If anyone is in the area, check this out. I was there, when much of this "history" happened. It was a unique time, and the beginning of a national industry. Some of Reno lived, and died during this period which is mostly ........ forgotten ..... I would love to be there for this.
In concurrence with Nevada's 150th anniversary of statehood, the Reno Gazette-Journal is sponsoring a round-table discussion on gaming in the Biggest Little City before the emergence of the large-scale casino industry that sprung from passage of the 1969 Corporate Gaming Act.
It's a night of nostalgia with some of the best in local historical research. Food and refreshments will be served. Reno Gazette-Journal senior reporter Guy Clifton and city reporter Emerson Marcus will moderate the discussion. The speakers are:
Alicia Barber: Editor and co-founder of Reno Historical, a smart phone app and website dedicated to Reno's history. Author of Reno's Big Gamble. Serves on Nevada State Board of Museums and History.
Steve Ellison: Producer of soon-to-be released Harold's Club Movie documentary. Owner of LSN Studios.
Michael E. Fischer: Former Director of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. Now researches early to mid-twentieth century gaming in Nevada, lectures on its characters (Baby Face Nelson) and performs Chautauquas of some prominent Nevadans.
Dwayne Kling: Former Harold's Club employee. Worked as casino executive at the Peppermill Casino and casino manager of the Virginian. Oral historian and author ofThe Rise of the Biggest Little City: An Encyclopedia History of Reno Gaming, 1931-1981.
Date: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Location: the Reno Gazette-Journal front lobby, 955 Kuenzli Street.
