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{{about||the casino in Mississippi|Silver Slipper Casino (Waveland)|the Texas and Pacific Railway train|Silver Slipper (train)}}
{{short description|Former casino in Winchester, Nevada}}
{{for multi|the casino in Mississippi|Silver Slipper Casino (Waveland)|the Texas and Pacific Railway train|Silver Slipper (train)}}
{{Infobox Casino
{{Infobox Casino
| casino = The Silver Slipper
| casino = Silver Slipper
| logo =
| logo =
| logo_size = 150
| logo_size =
| image =
| image =
| image_size = 200
| image_size =
| coordinates = {{coord|36|7|46|N|115|10|6|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|36|7|50|N|115|10|0|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| image_caption = The retired Silver slipper sign in the [[YESCO]] boneyard
| image_caption =
| location = [[Paradise, Nevada]]
| location = [[Winchester, Nevada]]
| address = [[Las Vegas Boulevard]]
| pushpin_map = United States Las Vegas Strip#Nevada
| address = 3100 [[South Las Vegas Boulevard]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Silver Slipper Casino, Gay 90's Buffet menu |url=https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%3A/62930/d1hq3sf45 |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref>
| date_opened = September 1950
| date_opened = September 1, 1950
| names_pre = ''Golden Slipper''<ref name=lvrj20090808/>
| names_pre = Golden Slipper
| date_closed = {{start date and age|November 28, 1988}}
| date_closed = {{start date and age|November 28, 1988}}
| casino_type = Land
| casino_type = Land
| theme =
| theme = Old West
| owner = [[Howard Hughes]]
| owner = Margaret Elardi (final owner)
| architect = [[Martin Stern, Jr.]]
| architect = [[Martin Stern Jr.]]<br>Homer Rissman
| rooms =
| space_gaming =
| shows = [[Minsky's Burlesque]] (1965–1967)<br>''Wonderful World of Burlesque'' (1968–1973)<br>''Boy-lesque'' (1977–1988)
| space_gaming = {{convert|35000|sqft|abbr=on}}
| attractions =
| notable_restaurants =
| notable_restaurants =
| renovations =
| renovations = 1966
| website =
}}
}}


The '''Silver Slipper''' was a casino on the [[Las Vegas Strip]] in [[Winchester, Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Property overview |url=https://maps.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/AssessorParcelDetail/ParcelDetail.aspx?hdnParcel=16209403004&hdnInstance=pcl7 |website=Clark County Assessor's Office |access-date=August 7, 2024}}</ref> It opened on September 1, 1950. It was built just north of the [[New Frontier Hotel and Casino|Frontier]] hotel-casino, and they both shared the same ownership, although the Silver Slipper's gaming operations were later leased out. Businessman [[Howard Hughes]] leased the casino from 1968 until his death in 1976.
The '''Silver Slipper''' was a casino in [[Paradise, Nevada]] that operated from September 1950 to November 29, 1988. The building was designed by architect [[Martin Stern, Jr.]]

The Silver Slipper closed on November 28, 1988, amid an ownership change. It was demolished shortly thereafter to become a parking lot for the Frontier, with plans to eventually rebuild the Silver Slipper as a high-rise hotel and casino, although this did not pan out. The Frontier was demolished in 2007, for another resort project that was ultimately canceled as well. The Frontier and Silver Slipper sites remain vacant as of 2024.

The Silver Slipper was known for its neon slipper, which was preserved after the casino's closure. It stands 12 feet and features more than 900 bulbs. The slipper was installed along [[North Las Vegas Boulevard]] in 2009.


==History==
==History==
===Early years===
Opened in 1950, the casino was built on the grounds of the Last Frontier Village<ref name=lvrj20090808/> of the [[New Frontier Hotel and Casino|Hotel Last Frontier]], and was originally named the '''Golden Slipper Saloon and Gambling Hall'''. The owner originally wanted to call it the Silver Slipper, but there already was an existing establishment with that name. The problem was solved when that small operation was purchased and closed, and the Golden Slipper became the Silver Slipper. The casino was known for its rotating slipper that sat atop the casino.
The Silver Slipper was built as part of the Last Frontier Village, a western-themed attraction at the [[Hotel Last Frontier]].<ref name=Moore>{{cite web |last=Nelson Patrick |first=Elizabeth |title=An Interview with William J. Moore |url=https://archive.org/details/MooreWilliam/page/n33/mode/2up |publisher=University of Nevada Oral History Program |access-date=August 3, 2022 |date=1985 |pages=17–18}}</ref> The Silver Slipper, built just north of the Frontier hotel, opened on September 1, 1950. It was originally known as the Golden Slipper.<ref name=Newest>{{cite news |title=Newest Resort Attraction, Golden Slipper, Opens Today |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Newest%20Resort%20Attraction%22%20%22Golden%20Slipper%2C%20Opens%20Today%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 1, 1950 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Shortly after opening, the [[Golden Nugget Las Vegas|Golden Nugget]] hotel-casino threatened to sue the Golden Slipper, alleging similarities in design and name. The Golden Slipper agreed to stop using the name,<ref name=Moore/> and was rebranded the Silver Slipper by the end of 1950,<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?date_from=1950&date_to=&text=%22silver+slipper%22&content_added=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6&sort=old |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=August 3, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> having bought the rights to that name from a bar and casino located on [[Boulder Highway]].<ref name=Moore/>


