"Why was Entratter chosen for this singular distinction? True, he's the President of one of the most successful hotel operations in the world, the Sands, but we hardly believe that alone would entitle him to be honored by Israel. Then again, he produces the Sands' shows with such outstanding entertainers like Sinatra, Thomas, Skelton, etc., which probably puts him in line with the most distinguished producers in the entire industry, but even that along doesn't call for the classification of being guest or honor at a State of Israel dinner-dance.
Well, he's currently serving his fifth term as president of Temple Beth Sholom. Now, we're getting somewhere. Heading a synagogue is time and effort consuming and often a thankless task with plenty of aggravation from fellow members of his board of directors. But Entratter runs his Temple with all the savvy and know how of operating his multi-million dollar hotel, plus a sincere dedication towards the Jewish community of Las Vegas. Consequently, the membership becomes greatly enhanced. Also under his leadership the facilities and activities at the Jewish Community Center are being enhanced to our most forward progress. That's not all. Entratter is not just a good Jew in man only. In addition to his interest in local Judaism, he has a deep devotion to the welfare of Jews everywhere, specifically in Israel. Alone and singlehandedly, Entratter supports two homes for children in Jerusalem. He's not an absentee benefactor. As often as once a year Jack journeys to the Holy Land to see for himself how his projects are progressing. Few are aware of these personal Entratter projects and only the children know of their American benefactor whose periodic arrivals are studded with new shoes and toys or crayons or Frigidaires for the kitchen or whatever else becomes necessary to erase their little minds and souls. Add them all together and that's why Jack Entratter was singled out for the distinction of being guest of honor by the State of Israel." - Las Vegas Israelite, October, 1966

In 1966, Copa Room showcased Don Adams; Count Basie; Pat Cooper; Copa Girls; Lena Horne; Corbett Monica; Steve Lawrence/Eydie Gorme; Joe Guercio; Lena Horne; Alice & Ellen Kessler; Jerry Lewis; Antonio Morelli and His Music; Bill Miller at the piano; The Most Beautiful Girls in the West; Harry Nofal Production Singer; Dick Shawn; Frank Sinatra w/the music of Gordon Jenkins.

The Celebrity Room showcased Count Basie; Sam Butera and The Witnesses; Copa Girls Revue; Jack Costanzo; Lola Falana; Bob Fletcher; Gaylord and Holiday; Kathy Keegan; Sonny King w/Vido Musso; Joe E. Lewis/Austin Mack; Red Norvo; The Righteous Brothers; Vido Musso; Louis Prima/Gia Maione; Sands Playmates Revue w/Raves; Keely Smith; and Ernie Stewart Trio.

Louis Prima signed a $1 million contract to appear at the Sands. Don Adams was so superstitious that he asked his wife not to attend the first curtain of his show on May 4, 1966.

Also during this time, Entratter's wife was the head of the Dorothy Entratter Nursery Schools in Israel. Tax deductible donations were sent to the Sands for distribution to Mrs. Entratter.

Taken in the 1960s of Danny Thomas, Lucille Ball, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra and Jack Entratter, during a Sands party.

In June of 1966, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Buddy Rich were recording a record at the resort when they held a drum and tap challenge at 2:30am.

In the winter of 1966, Sands' tower took shape.

In December 1966, The Copa employees listed Nick Kelly, Manager, Phil Goldman Maitre d', Laura Lubobivich Show Reservation Manager, and Captains Paul Cole, Frank Constanten, Rudy Faber, Jim Farris, Mario Marino, Albert Miranda, Neil Ohriner, Al Oliver, and Terry Teas. Other listed were Hy Abrams, Charles Kandel, Carl Cohen, and Dave Silverman.

The Sands was bought by Howard Hughes for $14.6 million on July 22, 1967.

Howard Hughes

Hughes finished adding the 17-story cylinder tower, containing appropriately, 777 rooms, topped by a tiara of looped arches ringing the penthouse. It stood prominently along the still mostly lowrise Strip.

It was during this period that the Sands was considered the "Queen of the Strip." It was one of the better hotels, with a strong customer base. The Sands was unique in that it was the only hotel that the guests could check into the hotel and never see the casino. It was considered a Class A operation by all.

"When the Rat Pack was going strong at the Sands, there was a highly publicized incident involving casino manager Carl Cohen and Frank Sinatra. Cohen evidently knocked Sinatra down, which resulted in the Rat Pack moving from the Sands to Caesars Palace. They considered it a lateral move." - Fred Lewis, Corporate Vice President of Hughes' Summa Corporation

Leo Lowenthal, nephew to Carl Cohen relates the following:

"The summer of 1967, after I had graduated from Western High School, I lived with my Aunt and Uncle as my mother had sold her house and had moved to Southern California. I was madly in love at the time, and didn't want to leave, so my Aunt Fran, my mother's older sister, offered to let me stay there that summer. Although I had already left for college when the fight took place, I still considered LV home, and went there during vacations and the following summer. It was during the following summer when I had the opportunity to speak to my uncle to find out what had happened. Although he was a bit reticent, I eventually got the whole story from him. I would like to relate it to you, as I have read numerous accounts of it, and only one even comes close to what actually precipitated it, and to what happened. All of this was related to me by my uncle at one time or another.

First of all, a little background should be pointed out. As you probably know, there was a time in the 50's when Frank Sinatra was sort of "out", and had trouble getting playing dates. However, during this time, the Sands, on a large part due to my uncle, kept him coming back there, which helped him survive until his fortunes turned around. (My uncle was always a very loyal man who helped his friends.) I mention this, as it does play a part in what happened.

It all started in 1967 when the Nevada Gaming Commission ordered Frank to divest himself of his interests in the Cal-Neva Lodge, in Lake Tahoe, because of his connections with members of the underworld. In response, he asked my uncle if he or the Sands would buy him out. However, this was when Howard Hughes was in the process of purchasing several Strip resorts, including the Sands. Because of this, my uncle informed Frank, neither he nor the Sands would be able to accommodate his request to be bought out.

Concurrently, Caesar's Palace were still struggling to find a big-name entertainer to become their prime headliner to give Caesar's Palace legitimacy. Now, I don't know who approached whom, but in September, while Sinatra was playing at the Sands, Caesars' representatives agreed to buy out Sinatra if he would agree to a long-term contract to become the headliner there. When my uncle got wind of this, he was obviously upset, and actually felt betrayed. His response, as the Sands VP and casino manager, was to cut Sinatra's credit off at $400,000, which considering his $250,000 per week salary, wasn't really much.

Here, I am a little hazy on exactly what happened next. Some stories say that Sinatra jumped up on the tables and began screaming; and others say he got a golf cart (actually one of the bellmen's carts) and started driving it through the casino, knocking things over, etc. What I do know is that sometime later, while Carl was having breakfast as his reserved table in the Garden Room, (my understanding is that it was around noon the next day, after he had left the casino at his customary time of 5:00 am to go home to sleep) Frank ran into the restaurant screaming anti-Semitic epithets, such as "You Jew bastard," and "You f*****g kike," etc. When he got to my uncle's table he knocked it over and dumped everything into Carl's lap. At which time, my uncle, then a large man, got up and decked the diminutive Sinatra, knocking out his two front teeth.

