#apache casino

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Fremont Street, Las Vegas, facing west from 2nd – c. 1940

Postcards by two different photographers circa March 1940. The only sign change is Becker's / Budweiser on the left.

"Evening on Fremont Street" by Burton Frasher Sr, Frasher Fotos. "Neon Way" by Glenn A. Davis, Vegas Studio # 940.

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Kiva Club, Fremont & 2nd, c. 1941 – site of today's Golden Nugget

The second photo is across the street in front of Apache Casino, ground floor of Apache Hotel, same building as the present Binion's Gambling Hall.

Undated photos from Lynxwild captioned "Frances in Las Vegas," taken some time after the opening of Kiva Club (Sep. '40) and closure of Apache Casino (Jul. '41).

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Boulder Club, Apache Casino. Fremont St, Las Vegas, c. 1935

“A neon electric sign, bearing the words, ‘Boulder Club,’ and showing a stein of foaming beer, ash just been erected in front of the Boulder Club building.” – Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/22/33

Thomas Young Sr. brought Young Electric Sign Co (YESCO) to Las Vegas in Mar. '32, opening an office in the new Apache Hotel. Son Thomas Young Jr. recalls him saying, “Think of all that electricity we’re going to get from Hoover Dam to light signs in Las Vegas.”

14 months later Boulder Club was the first major YESCO neon sign in Las Vegas.

A clock was added to the lower section of the sign in '36. The sign can be seen in color film from the late 30s.

YESCO opened its first plant in Las Vegas in '45 for the construction and maintenance of Boulder Club's second sign.

Photo: James H. Down Jr. Photograph Collection (PH-00015), UNLV Special Collections. Sources: Four State Electrical Firm to Operate Here. Review-Journal, 3/28/32; Boulder Club Has Giant Neon Sign. Review-Journal, 5/22/33 p2; Neon Lights, Nevada Dept. of Cultural Affairs; Thomas Young Jr. oral history interview (OH-03255), UNLV Special Collections.

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Downtown Las Vegas, c. March 1940

Apache Hotel manager Robert Russell in the checkered tie, far left, and four unidentified men. This is the corner of Fremont & 1st, facing west. "Bar" in the background is Las Vegas Club. "Drugs" on the far right is the pharmacy. The well behind the men, not seen in other photos of the era, is likely temporary and decorative.

Set of photos by Arthur Rothstein, Farm Security Administration, Library of Congress. 

Inside the Boulder Club.

Richard Russell in the checkered tie, under the marquee of Apache Casino at Apache Hotel.

Russell at Apache Cafe.

Roulette table at Las Vegas Club. JKH casino chips, with initials of owner J. Kell Houssels.

Unknown casino, bingo parlor, and dance hall. Russell with the checkered tie.

All photos from Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black-and-White Negatives, Library of Congress.

Published 4/2/2015, Updated 7/30/2025

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Color 16mm film of Las Vegas in 1940

“Las Vegas says Welcome!” sign somewhere near present day-Las Vegas Blvd & Main St, a block before De Luxe Auto Court at Oakey. The other images are on Fremont Street at 2nd, and inside Apache Casino at Apache Hotel.

Reel is dated 1940, exact date unknown. Later in 1940 the signs at Boulder Club were changed. Scans from Reelarchives.

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Apache Casino, Las Vegas, January 30, 1939

Maria Gable in the black hat.

Helping to while away the six weeks she must wait before being able to file her suit for divorce against film actor Clark Gable, Mrs. Maria Gable is seen placing a bet at the Roulette wheel as she paid a visit to a Las Vegas, Nevada, casino January 30, 1939. Mrs. Gable has established residence in Las Vegas in preparation for the divorce. (AP Photo)

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Fremont Street, 1940. The photographer starts in front of Western Union (107 Fremont) and White Spot Cafe (109 Fremont) and moves east towards the intersection of 2nd St. Boulder Club and Apache Casino on the left. White Cross Drugs across the intersection. Shriners on a “Desert Love Buggy,” Helldorado Days in May. Snaps via Neilbwh.

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Fremont St, July 1940. Photo by George Strock, looking west in front of Apache Hotel.