From what I've been able to find out, Players Club was on the property at the same time as the Desert Inn for a little while and was subsequently called the Jungle Club. .

"The other nite at a party we could hardly believe our eyes when the door swung open and in walked Paul Rinaldi with Stanley Harris and Sid Wolfe. Paul was one of the first people we met in Las Vegas back in the days when he managed the old Players Club, before Desert Inn was built. Currently called the Jungle Club, the place has changed management and name several times since then, but those who remember a few years back still get that nostalgic feeling whenever they recall the Players Club. We used to refer to it as the Flamingo Annex, because after 2:00am, 90% of the hotel's employees could be found there til daybreak, whooping it up with Mory Matorium back of the bar." - Lee and Gary Pickard, August, 1952

As the Jungle Club, she showcased celebrities such as Dorita, Bobby Ramos' band and the Mardi Gras In Rio.

"Dorita was just the shot in the arm the Jungle Club needed to turn it from a hot-spot into a torrid one. Her south of the border music is packed dynamite, and has attracted all the enthusiasts of the South American beat. The Place really jumps when Dorita passes out the clavis - bongos - and maraccas to the guests, who accompany her as the mood strikes them, as she plays her exciting Latin-American rhythms." - Jack Cortez, 1952 Fabulous Las Vegas

The Desert Inn was the idea of Wilbur Clark, a gambler from San Diego, California. Clark had active interests in the Monte Carlo Club in downtown Vegas as well as the El Rancho Vegas, and Players Club. With the proceeds from the sale of his part of the El Rancho which was $1.5 million, as well as the sale of the Monte Carlo Club, Clark bought out the others partners in the Players Club and all its adjoining property (16 acres) which was located across from the Last Frontier in 1945 for $75,000, and began construction of the Desert Inn in 1946. He proceeded to build The Desert Inn piecemeal selecting Wayne McAllister who worked on the El Rancho remodeling. The design paralleled contemporary residential ranch houses, which borrowed the rambling, if not the rusticity, of actual ranch buildings. Clark had a dream of a chic resort to compete with the Flamingo, but modeled for the Desert Inn located in Palm Springs, California. Unfortunately, in 1947-1948 Clark ran out of money and construction stopped.

In 1946, Frank Sinatra eyed this property and said he would like to take over the million dollar resort-to-be and call it New Horizon. For some unknown reason, this never came to be.

Clark, needing $90,000 to finish the guest structure, was made an offer he could not refuse, from Cleveland, Ohio - Morris "Moe" Dalitz (aka Moe Davis, aka Frank Bennett), Morris Kleinman, Ruby Kolod, Sam Tucker, Thomas Jefferson McGinty, Lou Rothkopf (aka Lou Rhody), and Bernie Rothkopf. They were sometimes referred to as the Mayfield Road Gang because that was the location of their club in Cleveland, The Pettibone. The associates, headed by Dalitz (who later would build and operate the world famous La Costa Spa & Resort in Southern California, as well as complete the Strip's Stardust), put out $3.6 million to finish the resort, and took a 74% interest in the Desert Inn. This deal allowed Clark's name to continue atop of the resort. Dalitz became Vice-President of the resort, Ruby Kolod was Casino Manager.

Morris "Moe" Dalitz

Dalitz received his financing from the Teamster's Union Central States Pension fund, which was the first in what would become a long line of loans that the Teamsters would make over the next several decades to those with dreams of a Las Vegas resort - as long as it had a huge casino, and that "key" people were placed in the "right" positions.

Clark then proceeded again but didn't ask McAllister to continue. Dalitz wanted interior designer Jack Lessman. Stanley Harris, Clark's builder, suggested Hugh Taylor to finish the design. Taylor was only 25 years old at the time and was not licensed as an architect but had apprenticed with Los Angeles architects.

Before Desert Inn opened, Life magazine was conducting an expose on gambling and took a "family portrait" of the employees of the Desert Inn.

"What a big casino needs to run for a single night is shown by this picture of Desert Inn employees and implements gathered in a gambling room before the opening. There are 320 people in this photo; the hotel and casino staff had actually grown by the time the customers arrived and is now over 450. The 14 police scattered through the picture, headed by the security chief, are hired and paid for by the house but have credentials from the county sheriff. The floor bosses watch over the games. On the dice layout in the foreground, the house takes bets up to $1,000. Behind it at left is a blackjack table at which wagers from up to $400. On the roulette wheel at right the limit is $25 on single number of $500 on the red or black. Wheel on the wall at left rear has numbers corresponding to seat numbers at the adjoining bar, is spun every hour to give a silver dollar to the lucky customer. The rug in this room, woven to order with four-leaf clovers horseshoes and playing-card symbols cost $10,000. The roulette wheels cost $2,500 a piece and the dice, true to within .0001 inch, are worth $1.50 a pair. The house uses about 300 pairs a week, discarding them as fast as the edges become worn. The chorus girls are members of a floor show which costs the house $15,000 a week in salaries." - Life Magazine

Life also stated the resort contained a $100,000 kitchen and a chef who once worked for the Duke of Windsor.

Four years in the making, the $6.5 million, 300 room Desert Inn opened on April 24 and 25, 1950.

With an all-out advertising and publicity campaign, spearheaded by then-publicist Greenspun (who later founded and published The Las Vegas Sun newspaper), the Desert Inn's two day gala opening received national press coverage and gave the hotel overnight identity. Greenspun had sent invitations to all major newspapers and magazines. The media guests were flown out to the opening as well at a cost of $5,700.

Another 150 invitations were sent by Clark himself to VIPs whose credit limit was $10,000. A further list of impressive dignitaries and players were furnished by Clark's new associates. In all, 50% of the guests, public figures and tourists who attended the opening were from California and Nevada, while others were drawn from around the country.

The three radio stations in Vegas plugged the opening show day and night. Two newspapers were flashing big ads about the extravaganza and invited Las Vegans to attend the opening with "Come as informally as you like. Remember, it's still the old West even though you're in the glamorous setting of Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn."

Opening night entertainment appeared in the new professional, luxurious 450 seat, Painted Desert Room, by Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Vivian Blaine, Pat Patrick as "Ercil Twing", a Bergen-inspired character, Les Charlivels, The Donn Arden Dancers and the Desert Inn Orchestra conducted by Ray Noble. It was noted that $50,000 was spent for the entertainment.

Teresa Brewer, Edgar Bergan & Charlie McCarthy

"It was like carnival night! Women were all dressed up in their minks. . . . and the men were wearing tuxes. They did so well on that first night, that they paid for the entire place . . . ." - Frank Sennes, Entertainment Director

Flowers were in evidence everywhere, even around the figure 8-shaped swimming pool and the imposing fountain in front of the hotel. A beaming Wilbur Clark stood in the lobby of his creation, handing out flowers plucked from a large Joshua Tree placed in the lobby for that purpose. One of the attendees was Governor Vail Pittman.

Pittman & Clark at Opening

Life Magazine stated on the opening "In fact almost everybody who amounts to anything in Nevada was there except the children and the bank clerks, both of whom are barred from gambling houses."

Click Here for a drawing of the resort that appeared on the back of a 1950 menu.

The Painted Desert Room was the dining room and showroom of the resort. Large Charles Cobelle murals adorned the walls in warm desert colors, and the ceiling bathed diners in soft indirect lighting. The menus vividly depicted a cactus flower or other desert flora in rich colors. Periodically the menus would change, and so did the desert scenes.

The Painted Desert Room offered a complete New York steak dinner for $5.75, and the baked lobster and filet mignon dinner show was $7.50. An omelet and asparagus-tip breakfast was offered for $2.50. Clark imported Chef Maurice Thominet from the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. Chef Maurice, as he was known, had been on the staffs of the Prince of Wales, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and the Ritz Hotel in Paris.

