TROPICANA UNVEILS HISTORIC MUSEUM

The Tropicana Resort & Casino has opened The Las Vegas Historic Museum, a new exhibit that allows customers to take a peek into Las Vegas' underworld past, focusing on gaming, mobsters, entertainers and the brothels of Nevada.

For example, the Gambling & Gangsters section of the museum focuses on the Las Vegas Mafia and covers the rise and fall of mob influence and involvement in the gaming community. Several giant-size photos of well-known mobsters, such as Bugsy Siegel, Frank Rosenthal, and Al Capone decorate the walls. Bugsy's death certificate and Los Angeles Times articles with interesting stories about the mob days of Vegas are also on display. A replica of the "black book" can also be found, listing the names of all "bad guys" who have been banned from casinos.

Several entertainers are represented in the museum. Statues of three members of the 'Rat Pack'-Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra-are displayed to symbolize their days of performing in the Copa Room at the Sands. Memorabilia items of other entertainers, such as Louis Prima, Judy Garland, Wayne Newton, Elvis Presley and Liberace are also on display.

Another section of the museum focuses on brothels in Nevada, giving customers a look into legalized prostitution. Back in 1950, 35 legal brothels were in operation in Nevada, including Mabel's Whorehouse, Madam Kitty's, Sheri's Ranch, the Green Lantern, the Mustang Ranch, and the Chicken Ranch, all of which are represented in the Las Vegas Historic Museum. Some of the items on display that could be found in a brothel back in their heyday consist of books the girl's read, liquor decanters from 1960, old calendars, colorful lamps, an old-fashioned pink telephone, and a hairdryer. Brass tokens used to pay the women are also on display.

A variety of items from Las Vegas hotel/casinos, past and present, as well as information on several of the developers, can also be found in the museum.

The Las Vegas Historic Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. General admission is $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for seniors. Patrons must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult to enter museum.

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