The Silver Slipper was a two-story,<ref>{{cite news |title=Fire Routs 500 From Casino on Las Vegas Strip |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/382343991/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 29, 1966 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Old West-themed casino.<ref name=New/><ref name=farewell/> It featured various games, including a [[Big Six wheel]], [[craps]], [[Farobank]], [[poker]], and [[roulette]].<ref name=Newest/> A convention hall, located on the second floor,<ref>{{cite news |title=More Than 10,000 Persons to Use Facilities of Silver Slipper Hall |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22more+than+10%2C000+Persons%22+%22use+facilities+of+Silver+Slipper+Hall%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 7, 1951 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> was the largest in the state.<ref name=New>{{cite news |title=New Silver Slipper Sets Expansion Plan Shortly |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22New+Silver+Slipper+Sets+Expansion+Plan+Shortly%22&date_from=1956&date_to=&content_added=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 1, 1956 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The casino would later become known for featuring a collection of artwork by [[Julian Ritter]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hyman |first=Harold |title=Purchase Of Paintings By Hughes Negotiated |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Purchase%20Of%20Paintings%20By%20Hughes%20Negotiated%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFDB220B673E |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 29, 1970 |access-date=August 5, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Autry |first=Greg |title=Julian Ritter's Life and Art Review - An unknown Artist of worldwide acclaim |url=http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Film_106/julian-ritter-s-life-and-art-review.php |website=Splash |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref>
In April 1964, the casino became the first in Nevada to be shut down on cheating charges. Agents raided the Silver Slipper for using "flat" dice and for having other rigged games.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/04/las-vegas-casino-shut-for-cheatng.html|title=LAS VEGAS CASINO SHUT FOR CHEATNG|date=4 April 1964|publisher=|via=www.nytimes.com}}</ref>


The Silver Slipper was originally operated by the Frontier ownership group, before being leased out in 1956.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper Lease Blocked |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149648916/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=November 17, 1955 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Court Blocks Club Lease |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149792646/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=December 27, 1955 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Frontier Hotel Action Settled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149649638/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=January 20, 1956 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In April 1964, the casino became the first in Nevada to be shut down on cheating charges. Agents of the [[Nevada Gaming Control Board]] raided the Silver Slipper for using "flat" dice.<ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas Casino Shut Down for Cheating |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/04/las-vegas-casino-shut-for-cheatng.html |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |agency=United Press International |date=April 3, 1964}}</ref> Although its table games were shut down, the state allowed the slot machines to continue operating.<ref>{{cite news |title=Three Witnesses Testify Slipper Dice Altered; Cheat Case Windup Nears |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1010620194/ |work=Nevada State Journal |date=April 23, 1964 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=State Ponders Silver Slipper Gambling Case |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150931306/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=April 24, 1964 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The casino was closed entirely on May 8, 1964, by the [[Internal Revenue Service]] (IRS), which alleged that $70,000 in taxes were owed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vegas Casino Padlocked by Revenue Agents |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151382212/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=May 9, 1964 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Later that month, the [[Nevada Gaming Commission]] found the casino's management guilty of using flat dice and revoked their gaming license.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vegas Club Games Out |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1010612685/ |work=Nevada State Journal |date=May 13, 1964 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
On April 30, 1968, the Silver Slipper was purchased by businessman [[Howard Hughes]] for $5.4 million in his famous spending spree of buying Vegas properties, which included the [[New Frontier Hotel and Casino|Frontier]] next door.<ref name=lvrj20090808>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Silver Slipper |url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/52756392.html |work= [[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |publisher= |date=2009-08-08 |accessdate=9 August 2009}}</ref> He purchased the casino because he was afraid that the toe of the slipper, that faced the window of his [[Desert Inn]] penthouse, could contain a photographer taking pictures of him.<ref name="auto">{{cite book|last1=Wellman|first1=Wellman|last2=Musick|first2=Mark|title=Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes|date=2016|publisher=BQB Publishing|isbn=9781608081400|page=25|url=https://books.google.cl/books?id=jJPkCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT25|accessdate=15 August 2017}}</ref> After several attempts at requesting that the slipper be turned off, Hughes purchased the casino, turned off the lights and had the rotating mechanism dismantled. The Silver Slipper was sealed, so no one could enter.<ref name="auto"/>

The Silver Slipper entered foreclosure in January 1965,<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper Foreclosure Authorized |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151114315/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=January 6, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> but plans by the IRS to sell it were halted after the Frontier owners filed suit, noting that they owned the land and structure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Casino Sale Halted by Vegas Suit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151116434/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=January 30, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Shelam Inc., a group led by local gambler Sam Diamond,<ref>{{cite news |title=It's Official – Diamond Takes Over Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22It%27s%20Official%22%20%22Diamond%20Takes%20Over%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 22, 1965 |access-date=August 5, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper Will Reopen |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Silver+Slipper+Will+Reopen%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 1, 1965 |access-date=August 5, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> soon took over the casino's lease,<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper Reopening Asked |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1010496454/ |work=Nevada State Journal |date=July 28, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper Reopening Asked In Las Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150507963/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=July 29, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Commission OK's Reopening Of Two Major Vegas Casinos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1010596963/ |work=Nevada State Journal |date=September 22, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> reopening the property on October 20, 1965.<ref name=Minsky/><ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas Flashes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/701965835/ |work=Van Nuys News |date=October 29, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> A $500,000 expansion project was underway in 1966. It included exterior remodeling and a larger casino.<ref name=Theatre/> The project was designed by [[Martin Stern Jr.]] and Homer Rissman.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Floor Plan, Silver Slipper: architectural drawing |url=https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%3A/62930/d1s17x68q |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Master Development Plan, Silver Slipper: architectural drawing |url=https://special.library.unlv.edu/ark%3A/62930/d1571c31k |website=University of Nevada, Las Vegas |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref>