Finally, I have read on a couple of web-sites that after this happened, the rest of the Rat Pack also departed the Sands, starting the beginning of the end for the landmark hotel. Actually, I am fairly certain that is not the case. Dean Martin stayed for another year before departing for the Desert Inn, which was also a Hughes hotel, and therefore managed by my uncle anyway. I believe the others stayed as well. In my opinion, the beginning of the end for the Sands came when Carl departed to become the VP and casino manager of the new Grand Hotel." - Leo Lowenthal, nephew to Carl Cohen, March, 2002

In 1967, Copa Room showcased Nancy Ames; Karl Barrie; Lana Cantrell; Jack Carter; Copa Girls; Sammy Davis, Jr. w/George Rhodes Musical Director; Don Ho & The Aliis; The Dunhills; Fran Jeffries; Alan King; George Kirby; Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme with Joe Mele Musical Director; Michele Lee; Jerry Lewis w/Lou Brown Musical Director; Little Steps; Dean Martin w/Ken Lane at the piano; Bob Melvin; Corbett Monica; Antonio Morelli & his Music; Antonio Morelli Orchestra; Jane Morgan; Harry Nofel Production Singer; Frankie Randall; Dan Rowan & Dick Martin co-starring Nancy Ames; Red Skelton w/Don Ferris Conductor; Frank Sinatra; Step Brothers; Kaye Stevens; and Mel Torme.

The Celebrity Theatre showcased Sam Butera & The Witnesses; Don Cherry; Gary Crosby; Maria Desti; Bob Fletcher; Buddy Greco; The Sands Playmate Revue; Marsh & Adams; Vido Musso; Nino Tempo/April Stevens; Louis Prima/Gia Maione; Doc Severinsen; and Ernie Stewart Trio.

During one of Red Skelton's shows, pint-sized Johnny Puleo was in the audience. Skelton received two standing ovations and when he saw Puleo standing and applauding he stated "Thanks for giving me half a standing ovation Johnny!"

"Darlene and Herb McDonald [Sahara VIP] held a party in Ho's honor at their unbelievable new home. Mrs. McDonald was formerly a singing star in Hawaii. Guests were openly impressed with Darlene's sunken marble tub and gaped even more at another tub, situated close to a fireplace, for comfortable winter ablutions." - Jack Cortez, March 1967

Also during this year Jimmy Vinson, drummer for Louis Prima had a near tragedy when his six year old son Andrew was bitten by a snake. The medics arrived and the boy had to stay in the hospital for a few days.

On November 10, 1967, Sands hosted the annual Federation of Employers banquet. In attendance with their spouses were Mayor Oran Gragson, Governor Paul Laxalt, Lt. Governor Ed Fike, Col. John Anderson, Base Commander of Nellis Air Force Base, Walter Fitzpatrick of the Desert Inn, Robert Maheu on behalf of Howard Hughes and speaker of the evening, members of the Boyd family, and Hank Greenspun.

In October of 1968, Sands' address was 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Sands advertised its tower flanking its two story motel like rooms around a huge swimming pool and gardens. The hotel units in the back were named after race tracks around the country including Hialeah, Aquaduct, and Ashbury Park. The casino and convention quarters were just nearly done over.

The Chef during this period was Leroy Lewis. Born in Danville, Virginia, he graduated from Virginia Military Institute. His father was a pastry chef at Picadilly in London and his mother was Canadian. After school hours he worked for his father in the pastry shop. He attended Culinary Arts School in Washington, D.C. where he learned the pastry business. His first job as a pastry chef was at the Picadilly in New York when he was 21 years old. He later worked at the Shoreham Hotel in Washington and the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York. He married and his wife Thelma in Hollywood, FL in 1941. He later worked at the Berkeley Carteret Hotel at Ashbury Park, New Jersey, and the Hollywood Beach Hotel in Hollywood, FL where he remained for 13 years. Lewis won five top prizes nationally in pastry competition and so was eliminated from any more top prize competitions. He had ultimately retired from the Sands and cooking in late 1968. His favorite recipe was Buttermilk Custard Pie (serves seven to eight portions) Ingredients: 5 eggs, 7 oz sugar, 1/2 pt. sour cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 pt. buttermilk, pinch of salt, grated rind of one lemon. Line one 9 inch deep pie plate with a graham cracker crust mix which should be firmly packed into the well buttered plate. Be careful when pouring the mix into the pie plate so it will not penetrate the crust. Bake at 300 deg for 40 minutes or until the mix is no longer in the liquid stage. It is important not to overbake the pie as it will become watery and will tend o sick in the middle. In other words, the pie should be the same depth as when it is in the liquid stage. Save a little of the crust mix to sprinkle over the top when the pie is baked as this will give a better appearance. Chill or serve at room temperature. (1968 Sands and Lewis' picture, bio, and recipe donated by Dan Kubota).

In 1968, the Copa Room showcased Don Adams, Brascia & Tybee, Lou Brown, Lana Cantrell, Vicki Carr, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jack Jones, Alan King/Mary Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin Show with Ken Lane, Gail Martin, Corbett Monica, Bob Newhart, Nancy Wilson, and The Rowan & Martin Show with Alan Sues/Ruth Buzzi/Joanne Worley/Dave Madden, Jack Jones with Sandy & Sally, Nipsey Russell, Danny Thomas, Red Skelton, Harry Nofal, Dana Valery, and the Antonio Morelli Orchestra. There was a rumor circulating that Dan Rowan and Dick Martin had deferred their 0-weekly Saturday single show salary for five years. No one seemed to know the reason.

It was noted that Dean Martin's opening night could be compared to a mob scene with the standing room only patrons. Maitre d' Phil Goldman and all the Sandsmen tried to get everyone into the showroom and it was said "that long, optimistic non-reservation line is enough to haunt you."

During one of the Red Skelton's shows he joked about good friend Phyllis Diller. Skelton stated he was sitting poolside with Diller. He had to admit she looked like a scared mop. Two dogs came along and sat in front of her. The first one asked the second if he was wondering where to bury it. The second one confessed he was wondering who had dug it up.

The Celebrity Theatre showcased Louis Prima w/Sam Butera & The Witnesses, Charlie Callas, Don Cherry, Mickie Finn Show, Bob Fletcher, Buddy Greco, Gia Maione, Saverio Saridis, Sands Playmates Revue, Dave Madden, Sands Playmates '69, Anne & Jimmy Murphy, April Stevens & Nino Tempo, and Ernie Steward Trio.

Reporters had to comment on Prima's outfit when he walked out on stage in a pink striped suit, with pink and white polka dot handkerchief and purple alligator shoes.

In 1968, the album New Songs of Louis Prima - Live From The Sands, debuted under the London label.

May 18-22, 1969, Sands executive Al Freeman was the Director of the 14th International Gin Rummy Tournament. The second sponsoring hotels for the richest card contest in the world were Aladdin, Caesars, Dunes, Riviera, Sands, Stardust, and Tropicana. Syndicated columnist Alfred Sheinwold served as judge. Semi finals and finals took place at the Dunes and was televised through the hotel's closed circuit.

In 1969, while Danny Thomas was performing at the Sands, he was personally asked by Hughes to open the Landmark in July. With Thomas opening the resort, he was one of the many big-name entertainers to "swing" from one hotel to another (operated by the same owner). Hughes personally requested Thomas to open the Landmark for him calling the entertainer a "good luck" performer and a good box-office attraction. The "dual" booking of Thomas at the Sands and the Landmark by Hughes suggested up-coming, long term, multi-hotel contracts for Vegas entertainers and a possible plateau on spiraling talent costs. To date, Thomas is the only entertainer to open two resorts. Barbara Eden appeared at the opening ceremonies of two resorts (MGM Grand (Ballys) and new Aladdin) but was not the opening entertainment.