The stage boasted a "band" that mechanically whisked the orchestra on and off the stage in one motion. The $35,000 Kleigl Brothers light board tied into 10,000 different lighting effects.

The casino was 2,400 square feet making it one of Nevada's largest. The color green predominated in this area, in the louvered ceiling and in the carpeting, and appropriately, good luck symbols adorned the walls and floors. The casino had excellent lighting and all dealers wore white shirts.

Casino on opening night

Clark planned the roulette wheels which were designed to improve player visibility, and the crap tables, which had recessed brass money racks, also benefited the player's view of the action. The casino employed 60 people and had five crap tables, three roulette wheels, four blackjack tables and 75 slot machines. There was also a race book.

Scan donated by Lew Averill

Taylor designed the Sky Room atop the three story stair tower that dominated the street fa�ade. Glass enclosed three sides, the lounge was reminiscent of an airport lookout tower. It claimed to be the tallest building in town. The ceiling was created to give the feeling of floating in the sky; stars made of tiny lights sparkled among cloud effects. "Meet me at the Sky Room" became a familiar phrase around town for those who looked for an exciting, yet intimate, place to mingle. The Sky Room gave a magnificent view of the hotel, pool, grounds and the golf course. It also was a favorite spot for watching A-bomb mushrooms when tests were made about 65 miles away.

The 90-foot Lucky Lady Bar offered an innovative form of gambling imbedded in the bar itself. Before each patron was a circle of numbers resembling a roulette wheel. A corresponding roulette wheel was displayed in the center of the bar area on the wall, located above a nude figure representing Lady Luck. Every hour the wheel would spin and the patron whose light flashed would win a shower of silver dollars falling from the nude figure's hands. Danny Basaric, formerly of the El Rancho and Thunderbird hotels, managed the Sky Room and Lucky Lady bars.

N.E. Hoffert, previously from the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, was the hotel manager . Hoffert was assisted by Don L. Hoyle from the Hollywood Beach Hotel in Florida. When Hank Greenspun left to begin publishing the Las Vegas Sun, he was replaced by Gene Murphy, who would later bring the famous Tournament of Champions to Vegas.

The responsibilities of allocating credit to the hotel's many guests fell to Robert Kaye, who owned Warren Electric Company in Cleveland. Allan (Allard) Roen, one of Dalitz' closest associates was the corporate secretary. The Mount Royale Hotel in Montreal, contributed the services of maitre d' Henry H. Gulot. Frank Sennes was in charge of securing the finest in floor shows, and Bill Willard was the production manager. Safety Director, Dave Chuven, a native of Denver, was a veteran of Flamingo's security staff lead a staff of 25 officers. Assisting him was Don Borax who later became the resort's Security Chief. (Years later Desert Inn named its casino card room after Borax).

"We had a few rough ones, guys that got out of line, so you had to let them know who's boss. Word spread fast not to go into the DI or they'd get their blocks knocked off.
"Moe Dalitz and Wilbur Clark were my buddies. Clark was one of the nicest men you could ever meet, and Dalitz was tops too. They were good people.
"The DI was considered to be the best in Las Vegas. Everyone was taught to talk to the guests and smile, whether winning or losing. You could just feel the warmth. And it's still the warmest hotel in town." - Don Borax, 1989 interview

The Desert Inn appeared along the Strip as a large sloping roof accented by the three-story tower. A circular drive led to the entry, a broad porch lined with ashlar pillars and lounge chairs. A flagstone all-white oval fountain spraying water 60 feet high stood in middle of the lawn ringed by the drive, providing a balance to the pool across the street at the Last Frontier. A nightly display of multi-colored lights in the fountain added a dramatic touch. A sidewalk connected the Desert Inn and Hotel Last Frontier.

One and two story room wings interspersed with parking lots ringed the pool patio behind the main building on the 17 acre site.

Every room featured a modified Western decor with individual touches. The hotel contained the "Hollywood Suites" which were spacious and lavish in design. These suites offered the visitor a large living room and two separate bedrooms. All rooms and suites were equipped with thermostats, private showers with bright colored tile, and outside exposures. Prices were $5 and up.

Furniture used in each room was designed to give a western or ranch-like appearance by the use of bright rugs, interesting paintings and furniture that blended smoothly with the over-all arrangement. At the same time, however, the rooms were extremely homey and possessed comfortable beds.

Occupants enjoyed an interesting view of either the unique landscape, the "figure-8" Olympic size swimming pool or the beauty of the surrounding desert. Several rooms featured private patios that faced the large swimming pool.

Please click here to see exterior photographs of the resort. These scans were donated by Jeff Cross.

The Desert Inn's trademark, a painted desert scene highlighted by a large Joshua Tree cactus, stood as a symbol for the warmth and hospitality the Hotel came to exemplify. The "Joshua Tree" species indigenous to desert regions, derived its name from early Mormon settlers who envisioned its angular branches as the outstretched arms of the Prophet Joshua beckoning them from the wilderness.

The cinder block structure was trimmed with a sandstone veneer quarried in Arizona and Nevada. Weeping mortar brick faced the stair tower. Redwood was used through the interior, including the lobby registration desk and ceiling trim. The roof was made of white tile chips, incorporated a record 250,000 pieces that gleamed in the summer sun.

The Desert Inn also consisted of the Celebrity Room Bar; a ladies shop managed by Betty Boyle, a script writer for the old "Lum and Abner" radio show; a mens' shop managed by Jerry Kaye previously of the Thunderbird; and J.M. Higgins was the hotel's barber. Lennie Shaffer, who was in charge of the Last Frontier Health Club, tended to the ladies' needs at the beauty shop. Dudley Luack and Phil Box ran the soda fountain, and Bill Baues ran the gift shop. Dudley Luack also managed the Pill Box drugstore. Also included was a radio station, and apparel and curio shops. Beyond the casino lay the coffee shop, and the dining room, which overlooked the pool.

At the north end of the pool was the six room Kachina Doll Ranch, an early attempt to cultivate the family tourist trade. The ranch was a childcare center with playroom/crib room, staffed by a trained psychologist. Each room had a Cobelle-painted Kachina mural that taught a lesson in manners. Adjacent to the nursery was a complete playground to keep the youngsters occupied.

The Desert Inn also had a tower capped with a sign, The Desert Inn's palette-shaped logo with rustic and script lettering scrawling "Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn" across it. The sheet metal sign by the Young Electric Sign Company grew out of the brick tower. At night the sign was outlined in neon lighting. Clark tied the sign imagery in with matchbooks, menus and other souvenirs.

The Desert Inn was a high-class establishment, offering the finest in Eastern nightclub fare. The internationally famous display Dancing Waters was a plus in that the show was offered twice nightly without charge, coupled with outdoor dancing during intermission. Thousands of jets of water in a symphony of color and rhythm was coordinated with music by Dorothy Choate.

A person would enter the Desert Inn through the lobby and then directly into the casino. The registration desk had to be sought out, where by comparison, at the Last Frontier, you came in and had to look for the casino.

On the first Saturday after the opening, Desert Inn lost $87,000 in one eight hour shift, $36,000 to one lucky winner. It was the best publicity any resort could ask for. People flocked to the resort and by the following Friday, the casino had recouped its losses.

The first week's profits totaled $750,000, and in the first month of operation, the revenues from the bar alone totaled $90,000. The only part of the hotel that failed to break even was the dining room/showroom, which recorded a staggering $50,000 overhead in just two weeks of operations.