===Hughes involvement and later years===
Businessman [[Howard Hughes]] took over the Silver Slipper's gaming operations in 1968, leasing the rights from Shelam for $5.3 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hughes Placed On Bottom Of Game Agenda |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1010892924/ |work=Nevaa State Journal |date=April 30, 1968 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hughes To Buy Sixth Casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1046021602/ |work=Journal and Courier |agency=Associated Press |date=May 1, 1968 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=Ouster>{{cite news |title=Summa ouster rejected |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149223165/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |agency=Associated Press |date=April 22, 1977 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com }}</ref> Hughes had also purchased the Frontier by that point.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hughes Buys Frontier Hotel Property |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151448916/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |agency=Associated Press |date=September 22, 1967 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The Silver Slipper was the only casino that Hughes held personally; the others were owned by [[Hughes Tool Company]], which later became [[Summa Corporation]]. Because his company had government contracts, it could not donate to political candidates. Hughes instead withdrew funds from the Silver Slipper for political contributions.<ref>Retrieved August 11, 2024:
* {{cite news |title=Hughes aid bountiful |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/394500293/ |work=Times-News |date=March 16, 1978 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}
* {{cite news |last=Turner |first=Wallace |title=Testimony Indicates Hughes Sought Political Influence With Huge Campaign Gifts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/01/archives/testimony-indicates-hughes-sought-political-influence-with-huge.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 1, 1973}}
* {{cite book |last=Drosnin |first=Michael |title=Citizen Hughes |date=2004 |publisher=Crown |isbn=978-0-7679-1934-0 |pages=122–123, 419, 474, 477, 490 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jlx-bcbx8_oC&q=slipper&pg=PA318}}
* {{cite magazine |title=Tycoons: The Hughes Legacy Scramble for the Billions |url=https://time.com/archive/6847802/tycoons-the-hughes-legacy-scramble-for-the-billions/ |magazine=Time |date=April 19, 1976}}
</ref>

In 1970, the Silver Slipper became the first casino on the [[Las Vegas Strip]] to hire female table dealers.<ref>{{cite news |title='Hit Me, Ma'am'–It's New At Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/460433585/ |work=San Francisco Examiner |date=August 12, 1970 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Strip Has Its First Woman Dealer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/675759318/ |work=The Kansas Star |date=August 12, 1970 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=She's Got a Good Deal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/463428495/ |work=New York Daily News |date=September 17, 1970 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

[[File:Las Vegas Strip from Resorts World February 2023 HDR 1.jpg|thumb|The former Frontier and Silver Slipper sites (right) in 2023. The latter's foundation is visible at the lower left of the vacant lot.]]
Summa Corporation attempted to buy the Silver Slipper out of its lease in 1973.<ref name=Ouster/> However, the ownership group (the former Frontier owners) contended that the [[Option (finance)|option]] to purchase was assigned to Hughes only, not his company.<ref name=woes/> The group also stated that a $100,000 payment, one of the conditions on the option, was never made.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper ownership disputed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151437865/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |agency=Associated Press |date=June 12, 1975 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The owners later stated that the purchase option applied to Shelam and should not have been transferred to another leasee.<ref name=Ouster/> Litigation ensued starting in 1974,<ref name=stay>{{cite news |title=Judge will stay in Hughes hassle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151112658/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |agency=Associated Press |date=July 16, 1976 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> when the owners filed a suit against Hughes, alleging he was behind on a year's worth of rent. They sought to evict Hughes and take control of the Silver Slipper.<ref name=woes>{{cite news |title=More Hughes woes: $6 million suit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/540728479/ |work=Lompoc Record |agency=United Press International |date=May 17, 1974 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=stay/> Hughes died in 1976, and Summa ultimately took ownership of the casino.<ref>{{cite news |title=High court overturns Silver Slipper ruling |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22High+court+overturns+Silver+Slipper+ruling%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 18, 1979 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=Hawley2/>

In its final years, the casino employed approximately 600 workers.<ref name=Hawley2/> In December 1987, Summa agreed to sell the Frontier and the Silver Slipper – the last of Hughes' Las Vegas gaming properties – to casino owner Margaret Elardi.<ref>{{cite news |title=Summa Corp. sells Frontier, Silver Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Summa%20Corp.%20sells%20Frontier%2C%20Silver%20Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 16, 1987 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Summa sells 2 resorts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/152157968/ |work=Reno Gazette-Journal |date=December 16, 1987 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Summa continued operating the Silver Slipper until its closure on November 28, 1988, at which point Elardi took over the property.<ref name=farewell>{{cite news |title=Las Vegans bid farewell to Silver Slipper Saloon |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/285860347/ |work=The Spectrum |date=November 28, 1988 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=ends>{{cite news |title=State ends Hughes era in gaming |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22State%20ends%20Hughes%20era%20in%20gaming%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 24, 1988 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=John L. |title=Lady was a tramp |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Lady%20was%20a%20tramp%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 30, 1988 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Demolition was underway the following month.<ref>{{cite news |title=Workers, patrons bid final farewell to Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Workers%2C+patrons+bid+final+farewell+to+Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 13, 1988 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Elardi redeveloped the land as a parking lot for the Frontier,<ref name=Old>{{cite news |last=Bates |first=Warren |title=Old days are slip-sliding away |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Old%20days%20are%20slip-sliding%20away%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 27, 1988 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Strow |first=David |title=Casino hotel planned for Silver Slipper site |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2002/apr/25/casino-hotel-planned-for-silver-slipper-site/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 25, 2002}}</ref> and planned to eventually construct a new Silver Slipper on the site, in the form of a high-rise hotel-casino.<ref name=ends/><ref name=Old/><ref>{{cite news |title='88 may be remembered for building boom in Las Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/923094095/ |work=The Press of Atlantic City |date=January 1, 1989 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> However, this project did not pan out.<ref name=<ref name=Hawley/>

