The Ore House (Reno, NV.) -102 Year Old "New" Addition to Nevada Gaming History

The building was built in 1897. It was originally built to provide housing for construction workers working on the railroad at that time. That remained its purpose until the late 1930’s, when it became a bar. It’s remained so ever since…for over 60 years.

The location of the property is shown at various times as either 5540 or 5544 Sun Valley Blvd. Nevada gaming records show a series of restricted licenses (slots only). The first of these was under the name of Gordon’s Sun Valley Bar from January 22, 1970 to September 30, 1990. The licensee is shown as Sparrel H. Holcomb. From November 1, 1990 to June 30, 1993, the licensee was Kent D. Cotterell. At that time, the bar was simply called the Sun Valley Bar. The name remained the same through the next 2 licensees…Gary J. Martin from July 1, 1993 to April 25, 1995 and Anne L. Gaffke from April 26, 1995 to July 21, 1998.

When the present owners of the bar bought it from Ms. Gaffke, the intention was to extensively refurbish it and convert it to a cabaret. The name was to be changed to reflect a different image, although none had been chosen.

One day, while working near a crawl space leading under the building, one of the owners noticed that adjacent floorboards also needed to be replaced. Under one of these he noticed a number of small boxes. In these boxes was…you guessed it…casino chips.

Four different denominations were found. All are identical except for their color. All say the same thing: “ORE HOUSE CASINO RENO NV.” The new owners knew one thing immediately…they had found the name for their cabaret!

While their search for a name had ended, the search for information about the chips had just begun. After about 1 year of research, here’s a recap of what we know and what we don’t. The sign on the bar hasn’t been changed as yet and still says “Sun Valley Bar.” In talking to many “old-timers” in the area, there is no question that the property was known as the Ore House prior to 1970. We can’t, however, document any live gaming. What possibilities exit? Were the chips used as drink chips? Some locals have said that there was a (private or illegal) poker game being run. Was there, as 1 older gentlemen told me: "one single 21 table, in there for a short period of time." Lot’s of questions, no added answers at this time.

Because uncertainties exist, anyone wanting to add these interesting chips to their collection must do so recognizing that there are still pieces of the puzzle that are unknown. If clearer documentation existed, price levels for these Ore House chips would certainly be higher.

These chips will be regularly priced at $75 each for the $2, $5 and $10 chips and $95 for the $1 chip. The set of 4 will be available for $275. In an attempt to recoup an the needed investment, the sets will be initially priced at this time at $195. Individual $2, $5, and $10 chips will initially be priced at $60 each. The $1 chip will be priced at $75. Several of the sets are in unused condition. Earliest purchasers will receive these.

Please e-mail me with questions or to reserve your chips or call toll-free: 1-888-CHIPS-97.

Terry Lazarus, R-2708…Chips Off the Old Block