Recollections Of Las Vegas: The Good Old and Bad Old Days

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, a city that never sleeps, a place where dreams are made and fortunes are won and lost. The bright lights, iconic landmarks, and unrivaled entertainment have all contributed to its legendary status.

In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and delve into the recollections of Las Vegas during both its good old and bad old days. From the early days of the Rat Pack, showgirls, and old-school glamour, to the darker side of mob involvement and organized crime, Las Vegas has a rich and colorful history that is worth exploring.

The Good Old Days

Las Vegas in its prime was a spectacle like no other. It was a time of glamorous showgirls, luxurious resorts, and legendary performers. The Rat Pack, comprising of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and other iconic entertainers, ruled the stage and brought the city to life with their music, comedy, and charisma.

Fly on the Wall: Recollections of Las Vegas' Good Old, Bad Old Days

by Dick Odessky (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	245 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The iconic resorts like the Sands, the Stardust, and the Desert Inn were the epitome of luxury and elegance. The showrooms were filled with top-notch entertainment, and the famous marquees lit up the night sky, inviting locals and tourists alike to witness the magic of Las Vegas.

For many, the good old days of Las Vegas also meant the thrill of playing at the casinos. Blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines attracted gamblers from all walks of life. Whether it was a lucky streak or a devastating loss, the excitement and adrenaline rush were always present in the lively casino floors.

The Bad Old Days

While Las Vegas was a haven of entertainment and glamour, it was not immune to the dark and shadowy world of organized crime. The city had its fair share of mob involvement, with notorious figures like Bugsy Siegel and Frank Rosenthal leaving their mark on the Las Vegas history books.

The mob-controlled casinos were often associated with corruption, illegal activities, and violence. Many notorious incidents, such as the Stardust skimming operation or the assassination of Bugsy Siegel, tarnished the city's reputation and fueled the narrative of Las Vegas as a place of danger and lawlessness.

However, these bad old days eventually paved the way for a more regulated and legitimate Las Vegas. The dismantling of the mob influence and the rise of corporate ownership brought a new era of professionalism and accountability to the city.

Las Vegas Today

Today, Las Vegas continues to be a vibrant and ever-evolving city. The entertainment scene has expanded to include world-class shows, concerts, and residencies by world-famous performers. The city now boasts some of the most opulent resorts, extravagant shopping malls, and gourmet dining experiences.

While the Rat Pack may have left the stage, their legacy lives on in the countless tribute shows and impersonators that continue to entertain visitors. The iconic Las Vegas Strip still dazzles with its bright lights, towering resorts, and endless entertainment options.

Las Vegas has also reinvented itself as a destination beyond gambling and entertainment. It has become a hub for conventions, conferences, and trade shows, attracting professionals from various industries worldwide.

Furthermore, the city's proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Red Rock Canyon provides opportunities for outdoor adventures, giving visitors a chance to explore the picturesque landscapes surrounding Las Vegas.

In

Recollections of Las Vegas evoke memories of both the good old and bad old days. The city has come a long way from its early beginnings to become a globally recognized entertainment hub and tourist destination.

As you stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard, amidst the bright neon lights, take a moment to appreciate the history and the journey that this city has undergone. From showgirls and mobsters to world-class performers and luxurious resorts, Las Vegas will forever be etched in our memories as a place where dreams are made.

So, the next time you visit Las Vegas, remember its legendary past, revel in its present offerings, and embrace the excitement that this city continues to embody.

Fly on the Wall: Recollections of Las Vegas' Good Old, Bad Old Days

by Dick Odessky (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1266 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	245 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Imagine what it must have been like to be in Las Vegas during its most glamorous and eventful years: the 1950s, the 1960s, and the 1970s.

Back then, “the boys” ran the town, dinner shows were a dollar, and vacant lots on what is now the Strip sold for $5 an acre. Tallulah played baccarat, Shecky shot dice, and Frank dealt blackjack.

Fly on the Wall chronicles those times, as well as the men and women who shaped them.

As a reporter for two of the city’s most respected newspapers and a publicist for two of the city’s most infamous casinos, Dick Odessky was in the thick of it—the proverbial fly on the wall. His recollections of Las Vegas’ good old bad old days put you in the thick of it, too.