The Frontier would be sold several times, and eventually demolished in 2007, for a new resort project that would also be canceled.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Thomas |title=Wynn Resorts buying site of former New Frontier on Strip |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/dec/14/wynn-resorts-buys-site-of-former-new-frontier-on-s/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 14, 2017}}</ref> As of 2024, the Frontier and Silver Slipper sites remain vacant; the latter is still under the ownership of the Elardi family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/wynn-taxes-vacant-strip-land/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=August 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ross |first=McKenna |title=What is that vacant lot on the Strip? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/the-strip/what-is-that-vacant-lot-on-the-strip-3015617/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 12, 2024}}</ref>

==Signage==
{{multiple image
| total_width = 350
| image1 = Silver slipper from Silver Slipper Hotel. Neon Boneyard Vegas. (6217004040).jpg
| image2 = The Neon Museum (35597739991).jpg
| footer = The neon slipper after its 2009 restoration
}}
The casino was known for having a large, rotating neon slipper, designed by Jack Larsen Sr. and manufactured by [[YESCO]].<ref name=Yesco/> It is 12 feet high and includes 900 bulbs, with an additional 80 built into a bow that covers the toe area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Toplikar |first=Dave |title=Las Vegas Boulevard sign-lighting ceremony set for Monday |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/06/las-vegas-boulevard-sign-lighting-ceremony-set-mon/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 6, 2009}}</ref>

The slipper was installed in 1954 or 1955, originally on the casino rooftop.<ref name=Yesco/> The casino is briefly featured in the 1957 film ''[[The Amazing Colossal Man]]'', in which a man grows to gargantuan height and travels through Las Vegas, at one point dismantling the slipper.<ref>{{cite book |last=Holabird |first=Robin |title=Elvis, Marilyn, and the Space Aliens: Icons on Screen in Nevada |date=2017 |publisher=University of Nevada Press |isbn=978-0-87417-465-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGyVDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT107 |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Geoff |title=Hollywood keeps destroying Las Vegas on film. We've had enough |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2021/jun/10/hollywood-keeps-destroying-las-vegas-on-film/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=June 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=How many of these 13 Las Vegas horror movies have you seen? |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/movies/how-many-of-these-13-las-vegas-horror-movies-have-you-seen-2920810/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 16, 2023}}</ref> In 1965, the slipper was moved to a sign directly alongside the Strip.<ref name=Yesco>{{cite web |title=Silver Slipper at Young Electric Sign Co, Las Vegas, c. 1954/1955 |url=https://vintagelasvegas.com/post/41559352673/slipper |website=Vintage Las Vegas |access-date=August 9, 2024 |date=January 26, 2013}}</ref>

===Myths===
In 1968, Hughes was living in a penthouse at his [[Desert Inn]] resort, located across the street. Persistent, false stories claim that Hughes took over the Silver Slipper specifically because of its neon slipper. These stories originated with a 1967 article by columnist [[Earl Wilson (columnist)|Earl Wilson]], who wrote:<ref name=SS/><ref name=Myth/>

{{Quote
|text=[Hughes] found the lights of the Silver Slipper, across the Strip, interfered with his sleep. Associates say he had them request the Silver Slipper to dim its lights. They refused. His emissaries say he has instructed them to negotiate for the purchase of the Slipper so it will no longer interfere with his sleep.
}}

Another story is that the reclusive Hughes was paranoid about photographers hiding in the toe area of the slipper in order to snap photos of him in his penthouse. As such, he purportedly wanted the slipper's rotating mechanism disabled and had it filled with concrete. In reality, Hughes had kept his drapes closed at all times, which would have prevented any bright lights or photographers from bothering him.<ref name=SS/><ref name=Myth>{{cite web |last=Levitan |first=Corey |title=Vegas Myths Re-busted: Howard Hughes Bought Silver Slipper Just to Dim its Sign |url=https://www.casino.org/news/vegas-myths-busted-howard-hughes-bought-silver-slipper-just-to-dim-its-sign/ |website=Casino.org |access-date=August 10, 2024 |date=November 10, 2023}}</ref> Hughes himself never wrote of the neon slipper in his extensive archive of memos,<ref name=SS>{{cite web |title=Silver Slipper |url=https://vintagelasvegas.com/post/681188966371901440/1995 |website=Vintage Las Vegas |access-date=August 10, 2024 |date=April 10, 2022}}</ref> and concrete was never found in the rotating mechanism.<ref name=Myth/>

===Preservation===
After the casino closed, the slipper was acquired by the city's [[Neon Museum]] for preservation. At some point during its years in storage, singer [[Wayne Newton]] posed with the slipper for a promotional shoot. One of his feet broke through the toe area of the slipper as he stepped onto it, a result of its age.<ref name=refurb/>