In November of 1969, Danny Thomas gave an interview on the differences of Vegas when he appeared at the opening of Sands in 1952 versus 1969:

"There's a lot less sand. When I started working there 17 years ago, they offered me all kinds of desert land around the Sands at bargain prices. But I was too "smart" for those sharpies! Who could have guessed in those days that Howard Hughes someday would pick Las Vegas to start a new world? But if I had bought that land, I could have financed my St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with profits . . . and kept a lot of teenagers off the streets.

Las Vegas was easier for young comedians in the old days at that. Maybe not in the top clubs, but in some of the lesser spots. They could bomb with new material and nobody would know it. But the young comedians today. Where can they go to fail? It was a lot easier in my day." - Danny Thomas, November, 1969

During this year reporter Ovid Demaris interviewed Sands publicist Al Freeman regarding Howard Hughes:

". . . I mean he is beautiful for the image of this town, which you New York writers are always putting down. Business has been fantastic and it's all due to The Man's public image. Now when somebody makes a reservation for a room or a show, he can feel secure it will be honored. That's The Man's reputation, right? That's his code - integrity. I mean The Man's famous for his work. His name carries a lot of equity. I'll tell you what I think. I think Howard Hughes is the biggest thing that's happened to Las Vegas since, I'd say, Bugsy Siegel."

In 1969, the Copa Room showcased Don Adams, Altavese & Her Girls, Blinky, Vikki Carr, The Collage, Diahann Carroll, The Constellations, Rodney Dangerfield, Sammy Davis, Jr., David Frye, Monty Gunty, Jack Jones, Alan King, Steve Lawrence/Eydie Gorme, Marilyn Maye, Joe Mele, Corbett Monica, Antonio Morelli Orchestra, Rowan & Martin, Nipsey Russell, Dinah Shore, Danny Thomas, Mel Torme, Dana Valery, Jerry Van Dyke, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson w/Donn Trenner Musical Conductor, and Leslie Uggams. The Maitre d' was Phil Goldman.

Dinah Shore had a surprise for the audience during one of her shows when she had the opportunity to introduce astronauts Commander Gene Cernan and Lt. Col. Tom Stafford who were sitting in the audience. She made sure to point out that these brave men were making another lunar orbit in the Apollo 10 in May of 1969.

The Celebrity Theatre showcased Solomon Burke, The Carnival, Michael Dees, Paul Gilbert, Buddy Greco, Tamiko Jones, Bill Medley, The Mob, Playmates Revue '69, Louis Prima/Sam Butera/The Witnesses/Little Richie Varola/Jimmy Vincent, The Righteous Brothers, Sands Playmates '69, Three Degrees, Vieux Carre Folies, Jimmy Vincent, Timi Yurd & The Folk, and Ernie Stewart Trio. Joey Bishop didn't appear at the Sands this year as he was entertaining the troops in Vietnam.

During Dinah Shore's tenure at the Sands, it was noted that the Dixie Flier (as Frank Sinatra called her), was selected at the Best Dressed Woman on Television, Ten Most Admired Women in the World with Queen Elizabeth and Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Best Coiffeured Woman. She had starred in 445 15-minute TV shows and some 140 hour long shows. Shore was also presented with the first Emmy Award of Television Arts and Sciences to be awarded to a woman.

Click here to see various 1969 ads including holiday wishes from the Fabulous Las Vegas Magazine from Carl Cohen, Charles Kandel, and Mary & Buck Harris.

In May of 1970 it was announced that Entratter had signed new three year contracts with Rowan & Martin, Don Adams, and Joey Bishop, and a five year contract with Sammy Davis, Jr.

Also in May of 1970, The Command Performance who was appearing in the Celebrity Lounge told a story about playing a concert in Ohio on their day off from the Sands. Cancelled flights got them there pretty but 1,100 people were patiently sitting there, just waiting for them to arrive.

In 1970, Sands' Antonio Morelli's bio stated that he was born in Rochester, New York. He spent nine years in Parma and Milano, Italy, where he was privately tutored and was enrolled in the Royal Conservatories of Music. Upon his return to the U.S., he began a career of composing, arranging and conducting, that included eleven years at Radio City Music Hall as choral arranger and orchestrator - Musical Director for many Broadway musicals including Three to Make Ready with Ray Bolger, High Button Shoes with Eddie Foy, Jr., Touch and Go for George Abbott, and Spring in Brazil with Milton Berle. He spent two seasons with the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Canada. Meanwhile the Morelli Singers were organized and appeared in several Warner Brothers musicals.

During this year Diahann Carroll filmed an episode of her TV show Julia at Sands. Pictured with her are Gary Crosby, Marc Copage, and Michael Link.

Morelli went to Vegas from Broadway in 1954 at the invitation of Jack Entratter to become musical director of the Sands. 1969 marked his 16th consecutive year Morelli appeared at the Sands with his now famous orchestra, Music for the Stars. Antonio and his wife were active Roman Catholics and attended St. Viator's Guardian Angel Shrine. Recently they established The Friends of Music Scholarship Funds at the University of Nevada. Called Nevada's Mr. Music and The Toscanini of the Desert Morelli has earned a long list of community credits. In 1955, he became Director of the Community Chorus of more than 100 voices, and in 1956 began the yearly Christmas and Mothers' Day programs. In 1958 he founded the Las Vegas Pops Concert Orchestra and began a yearly season of regular concerts with 60 players, soloists and Community Chorus, presenting free concerts and creating a major link in the cultural development of Vegas and Nevada. Morelli received several awards including the 1963 Nevada Outstanding Citizen Award for meritorious service to the youth of Clark County; the 1964 Risseca Award for Human Relations in the Arts; and the 1965 Clark County Meritorious Award for his outstanding contributions in the area of recreation.Memorable occasions arranged by the Maesto are the yearly East Sunrise Service begun in 1963, attended by thousands. The Good Friday Service of 1966 attended by 10,000 - and the Service of Witness for the Archbishop of Canterbury on his recent visit to the U.S., attended by 8,500, and most recent Portrait of Nevada composition to SRO. The Las Vegas yearly Easter Sunrise Service and Sacred Concert, Sponsored by the Ministerial Association with Maestro Antonio Morelli, Orchestra, Soloists and Mormon Chorus.

"During the 16 years of Mr. Morelli's residency in our city he has created and established many serious music traditions and has done much to advance the cultural standing of our community." - Walter D. Jenkins, Music Critic

In September of 1970, Jackie Heller resigned his eight year post as host of the Sands Celebrity Theatre.

In 1970, the Copa Room showcased Paul Anka; Don Adams; Joey Bishop; Mel Bishop; Marty Brill; Johnny Brown; Browning Bryant; Diahann Carroll; Sid Caesar; Conine & White; Sammy Davis, Jr.; Fisher & Marks; Joe Gardner; George Gobel; Gerri Granger; Morty Guntry; Jack Jones; Alan King; Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme; Antonio Morelli Orchestra; Louis Nye; The People Tree; Walter Popp at the Piano; George Rhodes; Rowan & Martin; Connie Stevens; Dinah Shore; Danny Thomas; Mel Torme; Jerry Vale; Jackie Vernon; Dionne Warwick; and Joanne Worley. The Maitre d' was Phil Goldman.

While performing at the Sands, Connie Stevens' mother suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Sunrise Hospital. Stevens stayed in Las Vegas after her tenure at the Sands was completed to be by her mother.

Also in June of 1970, Lana Turner and Cary Grant showed up at Sammy Davis, Jr.'s 2:30am show.

