Colorado Gambler 10-4-16

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Celebrating 25 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community

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- October 17, 2016

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LOOKING BACK

Gambler at 25 There’s gold in them thar’ hills!

Page 4

GAMING REVENUE

Supporting multimillion dollar historic preservation efforts Page 6

GAMING PIONEERS

Ed & Shirley Smith - Black Hawk’s first casino is a family affair Page 10

CASINO OWNER PROFILE Steve Boulter Recalling the early days of gaming Page 19

TRAIL’S END

Legends behind the face on the barroom floor Page 29

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT

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Gambler

A 25-year winning streak

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chased his stock.

Robert Sweeney B.T. Galloway My family already owned The Villager 303-773-8313 x301 bsween1@aol.com in the DTC area of Denver that we had opsubscribe@villager erated successfully for a decade, serving V.P. Marketing publishing.com Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village. It is Sharon Sweeney still the sister company of The Colorado Contributing Writers cogambler@me.com Gambler.

To advertise, call Sharon Marty and I connected immediately 303-503-1388 and still have a 25-year friendship. I did what I agreed to do in payments, and he Managing Editor delivered the stock in the Colorado GamBecky Osterwald bler as promised. He didn’t relate that gambler@villagerpublishing.com FICA taxes hadn’t been paid on employees and that we would get a lien shortly after Design/Production Manager the sale. But he stood behind the deal and gave me credit for the $30,000 tax levy I Tom McTighe had to pay. production@villagerpublishing.com Peter Droege, who was born in Black Design/Production Hawk, was the talented editor we retained for about one year before he Renee Novitsky moved to The Denver Catholic Regrenee@villagerpublishing.com ister. He is now the head of Step 13, a Accounting very successful residential service for recovering drug and alcohol addicts on Pat McLachlan Larimer Street, founded by now-deceased accounting@villagerpublishing.com Bob Coté.

Shortly after purchasing the newspaper, my daughter Sharon came by www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogambler the office at the moment the advertising

Continued on page 19

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It was in the fall of 1991 byist to promote the legalizedthat legalized gambling came gaming ballot issue. She did her to Colorado. work with others and gambling There was a lot of political became legal 25 years ago this activity leading up to the voter year. approval of legalized gaming I was even a stockholder in in three Colorado mountain Dolly’s Casino in Black Hawk towns—Black Hawk, Central for a short period of time.

City and Cripple Creek.

The Colorado Gambler These were all depressed started with the beginning of areas and many vacant once- BY BOB SWEENEY gambling and it was owned by proud buildings needed deMarty Chernoff and several of cades of repairs and maintenance. his friends. After one year of publishing, Bill Lorenz’s Black Forest Inn was the Marty called me on the phone to offer it main attraction in Black Hawk. He was an for sale. He said something like this: “I early leader in the gaming movement. hear that you are a good publisher and Central City had the summer opera might be interested in my newspaper.” season. A few tourists wandered into I had first read The Colorado Gambler town. I was one of them and saw tumble- at a breakfast café on South Broadway one weeds blowing down the main street of Saturday morning. It was a good read and town.

I admired the concept that a newspaper The Central City Elks Lodge was still was going to publish gaming news. operating and I stopped by for a compliThe call from Marty was like a message mentary drink, as is a custom for visiting from heaven. “Yes” was my response to Elks. meet with him, and before the lunch was I was a friend and colleague of Freda over I purchased the stock in the corpoPoundstone, author of the famed Pound- rate gambling publication. I paid a considstone Amendment that limited the growth erable price for the paper, but it included of Denver and gave rise to the growth of a staff of 12, a craps table and a dozen latethe suburbs. model computers and related equipment.

She was retained as a professional lob- It was a corporate purchase and I just pur-

PAGE 2

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 24 Years

PAGE 3

There’s Gold in Them Thar’ Hills!

Legalized gaming began Oct. 1, 1991 – Visitors eagerly awaited opening: Mining towns brace for impact

By “Lucky” McGraw – September 1991

A

nyone who has visited Central City, Black Hawk or Cripple Creek recently can’t deny it—there really is “gold in them thar hills” again!

Once sleepy little villages on the edge of oblivion, each of these former mining towns now bustles with an energy not seen since the gold rush days. There is resurgent vitality in the renovation and new construction that has been initiated by the passage of limited stakes gaming in the state…and a definite “pioneer spirit” is evident as they get ready to welcome the influx of tourists and visitors just waiting for Oct. 1 and legalized gaming.

The idea of limited stakes gambling began in Colorado’s mountain communities about two years ago when residents and business leaders were trying to come up with new ways to stimulate their local economies. It has been nearly a century since these towns were financial and social centers and the intervening decades had seen their former glory diminish with the veins of silver and gold that had first brought them to prominence. Though their history ledgers were full, their coffers were not and the lack of economic growth was not only threatening the future survival of these towns but their past as well. There simply was not enough money to preserve the places of historical interest and provide for current resident needs at the same time.

Then, although working independently, the three towns decided almost in tandem to look to their past for the future, and came up with the idea of gambling to increase tourist trade and therefore revenues. In February 1990, Central City and Black Hawk hired former western slope Legislator Dick Soash as a lobbyist to convince the legislature to propose an amendment that

PAGE 16 PAGE 4

would allow gambling. At the same time, business owners in Cripple Creek and Central City organized their efforts to convince the voters of Colorado that limited stakes gambling would help to preserve the historic mountain communities. All three of the towns are in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and literally steeped in Colorado history.

Things moved swiftly from there.

On March 5, 1990, Sen. Sally Hopper (R) proposed a constitutional amendment. She felt that gambling was something unique that would attract many people to these communities while preserving their Old West atmosphere. Sam William (D) was the House sponsor of the proposal. Supporters included Terry Wahrer, chairman of the Cripple Creek Gaming Association, and J.D. Carelli, director of public relations for Preservation of Central City, Inc. Carelli, in particular, felt that gambling could provide year-round employment for towns which had what were essentially three-month tourist economies.

Business and community leaders of all three communities joined forces to gather enough signatures to put the issue before voters in the November general election. Their efforts, headed by Larry Brown of Central City, garnered more than 70,000 signatures—more than enough to bring the Initiated Proposal to the voters.

Opposition to the initiative were the usual political and religious interests who expressed concern that there would be “foreign ownership” of the casinos and that gambling would bring a “bad element” to Colorado that would compromise the character of the communities.