In 2009, the slipper was installed on a [[Median strip|median]] along [[North Las Vegas Boulevard]], in front of the Neon Museum.<ref name=refurb>{{cite news |last=Toplikar |first=Dave |title=Refurbished signs a step forward in preserving Las Vegas' past |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/09/refurbished-signs-step-forward-preserving-las-vega/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 9, 2009}}</ref> The slipper had undergone restoration, which included new wiring and paint, as well as repair work to the toe area.<ref>{{cite news |last=Choate |first=Alan |title=Vintage signs will soon light up Las Vegas Boulevard |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/vintage-signs-will-soon-light-up-las-vegas-boulevard/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 31, 2009}}</ref> In 2018, the museum changed the slipper's sole and insole paint from red to blue, matching the original color scheme according to early photographs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.neonmuseum.org/media-inquiries/news-releases/neon-museum-restores-silver-slipper-sign-paint-color-to-original-silver-gold-blue |title=Neon Museum Restores Silver Slipper Sign Paint Color To Original Silver, Gold, Blue |publisher=Neon Museum |date= August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729034052/https://www.neonmuseum.org/media-inquiries/news-releases/neon-museum-restores-silver-slipper-sign-paint-color-to-original-silver-gold-blue |archive-date=July 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |title=Neon Museum restores Silver Slipper sign on Las Vegas Boulevard |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/neon-museum-restores-silver-slipper-sign-on-las-vegas-boulevard |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=KSNV |date=August 7, 2018}}</ref>

Another sign, a neon arch that read "free parking", was also preserved after the casino's closure. It was purchased by the Exchange Club casino in [[Beatty, Nevada]], and was relocated there to mark its parking lot, before being toppled by strong wind in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stephens |first=Richard |title=Wind destroys piece of old Vegas in Beatty |url=https://pvtimes.com/news/wind-destroys-piece-of-old-vegas-in-beatty/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Pahrump Valley Times |date=April 18, 2018}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| align = center
| image1 = Las Vegas (36618839225).jpg
| image2 = The Neon Museum (34887719334).jpg
| image3 = Beatty, Nevada 1989 01.jpg
| footer = Other Silver Slipper signs at the Neon Museum, 2017; and the "free parking" sign in Beatty, 1989
}}
==Live entertainment==
Comedian [[Hank Henry]] was a frequent entertainer at the Silver Slipper during the 1950s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Comedian Hank Henry Is Las Vegas Fixture |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/logansport-pharos-tribune-comedian-hank/954743/ |work=Logansport Pharos-Tribune |date=May 19, 1956 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Erskine |title=Comedian Hank Henry Finds Rainbow's End In Las Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/redlands-daily-facts-comedian-hank-henry/954775/ |work=Redlands Daily Facts |date=October 26, 1957 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Transgender singer [[Christine Jorgensen]] also performed there in 1955.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christine Jorgensen is Silver Slipper Hit |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22a+new+attendance+record+at+the+Silver%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 2, 1955 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Christine Jorgensen, the First Transgender Celebrity |url=https://neonmuseum.org/news/christine-jorgensen-the-first-transgender-celebrity/ |website=Neon Museum |access-date=August 9, 2024 |date=21 June 2023}}</ref> Other entertainers included singers [[Fifi D'Orsay]], [[Nellie Lutcher]] and [[Rusty Draper]], and comedians [[Billy Gilbert]] and [[Buster Keaton]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Colorful hotel history |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1955/apr/04/colorful-hotel-history/ |access-date=August 11, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 4, 1955}}</ref> A weekly boxing series, ''Strip Fight of the Week'', took place at the Silver Slipper from the 1960s to 1982.<ref>Retrieved August 9, 2024:
* {{cite news |title='Strip Fight Of Week' Has New Format |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22%27Strip%20Fight%20Of%20Week%27%20Has%20New%20Format%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 15, 1967 |url-access=subscription}}
* {{cite news |title=Strip fight of week a big hit in Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/275679825/ |work=The Morning Call |date=July 6, 1975 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}
* {{cite news |title=18-year run of fights at Silver Slipper ends |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/149464481/ |work=Reno Evening Gazette |date=May 27, 1982 |via=Newspapers.com}}
* {{cite news |title=Las Vegas boxing tradition being revived |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/1032269986/ |work=Coeur d'Alene Press |date=July 20, 1982 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}
</ref>


A 400-seat showroom, the Gaiety Theatre, opened on August 3, 1966. Another venue, the Red Garter Lounge, was also added.<ref name=Theatre>{{cite news |title=Slipper Opens New Theatre Revue Here |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Slipper+Opens+New+Theatre+Revue+Here%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 5, 1966 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The casino hosted several [[burlesque]] shows,<ref name=Hawley2>{{cite news |last=Hawley |first=Tom |title=Video Vault {{!}} The Silver Slipper closes its doors forever |url=https://news3lv.com/features/video-vault/silver-slipper-closes-its-doors-las-vegas-strip-history |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=KSNV |date=November 27, 2019}}</ref> including ''[[Minsky's Burlesque]]'' (1965–1967),<ref name=Minsky>{{cite news |title=Minsky Show Opens Silver Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Show+Opens+Silver+Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 20, 1965 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Minsky Show Opens Again At 'Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Minsky%20Show%20Opens%20Again%20At%20%27Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 11, 1967 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Minsky's Burlesque Moves To Thunderbird |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Minsky%27s+Burlesque+Moves+To+Thunderbird%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 12, 1968 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and ''Wonderful World of Burlesque'' (1968–1973).<ref>{{cite news |title=Wonderful World Set for Silver Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Wonderful+World+Set+for+Silver+Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 16, 1967 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Silver Slipper presents Barry Ashton's burlesque |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22Silver%20Slipper%20presents%20Barry%20Ashton%27s%20burlesque%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 7, 1972 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Duke of Las Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/645566037/ |work=Needles Desert Star |date=March 22, 1973 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
The casino was purchased for $70 million on June 23, 1988 by [[Margaret Elardi]], who by this time owned the Frontier. It was demolished several months later and turned into a parking lot for the Frontier until its closing and demolition in 2007. There were plans to build an addition to the Frontier on its former grounds; however, they had to eventually be scrapped due to a costly union strike taking place, which put a severe financial strain on the resort.