The Celebrity Theatre showcased Frankie Avalon; Bobby & I; The Command Performance; Deedy & Bill; Buddy Greco; Alan King; Mickey Manners; Bill Medley; Chris Morgan; Louie Prima/Sam Butera/The Witnesses featuring Little Richie Varola/Jimmy Vincent; Righteous Brothers; Steve Rossi & Slappy White; Rowan & Martin; Ernie Stewart Trio; and Johnny Tillotson.

Due to a strike that went on at various resorts this year including Sands, the executive secretaries were subbing in as bar-maids.

The Strip mourned two deaths on March 11, 1971, Al Dobritch of Circus Circus and Sands' visionary Jack Entratter:

Jack Entratter

Joey Bishop: "All of the times I spoke to Jack on the phone or in person, I used to say to him . . . Jack, why don't you live? Why don't you have fun" You're always doing this for that person and that for another and you're always so concered for other people. What I didn't realize then and I do realize now that he's gone, is that always doing this for that, and that for another, and always being concerned for other people was his fun."

Dave Burton: "Jack's passing marks the end of a legend in show biz, which he created and was solely responsible for at the Sands Hotel, for 19 years. He built a monumental LV superstar image at the Sands, which never has and undoubtedly will never be equalled in our time. This can be attributed to his dedicated relationship, warm personal touch, and unending concern for show people. He couldn't do enough to make them feel they were part of a happy family in spite of all the trials and tribulations entailed. After working and living in Vegas for 15 years, I can honest state that the five wonderful years that I entertained at the Sands, 1960-1965, were the greatest experience of my entire show biz career."

Diahann Carroll: "Jack Entratter was the kind of man I knew to support young and coming performers. It was my honor to have been one of these performers. Jack was my friend and a kind person. He helped me and many others during the early stages of our careers, when help was so necessary and I shall miss him."

Sammy Davis, Jr., "Jack Entratter was more than a friend, more than a boss. He was like a father to me and he'll be greatly missed."

Buddy Greco: "The man was like a father to me . . . not just a boss. He gave me my first big break in Las Vegas. He was great. He was very kind through many periods. I was absolutely shocked and will miss him terribly."

Jerry Lewis: "Our lives are less enriched now that he's gone."

Bill Miller: "A terrible shock. I've known him for many years. Although we were rivals years ago when I had the Riviera (New Jersey) and he was at the Copa, we always managed mutual respect, without problems . . . because we respected each other's problems. We were good friends. This was too unexpected."

Louis Prima: "Jack was a great guy. We lost one of the best friends we ever had."

Rowan & Martin: "Jack gave us a lot of confidence . . . when we first appeared here 18 years ago. Unlike the doubting Thomases, he predicted success for our television show . . . We all watched the championship fight together . . . Las Vegas will miss him . . . our best friend in show business."

Dinah Shore: "I shall miss him. Vegas won't ever be the same without big, dear, silent, sturdy Jack."

Frank Sennes: "We were good friends. I held much respect for Jack Entratter and his talents. Looking back, you realize just how valuable he was to Las Vegas. He will be missed."

Danny Thomas: "I'm deeply saddened. I spoke to Big John a few days before . . . I had no idea . . . Kahlil Gibran wrote . . . "When you part from a friend . . . that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain."

Jack Entratter stayed on as President until his death on March 11, 1971. The Hughes corporation tabbed Washington, D.C. Attorney Richard Danner as Entratter's replacement.

Also in March of 1971, the Second Welfare March demonstration occurred at the Sands. This demonstration occurred without any violence.

Mayor Oran Gragson proclaimed December 6-13, 1971 as St. Jude Hospital Week. Danny Thomas put ads in the local papers asking for teenagers to volunteer to march to raise funds.

In 1971, Copa Room showcased Don Adams; Agostinos; Bo Ayars; Joey Bishop; Mel Bishop; Marty Brill; The Carpenters; Diahann Carroll; Sammy Davis, Jr./Timmie Rogers/Billy Eckstine; Lola Falana; Fisher & Marks; Robert Goulet; Teresa Graves; Buddy Greco; Jack Jones; Alan King/Lola Falana; Sonny King; Mal Z. Lawrence; Rich Little; Trini Lopez; Al Martino; Antonio Morelli Orchestra; Louis Nye; The People Tree; Walter Pop at the Piano; Ronnie Prophet; Joan Rivers; Timmie Rogers; Rowan & Martin; Skiles & Henderson; Connie Stevens; Danny Thomas; Jerry Vale; Dionne Warwicke/Marty Brill; Dionne Warwick/Mal Z. Lawrence; Jerry Vale; Vest & Clark; and Karen Wyman. The Maitre d' was Phil Goldman.

The Celebrity Theatre showcased Bill Medley; Louis Prima/Sam Butera & The Witnesses/Little Richie Varola & Jimmy Vincent; The Constellations; Hassell w/Wisdom; London Playgirl Revue w/Tessie O'Shea/Trisha Noble; Washington State Milk Girl Merrilee Rush; Bill Medley; and Ernie Stewart Trio.

The Regency Room showcased Bill Kane; Sonny King; Ann Richards; Tony Rome; Bob Sims.

The Ballroom showcased Sammy Davis, Jr.

Jack Jones and Louis Nye were in the audience during the last show of London Playgirl Revue. Jones snuck backstage and used an old vaudeville hook to hank Tessie O'Shea offstage. She, in turn, pulled him into the spotlight. Then Jones hosted the closing party at the end of the evening.

During Alan King's show Sean Connery, Bruce Cabot and Jack Carter were seen in the audience.

Carl Cohen, and Mary & Buck Harris took out ads to wish everyone happy holidays in the Fabulous Las Vegas magazine.

On March 29, 1972, Sands hosted an anniversary celebration for Jimmy Durante. Governor Mike O'Callaghan made a special appearance and issued a proclamation declaring March 29th Jimmy Durante Day in Nevada. The celebration drew a star-studded audience including Danny Thomas, Martha Raye, Eddie Jackson, Sonny King, Desi Arnaz, Jr., Jerry Vale, Richard Egan, Rich Little, Robert Goulet, Rory Calhoun, Dale Robertson, Ernie Borgnine, Sammy Fain, Jack Benny, Jane Powell, Shecky Greene, Nalani Kele, Frank Sennes, Bill Miller, and J.K. Houssels, Jr. Durante's wife Marge, and their daughter Cece, were escorted by Barbara Crosby.

In April of 1972, Ebony magazine reported reasons why Blacks were treated the way they were in the Strip's earlier days.

"The town's bosses reasoned that the swank hotels were there for rich people, most of whom never came in contact with a black person unless he was a servant. They were members of the country club set back home and they didn't rub elbows with blacks at the country club. Besides, much of the gambling clientele were millionaire oil and cattle men and industrialists from Southern states and a Texas high-roller with a $5,000 bet on the table and the dice rattling hot in his hand did not want to be jinxed by some black man standing down at the other end of the table betting $.50 he didn't make it. Furthermore, Blacks did not work as bellhops, waiters, cocktail waitresses, dealers, croupiers, hotel desk clerks, cashiers or hardly anything else - those jobs paid too much money (a carhop may earn $100 a day and a cocktail waitress' job is worth more than $10,000 a year in Vegas). If a black man was on the hotel premises at all, he walked softly and swept his broom quietly. Only the lowest of service jobs were blacks." - Ebony magazine, 1972

During this year, it was noted that the longest employed Black major-hotel employee in the city was Jimmy Gay. A native of Fordyce, Ark, and a graduate of Arkansas A&M; College, he gave a up a profitable mortuary business to move to Vegas in 1950 to gain a better climate for his wife, Hazel, who suffered from sinus trouble. Gay first worked as a cook and then recreation department center director before going to the Sands Hotel in 1952, where he was a personnel consultant for the hiring of Black domestic workers. The night the hotel opened, he was one of the two people who counted out $1 million in cash to begin the casino operation.

