Before the Bellagio there was the Dunes

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:46 am

First hotel I ever stayed in. I stole this off the internet but its informing.

The Dunes achieved its legendary status thanks in part to decades of mob rule. Both the Mafia and money from the Teamsters’ pension fund helped to build the hotel, and it was owned for many years by Morris Shenker, who was allegedly associated with the St. Louis Mafia.

In addition to its mob links, the Dunes was also made famous by recruiting star performers such as Frank Sinatra to sing at the hotel, in an effort to lure the paying punters in. Still struggling, though, even with the might of Frank and co, it opened Las Vegas’s first topless show called Minsky’s Follies in 1957, which drew in an audience of 16,000, which, at the time, was a record for a single week’s attendance. The Dunes was saved, and lived for another 36 years.

crazytown · Post by **crazytown** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:22 pm

Ate dinner at the Dunes in 1983 at the ripe old age of 18. Only stayed there once maybe 86 or 87. Still tell a story about the plumbing in the old portion of the hotel that we stayed in. I miss those old joints.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:01 pm

My two aunties moved to Las Vegas from Minnesota back in the late 1950's and for the majority of that time were cocktail hostesses at the Dunes.

They got to see it all, and have wonderful stories of their youth.

They are both still there today in their mid to late 70's and still LOVE Vegas!

I've got some nice Dunes memorabilia.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:21 pm

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

My two aunties moved to Las Vegas from Minnesota back in the late 1950's and for the majority of that time were cocktail hostesses at the Dunes.

They are both still there today in their mid to late 70's and still LOVE Vegas! Schwing from the East Coast!

Shawn would love to meet them!

Raskol · Post by **Raskol** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:50 pm

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

My two aunties moved to Las Vegas from Minnesota back in the late 1950's and for the majority of that time were cocktail hostesses at the Dunes.

They are both still there today in their mid to late 70's and still LOVE Vegas! Schwing from the East Coast!

Shawn would love to meet them!

[/QUOTE]Thanks, Doughie, I just shot my drink out of my nose.