A monthly breakdown of revenue for the first year was as follows: rooms - $50,000; bar - $60,000; Painted Desert Room showroom - $70,000; miscellaneous - $5,000; and casino - $250,000. This was totalling $435,000 in gross revenues per month for a total at year's end of $5,220,000 before taxes. However, taxes took 62% leaving a net profit of just under $2 million.

In the first 37 months, the resort spent $2.13 million for entertainment - a princely amount back then.

During her first year, Desert became the ground of celebrities having fun.

Hy Kellick witnessed a once in a lifetime experience in Vegas.

"The stickman at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas gingerly pushed the amber dice in front of the Kid. Then, in a raspy monotone, he said, 'Next shooter, please!'

For a moment the Kid hesitated. Undecided, around the crap table. After a fast look at his diminished bankroll, which amounted to about $50, the Kid reached a decision. With one hand he picked up the dice, while with the other he slapped one silver dollar on the 'come' line.

Determined to try his luck, good or bad, the Kid vigorously rolled the dice off the opposite wall and came out with eight as his point. As the Kid fondled the cubes, the dealers thought to themselves, 'Here's another one of those brash kids who come to Las Vegas to make a killing on a small stake.' . . .

Like other players who get a bang out of crap shooting, the Kid was hopped up. Every time he threw the dice he talked to them, 'Come, baby!' he'd snap. 'Papa needs a new car!' And he rolled them feverishly between his hands.

There was nothing exciting going on in the game on that November evening of 1950. Compared to other games that night, this one started out calmly.

The only big excitement around the joint showed up when a dame hit a jackpot on one of the one-armed bandits that lined the plush gambling hall.

As the Kid continued to roll the dice, I could see that he was beginning to get tense. No wonder. In 15 minutes he had already chalked up seven consecutive passes. To an amateur like myself, this was a record.

My being present at the table was the result of a piece of good luck. I hit the dollar jackpot for $150. Feeling Lady Luck perched on my shoulder, I ambled over to the crap table hoping to add to my bundle. As I did, one of the boys in the Desert Inn, an old timer, sneered, 'Sucker!'

'Maybe!' I snapped back, elbowing my way into position at the table. Then, remembering some sage information handed me by a famous roller - 'Always play with the house' - I carried out this advice and played my chips on the backline. Already, I pooped out seven time on the Kid's hand. The Kid was hot, all right, but long long could he hold on?

From the next few passes it seemed though the Kid's luck would never run out. 'The Kid's hot!' shouted the dealer. 'Ten straight passes!' reported the croupier. 'Ten straight passes?' repeated a player at an adjoining table. Soon, the report spread like wildfire. The news was broadcasted to the 21 tables and the wheel players. Even slot machine addicts stopped dumping coins into the machines when they heard the incredible news. When the Kid shot his eleventh straight pass, the joint almost went nuts. The $4 million casino was in a tizzy. Action at the other games seemed to stop dead. The spotlight was on the Kid.

Players milled around the hot table. Everyone tried to get into the act. The table was so crowded that people were betting over one another's shoulder. Only 25 players could get into the action. Hundreds of others tried, but couldn't get within six feet of the table the crowd was so thick.

Four limit players, betting $400 each on a point, helped to swell the excitement. More than $10,000 was riding on a number - $5,000 bet on each end of the table. High stakes were on the backline, playing against the Kid. The field was active and it kept the dealers and the box man on the alert.

'There's Nick the Greek,' one player shouted. 'Yeh,' said another, 'and he can't get within five feet of the game.' Ten high rollers tried every trick to get to the table. They even tried to buy their way in the game. In fact, they were offering $500 to players to exchange places with them. One guy offered me $600 for my place. Like a fool, I turned him down. I didn't want to miss this show, especially from ringside. The thrill to me was worth far more than the 600 bucks. I wanted the Kid to poop out.

But the Kid simply refused to run out. He was hotter than a five-alarm fire. And when he chalked up his 15th straight pass, the joint almost blew up. Dealers could hardly make change or clear the table for the next roll.

The casino was in a continuous uproar. In fact, the shouting attracted people at the Last Frontier, directly across the road. Men and women, caught in the crowd around the hot table, ran back and forth to the big bar to provide friends who couldn't see with a pass by pass account of the game.

While all this excitement was in progress, Wilbur Clark, operator of the Desert Inn, was calmly sipping scotch at the bar.

'What would happen,' one customer asked Wilbur, 'if all those high rollers ever got into that game?' 'They'd ruin us,' Wilbur replied. 'Lucky for us they can't get in,' he added with a smile.

Billy Williams, manager of the casino and hotel, who has been around gambling joints for 15 years, turned to his boss, Wilbur Clark, and said, 'Ain't this the most amazing thing you ever saw? We may yet go for broke tonight.'

'Aw,' piped up a drunk, 'that punk's luck will run out. Wait and see!'

There was no doubt about it, the Kid, no one seemed to know his name or where he hailed from, was giving the house plenty of hot hell. There were those who said that the Kid would break the bank. And there were those, like, for example, who felt that the couldn't kick the Desert Inn bank.

Coming out for his 16th point, the Kid rolled a 10. He made it the hard way and, right now, he was the hottest guy in Las Vegas, high roller or not.

The Kid playing

On the 17th try for a point, the Kid came out with a six. When he made it, bedlam broke loose. It sounded like an atomic bomb bursting. The explosions erupted continuously through his 18th, 19th, and 20th passes.

'How can you remain so calm?' someone asked Wilbur Clark, with all this action going against the house?'

'Oh, Wilbur's got ice water in his veins,' said Billy Williams. 'He can bear just about anything - even going bust.'

By now, the Kid was so nervous that beads of seat rolled down his cheeks and his shirt was wet. As he quivered, winning players tried to cheer him on with friendly, light slaps on the back. As the Kid gritted his teeth and forced a smile, someone shouted 'Break the bank!'

Obviously, the dense smoke in the room and the violent commotion upset the Kid. He tried to act self possessed. But everything began to swim before his eyes. 'Butterflies are flying around in my stomach,' he said.

The Kid hunched over the table. He flexed his muscles and wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Then, shaking the dice, which incidentally, were never changed, he came out with an 11.

I never heard so much shouting and chair tossing in all my life. The scene was reminiscent of the time Bobby Thomson hit a home run in the ninth inning to beat the Dodgers for the pennant. Chips and silver dollars clinked all over the table. Winners were unable to contain themselves. They shouted themselves into a frenzy. Losers were cursing the Kid.

'Give 'em hell,' players yelled. 'Clean out the house,' others shouted. 'Boy, I'll bet Wilbur Clark is worried!'

Lady Luck continued to ride along with the Kid. When he threw the dice again, you could almost feel the rafters in the joint shake. His point was a six. Would he make it? Would he fall off? How much longer would he hold the hand? Could luck like this last? Already, he had held the dice for an hour and 20 minutes. More amazing, in all that time he never threw a seven.

Spitting on the thick floor carpet and wiping the sweat from his face, the Kid took a puff on a cigarette. Then he bounced the cubes off the opposite board. He came up with a nine. Then he rolled a ten; then a four; another four. Next, a five. He rolled a few more numbers; everything but a six and a seven. Finally, he made his point. 28 straight passes!

Suddenly, the house fell down on the Kid. He was coming out with another point - an eight. But on the 29th straight roll he threw a seven. Everyone in the casino, hundreds of men and women, rose to their feet and applauded the Kid. The ovation lasted 15 minutes. Nothing like it ever happened in the history of Nevada gambling.

Players tried to buy the dice as a souvenir of the greatest crap game that ever took place in a Nevada gambling hall. One guy offered $300 for the lucky dice. But the house refused to sell. Instead, they placed the cubes in a glass case, nestled the dice on a silk pillow and hung a sign in the background: 'These dice took the house for $150,000 on a single hand.'

