Then and now: Evolution of Stateline area
The black and white photo was taken in about 1970. The Sahara Tahoe spire, which is visible, opened in 1965.
Paul Kennedy’s Steak House is at right.
Neither Harrah’s nor Harveys had built their current large hotels, yet the photo shows Tahoe’s first “high-rise”. It was Harvey’s at 12 stories in 1962.
The top floor was Harveys’ popular Top of the Wheel tiki lounge motif with Ron Rose’s music and top-shelf setting, food, and service.
— Bill Kingman
Casino heights climbed through the years. Photo/Bill Kingman
The Stateline area circa 1970. Photo/Done Lane
My most vivid memory of Stateline in 1959 were the two huge stuffed bears in front of La Baer Motel
George Liberace used to play in the Ron Rose band.
Harvey’s early tower opened in 1963, as I was hired away from Harrah’s to set-up their Banquet operations (@ the ripe old age of 19).
As I finally left Harrah’s later (I was hired back away from Harvey’s stint above), I must remind that Harrah’s did not build a hotel (one was built in Reno first) until 1973, a full decade after Harvey’s – the importance of knowing this now cannot be understated, as (Bill) Harrah had a strong loyalty to the South Shore lodging community, something lost to today’s corporate (more ‘dog-eat-dog’) world.
This is one of the sources of their misunderstanding of their own Tahoe market – NN is only two out of 50, so the numbers must be met, instead of understanding where the numbers came from . . .
Thanks for continuing to dig in the archives; seeing them always reveals memories of life as it was lived then, day in, day out. . .
They’re appreciated. . .
Ah, the good ol days of the Sahara Tahoe’s fabulous showroom, recognizable performers, inexpensive prime rib buffets, drawing packed crowds every day and night. And Paul Kennedy’s Steakhouse. Customers lined up, particularly on weekends. Compare with what’s left.
“Evolution of Stateline Area”? It’s only a theory.~
I can remember picking out my steak at Paul Kennedy’s on the way in! Thanks for the memories.
Summer of 1968, Top of the Wheel.I worked in the kitchen as a dishwasher along with Steve VanZandt, Tom peterson and Steve Butterbaugh as potwashers and Mudcat and Ray as the cooks. Russ Thaw also worked in the kitchen. Zan Barker, Patty Ball and Kathy Carr worked the dining room. That was the crew for the Sunday brunch.A good bunch of folks!We worked hard and laughed alot!
As always Bill, thanks for the photos. Take Care,Old long Skiis