"I eventually hired 30% of all the Sands personnel." - Jimmy Gay, 1972

When Hughes arrived in Vegas, Gay was put in charge of communications for all Hughes' hotel operations, including the resorts, two airports, and one casino (Castaways). Gay left Hughes in 1971 to join the Union Plaza downtown as general consultant for all hotel operations.

In June of 1972, Joey Bishop revived an old custom - of stars dealing '21' in the casino. Every night between shows, Bishop strolled into the gaming area and relieved a dealer of his post. The table was limited to a $2 (sometime $3) maximum play. All patrons were winners. Once night the table was so jammed, a Bernie Galinsky took a piece of chalk and drew an extra spot on the table for himself.

On November 26, 1972, Robert Goulet had one heck of a birthday. A cake was presented to him on the Robinson Telethon early Sunday morning. During his first show at the Sands on Sunday evening, Wayne Newton, Sonny King, and Foster Brooks walked onstage with a second one. Following that show, his dressing room was flooded with friends who arrived to toast both Goulet and Walter Kane for their birthday duet. That third cake bore a replica of the Sands' facade, including the tower and two marquees, with photos of the birthday boys. Since there were so many cakes, one of them were sent over to the children's ward of the local hospital.

On December 5, 1972, Eleanor Roth Grasso celebrated her 20th year with the resort where she had been an integral figure in its entertainment office since it opened.

In 1972, the Copa Room showcased Don Adams; Dave Barry; Joey Bishop/Denise & Frank Agostino; Conti Family; Sammy Davis; Jr/Glady Knight & The Pips; Jimmy Durante; Billy Eckstine; Establishment; Robert Goulet; Sonny King; Gerri Granger; Phil Harris/Frank Sinatra; Jr.; Florence Henderson; Al Martino; Jan Murray; Antonio Morelli & His Music; Bob Newhart; Wayne Newton; Louis Prima; Pearce Sisters; Ronnie Prophet; Rowan & Martin; The Sylvers; and Danny Thomas. The Maitre d' was Phil Goldman.

The Regency Lounge showcased Bobby Curtola; Edi Domingo; Hal Frazier; Bonnie Graham; Bill Kane; Sonny King w/Dick Bosack Trio; Mafalda; Edi Perry; Ann Richards; Tony Rome; and Bob Sims Trio. The Maitre d' was Phil Goldman. On December 2nd, Don Adams had to bow out of his contract to appear at the Sands. Jan Murray flew in from a golf tournament to help out the Sands and appear in Adams' place.

In March of 1973, it was noted that Sammy Davis, Jr., was the only performer ever invited to stay in the White House proper, rather than the Blair House, while in Washington to perform for the President. During one of his shows at Sands, the audience couldn't stop laughing when Davis stated "When you're asked to perform for the President of the United States, that's as far uptown as you're gonna get!" Included in that audience was Lucille Ball and husband Gary Morton, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Klugman, and George Hamilton.

On May 12, 1973, a special Hughes West plane was routed to Memphis to return Wayne Newton and Paul Anka to the resort after they participated in Danny Thomas' St. Jude's Hospital fund raiser.

While Vikki Carr was on Jack Kogan's KLAV radio show, Phyllis Diller called in her method for making holy water "Boil the hell out of it!"

In 1973, Sinatra helped actress Rosalind Russell and her husband celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

"Chairman of the Board had just flown in a planeload of Hollywood's biggest stars to the Sands to honor Rosalind Russell and her husband on their 25th wedding anniversary. The press waited dutifully outside the open door while Dave Burton went through a special routine. Never mind what you hear about Sinatra and the press - they were well behaved, as befitted the occasion. Sinatra was concerned with giving proper honor to Roz and her husband, producer Frederick Brisson. 'Belly up to the bar, boys,' he said. They did. For a couple hours. Drinking with Frank, Vito Musso; schmoozing with Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Stewart... There were the usual photographs but, as invited guests, the reporters asked for the go-ahead from the celebs before shooting. No paparazzi in those days, before the shoot-and-run invaders. Sinatra: genial host. Great party. An honor to attend. Roz Russell died three years later (Nov. 1976) of cancer complicated by arthritis. Sinatra never told anyone that he had been aware of Russell's terminal illness." - Jim Barrows, 1998

In 1973, the Copa Room showcased Pearl Bailey; Foster Brooks; Roy Clark; Sammy Davis, Jr./Gerri Granger; Phyllis Diller; Don Adams; Lola Falana; Wayne Newton; Pat Cooper; Robert Goulet; Robert Goulet/Foster Brooks; Florence Henderson; Hines/Hines & Dad; Lena Horne; The Jive Sisters; Rich Little; Antonio Morelli Orchestra; Bob Newhart; Wayne Newton/Dave Berry; Patti Page; Danny Thomas/Gloria Loring (who later was on soap opera Days of Our Lives, was married to Alan Thicke, and sang the theme song to Golden Girls), Diana Trask, Jerry Vale; and Mamie Van Doren. The Maitre d' was Terry Teas.

Singer Robert Goulet signed a three year $3 million contract with Howard Hughes to appear at the Desert Inn, Frontier and Sands.

A story was told of Jerry Vale's biggest fan, Gertrude Schoeler. Schoeler taught art to her students in Portland. She also conditioned a new generation to the voice of her favorite singer. Schoeler kept an 8-track player in her classroom, inspiring her students with Vale recordings.

Sands surprised Florence Henderson by presenting her with a cake for her Valentine's Day birthday. Henderson's husband Ira Berstein was present as well as Phyllis McGuire and co-star Bob Newhart.

During this year, Wayne Newton fans were setting a request precedent, making reservations for not one, but two Newton shows at the same time. Because of this, in May of 1973, Walter Kane and Richard Danner decided to move Newton into the Grand Ballroom in an attempt to accommodate all the people. Newton signed on for a seven week engagement. This was one of the longest stands played by an entertainer at one time, other than a spectacular. It was noted that only one other entertainer could match Newton in the musical instrument department and that was Bobby Darin.

While Foster Brooks was playing in the Sealy/Faberge golf tournament, he hit the ball and it struck his wife's nose. A doctor standing in the immediate area quickly administered first aid and his wife was spared a black eye. Jokes were flying that Brooks should join VP Agnew in a golfing team.

The Regency Lounge showcased Joy Brittan, Bobby Curtola, Hal Frazier, Joy, Sonny King, Bob Sims, and Bob Sims/Terry Richards.

In April 1973, Vido Musso and Sonny King were dynamite on stage. After his show in the Copa Room, Danny Thomas and his wife Rosemary went to see them. It wasn't long before Thomas was on stage with them and even Rosemary got up and sang two songs. It was reported that the audience catching that specific show saw a show that was never duplicated.

Donated by Jeff Cross

In 1974, the Copa Room showcased Dave Barry, Milton Berle, Lena Horne, Rich Little, Bob Newhart, Wayne Newton, Danny Thomas, Diana Trask, and Jerry Vale. The Maitre d' was Terry Teas. The Regency Lounge showcased Bobby Curtola, Chris Fio Rito, Sonny King, and Bob Sims.

Also in 1974, Perry Lieber, General Manager of the Landmark, was transferred to General Manager of Public Relations for Howard Hughes' Nevada Corporation. Lieber also acted as consultant to the Desert Inn, Sands, Castaways, Silver Slipper, Frontier, and Landmark Hotels.