Winners streamed to the cashier's window to cash in their chips. One movie personality cashed in $40,000. Another high roller cashed in $30,000.

How much did the Kid win? Oddly enough, he walked away with only $750. Had he played one dollar and let it ride all the way for 28 consecutive passes, the Kid could have won the Desert Inn, valued at $4 million. It has been done with other Nevada joints. (One was the Thunderbird - Deanna)

Even Nick the Greek was heard to remark 'In all my years as a gambler, I have never seen anything like it!'

How did I come out? I lost the $150 I won on the one-armed bandit. But it was worth it to see a scared, broke kid walk into the plushiest gambling joint in Las Vegas and hit a lucky streak. It was worth it to sweat out every point, even though I was backing the house, and to see the Kid chalk up those 28 straight passes that made gambling history in the state of Nevada." - Hy Kellick, December 1953

In December of 1950, rumors spread around Vegas that Wilbur Clark was to build another resort where the Diamond Lil was supposed to be before the idea was disbanded. The new hotel, The Saratoga, was being planned by Stan Harris who had constructed the Desert Inn. The Saratoga was to be on a vacant piece of property across from the Flamingo, and was going to contain two five-tier, oval shaped buildings and 586 rooms. Clark personally notified the press that this was false. Clark stated he was definitely not affiliated with the Saratoga in any way and hoped his denial would put an end to all the unfounded rumors spreading across the city.

Also during this time, Paci, 20 year old Mexican singing sensation vacationed in Vegas and while he was there he wrote a tune called Negra Manga. When Carlton Hayes heard the tune he stated "If Paco couldn't sing a note, he could be one of Mexico's greatest composers, if he devoted his time to music composition." Paco stated he was studying American stage technique because of the wealth of talent displayed by visiting performers and stage directors.

During its first year Desert Inn showcased Pearl Bailey, Ben Blue, Condos & Brandow, Connie Boswell, Jimmy Durante, Billy Eckstine, Benny Fields, The Arden Fletcher Dancers, Sam Levinson, Clyde McCoy & His Orchestra, Margaret Phelan, and The Ritz Brothers. There were also three Frank Sennes shows, the "Latin Quarter Revue", "Minsky's Follies", and the "China Doll Revue". The MC was Johnny Martin.

"The Mary Kaye Trio, which featured my sister Mary, Frankie Ross and me, actually started at the Last Frontier. But we frequently filled-in for many top performers in the Painted Desert Room, such as Gordon MacRae and a host of others. Our specialty was musical comedy. It was a great place to work because it had that 'home town' feeling. Everything was on a personal basis." - Norman Kaye, entertainer turned realtor

"The stage was very intimate. It thrust out into the audience. Flo Williams and Art Johnson to sing with the Carlton Hayes Orchestra. The shows themselves were more like revues. They started with a number by the Donn Arden Dancers, which was followed by a novelty act. Then there would be the comic, myself, who would be followed by the star. The Dancers would then close the show. And there were elaborate sets for such a small stage as well." I remember doing a routine with Chico and Harpo Marx where I played the part of Groucho. The DI was just the finest gem of a hotel." - Bobby Sargent, comedian.

In 1950, Stanley Montfort was listed as entertainment and publicity director.

Other entertainment showcased during 1950 included Arden-Fletcher Dancers w/John Martin as M.C., Lester Cole/Debutantes, Leo Diamond, Carrie Finnell, Gaynor & Ross, Carlton Hayes & his Orchestra, Evelyn Knight, Eddie Oliver & his Orchestra, Roger Ray, Paul Steffen Dancers, and Romo Vincent.

In 1951, Boxman Mike Brady was referred to by everyone as "one in a million." Brady spoke six languages fluently. He was seen speaking with some of the members of the Parisian Follies cast, in their native tongue.

On January 4, 1951, Desert showcased her "Gala Holiday Show" with Gypsy Rose Lee and Company, Jackie Green, Eddie and Tony, Aden-Fletcher Dancers and Carlton Hayes Orchestra. Click here for the menu for that night.

In August of 1951, cheers were given to Wilbur Clark in how he handled a situation without any prior notice. Quite unexpectedly, a bus pulled in front of the resort and out came over 30 boy scouts from two counties in New York, with the greater number of them being orphans. For two years these young men had been saving their money so that they could take this trip as a group. Each member had to accumulate $350 to pay for the seven week trip.

Clark and other management saw the bus pull up and opened the doors. Out came these khaki-clad boys of all sizes and in an instant they passed gaming tables and slot machines being drawn by the glare of the pool reflecting from the windows. Clark asked them if they had swim suits - they sure did. They were directed to facilities where they could change and the pool was theirs. Clark directed the waiters to serve them as many drinks (Cokes) as they wanted free of charge.

After they were done swimming and changed their clothes, Clark lined them all up and presented each one of them with a silver dollar. All the while the "hard core" gamblers lined the promenade with lumps in their throats watching each boy's face beam with pride at they looked at their very own silver dollar. It was noted Clark knew how to make people happy, even if they couldn't gamble.

Frank Sinatra made his Las Vegas debut in the Painted Desert Showroom on September 13, 1951. Click Here to see the menu from this show.

"Wilbur Clark gave me my first job in Las Vegas. That was in 1951. For six bucks you got a filet mignon dinner and me." - Frank Sinatra, 1992

Scan donated by Howard Klein

Before his appearance, Sinatra and his manager Hank Sanicola agreed on a press conference staged by Desert's publicist Howard Mayer. The following 1951 picture shows left to right - Frank Sinatra, Las Vegas Sun Reporters Joe McLain and Bill Willard (with note pad), Howard Mayer (seated), and Hank Sanicola.

"Sinatra, chewing and fumbling a pipe (his doctor ordered him to lay off cigarettes after he lost his voice at New York's Copacabana) was friendly, direct, and not at all evasive, possibly because we directed our questions towards his music, ignoring notoriously flamboyant episodes in his life. I startled him with my opening question: I've heard that you are a confirmed classical music listener. Who is your favorite classical composer? 'Brahms' he shot back without a pause. Thus Sinatra was elevated higher in my estimation." - Bill Willard, 1993

After the show, the Sun stated: "Whether by accident or design, Sinatra eases along at the beginning, selling himself with clever gab and contrasting tunes, then he boffs with I'm a Fool to Want You, on which he collaborated. From there on he has his room wrapped up and neatly tied."

Some other entertainers who appeared at the Desert Inn during this year were Arden-Fletcher Dancers; Carlton Hayes and his Orchestra; juggler Rudy Cardenas; Corine and Tito Valdez; Court & Sanders; D'Arco & Gee; Leo Diamond; Grover-Shore Trio; Sunny Knight; Jay Marshall; Minsky's Follies; Mystery Gal; Ruby Ring; Ritz Brothers; The Romano Brothers; and Visionaries. Lady Luck Bar showcased Grover-Shore Trio.

Also during this year the Desert Inn listed its phone number as 6000, and in November of 1951, the ground breaking for their golf course was announced with J.W. Anderson Corporation as the builders/developers. Under the visionary Wilbur Clark, the Desert Inn was the only Strip resort with an 18-hole golf course on its 272 acres of property.

Donated by Howard Klein

In June of 1952, Pancho Alliarti dispelled rumors he was buidling a $25,000 in Los Angeles. "Are you kidding - I can't afford it." He added that he thinks someone is trying to bring the income tax boys down upon him.

