Pam, I couldn't put down your article and stories of the LV strip early years. I can relate so well as I was doing the same things about the same time you were. The Hacienda, I remember the free Champane, the great buffet alway's a tall wonderful friendly black man carving the prime beef, the great deserts especially the fresh bakes Boston cream pie, and other great items at a reasonable price. The dunes, great food at the top with Violins playing, alway's good luck at the tables. The Sands, I saw the rat Pack many times in the lounge, just drinking and having fun. I had many thousands of points at the little sports book, I was going to cash in for many great prizes 2- leather jackets ect. but at the last minute waited to the morning, when I got up and went to the sports book found it closed. I was a good c/s happened to be on a very hot streak and was betting thousands a day, and the mgr Bob G. knew me well. He felt bad but couldn't do anything the place was closing. He did take my name and address, and promised me special deals where ever he landed a job. He has been all over currently mgr. of sports book at the New Orleans. I have recieved free room and offers ever since the Sands closed, even tho I'm now a small player. Anyway, I hit them all 6 times a year from So. Cal. in the 60's, 70's 80's, just wish I was a collector then. Thanks for the great reading.