965.
I remember playing the old mechanical slots at the Golden Nugget that dropped
a jackpot of $7-$8 in nickels many of which fell to the floor. Also playing real
pennies at the Nevada Club and having a picture taken. Other small clubs included
the California, Carousel, Pioneer and Bingo. In 1967 I worked at the Golden Gate
as a shill learning to deal craps. On my breaks I’d watch the Faro game at the
Las Vegas club. After work at 2am I’d play the slots at the Mint where a girl
would pass out coupons for a free steak and egg breakfast. At Honest John’s
girls would hand out free beer and drop a handful of nickels your tray. All the
joints had quarter craps and I liked playing at the Pioneer where Vegas Vickie
was running cocktails. They had a long bar covered with real silver dollars. Next
door at the Bingo Club was a bar where dealers could sneak in the back door on
their break for a quick drink. On weekends kids would cruise Fremont st. turning
around at the SP train depot resulting in gridlock. Fun times then.