Also during this year Wayne Newton filmed his live album "Best of Wayne Newton live" at the resort.

One of the celebrities who showcased in 1975 was Phyllis Diller.

In 1976, the Copa Room showcased Robert Goulet/Nipsy Russell; Bob Newhart; Wayne Newton/Dave Barry; and Doc Severinsen. The Maitre d' was Terry Teas. The Regency Lounge showcased Charlie Shaffer Trio with Tyler Murray, and Dave Burton.

The time capsule which was buried in 1953 was accidently unearthed a few years later when the resort was expanding. In 1978, some of the contents were put in a capsule and reburied.

In 1979, Sands showcased Tony Bennett/Norm Crosby; Tony Bennett/Joan Rivers; Shecky Greene/Lennon Sisters; Shecky Greene/Mills Brothers; Shecky Greene/Doc Severinsen; Alan King; and Wayne Newton/Dave Barry. The Maitre d' was Carl Lamb. Dinner shows were $21, cocktail shows were $19.50. The Regency Lounge showcased Charlie Shaffer; Bob Sims & Trio; and Jerry Tiffe.

From January 1, 1980 through December 31, 1980, Sands was offering her "Fun Break" which consisted of three days and two nights for $79.55. This included prime rib dinner show/or late show with four drinks in the Copa Room, two cocktails and entertainment in the Regency Lounge, all bellman gratuities for baggage handling, all taxes plus food and beverage gratuities included on package features, free swimming facilities at two large garden pools, putting green equipped with putters and golf balls which was adjacent to pool area, and free parking. Visitors had a choice of two options - golf at $14 per person/share cart or 18-holes at the Paradise Valley Country Club - tennis was $2 per person, per hour at the Tennis Club.

In 1980, Copa Room showcased Tony Bennett/David Brenner, Tony Bennett/Norm Crosby, Tony Bennett/Joan Rivers, Shecky Greene/Bernadette Peters, Alan King/Susan Anton, Wayne Newton/Dave Barry, Debbie Reynolds/Doc Severinsen, and Bobby Vinton/David Brenner. The Maitre d' was Carl Lamb. The Regency Lounge showcased Bob Sims Trio, Charlie Shaffer, and Jerry Tiffe.

In 1981, Copa Room was featuring Wayne Newton and Dave Berry. The Maitre d' was Carl Lamb. The Regency Lounge was featuring Bob Sims Trio. Charlie Shaffer, and Jerry Tiffe.

Also during this time Ginger Rogers and Norm Crosby appeared at the Sands. The meals served in the Copa Room dinner show during that time consisted of Pepper Steak for $15.50, Boneless Colorado Rainbow Trout Saute with Shrimps and Capers for $13.50, Chopped Prime Sirloin Steak for $14.50, Roast Tom Turkey for $12.50, Backed Rock Cornish Game Hen for $15.50, Roast Prime Ribs of Beef for $17.00, and Prime New York Cut Sirloin Steak for $18.00.

Also in 1981, The Summa Corporation was advised to sell particular properties because the Hughes estate was too widespread with interests in aircraft, helicopters, airports, hotels, real estate and oil rights. The Inns of the Americas, Inc., a Texas based company, bought the Sands and expanded the casino, and in 1982, the Sands replaced the Modernist porte cochere with coruscating mushrooms. The Inns of America then became known as the Pratt Corporation.

In early 1982, the new Copa Room was opened. The only problem was who should introduce the new Copa Room to the public. There was only one person who could fill the bill, the one who originally introduced it to the public in 1952, Danny Thomas.

"Who says you can't go home again? Here it is, 1982, and the Sands is presenting Danny Thomas and the Copa Girls in the Copa Room. It was the same billing 30 years ago.

This time it's a refurbished Copa Room, new Copa Girls, and the same Danny Thomas: funny, warm, and a master storyteller.

The Copa Girls sing and dance (and of course look pretty), coming on strong for Danny Thomas with appearing Choreography by Billy Wilson. The Copa Girls have today's look, but manage to tie in with an old Sands tradition.

Opening act for Thomas is Bunny Parker, who possesses a strong, dynamic voice, but needs to add some production to her act if she wants to play Vegas again. Her east coast look is fine for lounges and clubs in New York, but it tends to distract from her superior voice talents.

Danny Thomas still retains the masterful touch of story telling, complete with superb dialects and good sense of timing.

This Thomas is the Thomas who originally opened the Copa Room with plenty of stories, observations, and songs. He politely declined a member of the audience's request to do his famous 'Jack Story" but offered instead a tale of a parrot who chants in Hebrew, that brought the house down. Thomas conveys warmth, tolerance, and a wry sense of humor as long as he stays away from preaching or trying to perform a hard-sell on St. Judge's Hospital. In other words, Thomas is back where he belongs, entertaining an audience looking for human and humane humor.

Yes, you can go home again. And while the furniture may have aged, it has also become more valuable." - Ira David Sternberg, Viva Las Vegas

In 1983, Copa Room showcased Chubby Checker, Marty Cohen, and Salute to the 50's. The Maitre d' was Carl Lamb.

The Pratt Corporation took the Sands over with plans to go after a specific market, Mexico and Latin America. Neil Smythe, then an executive at Caesars Palace, was hired to run the property.

Unfortunately, the Mexican economy nosedived, and the peso was devalued to almost nothing. Sands was left holding bad markers and the Mexican/Latin American trade dried up to almost nothing. The Pratts were left in an untenable situation, and in May of 1983, Summa stepped back in and repossessed the property.

When Summa took the hotel back, a new general manager, Phil Hannifin was appointed to guide it. The hotel was operated on a different scale than before because the Pratts had made some changes, a major one being that they had taken out the showroom which had to be re-installed.

In 1984, the Winners Circle Lounge showcased the Ink Spots.

In 1985, Copa Room showcased Outrageous Revue featuring Michael Clark as Michael Jackson. The Winner's Circle Lounge showcased Winchester Cathedral, Dan Nelson, Van Gees, and Jawbone.

During this time the resort held six lighted tennis courts, two with backboards, behind the hotel. It was opened from 9:00am to 10:00pm. Hotel guests were $2 per hour, all others were $3 per hour. Lessons were available and the pro was George MacCall.

The Garden Buffet was $3.99 for champagne brunch and dinner. Ex-pro quarterbacks Sonny Jurgensen & Billy Kilmer advertised the Garden Buffet.

Also during this era the Regency Room had an extensive French menu found in a formal atmosphere of elegant chandeliers. Specialties included Medallions Riviera, beef Wellington, veal, sweetbreads and prime rib. Prices ranged from $15 to $44.

In 1986, Sands appeared in Stark: Mirror Image.

Kirk Kerkorian purchased the Sands in 1988, making it the MGM Sands, where she appeared in Picasso Trigger. Kerkorian was only involved with the property for a few months, as the Interface Group purchased it in April of the same year for $110 million. The sale was finalized one year later, in April of 1989.

In 1988, Copa Room showcased Beach Blanket Babylon, Gallagher. Beach Blanket was $15.95 per person including two drinks but not tax. There was a $3 surcharge for Friday, Saturday and holidays. The Winners Circle Lounge showcased David St. David, Triangle, Gine Eckstine, Carleen Terrano, Freddie Bell, and Gene Sironen.

The Sands was suffering badly. The megaresorts with their 1,200 and 1,800 room properties was overshadowing her.