Supporters of the initiative countered by saying that the state already has a lottery and that they were proposing only low-stakes gambling and economic restoration of historic sites as a main goal.

The amendment passed by a 3 to 2 margin on Nov. 6, 1990.

The planning begins

Admittedly there is still much to be done before gambling actually

As we take a look back at the past 25 years to celebrate the legalization of Colorado gaming and the historic mining towns, the Colorado Gambler will share with you articles that were published in the paper 25 years ago. This one comes from “Lucky” McGraw and was published in the Premier Edition/September 1991 in the Colorado Gambler (a few edits have been made from the original article).

This photo appeared next to the article written in September 1991 before gaming began on Oct. 1, 1911.

Dale Karsten photo

begins in Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. But, as the actual time to open the casino doors nears, there is a spirit of camaraderie and pulling together for a common goal that had been missing in these communities. In January 1991, the Teller County Regional Planning Commission was formed. Its primary purpose is to help plan for gaming-related growth and to see that gambling is only one element

of such growth for Teller County.

Attitudes are similar in Central City. A staff member at the weekly paper there says that most opposition comes from old timers who feel their city will never be the same yet who remembers when it was vastly different than it is today.

Meanwhile, the chambers of commerce in both communities are planning gala opening week activities, complete with old West shows,

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

shoot-outs in the streets, tours of historic sites and mines—and, of course, poker, blackjack and onearmed bandits.

And when the first snows start to fall and the high country air is crisp as a new $100 bill, these three towns will be well on their way to help revitalizing their own and the state’s economy and establishing a new entertainment and gaming Mecca.

May 24 - June 13, 2011 October 4- 17, 2016

Colorado History

Colorado Cowpoke Discovers Gold

B

eing a distant relative of Bob Womack, I get asked a lot of questions about Ol’ Bob. No, I didn’t know him, he died in 1909, I was born some 50 years later. Yes, we are related, although distantly. No, I am not a direct descendant; Bob never married, and had no children.

However, not surprisingly, he did have “friends” among the businesses on Myers Avenue, and was known to visit Pearl De Vere’s famous Homestead Parlor House.

Why is Bob’s surname spelled with one M, while mine is spelled with two M’s? It was a common practice in the Nineteenth Century to use different spellings of the family surname to distinguish the many branches. Bob’s branch held to the original spelling, while my great-grandfather added an M. And the family connection?

Bob’s great-grandfather, Jesse Womack and my great-greatgrandfather Robert James were brothers. Family legend has it there was a falling out between the two branches of the family around the time Bob’s great-grandfather, and my great-great-grandfather headed west. Robert James distanced himself from the rest of the family by adding an M to the family surname.

The Womack family migrated from Scotland, settling in America near the Tidewater area of Virginia. As the populace migrated to the west and south, following “Manifest Destiny,” so did the Womacks.

Bob’s branch settled in Kentucky, mine in Missouri. But back to Bob. Bob continued west from Kentucky with his father in 1860. He was 17 when his world was torn apart by threats of Civil War. His parents, Sam and Corella, wanted a better life for their four children. The news of the rich gold strikes out West, and the slogan Pikes Peak or Bust, lured Sam and his son Bob to the gold fields of Colorado. Bob and his father mined near the silver towns of Georgetown and Idaho Springs, and soon had made enough money to invest in a little cattle ranch. The old Welty Ranch was located on the southwest base of Pikes Peak. High green meadows against sloping hills provided good land for raising cattle. Bob built a little cabin of his own, at a place he named Poverty Gulch. He was a common cowpoke, a simple man, with a limited edu-

October 4 - 17, 2016

cation. For a time, he helped his family run the ranch, but became bored with the idea.

Soon, the stories of new gold and silver strikes all over the state of Colorado got Bob to thinking. The unexplainable gold fever had crept into Ol’ Bob, as it did thousands of other men who followed the gold migration west for the taste of adventure and fortune. As Bob roamed the valley, caring for his cows, he always had an eye on the creek and river beds, that flowed from the hills. Bob had his dreams and followed the creek beds with his keen eye, searching for that obscure gold strike. He had a theory there was gold in the valley around Poverty Gulch. He figured a good percentage of the gold from those hills surely washed down into the creeks and rivers over the thousands of years since those hills had been there. And one day, sure enough - he spotted gold in a creek bed near his family’s ranch in 1878.

He took a sample over to Colorado Springs to be assayed. But nobody believed Bob, so he went back to caring for the cows, and telling his

Robert Womack tales of rich gold in the local saloons. Still, no one believed him.

Bob’s news was hard to swallow.

Since Colorado’s first gold rush of 1859, every rock slide in the Colorado Rockies had been prospected.

All the gold was supposedly found and replaced with silver findings in the 1880s. It was too incredible that gold would exist in this cow pasture called Cripple Creek. Actually, the cow pasture area containing gold escaped early discovery due to the common dull gray ore color common of the area. Called

Gold King Mine sylvanite, a gold bearing rock, it was unfamiliar to prospectors, and most passed on the discovery. Except Bob Womack.

Ol’ Bob was quite a character. He’d get to drinking and ride his horse, Whistler, right into the saloon. He would talk about his gold theory, and everybody would laugh. “Crazy Bob,” they said. Everyone knew there was no gold in the green cow pasture. Bob was a stubborn old cuss, he searched for years, more than he ranched - to the disapproval of his family. He had a purpose, to his way of thinking, and he was happy.

In 1890, after almost 15 years of searching and nobody believing, Bob Womack struck gold and his search finally paid off. On October 20, 1890, Womack filed his gold claim in Colorado Springs. He called it the El Paso Lode. The find assayed at $250 a ton. Still nobody paid attention to Ol’ Bob; they’d heard it before. The following spring, a mining man, Ed De La Vergne, took some interest and formed the Cripple Creek Mining District on April 5, 1891. Son of a gun! Somebody did listen to Ol’ Bob. Bob’s old friend, Winfield Scott Stratton, spent a week with Bob in Cripple Creek, to look things over. Stratton staked a few claims and returned to Colorado Springs.

Within six months of Stratton’s claim, the Independence Mine assayed at $380 a ton. Bob’s friend W.S Stratton became the first millionaire of Cripple Creek.