Carl Williams was the manager of the DI. He came to Vegas well qualified for his post - having been formerly associated in various capacities, with such hotels as the Palace in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Plaza, Catalina and Lincoln in New York City, and was Assistant Manager of the Roosevelt in Hollywood.

In 1952, the Desert Inn showcased Arden-Fletcher Dancers; Carlton Hayes Orchestra; Alan Gilbert; Mitzi Green/Jackie Miles; Pat Henning; Johnson & Owen; Stan Kramer & Company; Ted Lewis Revue w/Geraldine du Boise/Meribeth Old/Elroy Peace/The Ben Yost Colleens/Tung Pin Soo/Manor & Mignon; Frank Sinatra; and Carmen Miranda. Also showcased was the Mardi-Gras In Rio which starred Diosa Costello/Don Reynolds/Robert & Alicia/Lolo & Lita/Allyn & Hodges/James Naveira/Carlton Hayes & his Orchestra. The M.C. was Allen Gilbert. The Lady Luck Bar showcased Rist Brothers and Danny Cassella. The Sky Room showcased Continentals.

When Sinatra returned in July of 1952, Bill Willard of the Sun stated:

"As a captivator, Frank Sinatra is one of the best. As a boon to excite land-office biz, the promulgator of teenage and, more recently, adult exhibits of audible surges, seems destined to be one of the best at the Desert Inn."

During 1953 the Desert Inn was actively publicized. This included:

Ladies' Salon, Gift Shop, Smoke Shop, Beauty Parlor, Barber Shop, Drug Store, and the health club featuring steam baths, massages, and corrective exercises under the direction of expert attendants. Separate sunbathing solariums for men and women were also available. The resort also offered midnight buffet, four dining areas, facilitities for conventions and group meetings, boating, fishing, and horseback riding, and of course gambling.

Not wanting to miss any person, if you happened to be living at the South Pole, you would find this sign:

"In 1953, I stayed at Wilbur Clark's Painted Desert Inn (Honeymoon). Room rate was $8.50 per night. All lounge shows were free - later Keno took over the lounges. We saw Sinatra, Eckstein, Jazz Bow Collins, and Marlene Dietrich with her shocking (at that time) nude gown. Every show was free, paid with dinner or drinks only. The Strip was The Sahara, The Desert Inn, The Tropicana, The Sands, and the Flamingo. That was it. There was no airport (as we know them). There was a landing strip and what amounted to a small building with a coffee shop. They had to wheel stairs to the airplane to allow passengers to exit. When we saw Sinatra he was at the low point in his career- breaking up with Gardner, throat problems and had not yet made From Here To Eternity. The average dinner was between $5 to $7. (Click Here for a b/w scan of my program).

A final thought - It did not take much walking to find yourself completely in the desert.

Having returned in the 70's, 80's and 90's- the changes were unbelievable. The most recent (Theme Hotels) have left me cold. To me Las Vegas has become the Disneyland of the desert. I preferred the first class operation that existed when I first went there. Every cocktail hostess was an ex-showgirl - they could only work as a show girl up to a certain age. Most people dressed for the evening occasions. No shorts, tee shirts, etc., to be seen. The mob openly owned these hotels and the mob visited them as well. It was a real show every night. My my how times have changed." - Robert Battito, 2001

Regarding the arch that was built by the pool.

Donated by Beverly Phillips

"My father, Theodore 'Ted' R. Dexter, does not think the arch was built with the hotel. He thinks it was added later but couldn't say when. He said the arch was built in San Diego by a ship builder. It was transported here in pieces. So he didn't actually help build it, but rather installed it. He said some of it was made out of plywood and that it must have needed a crane to put the pieces in place. He said there was a crew of 4 or 5 men, but he doesn't remember who the contractor was that he was working for." - Beverly Phillips, June 2003

Wilbur Clark was pictured often holding a framed picture with the title "Never Admit Defeat". He wanted to get his message through to everyone and eventually had postcards made of him holding this picture. It stated:

Also during that year, Clark and Gene Murphy brought to the Desert Inn its first Annual Tournament of Champions golf event. The proceeds of this opening went to the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund for Cancer Research, a charitable organization chaired by Walter Winchell. It drew the top names in golf, such as Cary Middlekopf, Julius Boros, Sam Snead, and Jimmy Demaret. In the spirit of cooperation, other Las Vegas hotels contributed $25,000 to this event.

Al Besserlink won the first $10,000 first-place prize by shooting 280. Clark awarded the prize money in silver dollars. This rapidly became a nationally recognized trademark of the tournament.

Sparked by the imaginative and innovative Gene Murphy, the tournament soon became a showcase for not only the hotel, but for all of Las Vegas. Extensive national television coverage of the contest gave the area major national exposure. The pro host was Howard Capps.

These tournaments would also bring the best professional golfers together with such known celebrities as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Paul Winchell.

Donated by Howard Klein

Jimmy Durante & Wilbur Clark

"People would place bets on the various golfers participating in the event. It was great fun, especially when folks like Walter Winchell and Bob Hope would be put on putting contests." - Bill Willard

Wilbur Clark had postcards of him made enjoying the Desert Inn's golf course.

For 13 years, this tournament was one of the premiere stops on the pro golfer's tour. It was an event the entire city looked forward to.

It was announced that on September 28, 1953, that the new TV show Call Boy beginning at 7:30pm, was being sponsored by Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn. It starred the Grover-Shore Trio.

In December 1953, Sunny Knight appeared on the cover of Magazine Las Vegas decorating a joshua tree in the cactus garden of the resort.

In 1953, Desert showcased Donn Arden Dancing Girls featuring Arthur Johnson/Evee Lynn/Joyce Skylar/Fluff Gould/Sandra & Sonia Warner, Johnny Desmond, Jimmy Durante, Lou Waters' Follies Bergere w/Davas & Julia, Billy Gray, Mitzi Green, Carlton Hayes Orchestra, Hal LeRoy & Dean Murphy, Ted Lewis w/his revue, Emcee George Milan, Patti Moore/Ben Lessy, Jimmy Nelson, Johnnie Ray, Raul & Eva Reyes, Rudy Vallee, and Ethel Waters, as well as Minsky Follies of 1954 w/Paul Gilbert/Maxie Furman & Co./Helena Gardner/Marcia Edgington/De La Rosa Quintette, Later in 1953 the Desert Inn closed their Painted Desert Room for renovations.

Lady Luck Bar showcased Bob Baring Trio; Danny Cassella Orchestra; Billy Gray/Patti Moore & Ben Lessy;Grover-Shore Trio; Herbie May Tiro; Herbie May-Caruso/Gene Bari; and Bobby Stevenson Trio. The Sky Room showcased Dorita.

When the Showboat opened in 1954, the owners did not want to operate the casino. The Desert Inn stepped in and operated the casino for 18 months. The arrangement did not work out and the Showboat took ownership back.

Bonnie Best decided to use the Desert Inn grounds to take pictures for ads to be published in magazines.

In 1954, Desert Inn showcased Donn Arden Dancers, Charlivel Trio, Los Chavales de Espano w/Trini Reyes, Jack Durant, Jane Froman, Rudy Gardenas, Carlton Hayes & His Orchestra, Frankie Laine, Lou Waters' Latin Quarter Revue starring Bernard Brothers/Frank Libuse/Jane Morgan/Lucienne & Ashour/The Debonairs/Helen Wood/Dean Crane, Chico & Harpo Marx, Herbie May & His Trio, Jackie Miles, Bobby Sargent, and Bobby Stevenson Trio. Herbie May & His Trio were known to play any song named. May's proudest possession was a violin covered with signatures of approximately 350 big names including three presidents. May burned the names in after they have been signed then filled them with white ink.