"The Sands was losing ground simply by attrition, the property got older and the younger players weren't coming there. It wasn't set up for conventions so consequently it didn't attract any business from that area. It was very difficult, and we could see it changing into a "strip grind joint." I can remember driving by the Sands and seeing girls in short shorts and t-shirts handing out coupons. That's something that would have never happened earlier." - Fred Lewis

The Interface Group was a privately held multi-million dollar corporation. Their activities included producing conferences and trade shows worldwide, operating the largest combined travel enterprise in New England with packages to more than 50 overseas destinations, and a charter airline featuring a fleet of L-1011 jets.

Sands President Henri Lewin built the 1.2 million square-foot Sands Expo and Convention Center to handle conferences as well as expanding the casino.

"I recognize that the Sands is the best buy in town. Dollar for dollar, we have no competition. We don't use tricks or confusing language to irritate and mislead the customer. You go into our gourmet room, there's piano entertainment and you pay $15 for an entire dinner. If I couldn't deliver that, I wouldn't say it. I say we have the loosest slots, and it shows by the amount of people that are playing day and night. There are no secrets, and the consumer knows what to expect from us, and we know what we have to deliver.
"The unique atmosphere once held by the Sands was due to the great entertainment. But, those same entertainers could not perform there today because 1,500 seats are needed just to pay their salaries. Those entertainers at that time maybe got $1,000 to $2,000, now they're getting $350,000 a week. At that time they used a band of six, now they have a band of 30, and the conductor gets another $60,000. They have out priced themselves. Also, what was famous then is not famous today. You can see by the headliners. We are almost a wax museum now, there's nothing new anymore." - Henri Lewin

In 1990, Sands showcased Playboy's Girls of Rock & Roll/Krofft Comedy Kings/David Gee.

In 1991, Sands showcased Melinda, the First Lady of Magic, and Her Follies Revue.

In 1992, Sands appeared in a film that seemed appropriate for her - Sinatra.

Also in 1992, Copa Room showcased the adult show Bare Essence, and Viva Las Vegas. The Winners Circle Lounge showcased The Coasters, David St. David, Freddie Bell, and Sam Butera.

Executive Chef Dave Turner announced that in all the restaurants they were setting aside space on the menu for vegetarian diets. The resort's deli and ice cream shop also offered fat free and cholesterol-free yogurt by Miss Karen's.

In mid 1993, Sands owner Sheldon Adelson launched a series of improvements that he predicted would be completed by December. Changes included the addition of roughly 14,000 square feet in the casino, air doors opening onto Las Vegas Boulevard and new looks for several of the restaurants. The coffee shop became the buffet. The coffee shop replaced the Chinese restaurant, and the race and sports book was enlarged and relocated near the showroom. Hundred of slot machines were also added.

Beginning the multi-million dollar renovation and on-site demolition were six "old timers" of the Sands family that each celebrated more than 35 years of employment at the resort. Pictured are (bottom row) John Jordan, Andrew Mathews. (Top row) Director of Corporate Development Chester Kahn, Roosevelt Pamplin, Chief Operating Officer Arthur S. Waltzman, Mose Allen, Luby Draskovic, and Charlotte Nort.

In 1993, Copa Room showcased David R. Wright's Bare Essence - an awarding winning adults-only revue, and Viva Las Vegas.

In 1994, Copa Room showcased Viva Las Vegas and the Winners Circle Lounge showcased Lip Service. The Grand Ballroom showcased Elayne Boosler, and Wayne Newton.

In January of 1995, Sands announced a new seafood buffet for $9.99 featuring lobster, shrimp, crab legs on ice, shrimp scampi and roma tomatoes, steamed crab legs, orange roughy, shrimp and crab salad, tuna salad, tortellini, salad, marinated mushrooms and tomato salad with mozzarella chunks, as well as a non-seafood selection.

In 1995, Copa Room showcased Glitz musical revue of the history of Las Vegas, Rich Little, and Viva Las Vegas. Winners Circle Lounge showcased Freddie Bell, Gary Hohman, Entertainment Committee, and Melissa Spangler.

In speaking with former Interface Group owner Richard Katzeff on February 5, 2001, he stated that one of the trade shows that Interface created was Comdex. In the early 1980's they purchased two TWA planes for $22 million. TWA would use the planes in the summer and they would use the planes in the winter. Katzeff said that the initial intention was not to implode the resort but to bring it back to the place it once stood on the Strip. Unfortunately, the plan didn't work. The Sands just couldn't compete. The Sands Convention Center remained.

The members of the Interface Group eventually sold their shares to Sheldon Adelson. The company was then known as The Las Vegas Sands, Inc. Adelson sold Comdex for the published price of $865 million.

In January of 1996, Adelson announced he wanted to have 6,000 rooms on the property and hired Sands Atlantic City President William Weidner to head up a new development division that will oversee this and other company expansions. Adelson stated he wasn't sure whether he was going to build two new and separate hotels on the property or add towers.

In April of 1996, Sands awarded a group of 57 straight A students for their academic achievements by hosting them to a free lunch buffet. The Robert O. Gibson honor students who ranged in age from 11-14, all managed to maintain a straight A average in the last semester. In conjunction with the Counselor Incentive Program, the students enjoyed a full day of activities, from miniature golf at the Scandia Fun Center to the Sands buffet and then to a park.

The following were the last stars/shows to appear in the Copa Room: Elayne Boosler - May 20-31, Bobbie Collins - March 14-24, Jeff Dunham - April 10-21, Gallagher - April 2-7, Richard Lewis - Feb. 1-11, John Pinette - June 18-30 (It is obvious that he didn't appear for the entire tenure), Paul Rodriguez - May 3-5, Smokey Robinson - Feb. 27-March 10, Rita Rudner -Feb. 29-March 13, Neil Sedaka - Feb. 13-25 & May 6-18, Frankie Valli - May 20-June 2, Frankie Valli & The Four Tops - March 26-April 7, and Viva Las Vegas!

The Sands closed on June 20, 1996, but made one last appearance before she was demolished. The creators of the movie ConAir starring Nicolas Cage chose the Sands for its action filled moment when the plane crashes into the casino. The Sands, now closed with broken light bulbs, weeds growing and empty casino, was transported back in time when film workers installed new light bulbs, removed the weeds and placed slot machines back into the casino. The plane's tracks were placed and the plane was set on the tracks. As if she were dreaming, Sands returned to her glorious place on the Strip. An appropriate ending to a resort that displayed Hollywood's finest, to go out "Hollywood style".

On July 30 & 31, 1996, Sands held a two day auction of her belongings. Being auctioned from the casino were 1,154 slot machines including reel, poker and Keno, some purchased in 1996 including those from IGT, Universal, Bally's and Signma; coin wrappers and counters; 22 blackjack tables; 4 craps tables; 3 roulette tables; mini baccarat table; poker table; and big 6 table. Miscellaneous casino equipment such as race book equipment; blackjack and baccarat shoes; change carts; 10 assorted change machines, Keno equipment, pit clerk podiums, and over 1,000 stools and chairs.

The restaurants items that were being auctioned off were from the Recency and Xanadu, including 6 complete full service bars with glassware; glass washers, TVs, refrigeration, back bar and stools. From the 1,100 seat Grand Ballroom and The Copa Room were 72" chandeliers and dividers.

The hotel department was auctioning off one, two and there bedroom suites with furnishing and color TVs. The suites were auctioning off all furnishings; big screen TVs; spas; billiard tables; kitchens; and general collectibles.