[[Drag queen]] Kenny Kerr opened a show, titled ''Boy-lesque'', at the theater in 1977.<ref>{{cite news |title='Boy-Lesque' Big Hit at Silver Slipper |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22%27Boy-Lesque%27%20Big%20Hit%20at%20Silver%20Slipper%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B0%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 20, 1977 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/2010-01-04/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=January 4, 2010}}</ref><ref name=Gone>{{cite news |last=McKee |first=David |title=Gone but not forgotten: More spectacles, performers and producers that left their mark on Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2016/nov/16/greatest-shows-more-that-made-an-impact/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=November 16, 2016}}</ref> It featured a variety of female impersonators, including Kerr,<ref name=Hawley>{{cite news |last=Hawley |first=Tom |title=Video Vault: Classic Las Vegas commercial showcased big change in Strip entertainment |url=https://news3lv.com/features/video-vault/video-vault-classic-las-vegas-commercial-showcased-change-in-strip-entertainment |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=KSNV |date=March 14, 2018}}</ref> who portrayed singers such as [[Barbra Streisand]] and [[Cher]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Kerr, a drag queen star in Las Vegas, dies |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/shows/kerr-a-drag-queen-star-in-las-vegas-dies/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 29, 2013}}</ref> The show was a hit for the Silver Slipper, and continued running for the next 11 years, up until the casino's closure.<ref name=Gone/><ref name=Hawley/>
In 2009, the Silver Slipper sign was restored and is now part of a display of vintage signs in the median along [[Las Vegas Boulevard North]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neonmuseum.org/the-collection/neon-signs-project |title=Neon Sign Projects |publisher=Las Vegas Neon Museum |date= August 2, 2011 |accessdate=October 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Publications/19580.htm |title=Historic Silver Slipper Sign Planned For Placement On Las Vegas Boulevard Starting Sunday Night |publisher=City of Las Vegas |date=September 18, 2009 |accessdate=October 21, 2011 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 45: Line 111:
[[Category:Defunct casinos in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Defunct casinos in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Casinos completed in 1950]]
[[Category:Casinos completed in 1950]]
[[Category:1988 disestablishments]]
[[Category:1988 disestablishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:Las Vegas Strip]]
[[Category:Las Vegas Strip]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 1988]]

Latest revision as of 06:44, 27 August 2024

For the casino in Mississippi, see Silver Slipper Casino (Waveland). For the Texas and Pacific Railway train, see Silver Slipper (train).
Silver Slipper
Silver Slipper is located in Las Vegas Strip
Silver Slipper
Silver Slipper is located in Nevada
Silver Slipper
Location Winchester, Nevada
Address 3100 South Las Vegas Boulevard[1]
Opening dateSeptember 1, 1950
Closing dateNovember 28, 1988; 35 years ago (November 28, 1988)
ThemeOld West
Permanent showsMinsky's Burlesque (1965–1967)
Wonderful World of Burlesque (1968–1973)
Boy-lesque (1977–1988)
Casino typeLand
OwnerMargaret Elardi (final owner)
ArchitectMartin Stern Jr.
Homer Rissman
Previous namesGolden Slipper
Renovated in1966
Coordinates36°7′50″N 115°10′0″W / 36.13056°N 115.16667°W / 36.13056; -115.16667

The Silver Slipper was a casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada.[2] It opened on September 1, 1950. It was built just north of the Frontier hotel-casino, and they both shared the same ownership, although the Silver Slipper's gaming operations were later leased out. Businessman Howard Hughes leased the casino from 1968 until his death in 1976.

The Silver Slipper closed on November 28, 1988, amid an ownership change. It was demolished shortly thereafter to become a parking lot for the Frontier, with plans to eventually rebuild the Silver Slipper as a high-rise hotel and casino, although this did not pan out. The Frontier was demolished in 2007, for another resort project that was ultimately canceled as well. The Frontier and Silver Slipper sites remain vacant as of 2024.

The Silver Slipper was known for its neon slipper, which was preserved after the casino's closure. It stands 12 feet and features more than 900 bulbs. The slipper was installed along North Las Vegas Boulevard in 2009.