The Cripple Creek Mining District boomed, creating the last great gold rush in America. Cripple Creek became known as the “Greatest Gold Camp on Earth.” Ol’ Bob sat back and watched; he was in his glory. After years of searching, his dream had come true. In this over-

looked ranch land, Bob Womack found gold and put Cripple Creek on the map. It must have been an overwhelming sense of euphoria for Bob to have finally located the gold vein he knew all along was there. It wasn’t so much that he was looking to get rich, but to discover the elusive vein and piece together that incredible jigsaw puzzle of rock formations and erosion causing threads of high grade ore running rampant.

The story goes Bob Womack had a hankering for the bottle, and sold his claim one night for $500 and a bottle. I remember as a child I was with my parents when they visited Bob’s grave at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs. An old cantankerous maintenance man thought my mother was a reporter with all her questions about Bob. He told her in no uncertain terms, that Bob was not a drunk and “don’t you print otherwise.”

It’s true, Bob sold his claim, but possibly because he had proven to himself and all of Colorado, there was gold smack-dab in the middle of the cow pasture that became Cripple Creek. It’s possible Bob was only after the gold strike, itself.

Bob Womack’s original find, called the El Paso Lode, became the Gold King Mine, and brought an estimated $5 million to the new owners. It seems Ol’ Bob faded from the pages of history after his discovery.

He had moved to his sister’s boarding house in Colorado Springs, to save expenses. His health wasn’t what it used to be. His luck ran out and he became so destitute, his old friend Cripple Creek millionaire W.S. Stratton lent him money occasionally.

The town officials honored the aging pioneer by naming him the

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

Grand Marshal at Cripple Creek’s Fourth of July Parade in 1902. Bob traveled by way of the new railroad from Colorado Springs, over Ute Pass to Cripple Creek. He had a grand time in the parade, waving and smiling to all who looked on.

Bob remarked on all the changes to the area, and said, “This is one fine city, this Cripple Creek.”

The cool mountain air proved too much for the ailing gold digger. Bob became ill and eventually developed paralysis, becoming bed-ridden for many years. In 1909, after the death of his beloved niece Dorsey Womack, Bob’s condition rapidly declined. At age 66, Bob Womack, discoverer of Cripple Creek’s gold, died a poor, lonely man in Colorado Springs on August 10, 1909. He was buried in the family plot, next to his niece Dorsey, in Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.

Bob Womack had a purpose. He had proven himself. He knew, and history knows - Bob Womack was the discoverer of Cripple Creek, the World’s Greatest Gold Camp on Earth.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Colorado Gambler!

I have been proud to be a contributing writer for this fine publication since January 1992. This is the first article I wrote for the Colorado Gambler. Thank you to the Sweeney family for 25 years of support and friendship. - Linda R. Wommack PAGE 5

Historic Preservation

Gaming revenue supports multimillion dollar historic preservation efforts

BY ROSEMARY FETTERER

When Colorado voters approved limited stakes gaming in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek in 1990, they were making an important investment in the state’s future. Through the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is subsidized by gaming proceeds, approximately $273 million has been awarded over the past 25 years. Beneficiaries include more than 4,200 projects in all 64 counties creating jobs and revenue, providing space for businesses and affordable housing, promoting tourism and helping to preserve Colorado’s exciting past.

The SHF receives 28% of the tax revenue generated from gambling.

Of that amount, 20% is returned to the gaming towns for historic preservation purposes and 80% is directed to the State Historical Fund program (SHF receives 22.4% of total tax revenues for grants program). Grant amounts vary widely. The smallest was $474 to Annunciation School for a historical photographic narrative of the Denver’s Cole neighborhood.

The largest single competitive grant for a preservation project has been $625,000 awarded to the Housing Authority of Colorado Springs for the rehabilita-

Union Pacific Roundhouse, Hugo

Teller House in Central City

Photo courtesy, Roundhouse Preservation Inc.

Photo courtesy Central City Opera

tion of the Lowell School. Recent recipients of major SHF grants include the Colorado Governor’s Mansion ($90,651), the Teller House in Central City ($200,000) the Hinsdale County Courthouse in Lake City ($125,336) and the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Kiowa County ($200,000). The SHF supports a range of projects, including restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, architectural assessments, archaeological excavation, designation and interpretation of historic places, preservation planning studies and educational programs.

The impact of gaming revenue on historic preservation has been monumental. The SHF brings communities closer together, channeling local support for preservation efforts, whether it’s improvements to the State Capitol building in Denver, renovation of the Grand Junction railroad depot, restoration of the Union Pacific Roundhouse in Hugo, revitalization of a business district in Montrose or a host of other projects. The fund also provides awards to educational projects that support heritage tourism, an important contributor to the economy. These include publications, videos, markers and exhibits Denver County

has received the most grants (348), while Boulder County comes in second with 132. Baca County has received only one grant for an Interpretive Kiosk in Campo. Far reaches throughout the state include a National Register nomination and archaeological brochure at Dinosaur National Monument and a site restoration and archaeological survey in Colorado’s Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park. In terms of highs and lows, SHF recently funded an exterior restoration of the Hippodrome Theater in Julesburg and a historic structural assessment of the Municipal Library, both located at 3,477 feet above sea level. The Fund also helped restore the Lewis Mill in San Miguel County and the Old Hundred Mine’s Boardinghouse and Tramhouse

in San Juan County, perilously perched above Cunningham Gulch at 12,500 in elevation. Due to the rough terrain, materials used for stabilization were airlifted by helicopter to the site.

Another SHF program, Centennial Farms began in 1986 as a collaborative effort among former Governor Richard D. Lamm, the Colorado Historical Society (now History Colorado) and the Colorado Department to recognize the important role agriculture has played in Colorado. This is the first program of its kind in the nation to give Historic Structure Awards to families who have successfully preserved historic buildings on their farms and ranches.

The current grant round for 2016 ended on Oct. 3. For further information on the next round in 2017, including application forms and workshops, visit history colorado.org.

Hinsdale County Courthouse Courtesy photo

PAGE 6

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

October 4 - 17, 2016

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 7

Then and Now Archives

Mountain gambling towns become destinations — not ‘short stops’ T

By Margaret Malsam

he old mining towns of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek are no longer “short stops” in the mountains, but destinations. Now visitors can spend a few hours, a day or stay overnight in any of these three mountain towns, which today boast beautiful casinos, hotels with amenities, and fine restaurants.

