The Thunderbird was open from 1948-1974. Here is an early postcard, before the Thunderbird sign!

Here's the casino--(gasp!) a woman wearing slacks!? Scandalous!

The exterior, in 1951:

And some stuff...note that there's different styles of Thunderbird birds...

Here is an article, written by Jim Perlowski, with more information on the Thunderbird.
http://www.nevadacasinochips.com/thunderbirdartilce.htm

The Thunderbird was open until 1974.
The Silverbird took over the property from 1976-1982.
The El Rancho operated here from 1982-1992.