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

The Silver Slipper was built as part of the Last Frontier Village, a western-themed attraction at the Hotel Last Frontier.[3] The Silver Slipper, built just north of the Frontier hotel, opened on September 1, 1950. It was originally known as the Golden Slipper.[4] Shortly after opening, the Golden Nugget hotel-casino threatened to sue the Golden Slipper, alleging similarities in design and name. The Golden Slipper agreed to stop using the name,[3] and was rebranded the Silver Slipper by the end of 1950,[5] having bought the rights to that name from a bar and casino located on Boulder Highway.[3]

The Silver Slipper was a two-story,[6] Old West-themed casino.[7][8] It featured various games, including a Big Six wheel, craps, Farobank, poker, and roulette.[4] A convention hall, located on the second floor,[9] was the largest in the state.[7] The casino would later become known for featuring a collection of artwork by Julian Ritter.[10][11]

The Silver Slipper was originally operated by the Frontier ownership group, before being leased out in 1956.[12][13][14] In April 1964, the casino became the first in Nevada to be shut down on cheating charges. Agents of the Nevada Gaming Control Board raided the Silver Slipper for using "flat" dice.[15] Although its table games were shut down, the state allowed the slot machines to continue operating.[16][17] The casino was closed entirely on May 8, 1964, by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which alleged that $70,000 in taxes were owed.[18] Later that month, the Nevada Gaming Commission found the casino's management guilty of using flat dice and revoked their gaming license.[19]

The Silver Slipper entered foreclosure in January 1965,[20] but plans by the IRS to sell it were halted after the Frontier owners filed suit, noting that they owned the land and structure.[21] Shelam Inc., a group led by local gambler Sam Diamond,[22][23] soon took over the casino's lease,[24][25][26] reopening the property on October 20, 1965.[27][28] A $500,000 expansion project was underway in 1966. It included exterior remodeling and a larger casino.[29] The project was designed by Martin Stern Jr. and Homer Rissman.[30][31]

Hughes involvement and later years

[edit]

Businessman Howard Hughes took over the Silver Slipper's gaming operations in 1968, leasing the rights from Shelam for $5.3 million.[32][33][34] Hughes had also purchased the Frontier by that point.[35] The Silver Slipper was the only casino that Hughes held personally; the others were owned by Hughes Tool Company, which later became Summa Corporation. Because his company had government contracts, it could not donate to political candidates. Hughes instead withdrew funds from the Silver Slipper for political contributions.[36]

In 1970, the Silver Slipper became the first casino on the Las Vegas Strip to hire female table dealers.[37][38][39]

The former Frontier and Silver Slipper sites (right) in 2023. The latter's foundation is visible at the lower left of the vacant lot.

Summa Corporation attempted to buy the Silver Slipper out of its lease in 1973.[34] However, the ownership group (the former Frontier owners) contended that the option to purchase was assigned to Hughes only, not his company.[40] The group also stated that a $100,000 payment, one of the conditions on the option, was never made.[41] The owners later stated that the purchase option applied to Shelam and should not have been transferred to another leasee.[34] Litigation ensued starting in 1974,[42] when the owners filed a suit against Hughes, alleging he was behind on a year's worth of rent. They sought to evict Hughes and take control of the Silver Slipper.[40][42] Hughes died in 1976, and Summa ultimately took ownership of the casino.[43][44]

In its final years, the casino employed approximately 600 workers.[44] In December 1987, Summa agreed to sell the Frontier and the Silver Slipper – the last of Hughes' Las Vegas gaming properties – to casino owner Margaret Elardi.[45][46] Summa continued operating the Silver Slipper until its closure on November 28, 1988, at which point Elardi took over the property.[8][47][48] Demolition was underway the following month.[49] Elardi redeveloped the land as a parking lot for the Frontier,[50][51] and planned to eventually construct a new Silver Slipper on the site, in the form of a high-rise hotel-casino.[47][50][52] However, this project did not pan out.[53]

The Frontier would be sold several times, and eventually demolished in 2007, for a new resort project that would also be canceled.[54] As of 2024, the Frontier and Silver Slipper sites remain vacant; the latter is still under the ownership of the Elardi family.[55][56]

Signage

[edit]
The neon slipper after its 2009 restoration

The casino was known for having a large, rotating neon slipper, designed by Jack Larsen Sr. and manufactured by YESCO.[57] It is 12 feet high and includes 900 bulbs, with an additional 80 built into a bow that covers the toe area.[58]

The slipper was installed in 1954 or 1955, originally on the casino rooftop.[57] The casino is briefly featured in the 1957 film The Amazing Colossal Man, in which a man grows to gargantuan height and travels through Las Vegas, at one point dismantling the slipper.[59][60][61] In 1965, the slipper was moved to a sign directly alongside the Strip.[57]

Myths

[edit]

In 1968, Hughes was living in a penthouse at his Desert Inn resort, located across the street. Persistent, false stories claim that Hughes took over the Silver Slipper specifically because of its neon slipper. These stories originated with a 1967 article by columnist Earl Wilson, who wrote:[62][63]

[Hughes] found the lights of the Silver Slipper, across the Strip, interfered with his sleep. Associates say he had them request the Silver Slipper to dim its lights. They refused. His emissaries say he has instructed them to negotiate for the purchase of the Slipper so it will no longer interfere with his sleep.