Central City

Before gambling was legalized and casinos opened October 1991, my husband and I often took our visiting flatland friends and relatives for a scenic mountain ride and stopped briefly for a drink in a bar in Central City. The Glided Garter, with the cowboy guy standing in front to beckon us in was one of our favorites.

On rare occasions, we attended an opera at Central City’s Opera House, but that was

Gilded Garter in Central City

PAGE PAGE 20 8

about the only other reason to drive up to the town. In those days, the seats were so small that our long legs were cramped during the performance. Now the Opera House has new, more comfortable seating.

Thanks to grants from gaming revenues earmarked for Colorado historic preservation, visitors to the casinos are only steps away from famous restored historical sites in Central City, such as the famous Opera House (the oldest operating opera house in the U.S.), the Thomas House and the Gilpin County Historical Museum (once the first permanent schoolhouse west of the Mississippi). Some of the museum’s most unusual items are a pool table that converts into a church pew and a gasoline-burning iron used to press clothes.

A little-known historical jewel of Central City is the 1866 Thomas House at 209 Eureka Street. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas moved into the house in 1894, and when the couple moved to

Cripple Creek

Old Gilpin Hotel in Black Hawk

Denver in 1917, they left everything behind, hoping to return someday. When the Gilpin County Historical Society received this house, they found a rich time capsule of fascinating early 1900s calendars, clocks, toys, quilts, family photos, advertising art, magazines, and even undergarments

Black Hawk

When we were staying at a hotel in Colorado Springs before gambling began, we loved to go to the melodrama theater in the old Imperial Hotel in Cripple Creek. I still have the musical tape of Danny Griffith, the long-time piano player at the theater.

It was closed in March 2010. This summer the historic Imperial Hotel with its Gold Bar Theater and restaurant opened again after a restoration by its new owners, Gary and Win Ledford. Adjoining the hotel is Jim’s Casino.

The Ledfords are retired builders who previously completed the renovation of the big brick Cripple Creek High School into Carr Manor Historic Inn, a boutique hotel and bed ‘n breakfast. The Imperial Hotel now has eight rooms available for guests and will soon have 16 rooms completed. All rooms have renovated private bathrooms and many will become mini-suites, with a living room and roll out couch, allowing for children to stay.

“The plan is to keep as much of the historic ambience as possible while introducing more energy efficient lighting and heating elements,” Gary Ledford said.

The Hospitality House, a two-story, red brick building on the north edge of Cripple Creek is now restored and open to guests.

This former Teller County Hospital, which was constructed in 1901 during the height of the gold rush, once bore the names like maternity, recovery, quarantine, emergency on large wooden doors of each room. Today the historic building has 17 guest rooms with Victorian décor. Its RV campground has pullthrough sites with full hook-ups, tenting area, bathhouse, laundry and game areas.

These three old mining towns were fading away before gambling started. Many buildings, like the Gilpin Hotel, were in ruin.

Twenty years later these towns continue to grow and attract more visitors each year.

Before gambling started, sometimes we stopped to dine on great German food at the Black Forest Inn in Black Hawk, but usually we just passed through this crumbling mountain town of yesteryear. Dining at the Black Forest Inn was about the only reason to stop in Black Hawk then. Now this restaurant has moved to Nederland. Twenty years later this mountain town is blossoming with big casinos, fine restaurants and luxurious hotels. We especially like the two-for-one breakfasts and lunches for seniors on Mondays and Tuesdays at The Lodge’s Seasons Buffet.

On our trips through the mountains in the late ‘80s, we saw the once-elegant Gilpin Hotel falling slowly into ruin.

“Someone ought to restore that old hotel,” I told my husband. “Let’s stop and take a picture of it.”

It wasn’t until 1992, however, that the burned-out building was restored and opened with a casino and restaurant. In 2003, it was expanded and remodeled. Now we enjoy dining with our guests in their large second floor restaurant, which is named Lucile Malone’s. Lucille, better known as Lucy, was an early-day schoolteacher who lived in the Gilpin Hotel’s second floor. Employees of the Gilpin Casino report that this dead lady has made her ghostly presence felt on many occasions.

The oldest school building in Colorado is actually located in Black Hawk, and opened in May Hospitality House in Cripple Creek 1870.

Photos by George Malsam

THECOLORADO COLORADO GAMBLER 2525 Years THE GAMBLER––Celebrating Celebrating Years

September 27 - October October 4 - 10, 17, 2011 2016

Then &Archives Now

Those were the days…these are the days mostly just watched as those new to the game and with more money than I tried their luck.

I watched a lady win $300 on a nickel slot machine, only to gamble it all back in. Free food and drinks were everywhere. Each caBy Jan MacKell ct. 1, 1991. What a date! What an amaz- sino featured hawkers at the door, giving out ing day! Witnesses to Cripple Creek’s coupon books for free coin and all kinds of rebirth from a sleepy tourist town to other goodies. Old Cripple Creek, once “The one of Colorado’s three gambling Meccas World’s Greatest Gold Camp,” fairly vibrated will remember that day as one that changed with activity and everyone seemed to have a the face of the state’s economy. Gambling look that resembled a child’s face on Christbrought new hope not just to the business mas morning.

In the coming months, years even, gampeople and residents of Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk. The newly-created bling seemed to smile on Cripple Creek and its willing participants. Those market also inspired histowere the days—when you rians, created a slew of new could walk up one side jobs, and gave budding enof Bennett and down the trepreneurs in the casino other gathering those couindustry a chance to make pon books. They said you it big. could eat and drink for free As a veteran of the gamduring the whole trip, plus bling industry, I remember make a good $30 in the well the changes brought bargain with the free coin forth just before Oct. 1. For coupons. If you wanted to months, Cripple Creek’s splurge you could eat a 50Bennett Avenue was a flurry of activity. Construction The famed Brass Ass still poses cent breakfast at Bronco seemed to be taking place in the front window at the Brass Billy’s (a promotion that everywhere as the old busi- Ass Casino, now part of Triple is still in place), or a whole prime rib dinner at the Inness blocks were cleaned Crown Casinos. dependence for $1.99. Free out, cleaned up, gutted, redesigned and refurbished. New carpet, paint, shrimp cocktail at the Black Diamond. Free wallpaper, tin ceilings and glamorous lights hot dogs at the Midnight Rose. Free popcorn were hauled up from Colorado Springs and at Womack’s. Free cocktails at every bar. Free other places as new life was installed behind free free-free-free.

