And to chipper Chuck Nelson.
The BB and chippers that care are truly amazing.
Where else could you come up with this information in a few hours?
We have a positive ID on the E&K illegal from LaSalle, Il, the area was called "Little Reno".

At 09:45 PM 2/25/00 -0600, you wrote:
Gene: My eyes opened wide when I saw the chip order card from
LaSalle,Il. for John Essl. This man owned two clubs in LaSalle, the one on
first street, and a second which was a much smaller neighborhood bar on
9th street in LaSalle, my home town. The 9th street location was about two
blocks from where I grew up. John's son George took over the tavern on 9th
and the 1st street location closed in the mid 40's according to my Mom. I delivered papers to the 9th street location as a kid. Small world.
Chuck Nelson

Great news Chuck. Do you know the names of either one of Essl's clubs?
We believe the K on the chip could be for Kelly of Kelly and Cawley's Casino. any thoughts?

Later

Gene

Gene:
Name of the Club was Empire Club 601 First Street LaSalle, Il. John H.
Essl Sr, and John H. Essl Jr. They had a bar, a lunch room on the first
floor and the gaming on the second floor! I am in the process of making
phone contact with George Essl who still lives in LaSalle, and is the son of
John H. Essl Jr. John Jr. moved his operation to the neighborhood bar
"Essl's tap on 9th st. in LaSalle. Poker continued there until the late
'60s. No other table games at 9th st. location. Pull Tabs, punch boards,
endings and sports tickets though. Will lyk what I find out from George
Essl. Am unable to establish any connection with Kelley. The friend of my
Mom says Kelly however, had control of the gaming in all the clubs in late
'30s and early '40s.
Later
Chuck

THANK YOU CHUCK!!!!!!!!!