The kitchens were auctioning off equipment serving the four restaurants, Grand Ballroom, rooms service and The Copa Room including Vulcan, Wolf, Blodgett, Jade and Montague broilers, flat tops and ovens; over 20 Traulsen and Koch stainless steel; 1, 2, 4, 6, & 8 door refrigerators and freezers; assorted walk-in refrigerators and freezers; Chubco rotary oven; 5 Groen kettles; Hobart dish washers; Baker's Aid Rotator oven; jade and Montague salamanders; stainless steel sinks and work tables; 6 Traulsen double door hot & cold roll-ins; 11-well buffet steam table; stainless steel pick-up stations; 4 wok station with drain; 4 drawer steamers; Groen braisers; ice cream freezers; stainless steel plate warmers; butcher shop with patty machine; Hobart band saw; fish box, and meat grinder. The Bakery auctioned off 2 Rotary ovens, sheeter, divider, proof box, Hobart mixers, walk-ins, steam kettles; and 3 work tables.

The hotel and casino maintenance department included the paint shop; carpenter shop; metal shop; engineering department; slot repair, and a huge maintenance inventory.

Also being auctioned off were 30 electric carts; mens' & ladies' fitness centers; pool equipment; outdoor furniture, maid's carts and ice machines.

"It was one of my first gigs in this town. Soon it will be gone. I've been in the business for 30 years. Las Vegas has gone from a very exciting town to Disneyland. There were more performers and entertainers; and now there's extravaganza, glitter, razzmatazz. It is more commercial for the family." - Rich Little, whose 57th birthday was on November 26, 1996.

"In 1966, A Friars Club dinner honoring Joe E. Lewis was being held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. I heard that every big name star would be there. A friend of mine, a Friars member, invited me to be his guest. All the stars turned out to honor Lewis. I hadn't seen most of them perform before, as I was too busy performing every week in small nightclubs. The affair was SRO. In fact, there wasn't even a seat at my friend's table, so I told him I'd stand in the back and watch the big names perform. William B. Williams was the emcee. Many performers entertained including Buddy Hackett. . . .

Bobby Gordon, who was Joe E. Lewis' road manager, saw me standing in the back of the room. He had seen me perform at the Boulevard Night Club in Queens where I threw tables and chairs as part of my act. He told me he had seen me to do my routine of Germany's foremost nuclear scientist in a German military uniform. He said he laughed so hard he almost choked on some potato chips. He asked me if I had my German uniform. I told him it was in the truck of my car with the rest of my props. 'Go get it and I'll put you on,' he said. All I could think of was all the stars sitting in the room. Frank Sinatra sitting with Jack Entratter of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. There was the columnist Earl Wilson. Bob Gordon gave me the cue to make my entrance. As I passed Sinatra's table he said, 'Who is this crazy bastard?'

Buddy Hackett was sitting right in front of me, and started to heckle. I moved his table away from him and tried to wrap the tablecloth around his head, fired a shot from a blank pistol and jokingly told him to get out. I berated everyone in the room. I kept signaling the maitre d' to throw people out. Sinatra was holding his sides and saying, 'If this son of a bitch doesn't stop, I'm going to have a heart attack.' The audience was in an uproar. If Buddy Hackett had become angry and started a fight, it could have been all over. Instead, he took it good-naturedly and joined me on stage at the end of my act. I saw Sinatra approaching me. He put his arms around me, kissed my sweaty face and said. 'You're crazy. I've never laughed that hard in my life. Where do you perform.' I told him I worked 52 weeks a year in every small club in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, pizza joints and anywhere else they'd have me. He told me to wait a minute, and returned with Jack Entratter. Frank introduced me and said, 'Jack, put Bernie in the Celebrity Lounge at the Sands Hotel. He'll kill the people.' I was speechless. Life's biggest failure now had Frank Sinatra for a fan. Jack looked at me like I just got off the garbage truck and said, 'I never heard of you. Where do you work?' I repeated what I had told Sinatra. Jack asked me if I'd like to work in Las Vegas. I said, 'I'd love it."

Earl Wilson interviewed me. The next day I read in his column how great I did at the Friars affair, along with all the stars who were there. . . . A month passed, and I received a call from my AGVA union representative, who told me Jack Entratter wanted me to meet him at his New York office. I never moved so fast in my life. When I got there, his secretary led me into the office. He handed me a contract to sign. It said I'd be working at the Sands Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, 1966, salary would be $1,750 per week, and room and food would be comped. It was the most money per week I'd ever made in my life. I had Frank Sinatra and my firm belief in God to thank for this miracle.

Those were the days of the Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford . . . It was a very exciting time for me. Joey Bishop became a dear friend. He had impeccable timing and delivery. I learned a great deal from him.

I appeared in Las Vegas with Sonny King and the Buddy Rich Orchestra. Opening night, I looked over my audience before the first show. People were having fun. It was an exciting night. Sinatra had told every star on the Strip, 'Go see that nut Bernie Allen.' As I looked into the lounge, I saw Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Tony Bennett, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Red Buttons, Betty Grable, Jerry Lester and his brother Buddy, and many more sitting with Jack Entratter. The place was packed. I went completely berserk, and was held over 16 weeks. I would have loved for Frank Sinatra to be there but he was performing in Chicago. He sent me a good-luck telegram. What a guy to have as a friend. God love him.

Between 1966 and 1976, I performed in every lounge in Vegas. Then the hotels began closing their lounges. Louie Prima was the last act to appear in the Sahara Lounge. Caesars Palace closed its lounge. The hotels claimed they were losing money. I believe gambling had become the big attraction, and with Vegas having very little competition they figured they could eliminate a $30,000 per week entertainment budget, and use the space for a keno game. They could get by with the superstars in the main room. It worked, but it put a great many lounge acts and musicians out of action." - Bernie Allen, 1996 interview

The first stages of the demolition occurred with the removal of all asbestos in August of 1996.

At precisely 9:00 pm (PST) on November 26, 1996, a crowd counted ten seconds, then a pull of the main power switch darkened the main sign and hotel tower lights of the venerable Sands forever.

The implosion can be seen in the movie Blasted in Las Vegas.

On February 4, 2000, I had the pleasure of meeting one of Cohen's relatives Richard Strell, who told me that Cohen's son was Allen Cohen. Allen Cohen went under the stage name Corey Allen who starred as Buzz in Rebel Without A Cause (the driver of the car that dies in the race scene). Corey Allen went on to be a director, among his accomplishments was The Ann Jillian Story.

"Las Vegas was more of a family atmosphere then. There weren't as many hotels, and you knew practically everybody -- it was almost like a prairie, something like 'Bonanza.' When you worked, it was different -- there were strictly gamblers, guys with booze and lots of money -- and you catered to them. I can't say Las Vegas was more fun back then, times change. But it was more fun for me in the sense that Sinatra was at the Sands and we all hung out together in the steam room and had a lot of laughs. It was more fun in the sense that you were friends with your fellow entertainers. Now the town is so large and everyone's schedule is so crazy that it's hard to get together socially. In the old days we used to meet after work at a little Italian restaurant and stay up all night and then go to Lake Mead and water ski. The town was different, and I was single then, too, which made a big difference." - Don Rickles - 1992 Las Vegas Style Magazine

"Frank and I used to have so many talks about the changes in Las Vegas, and how life goes on. Frank took it as a personal affront when the Sands was torn down. "How could they do that?" he asked. "Easy!" I told him. "They tore down the old one and built a new one. . . . It does break my heart to see a marquee that once announced the appearance of Sophie Tucker, now advertise roast beef for $9.99." - Jerry Lewis, Las Vegan Magazine - January, 2000