And there was more. Amateur gamblers the old facades. New buildings popped up where none had been for 20, 60, 80 years. might walk off and leave a machine with credSome old buildings went down. The sounds its on it, or hit the jackpot and leave thinking of hammers and saws reverberated through- they broke the machine. Others mindlessly out the city streets as Cripple Creek prepared fed coins into the bar tops, not realizing that a little black cup underneath caught the extras. for the newest chapter in its long life.

On the big day, I remember coming up to Finding money on the floor was common; so watch the city’s comeback and apply for a job. was playing with blackjack dealers who didn’t Seven casinos opened on Oct. 1, with more know the game well and paid you whether promising to swing their doors open soon. you won or lost. Indeed it took quite a few I had about $20 to my name that day, so I years—over a decade in some cases—for the

Cripple Creek gets a chance at a new life

O

During excavation of the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino site, a layer of ashes from the 1896 fire was uncovered. On Oct. 1, 1991, Cripple Creek opened with seven casinos that would eventually peak at 34.

File photo

September 27 - October 10, 2011 October 4 - 17, 2016

Today, Cripple Creek boasts nine casinos including The Brass Ass, Bronco and Buffalo Billy’s, Century, Colorado Grande, Double Eagle and Gold Creek, Johnny Nolan’s, J.P. McGill’s, Midnight Rose and Wildwood.

Photos by Jan MacKell

casinos to get their new gig down and learn how to cater to their players versus the freeloaders.

In 1996, Cripple Creek peaked with 34 casinos. You could still get a job bartending back then starting at $7 an hour, plus tips.

Few bartenders, waiters or dealers walked with less than $100 in their pockets after a shift. The money simply flew, but it did come with a price as people began questioning the ethics of gambling versus historic preservation. Did they have to tear down the Masonic hall and “dismantle” Cripple Creek’s beautiful old bank building? Why were residents on West Bennett Avenue subject to higher taxes because they were in the gaming zone? How was it for the children of Cripple Creek during the 1990’s, when suddenly they were banned from most of the buildings downtown? Who was paying attention to the city’s infrastructure?

In time, Cripple Creek seems to have figured most of this out. The sacrifices made over the last 25 years finally seem to weigh less than the benefits. Thanks to gambling, Cripple Creek now has new water pipes. New ADA accessible sidewalks. A nicer city hall, fire station and police station. Paved streets.

Better events. A beautiful theatre. Three museums and a heritage center that are all subsidized or owned by the city. Public art. A nice park. The cemetery is kept up. And there are still a good handful of casinos, many of which

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

have been here since the early days.

Cripple Creek has also managed to weather a faltering economy quite nicely.

TITO (ticket-in-ticket-out, which some casino workers contend actually stands for tipping-is-totally-optional) has replaced the jangling of coins from the machines, but the game remains the same. Now, with higher stakes and round the clock hours, Cripple Creek has even more chances to make more money and bring more visitors. It has indeed been a long strange trip for many, but its time as a gaming town has been good to Cripple Creek in this, its second “gold boom” and chance at a new life.

Glenda Hency and Cathy Keeler were just two of many favorite employees at the Black Diamond Casino’s. The Black Diamond is now Bennett Station, a local tavern.

PAGE 21 PAGE 9

Gaming Memories

Black Hawk’s first casino is still a family affair

O

just drove on through to Central City.” n Oct. 1, 1991, ColoEd quit his job at Gates Rubber rado gaming pioneers Co. shortly after they bought the Ed and Shirley Smith old hardware store. The couple became the first Black later joined in the successful effort Hawk casino to greet visitors. to gain signatures for legalized “We opened at 8 a.m. with six gambling. “When it passed, temporary licenses,” we had a lot of people Ed recalled. “Nothcoming in and trying else was open, ing to give us a Virginia Lewis ‘special deal,’ to opened the Gold take over our loMine later in the cation,” he recalls day. At the time, with a grin. “We we had no idea if had an option to gaming was gobuy the building, ing to succeed. but the owner As it turned out, denied that we we had people had a right to lined up at the be there in the door when we first place. Our opened. ” lawyer settled When the that one a week couple rented before gamthe former Jening started. We kins McKay Hardknocked the ware store in 1985, plaster off the which they later wall on the south named the Wild Card side of the building, brought Saloon, very little of in the first 30 machines in Colothe original Black Hawk rado and were ready to go.” They remained. The building, partnered with Steve Boulter, which was a laundromat when the Craig Ball and Craig Ridings, who Smiths rented it, had operated as later sold out their interest and a hardware store for nearly a cen- opened the Black Hawk Station. tury. The first The Smiths owners somehave great times used the memories of upper level for opening day. lodge meetings They hired and the annual popular local fireman’s ball. entertainer One of Black C.C. ColHawk’s few lier, who had murders, a dobeen playing mestic quarrel, at a gathertook place uping in Idaho stairs in 1900.

Springs. They When the decorated the Smiths bought casino with a the building, giant stuffed opening a cabear and sursino was the rounded the last thing on musician with their minds. bales of hay “We do wildlife while their two photography,” grandchildren, Ed explained.

Kristopher “Since the and Charbuilding has lene (Charlie), 14-foot ceil- The next generation of the Smith danced to the ings and large family, grandson Eddie. music. In 1995 windows, we they sold the thought it would be a good place building and moved across the to hang our pictures. But nobody street to the Cracker Factory, takstopped in Black Hawk then, they ing the name “Wild Card Casino”

ROSEMARY FETTER

PAGE 10

Ed and Shirley Smith with Sasquatch

Charlie Ball, granddaughter of Ed & Shirley

Smith clan at a recent wedding. with them. With a sharp instinct for marketing, they included a grocery store in the back of the building. The Jenkins McKay Building had been rented to Bronco Billy’s, and four years ago took it back and giving the casino a new name, “The Sasquatch.”

To provide atmosphere, “Harry,” a 7’4” Sasquatch, created by Jonas Brothers Taxidermy, greets guests as they enter. The casino has a friendly, casual air, offering great specials (including a hearty $2.99 lunch) and two restaurants, Harry’s Grill and Harry’s Hideout, the latter the home of Sasquatch Pie. “We offer special promotions to encourage people to visit us,” Ed said.