When the Desert Inn opened its large pool in 1955, the Last Frontier across the highway filled in its old roadside pool and built a heated one of AAU dimensions with a subsurface observation room at the deep end and a deck-side bar. The Desert Inn then replaced its original pool with one even bigger.

The Last Frontier added a 126 foot sign tri-sided pylon stacked cones lit indirectly. The Thunderbird then lifted its roadside bird higher into the air rising out of a new porte cochere. The Desert Inn added a roadside arch, a wooden bent resting on a pylon of native stone.

As gas stations were erected next to the resorts to attract potential visitors, Desert Inn was no exception with with Standard.

In February of 1955, it was noted that Muriel and Bernie Rothkopf adopted a second daughter, this one was one week old.

In 1955 it was noted that the Desert Inn dealers were trained in a special school and earned approximately $10,000 a year.

During this year the DI's daily rates ran from $5 to $35.

In April of 1955, Wilbur Clark donated $35,000 to the Damon Runyon Fund; Co-owner Morris Kleinman slipped and broke his left hand.

During the week of June 13, 1955, the Desert Inn paid Britisher Noel Coward $160,000 to appear at the resort for a four week engagement.

Coward recorded the album Noel Coward At Las Vegas at the resort with Carlton Hayes and his Orchestra. Eugene Murphy, Publicist at the resort, made the arrangements with Columbia Records.

Tony Cornero was in the process of creating his own dream, Stardust, when on one hot night in July of 1955, Cornero went over to the Desert Inn for some gambling. He was at a gaming table when he died of a massive heart attack with more than $5,000,000 invested in his own dream.

In July of 1955, The dance floor at in the Sky Room was being enlarged and Manager Tom Claire was supervising the work.

In August of 1955, the Grover-Shore Trio chalked up 260 consecutive weeks in the Lady Luck Lounge.

Also during this month it was reported that management was constructing a new stage for the Lady Luck Bar, providing more room for musicians and making for greater than ever entertainment.

In early September of 1955, Fabulous Las Vegas Magazine sent orchids to Buddy Grover and Herb Flemington. Flemington recorded Buddy's tune, Only For You and it looked like a future hit.

In September of 1955, Bob Hope publically challenged Charles Risnik to a golf contest in front of all patrons. Hope walked away with all the winnings which was not stated.

In October of 1955, the Sky Room was closed down for remodeling. Upon completion, it was to be twice as large and offer an elevator for patrons. The Management expected to reopen this room by the first of the new year.

Also in October of 1955, plans were announced for the construction of a $300,000 two-story Club House as a recreational adjunct to the 18 hole golf course. This addition to an already $1,100,000 investment made the new development a further gesture of confience in the future of the community. Upon completion of this structure in early 1956, the golf layout was to operate as a private club, with 300 resident members. Provisions will be made for non-resident members and out-of-town guests.

Wilbur and Toni Clark hosted Detective Jack Werst of Dayton, Ohio and Rocky Marciano during the Halloween weekend. Jack Cortez brought his young son Bruce over and Rocky and the young child went a few "rounds".

In late 1955 or early 1956, the Painted Desert Room was reopened with an elevated platform which evolved, produced ice, manufactured rain, blew wind and was now equipped for any stage show that the Desert Inn wanted to showcase. The lighting effects were created by Kliegl Brothers of New York. The General Executive at the Desert Inn was Allard Roen.

After these renovations, the Painted Desert Room showcased Lou Walters' (Barbara Walter's father) Revue a la Folies Bergere. Also showcased were Donn Arden Dancers featuring Gloria Grey/Art Johnson; Rudy Cardenas; Darvas & Julia; Jimmy Durante w/Eddie Jackson/Jack Roth/Jules Buffano; Carlton Hayes & His Orchestra; Frankie Laine; Gordon Mac Rae; McGuire Sisters; Jackie Miles; Dean Murphy; Patti Page; Larry Parks/Betty Garrett; Jane Powell; and Bobby Sargent.

In one act, Betty Garrett and husband Larry Parks of "Jolson Story" spoofed the Salvation Army. Garrett went on to TV where she co-starred first on All In The Family, and then Laverne & Shirley.

Whenever the McGuire Sisters played at the resort they insisted on holding their Croquet tournament among themselves. Desert Inn management decided to install equipment specifically for their private contests.

The Sky Room showcased Marvelle.

In December 1955, the following individuals were connected with the resort: Painted Desert Room: Maitre d' - Pancho, Tony, Paul, George, Frank, Emile, and Andre; Catherine of the Terrace Room; Jim and Robert of the Cactus Room.

In 1956, Clark suffered a stroke which slowed down his ability to run the resort. In addition, co-owner Lou Rothkopf died in July.

"The Desert Inn had a round building of small rooms just out past the pool. As I recall those rooms rented for $15.00 per night. Because you were not in the main building, naturally you paid less. It was like a motor court, you drove and parked right in front of the rooms. Also, the Desert Inn had a Soda fountain business over on the South side of the property. That was an unbelievable thing, on the hottest of summer days, to go to there and get huge Cherry or Vanilla Cokes! Maybe you had to be there, but it was very special at the time...

I would help the Lifeguards put out the lounge chairs as the guests would arrive in the mornings, and then spend mid-day just swimming and diving off the *low and high boards* and then later in the day help bring the lounge chairs back in to be stacked.

A couple of things...

1. Guests tipped with *real silver dollars*, which naturally I didn't get to keep, but the Lifeguards were real good to me and kept my summers occupied. (I was there because my Father knew people at the Hotel). A lucky kid, I was!...
2. Can you imagine finding a *High Board* at a hotel today? Gee, I'm not sure you can even find a diving board let alone a *High Dive*."

- Dennis Rosen

In 1956, Desert Inn showcased Billy Daniels, Paul Gilbert, Ted Lewis & his All Star Revue featuring Cathy Basic/The Caribbeans/Benita D'Andrea/Elroy Peace/Donn Arden Dancers with conductor Sol Klein, Patti Page, Frank Parker/Frank Libuse, and Johnnie Ray. The Lady Luck Lounge showcased Grover-Shore Trio, Eddie Cano Quartette, Bobby Stevenson Trio, Don Gregory Quartet, and Henri Rose Trio. The Sky Room Lounge showcased Ernie Coleman Orchestra and Marvelle. Ruby Kolod was listed as co-owner and casino manager of the resort, and Carnie Krausnick was listed as an executive.

The Desert held its 6th Annual Tournament of Champions with Stan Leonard winning the championship with a score of 275. Billy Casper was second with 276, and Frank Stranahan took third with 280.

In November of 1957, Estelle Longwell opened a ladies specialty shop on the Promenade of the resort. Longwell was the originator of the Vegas d'Estel parfume.

"We were there for at least two months, seven nights a week in the big room. I sang and played upright bass with Guy Lombardo at the time at $350 per week. I was by far, the youngest in the band, 26, and they all called me Junior and kidded me. Larry Funk of MCA booking and big band fame put me with the band to use a spring board like other boy band singers (Merv Griffin- Freddy Martin, etc.)

So it was bass and tuba and on opposite ends of the stage. We had to guess if we were playing the same notes at the same time being about thirty feet apart. It as after Jones Beach and some road dates. I believe it was around September-October-November. In order to get to Disneyland and LA with no day off, I had to fly out right after the last show and fly back in time for the first show with no sleep. Shows were one hour and I had trouble staying awake. It was the funniest band ever. Brother Victor was the outcast and he had to dress with the sidemen. This was because he didn't make it with his own band and he was punished. Like he wasn't even family.

