Last week I had the opportunity to travel near Vinton, Louisiana and came across some information about a group of clubs located east of Orange, Texas on old Highway 90. The area was known as East Orange, Louisiana but that isn't on the map. From infxormation I was able to gather from tweo people in Vinton, Louisiana there were 22 clubs along Highway 90 from the Texas state line to Vinton, Louisiana thast operated as cafes, drinking places, gambling clubs and whore houses. All of this was illegal in Texas (gambling) which was located just across the Sabine River. These clubs operated from the 1930's until 1953 when interstate 10 was built.

Clubs that were mentioned were The Grove (named after the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles), Big Oaks Club, Busterr's Border Club, Demaire, Showboat (part of sign still standing), Silver Slipper, Miller's Rainbow Club, Lou Ann's Club ( building still standing), State Line Club, and the Blue Lake Club which was a Black only club.

I saw postcards of some of these clubs and found the area to be very interesting. I have a few Grove chips to trade for other Louisiana, Texas or Mississippi illegal chips. Let me know off this list, E mail me directly please.

I'd like more information on this area if you have any.

Don't forget CASINORAMA on October 3 and 4, 1998. Get table reservations now if you haven't already. Thanks