Ed and Shirley are both local folks, born in Silt and New Castle, just seven miles apart. Their families go back to the county’s earliest days. According to Shirley, her family drove a heard of cattle from Golden to the Western Slope in 1870. The couple, who attended different schools, never crossed paths as youngsters even though they were in 4-H at the same time. To be fair, a mountain separated them, but as the poets tell us, love can move mountains. They finally met on a on a blind date when both were college students, later discovering to their surprise that their parents knew each other. Ed

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

and Shirley married in 1961 and have four children and numerous grandchildren, all of whom have worked in the casino at one time or another. (Their granddaughter Charlie Ball is now a manager.)

For most of their married lives they’ve lived on a ranch at Floyd Hill and in Silt on the Western Slope.

The Smiths operate other enterprises along with the casinos.

Although they live on a ranch in Evergreen, they also own Mount Evans Trout Fishing in Idaho Springs, which their son and daughter-inlaw manage. They recently opened a gas station/convenience store, “The Sasquatch Store,” at exit 243 on I-70, also family owned and operated. For atmosphere, the store has an old Model T in the back.

Wild Card and Sasquatch guests seem to prefer the casual feel of the smaller casinos. “We even brought in new machines from Las Vegas, but nobody wanted to use them. I guess our customers are just not Las Vegas players.”

October 4 - 17, 2016

Gaming Memories

Black Hawk’s first casino is still a family affair

O

just drove on through to Central City.” n Oct. 1, 1991, ColoEd quit his job at Gates Rubber rado gaming pioneers Co. shortly after they bought the Ed and Shirley Smith old hardware store. The couple became the first Black later joined in the successful effort Hawk casino to greet visitors. to gain signatures for legalized “We opened at 8 a.m. with six gambling. “When it passed, temporary licenses,” we had a lot of people Ed recalled. “Nothcoming in and trying else was open, ing to give us a Virginia Lewis ‘special deal,’ to opened the Gold take over our loMine later in the cation,” he recalls day. At the time, with a grin. “We we had no idea if had an option to gaming was gobuy the building, ing to succeed. but the owner As it turned out, denied that we we had people had a right to lined up at the be there in the door when we first place. Our opened. ” lawyer settled When the that one a week couple rented before gamthe former Jening started. We kins McKay Hardknocked the ware store in 1985, plaster off the which they later wall on the south named the Wild Card side of the building, brought Saloon, very little of in the first 30 machines in Colothe original Black Hawk rado and were ready to go.” They remained. The building, partnered with Steve Boulter, which was a laundromat when the Craig Ball and Craig Ridings, who Smiths rented it, had operated as later sold out their interest and a hardware store for nearly a cen- opened the Black Hawk Station. tury. The first The Smiths owners somehave great times used the memories of upper level for opening day. lodge meetings They hired and the annual popular local fireman’s ball. entertainer One of Black C.C. ColHawk’s few lier, who had murders, a dobeen playing mestic quarrel, at a gathertook place uping in Idaho stairs in 1900.

Springs. They When the decorated the Smiths bought casino with a the building, giant stuffed opening a cabear and sursino was the rounded the last thing on musician with their minds. bales of hay “We do wildlife while their two photography,” grandchildren, Ed explained.

Kristopher “Since the and Charbuilding has lene (Charlie), 14-foot ceil- The next generation of the Smith danced to the ings and large family, grandson Eddie. music. In 1995 windows, we they sold the thought it would be a good place building and moved across the to hang our pictures. But nobody street to the Cracker Factory, takstopped in Black Hawk then, they ing the name “Wild Card Casino”

ROSEMARY FETTER

PAGE 10

Ed and Shirley Smith with Sasquatch

Charlie Ball, granddaughter of Ed & Shirley

The Wedding was for Ed and Shirley’s oldest Granddaughter Raeann Williams. The people in the photo from left to right are: Kristopher Kelly, Shannon Lochnikar-Smith, Caroline Gustin, Sherell Smith, Joe Ball, Charlie Ball, Ray Smith, Kathy Smith, Brandon Smith, MJ Kelly, Ray Smith, Logan Williams, Raeann Williams, Lana Smith, Shalynn Smith, Shane Smith, Sarah Smith, Tyler Smith, Shianne Smith, Sammi Zebroski, Zoey Zebroski, Shirley Smith, Ed Smith, and CJ Kelly.

with them. With a sharp instinct for marketing, they included a grocery store in the back of the building. The Jenkins McKay Building had been rented to Bronco Billy’s, and four years ago took it back and giving the casino a new name, “The Sasquatch.”

To provide atmosphere, “Harry,” a 7’4” Sasquatch, created by Jonas Brothers Taxidermy, greets guests as they enter. The casino has a friendly, casual air, offering great specials (including a hearty $2.99 lunch) and two restaurants, Harry’s Grill and Harry’s Hideout, the latter the home of Sasquatch Pie. “We offer special promotions to encourage people to visit us,” Ed said.

Ed and Shirley are both local folks, born in Silt and New Castle, just seven miles apart. Their families go back to the county’s earliest days. According to Shirley, her family drove a heard of cattle from Golden to the Western Slope in 1870. The couple, who attended different schools, never crossed paths as youngsters even though they were in 4-H at the same time. To be fair, a mountain separated them, but as the poets tell us, love can move mountains. They finally met on a on a blind date when both were college students, later discovering to their surprise that their parents knew each other. Ed

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

and Shirley married in 1961 and have four children and numerous grandchildren, all of whom have worked in the casino at one time or another. (Their granddaughter Charlie Ball is now a manager.)

For most of their married lives they’ve lived on a ranch at Floyd Hill and in Silt on the Western Slope.

The Smiths operate other enterprises along with the casinos.

Although they live on a ranch in Evergreen, they also own Mount Evans Trout Fishing in Idaho Springs, which their son and daughter-inlaw manage. They recently opened a gas station/convenience store, “The Sasquatch Store,” at exit 243 on I-70, also family owned and operated. For atmosphere, the store has an old Model T in the back.

Wild Card and Sasquatch guests seem to prefer the casual feel of the smaller casinos. “We even brought in new machines from Las Vegas, but nobody wanted to use them. I guess our customers are just not Las Vegas players.”

October 4 - 17, 2016

SaratogaCasinoBH.com $100,000 Haunted Royal Flush

Saturdays in October, from 7 – 11 p.m., be one of five lucky players each night to pick a haunted hand and win up to $20,000 cash! Earn entries for every 50 base points or 30 minutes of rated play on table games. Start accumulating entries on the Sunday before each drawing.