We flew from NY to Chicago to begin a string of one nighters on the way to Vegas. When I first got on the bus in Chicago, I went back found a seat and sat down. It wasn't a regular bus, just another charter. But one of the "elders' came back and said, "That's my seat. I've been sitting there for 27 years." Scared little me got up and waited for a seat and finally, Tuba player, Fred Exner invited me to sit with him. We became great friends back in New York. What was funnier was that each Lombardo brother, Guy, Carmen and Liebert had a girlfriend meet them at the bus and travelled with the band. It was also the drunkest band I ever worked with. We called Guy's action with the baton the "goose" since he really didn't conduct with it, you would always see the baton going up like when you would goose someone in the rear. Although I did sing a couple solos and with the trio. Carmen and Guy (and Kenny) thought Kenney Gardner was the best singer in the world. But when I started to be just a little bit better than Kenny, I got fired back in New York". - Don Meehan

In October of 1957, it was announced that the Painted Desert Room was going under extensive improvements in preparation for a series of elbaorate stage shows. It was stated that on November 12, 1957 a production with 16 Geisha Girls and other Japanese performers was scheduled to open. Billy Daniels was to headline the show. Temporary use of pillars were necessary for special lighting and scenery.

In November of 1957, Tom Neary who was in charge of the slot machines and stated he felt he saw everything. A patron of the resort exchanged a few bills for some silver and saunteered over to the one-armed bandits. She carefully selected on to her liking, then, with quiet determination, she removed a mink glove from her purse and put it on before she began to pull the handle.

In 1957, the Painted Room showcased Tom Ball's "Geisha Girl Fantasy" w/Misao Shuree/Kabuki Girls/Junichi Hamada/Toy & Wing/Tong Brothers/Chai & Somay/Florence Ahn/Tony Toyoda/Jo Ann Miya; Donn Arden Dancers w/Art Johnson/Gina Genardi; Donn Arden Revue; Rudy Cardenas; Cordolins; Billy Daniels; Jack Durant; Jane Froman; Betty Grable; Happy Jesters; Carlton Hayes & His Orchestra; Art Johnson; Guy Lombardo; Jan Peerce; Gordon MacRae/Sheila MacRae; Joe Maize & The Cordsmen; McGuire Sisters; Jackie Miles; Patrice Munsel/Arthur Maxwell/Steve Willand; Patti Page; Jan Peerce; Johnnie Ray; and Wazzan Troupe.

The Lady Luck Lounge showcased Dave Appolon & His Mandolin, Caballeros, Don Gregory Quartet, Grover-Shore Trio, Milt Herth Trio, and Mido Musso Trio.

The Sky Room Lounge showcased Julie Mitchum, and Ernie Coleman Trio.

In 1958, it was reported that Dalitz owned lots 66, 71, and 74, which bordered the resort's golf course.

In March of 1958, Jackie Barnett was showcased as American's Youngest Producer/Song Writer. He conceived and wrote Newcomers of 1928, organized the talent, wrote the original musical score, and then directed and produced the show. In the picture of above is production singer Kitty Muldoon.

The cover of March, 1958 cover of Fabulous Las Vegas centered on China Girard who was in Newcomers of 1928.

Note was also made of Newcomers of 1928 actress Faye Morley who was a protege of famed opera singer Nadine Connor. Morley overcame tremendous handicaps resulting from a fatal auto accident in which she and her mother were the only survivors. Near death and mostly paralyzed it took grit and determination to regain the use of her vocal chords but that she did and with telling affect.

It was stated that Sue Garfano went to Vegas for a vacation from San Bernardino, CA. She saw an ad for an audtion for a show at the Desert Inn. She decided to go and was hired, moving to Vegas to appear in the show.

April 24-26, 1958, Desert Inn hosted its annual Tournament of Champions Golf Tournament. It was reported that several FBI agents were in attendance attempting to obtain photographs of Dalitz.

In May of 1958, Desert Inn announced their new gardens adjacent to the Sky Room Lounge. This new addition provided twice the floor space as the original layout and offered an unparalleled view of Las Vegas. The gardens contained a miniature fountain, a wall of flowering blooms, and seating for 90 who preferred their music outside. It also offered a vantage spot for the Dancing Waters shows.

The new refurbished Sky Room was opened from 5:00pm to 4:00am. Elevator service in the main lobby facilitates the arrival of guests to the Lounge which was three stories above street level.

Desert Inn announced that 1958's Helldorado Parade float would be Aladdin's Dream. As in past years, the float included children of the employees.

In June of 1958, The Stardust was preparing for her opening. Lessman took this opportunity to take out an ad. For the Stardust he states the Cafe Continental Theatre-Restaurant, Casino, Chemin-de-Fer Room, Keno, Ticker Tape Lounge, Faro, Casino Bar and Cocktail Lounge, Plam Room Restaurant, Pool Pavilion Cafe, and Banquet Rooms and Private Dining Rooms. For the Desert Inn he states 115 lush suites and guest rooms, chuck wagon, Sky Terrace - dancing under the stars (adjacent to the popular Sky Lounge), Private Dining and Banquet Rooms. As a footnote he states "The original Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn, in its entirety, by Jac Lessman.

I asked Sam Melchionne about him playing at the resort, News Years Eve at the resort as well as any other memories he has:

"We opened DI in the Lady Luck Lounge 1958 for a month. Allard Roen, DI managing owner, heard the Big Band sounds of the accordion and moved us upstairs to the Skyroom Lounge to begin dancing in Las Vegas. It was only a piano bar up to that time. Dancing and boy meets girl caused larger crowds so they expanded the little 20' X 40' room and extended it outdoors also for dancing under the stars idea. The Dancing Waters poolside was from 8-9 p.m. and then we finished the night upstairs in the Skyroom closing at 2:00am. They then hired 4 week runs for other acts opposite our Big Band Sounds to have continuous dance music like Chuy Reyes, Art Van Damme, Murray Arnold, etc.

It was the only dance spot in town for years 'till the mid '60s. It was publicized as "Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn Skyroom", "Sixty seconds above the Strip", a byline phrased by then DI publicist Eugene Murphy. He arranged that every New Year's Eve, at the traditional mid-nite playing of Auld Lang Syne greeting the new year in on coast-to-coast radio it was Guy Lombardo, from the Astor Hotel, NY, Russ Morgan from the St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco and The Sam Melchionne Quartette from "Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn Skyroom", "Sixty Seconds above the Strip.

The Skyroom was the most "marrying-room" trap set for couples in history. Unconsciously, I introduced many of the opposite sexes developing it into "the" meeting spot. Word spread. I would tell girls (or boys) that my cousin was in town (to break the ice) and ask him/her to dance. It spread very well. The dating crowd used to say, 'Go to the Skyroom and meet one of 'Sam's cousins''........ it tickled me and it worked. (That crowd plus the golf pros were my following), this caused me to command top dollar on my move to the Sahara. Stan Irwin & Herb MacDonald were responsible for that occurrence." - Sam Melchionne, 2001

Regarding the Dancing Waters:

"Band members remarked that it was like standing in a steam room with the moisture sprays combined with the 105 degree temperatures bouncing off of the slow-cooling concrete pool decking. Cool-decks had yet to come." - Sam Melchionne, 2001

In September of 1958 Jimmy Durante guested Mr. & Mrs. Adolf Seidel and their granddaughter Molly at the dinner show. Mr. Seidel (Historian at MGM 35 years) and Mrs. Seidel (Hairdress at MGM 30 years) had known Durante that entire time and Molly had adored Durante since she first saw him when she was 5 years old.