Another story is that the reclusive Hughes was paranoid about photographers hiding in the toe area of the slipper in order to snap photos of him in his penthouse. As such, he purportedly wanted the slipper's rotating mechanism disabled and had it filled with concrete. In reality, Hughes had kept his drapes closed at all times, which would have prevented any bright lights or photographers from bothering him.[62][63] Hughes himself never wrote of the neon slipper in his extensive archive of memos,[62] and concrete was never found in the rotating mechanism.[63]

Preservation

[edit]

After the casino closed, the slipper was acquired by the city's Neon Museum for preservation. At some point during its years in storage, singer Wayne Newton posed with the slipper for a promotional shoot. One of his feet broke through the toe area of the slipper as he stepped onto it, a result of its age.[64]

In 2009, the slipper was installed on a median along North Las Vegas Boulevard, in front of the Neon Museum.[64] The slipper had undergone restoration, which included new wiring and paint, as well as repair work to the toe area.[65] In 2018, the museum changed the slipper's sole and insole paint from red to blue, matching the original color scheme according to early photographs.[66][67]

Another sign, a neon arch that read "free parking", was also preserved after the casino's closure. It was purchased by the Exchange Club casino in Beatty, Nevada, and was relocated there to mark its parking lot, before being toppled by strong wind in 2018.[68]

Other Silver Slipper signs at the Neon Museum, 2017; and the "free parking" sign in Beatty, 1989

Live entertainment

[edit]

Comedian Hank Henry was a frequent entertainer at the Silver Slipper during the 1950s.[69][70] Transgender singer Christine Jorgensen also performed there in 1955.[71][72] Other entertainers included singers Fifi D'Orsay, Nellie Lutcher and Rusty Draper, and comedians Billy Gilbert and Buster Keaton.[73] A weekly boxing series, Strip Fight of the Week, took place at the Silver Slipper from the 1960s to 1982.[74]

A 400-seat showroom, the Gaiety Theatre, opened on August 3, 1966. Another venue, the Red Garter Lounge, was also added.[29] The casino hosted several burlesque shows,[44] including Minsky's Burlesque (1965–1967),[27][75][76] and Wonderful World of Burlesque (1968–1973).[77][78][79]

Drag queen Kenny Kerr opened a show, titled Boy-lesque, at the theater in 1977.[80][81][82] It featured a variety of female impersonators, including Kerr,[53] who portrayed singers such as Barbra Streisand and Cher.[83] The show was a hit for the Silver Slipper, and continued running for the next 11 years, up until the casino's closure.[82][53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Silver Slipper Casino, Gay 90's Buffet menu". University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "Property overview". Clark County Assessor's Office. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Nelson Patrick, Elizabeth (1985). "An Interview with William J. Moore". University of Nevada Oral History Program. pp. 17–18. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Newest Resort Attraction, Golden Slipper, Opens Today". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 1, 1950. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  5. ^ "Silver Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  6. ^ "Fire Routs 500 From Casino on Las Vegas Strip". Los Angeles Times. December 29, 1966. Retrieved August 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "New Silver Slipper Sets Expansion Plan Shortly". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 1, 1956. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
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  11. ^ Autry, Greg. "Julian Ritter's Life and Art Review - An unknown Artist of worldwide acclaim". Splash. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
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  48. ^ Smith, John L. (November 30, 1988). "Lady was a tramp". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
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  50. ^ a b Bates, Warren (November 27, 1988). "Old days are slip-sliding away". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  51. ^ Strow, David (April 25, 2002). "Casino hotel planned for Silver Slipper site". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  52. ^ "'88 may be remembered for building boom in Las Vegas". The Press of Atlantic City. January 1, 1989. Retrieved August 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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  56. ^ Ross, McKenna (March 12, 2024). "What is that vacant lot on the Strip?". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
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  58. ^ Toplikar, Dave (November 6, 2009). "Las Vegas Boulevard sign-lighting ceremony set for Monday". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  59. ^ Holabird, Robin (2017). Elvis, Marilyn, and the Space Aliens: Icons on Screen in Nevada. University of Nevada Press. ISBN 978-0-87417-465-6. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
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  63. ^ a b c Levitan, Corey (November 10, 2023). "Vegas Myths Re-busted: Howard Hughes Bought Silver Slipper Just to Dim its Sign". Casino.org. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  64. ^ a b Toplikar, Dave (November 9, 2009). "Refurbished signs a step forward in preserving Las Vegas' past". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  65. ^ Choate, Alan (August 31, 2009). "Vintage signs will soon light up Las Vegas Boulevard". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  66. ^ "Neon Museum Restores Silver Slipper Sign Paint Color To Original Silver, Gold, Blue". Neon Museum. August 2018. Archived from the original on July 29, 2022.
  67. ^ Seeman, Matthew (August 7, 2018). "Neon Museum restores Silver Slipper sign on Las Vegas Boulevard". KSNV. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  68. ^ Stephens, Richard (April 18, 2018). "Wind destroys piece of old Vegas in Beatty". Pahrump Valley Times. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
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  70. ^ Johnson, Erskine (October 26, 1957). "Comedian Hank Henry Finds Rainbow's End In Las Vegas". Redlands Daily Facts. Retrieved August 9, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "Christine Jorgensen is Silver Slipper Hit". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 2, 1955. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  72. ^ "Christine Jorgensen, the First Transgender Celebrity". Neon Museum. 21 June 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
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  75. ^ "Minsky Show Opens Again At 'Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 11, 1967. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  76. ^ "Minsky's Burlesque Moves To Thunderbird". Las Vegas Review-Journal. January 12, 1968. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  77. ^ "Wonderful World Set for Silver Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 16, 1967. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  78. ^ "Silver Slipper presents Barry Ashton's burlesque". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 7, 1972. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  79. ^ "The Duke of Las Vegas". Needles Desert Star. March 22, 1973. Retrieved August 11, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ^ "'Boy-Lesque' Big Hit at Silver Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 20, 1977. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  81. ^ "Question of the Day". Las Vegas Advisor. January 4, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  82. ^ a b McKee, David (November 16, 2016). "Gone but not forgotten: More spectacles, performers and producers that left their mark on Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  83. ^ Weatherford, Mike (April 29, 2013). "Kerr, a drag queen star in Las Vegas, dies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
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