Plus, get 10X Entries on Tuesdays.

p.m., be one of 10 lucky guests to win up to $300 Promo Play or $300 cash! Plus, enter to win $1,000 cash on Friday, Oct. 28. Every Friday, earn one entry for every 100 base points or every 60 minutes of rated play on table games. Visit Guest Services for details and to receive your printed entry into the drawing.

Jack O’ Lantern Jackpot Celebration

Saturday Oct. 29, from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., be one of four lucky winners to win Promo Play, Cash or even have a recent Jackpot Doubled!

Players will receive one entry for every Jackpot $1,200 or better, from Oct. 1 through Oct. 28. All entries will be placed in a drum and on Oct. Succumb to the 29 four winners will be randomly seDrum Giveaway lected. Visit Guest Services for more Fridays in October, from 6 – 10:30 details.

BronGo Play Giveaway

al kiosk. Winners will be announced Join Saratoga Casino for the big every Wednesday for the previous game and score! During every Den- week’s game. Visit Guest services for ver pro-football team game, every- complete details. one playing will score $5 Promo Play or a $5 Promo Chip for every Denver Tomb Stone Treasures Kiosk touchdown. Plus, after the touch- Game down, a lucky player will be chosen Tuesdays in October, play our to play Plynko for up to $300 Promo new Tombstone Treasures Kiosk Play! Simply play with your Player Game and reveal a prize of up to Extras Club card in your favorite slot $1,000 Promo Play! To win, simply machine to win. Visit Guest Services swipe your Player Extras Club card for complete details. at a kiosk after earning 100 base points or playing 60 minutes of table Gridiron Greats Kiosk Game games before 11:59 p.m.

This football season, pick your bet for the winning team weekly, Super Mega Points Multiplier Every Monday and Thursday in and you could win: 1st place - $300 Promo Play, 2nd Place – $200 Promo October, spin the multiplier wheel Play, 3rd Place – $100 Promo Play. To at our promotional kiosk and get up win, simply earn 500 base points in to 40X points on your favorite slots! the week preceding the games, then Simply spin the wheel at a kiosk bechoose your picks at any promotion- fore you play.

Weekday Warriors Bus Fare Redemption

All day, Monday – Thursday, and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays, get $20 cash back or $25 in Promo Play when you redeem your same-day bus ticket at Guest Services. Gold members – only 75 base points.

Platinum members – only 50 base points. Diamond & Diamond Elite members – free. Visit Guest Services for details.

Join Now, Win Now

Reach the summit of rewards with Saratoga’s all-new Player Extras Club. Enjoy more benefits including discounts for dining and merchandise, special invitations to promotions and events and many other exclusive offers. New Player Extras Club members get up to $210. Visit Guest Services for details.

SATURDAYS 7PM – 11PM Be one of FIVE LUCKY PLAYERS to pick a haunted hand and win one the following prizes: Royal Flush Four-of-a-Kind Full House Straight

20,000 CASH $ 1,000 CASH $ 750 Promo Play $ 500 Promo Play $

Three-of-a-Kind $300 Promo Play Two Pairs $200 Promo Play One Pair $100 Promo Play

FRIDAYS | 6PM – 10:30PM Be one of 10 lucky guests to win up to $300 PROMO PLAY or $300 CASH! Plus, enter to win $ 1,000 CASH on Friday, October 28. Every Friday, earn one entry for every 100 base points or every 60 minutes of rated play on table games. Visit Guest Services for your printed entry into the drawing.

Earn entries for every 50 base points or 30 minutes of rated play on table games.

Start accumulating entries on Sunday, September 25. Plus, get 10X Entries on Tuesdays.

Must be present to win. Receive entries for points earned and table games play during official gaming day hours. Visit Guest Services for details.

101 Main Street • P.O. Box 427 Black Hawk, CO 80422 • 1-800-538-LUCK • 303.582.6100 • www.SaratogaCasinoBH.com Visit Guest Services for details. Must be 21 and a Player Extras Club member. Saratoga Casino reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.522.4700.

October 4 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 11

ite gameshow game, drop a puck on our prize pegboard and let the puck fall where it may, you could win anywhere from 7x to 20x multiplier on all slots for the day!

Plus, you get five times points on video poker. Don’t forget to register before you play. See guest services for rules and additional details. Management reserves all rights.

blackhawkladyluck.com $20K Mad for Cash

Join us Fridays and Saturdays in October from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. to play doctor and try to remove game pieces from our life size game board to win cash and fanplay. All players receive one free entry each promotional day. Slot players earn additional entries for every 100 unadjusted points and video poker players earn additional entries for every 1,000 unadjusted points. The higher your Fan Club status, the higher your surgeon skills and the more pieces you can remove. Management reserves all rights.

Happy Winners Progressive Payday

Join us on Oct. 28 and 29 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for your chance to be one of the 10 Fan Club members chosen every hour to play. Pick an emoticon on our Play More. Be Happy. board to win fanplay. The cash progressive starts at $500 and grows every hour that it’s not won. All players receive one free entry each promotional day. Slot players earn additional entries for every 100 unadjusted points and video poker players earn additional entries for every 1,000 unadjusted points. Management reserves all rights.

LadyLuck.com

Now, Luck is just a click away. Check out our latest merchandise and apparel at Ladyluck.com. While you’re there you can play your favorite classic casino games online.

Jackpot Frenzy #5

Hear the ding, ding, ding of your machine and you could win even more cash! Earn an entry into Lady Luck’s next $10,000 Jackpot Frenzy! Guests will receive one free entry for every jackpot $1,200 or better won through noon on Nov. 5. On Nov. 5, place your entries in Lady Luck’s Jackpot Frenzy drawing that takes place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. You could win up to $1,000! A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be given away! See guest services for rules and additional details. Management reserves all rights.

Club 40

We’re multiplying the fun Mondays and Wednesdays!

Join us twice a week for Club 40. All guests age 40 or better will receive 6x points on slots and 2x points on video poker.

Guests will also receive a free entrée at Otis & Henry’s once they earn 25 Tier Score points on their Lady Luck Player’s Card. See guest services for rules and additional details.

Management reserves all rights.

Win Mystery Point Multiplier

Earn up to 20 Times Points Thursdays. Just like a favor-

PAGE 12

New Member

There has never been a better time to sign up for the Fan Club at Lady Luck. Join the club today. When you’re a fan, you get better rewards faster than ever. For all new members, just play 10 unadjusted points and receive $20 in Otis & Henry’s Bar & Grill and $10 in Match Play on Table Games. Sign up your email address, receive $5 and start raking in those rewards. See guest services for rules and additional details. Management reserves all rights.

