Florence "Pancho" Barnes was a record holding female aviator back in the 1920's and 1930's. In 1935 she bought some land near Muroc Dry Lake, just outside what would later become Edwards Air Force Base. She developed the property into a fly-in dude ranch complete with all the amenities. There are many references stating that included at the ranch was a gambling parlor. Even the FBI accused her of "running an illicit gambling house". Her clientele included Chuck Yeager, Howard Hughes and Jimmy Dolittle. The late 40's and early 50's were the busiest times at the ranch. Everyone called her Pancho and she was a great hostess to all the aviators from the nearby air base. Pancho got on the wrong side of the commander of the air base, and he put her ranch off limits to the military personnel. The main buildings burned to the ground mysteriously on Nov. 13, 1953.
My question is about the "Pancho's Club" $100 chip shown. David Spragg has documented arodie molds as far back as 1946-47. The $100 on this chip is identical hot stamp to the Thunderbird Las Vegas $100 chip from 1953. I'm wondering what others think about listing this chip as attributed to this location. There is also a $25 chip already on the guide as unknown. There is lots to read about Pancho online if you are so inclined. Thanks for reading and for your opinions. Doug in Kingman, Az.