Theodore V. Williams
1916 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
1000 chips – 1962

Some of these chips were obtained from Theodore’s son, and David had a conversation with him.

There was indeed a game going on in the back of the Salon de Venus beauty shop which Williams owned, and his wife managed.

Salon de Venus was the address above where the chips were delivered.
“My dad didn’t seem to be at the shop much as he had a full time job anyway. Mostly just to play cards I think. We had a big family and most of us helped out there from time to time when we were children.
I didn’t even know the game was anything illegal until he told us he got raided and a lot of the chips confiscated. I don’t think any action was taken as he knew the right people but don’t think he had another game after that.
I never really thought these would be of any interest to anyone and I’ve pretty much forgotten what went on 50 years ago. I was pretty young then”

Here’s a few other things on the TVW from our "Friend Of The Hobby."

1965 pic of Salon de Venus:

Williams in the salon in 1961:

A poker game that Williams was in was hijacked March 21, 1963; maybe his chips were those on the table??

A link to a recent story about one of the poker players in the game, Roman “Slim” Sarwalk: http://www.latestsportsbonuses.com/editorials/126/the-miracle-man/