Then and now: Memories of 1952 Stateline

Gateway Club in 1952. Photo/Del Laine Collection/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

In 1952, George’s Gateway Club stood on the corner of Stateline Avenue and Highway 50. In 1955, Bill Harrah purchased it and opened his first Tahoe casino, Harrah’s Club.

Harvey Gross’s Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall stood next door.

1952 brought lots of snow to Stateline. Photo/Del Lane Collection/Lake Tahoe News

Across the street were Sahati’s Stateline Country Club and the Nevada Club. In 1958, Bill Harrah purchased both and opened Tahoe Harrah’s. Harrah’s historic triangular marquee and parking lot were built about where the pictured coffee shop stood on the California side.

A plowed Highway 50 in 1952 allowed barely one lane of traffic. Photo/Del Laine Collection/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

The same Highway 50 at Stateline Avenue today. Photo/Bill Kingman

High rises dominate Stateline today.

— Bill Kingman