We would often stop for a drink after work at the "Slot" bar at the Golden, it was somewhat of a hangout for locals, and visitors, have seen many a "familiar" face sitting at that bar. One draw also, the Golden had "showgirls" which many clubs did not have yet. That was another attraction at that bar, many of the girls would stop there also after work. Have had brief conversations with many "stars" there.
It was always "rewarding" to have a drink with Harold, he was very handsome, charismatic, and had a magnetic attraction when it came to women, all women, but especially beautiful women. Another "perk" for hanging out with him. Reno was a small town in those days, nothing like it is today, I imagine. Another spot we liked was a motel on South Virginia, which was also a "rounder" joint. On many occasions, showgirls from Vegas would head to Reno, spend a few days or a week just resting and vacationing around the really nice pool that the motel had. Spent many hours around that pool with Harold.
One day, he had had enough, of it all, the dealing, the drinking, carousing and such, we drove him to Tahoe, took him to the highway leading to California, he had a leather duffle bag with the items he wanted to take with him, he got out of the '57 Dodge, turned back with a wave, walked a ways, and started "thumbing."
We saw a nice Cadillac convertible approaching, being driven by an attractive young lady, who then did offer him a ride, they took off, and that was the last I ever saw of Harold.
The next we heard of him, he had somehow gotten involved with a "militant" group and had something to do with some explosions in Utah or somewhere. Then he was dealing at the Tropicana, in Cuba, I think it was, got caught up in the takeover and spent a few days in jail. Prior to the takeover, some of the Cuban casinos had been in Reno on a "scouting" expedition for some dealer talent to head to Cuba. We heard then that Harold was seen around town with a Miriam Loynaz, one of the Havana showgirls. If had not not been for some help by Benny Anagazino, Harold might have spent quite a bit of time in jail.
The last I saw of him, and details are vague, a cruise ship had problems, there were some photographs taken by a helicopter of people in lifeboats, and in one, Harold laying in the bottom of the boat, his head in the lap of a beautiful woman, with a grin on his face. Way to go ..... Thebidoui.