In 1958, the Painted Desert Room showcased Anna Marie Alberghetti/Jerry Antes/Pepe De Chazza; Donn Arden Dancers; Jackie Barnett's Newcombers of 1928, starring Paul Whiteman/Harry Richman/Rudy Vallee/Buster Keaton/Fifi D'Orsay/Billy Gilbert/Larry Grayson/Kitty Muldoon/Mitzi McCall/The Lettermen/Earl Twins/Barbara Logan/Kathy Stuart/Tom Vickers/showgirls; Dave Barry; Rudy Cardenas;Tony Dalli; Jack Durant; Jimmy Durante/Eddie Jackson/Sonny King/Jack Roth/Jules Buffano/Sally Davis/Ben Wrigley; Betty Grable; Carlton Hayes & his Orchestra; Stan Kramer & Company; Peggy Lee; Gordon MacRae; Marie McDonald w/Hal Borne conducting; McGuire Sisters; Jackie Miles; Patti Moore/Ben Lessy; The Morlidors; Jane Powell; Ed Sullivan Show starring Ed Sullivan w/Kirby Stone Four/Richardi/Jay Marshall/Professor Backwards/Ricky Layne & Velvel/The Morlidors/Denise Darcel/Julia Meade/Carol Burnett/Sally Blair; and Bob Williams. Art Johnson was the singing master of informalities.

In an ad Duante took out Joe E. Lewis' picture is seen, and as a joke, the caption states "We don't know who this guy is - But he tried to get in on the 'Killing'.

Lady Luck Lounge showcased Dave Apollon; Caballeros; Don Gregory Quartet; The Grover-Shore Trio; Milt Herth Trio; and Michael Kent Trio. The Sky Room Lounge showcased Dorothy Choate; The Ernie Coleman Trio/Audrey Morris; Nancie Malcolmb; and McGuire & Still.

In early 1959, it was noted that Sam Melchionne was first appearing in the Sky Room with a cast on his leg, and then walking with a cane. When I read this I had to ask Sam what happened.

"Had broken my leg playing baseball at Cashman Field........ started the job with a full-blown cast to the hip.... What grueling nights they were." - Sam Melchionne, July 13, 2002

Desert Inn's entry in the 1959 Silver Anniversary Helldorado Beauty Parade, Johnny Appleseed won the Grand Sweepstakes Trophy. As usual, the youngsters on the float were all children of Desert Inn employees.

Donated by Howard Klein

On April 18, 1959, Desert Inn's 7th Annual Tournament of Champions from April 23 to 26, 1959, was announced with Stella Stevens on the cover of the Fabulous Las Vegas Magazine. A part of the proceeds was contributed to Damon Runyon Memorial Fund. The Desert Inn had donated $35,000 in advance. Over the six years the tournament had taken place, the Fund received $268,000.

Prize money was allocated as follows: First place - $10,000, second place - $5,000, $25,000 was disbursed $1,000 for each player. Each golfer also participated in the "golden pot" resulting from the Calcutta Dinner, held the evening before the event. Calcutta winners would receive 40% for first place; 20% for second place; 15% for third place, 10% for fourth place, and 5% for fifth, sixth, and seventh places. The Damon Runyon Fund received 10% of the entire pool.

Tickets for the event were $1.10 for Monday and Tuesday; $2.20 for Wednesday; $3.30 for Thursday and Friday; and $5.50 for Saturday and Sunday. Of course all military personnel were admitted for half price. Season tickets were offered at $11.00. Tom Gallery and NBC televised the final day's play from 3:00 to 4:00pm. Walter Winchell borrowed the Sky Room Lounge for his broadcast of the Tournament of Champions. Engineer Gregg Gilhart and DI Publicity Staff Chuck Hull conducted the transformation. Others who helped create the Tournament were Wilbur Clark, Howard Capps "Father" of the Tournament, Allard Roen, and Director of Advertising Publicity Eugene Murphy.

The schedule was Stan Leonard/Gary Player, Bob Goaley/Tommy Bolt, Julius Boros/Ernis Vossler, Billy Maxwell/Doug Sanders, Billy Casper/Art Wall, Jr.; Arnold Palmer/Dow Finsterwalk, Ken Venturi/Mike Souchak, Cary Middlecoff/Wesley Ellis, Jim Ferree/John McMullin, Tommy Jacobs/Pete Cooper, George Bayer/Gene Littler, Marty Furgol/Howie Johnson, and Bill Collins/Paul Harney.

Guests at the Tournament included CBS Radio Sports Announcer Jim Racer, and Sports Editor of United Press International Alex Kahn.

In May of 1959, Desert Inn sustained a loss when Frosty Jensen, Executive Secretary to Wilbur Clark suffered a fatal heart attack while at her desk.

Some other personnel at the Desert Inn during this year were Mel Gordon in slot machines and assistant to Freddie Kleinman, cigar stand hostess Olive, cigarette girl Rose Wozniak, Lounge Captain Arthur Ostap, Executive C.J. Jones, Security Officer Jack Lynn, and cocktail waitresses Shirley Petering and Dea Watson. Floorman Bobby Bergen who was apparently quite Irish, would surprise patrons when he would start speaking in Yiddish fluently.

In June of 1959, Lady Luck Lounge Captain Arthur Ostop was injured when one of the strolling violinists accidently hit him in the eye with his bow.

Apparently, Desert Inn's Dancing Waters had been turned off because there was an announcement that on June 1, 1959, the Dancing Waters was returning with Dorothy Choate at the organ.

In October of this year, it was announced that Desert Inn planned to build cabanas and championship tennis courts on the grounds of the Country Club.

Also during this year - "The Chattanooga Choo-Choo" Tex Beneke, Paula Kelly, Hal Dickinson and the Modernaires of Glenn Miller fame, hearing that Sam's Quartette did the entire Glenn Miller Big Band repertoire, visited the Desert Inn Skyroom to hear their own historic hits being sung & played. Needless to say that the patrons were as thrilled as Sam's group (standing - light jacketed) when they jumped in and made the sounds really authentic." - Sam Melchionne

In 1959, the Painted Desert Room showcased Anna Marie Alberghetti; Donn Arden Dancers/Art Johnson; Jackie Barnet's Playgirls; Dave Barry; Bernard Brothers; Julie Buggano; Sam Butera & The Witnesses; Carlton Hayes Orchestra; Sally Davis; Dukes of Dixieland; Jimmy Durante/Sonny King/Eddie Jackson Benny Fields/Blossom Seeley; Eddie Fisher; Dick Humphreys; Italy's Modern Jazz Dancers Lachunga & Company/Helen & Howard; Danny Kaye; Peggy Lee/Evelyn Freeman/Tommy Roberts; Bob Lewis/Hubert Castle/Haly's Modern Jazz Dancers; Johnny Mack; Gordon & Sheila MacRae w/Van Alexander conducting and staged by Miriam Nelson; Tony Martin; McGuire Sisters; Jackie Miles; Patrice Munsel; Patti Page/Professor Backwards/freddie Knarr/Donn Arden Dancers w/Betty Lorraine; Louis Prima & Keely Smith; Professor Backwards Jimmy Edmondson; Pinky & Perky; Jack Roth; Della Reese/Kirk Stewart; Arnold Stang; and Ed Sullivan Show.

In the fall of 1959, Desert Inn purchased the 10 year contract that the Tropicana held with Eddie Fisher.

The Lady Luck Lounge showcased The Dave Apollon Group; The Caballeros; The Delmartins; Michael Kent & his Golden Strings; The Milt Herth Trio; Dale (Deacon) Jones; Michael Kent & his Golden Strings; Henry Rose Trio; Ernie Ross Quartet.

The Sky Room showcased Ty Fay; Sam Melchionne Quartet; Chuy Reyes and the Car-Tunes.

The Desert Inn entered a few floats in the annual Helldorado Parade.