HARVEST ADVENTURES FROM AN ADDICTED CHIP COLLECTOR

Hello Chippers; Here is a short story from yours truly or a guest author of our experiences while harvesting somewhere in the gaming world. A few are from countries out side the USA. Most are entertaining and most are instructive as to what to do or what not to do while harvesting chips from casinos or card rooms.
Some people have compulsions to gamble, some to amass fortunes and other’s, they just like to write stories; yeah, that would be me. I was never very good at it; but I have done it over the years just the same.
If any of you want any inside info on any casino that I’ve been to, I would be happy to tell you what I can.

Reggie

A GUEST AUTHOR’s HARVEST STORY

SAN RAFAEL CLUB (881 CLUB) SAN RAFAEL, CA

J Eric Freedner

Hi, Reggie,

Here is another chipping story, all true of course!

I had heard that it was difficult to buy a chip from the San Rafael Club in San Rafael; it was a small cardroom, limited hours, and management did not favor selling to collectors. Still, toward the end of one of my chip trips to the Petaluma area several years ago, I decided to give it a try. I had gotten the club address before starting my trip, which is fortunate because the 881 Club is not at number 881 on any street any more. My internet search led me to a brief history of the club, started by Pete Pellolio years ago.

Upon entering the building, I paused in the foyer between the bar and the cardroom to look at a portrait on the wall. Unexpectedly, a man came to the cardroom doorway and asked, "May I help you?"

"Is this Pete?" I said somewhat absent-mindedly, pointing to the portrait. "Yes," he replied, "Did you know Pete?"

"No," I replied, "but I heard he had started the club years ago, and kept the business going for many years, and was respected in the community."

"Want to play some cards?" the man asked.

"Actually, no; I was wondering if I could just buy a few chips, I collect them."

The man gave a non-committal look and then smiled. "We have a strict policy, no sales to collectors. But since you spoke so highly of my father, I can sell you a few."

My visit ended with a hearty handshake and a smile from the new owner, and his invitation to "come back any time." And a few of the elusive Club San Rafael chips in my pocket.

Sometimes, it pays to admire the artwork.

Don't have time to drive up to San Rafael to see Pete's portrait? I didn't know this chip existed at the time, but you can view it here: ChipGuide # CG 023545.

J. Eric Freedner