Social Media

Make sure to ‘like’ Lady Luck Black Hawk on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Stay up to date with all promotions, events and special contests! Also, make sure to register your email with Guest Services to receive special promotion emails.

Play and Stay

Play More, Be Happy and stay for free with your friends at Lady Luck! Earn 500 Tier Score points Sunday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and midnight for a free room in the Lady Luck hotel tower. On Fridays play 800 Tier Score Points between 8 a.m. and midnight for a free room. Make sure to register at guest services prior to play. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $20 in Bounce Back Coupons after five hours of play.

Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room, located on the 2nd floor, for additional details.

Table Games

Up your odds with the best table games crew in Black Hawk! Play Craps, Roulette, Bonus 6, Buffalo Black Jack Bonus and Double Deck Blackjack every day of the week!

There are 20X odds on Craps everyday! $5 games open every day and $2 craps Monday through Thursday. See Table games, located on the second floor of Lady Luck, for additional promotions and details.

Platinum and Millionaire Bonus Points

The tier rewards are racking up with a great point multiplier day for Platinum and Millionaire players.

Wednesday, Oct. 12. Platinum players will receive 8X points and Millionaire players will receive 10X points. You don’t need to register, come on in and enjoy your favorite slot machine and receive bonus points all day!

Select and Gold Bonus Points

The tier rewards are racking up with a great point multiplier day for Select and Gold players. Wednesday, Oct. 26 Select players will receive 3X points and Gold players will receive 5X points. You don’t need to register, come on in and enjoy your favorite slot machine and receive bonus points all day!

Bus fare redemption

Ride in style to Lady Luck! Guests who play with a Fan Club Card can receive up to $23 cash back on bus fare every day. Earn 350 unadjusted points on Lady Luck Player’s Card to receive cash back. Poker and table games guests can earn too! Ask Supervisor for details. Guests must redeem bus ticket at Guest Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Jackpots make the fun of winning a progressive jackpot that much easier with 12 individual progressive prizes that can hit multiple times a day. There are jackpots for Royal Flushes, Straight Flushes, and any 4 of a kind. Monte Carlo Madness takes effect when our bad beat jackpots all reach $25K and 100% of the jackpot rake gets distributed to the Monte Carlo hands making the amounts increase twice as fast. Visit the Lady Luck Poker Room for details and updated jackpot amounts.

Lady Luck Poker

It’s easier than ever to win big in the Lady Luck Poker Room! The Bad Beat Jackpot now includes a decreasing qualifier element starting at Aces full of Kings. And make sure to check out the new Bounce Back Bonus offers— now every day of the week!

Be in a game by 10 a.m. and receive $10 in Bounce Back Coupons after four hours of play.

Play Club Member. Sign up today and you can win up to $1,000 and start receiving all the benefits you deserve!

If you earn 350 points on your day of sign-up, you earn a second swipe at our promotion kiosk for even more prizes!

Visit guest services for details and see how far your play can take you!

Play your favorite table games

Try your luck at one of our table games at Mardi Gras or Golden Gates Casinos and reap the rewards! We offer Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and more! There are so many options and games to play so feel free to ask any of our experienced and friendly dealers how to play any of our table games!

Golden Gates Poker Parlour

Come visit Black Hawk’s finest custom built Poker Parlour at the Golden Gates Casino! Featuring 18 live-action poker tables and the best daily tournaments in Colorado.

Check out our current Poker Promotions and get even more cash for your play!

Golden Gulch Casino

Check out the Golden Gulch’s exclusive promotions with something fun for everyone! Enjoy Nifty 50+ specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, $3,200 Hot Seat Fridays and Saturdays and our Wheel of Winnings kiosk game on Sundays. Stop by and pick up your A-Play Club Card and get all the details of our great promotions from our friendly Gulch team! Come and play at the Gulch, where everybody knows your game!

Bourbon Street Buffet

goldenmardigras.com 4x point multiplier thursdays

Bourbon Street Café has a new look, new menu and new flavors! Feel at home with our Fried Chicken Dinner or Mountain Man Meatloaf starting at $12 or satisfy your sweet tooth with hot and fresh beignets!

Make Thursdays your day to play big and earn points faster with our 4x Point Multiplier! Swipe at any Mardi Gras or Golden Gates promotional kiosk to activate your point multiplier each Thursday and watch your slot points multiply faster than ever. Point multiplier is valid for all card tiers and only valid on slot machines (video poker and multi-game machines featuring video poker excluded).

Lucky’s Restaurant

Night owl specials

Check out our new menu! Full House is now offering delicious fresh all-beef burgers cooked to order, green chili tater tots, chocolate dipped bacon and so much more!

If you work in Black Hawk or Central City or you are simply a Night Owl, we have great specials for you from 2 a.m.-8 a.m.! All guests who earn 50 base points may play our Night Owl Kiosk Game to win food or FreePlay.

Our Service Industry Special for casino workers offers one free premium liquor drink and 30% off food (with valid employee ID or gaming license). So join us where it pays to be a Night Owl, at the Golden Mardi Gras and Golden Gates Casinos!

New member offer

There has never been a better time to become an A-

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

Lucky’s is closed for remodeling but Bourbon Street Café has everything to satisfy your hunger. Head up to the third floor of the Mardi Gras Casino and taste what you’ve been missing!

Full House

Dunkin’ Donuts

Start your day off with fresh baked donuts, breakfast sandwiches and pipen’ hot coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts!

Located on the first floor of the Mardi Gras Casino! Open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily. America runs on Dunkin!

Bars

The party never ends! Wet your whistle 24/7 at the Mardi Gras bars or the Gold Bar at the Golden Gates!

October 4 - 17, 2016

just earn 20 same day base points before 11 a.m.! Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

$3.99 prime rib dinner

www.zcasinobh.com Z Casino

Stop by Z Casino on Thursday, Oct. 6 to pick up your free Breast Cancer Memory Foam Travel Pillow. Just earn 50 same day base points. The giveaway will start at 11 a.m., quantities are limited.

Z Stop gas station

Stop in at the Z Stop gas station each week to spin and win. Winning is as easy as 1) Earn 10 Same day base points, swipe your Club Z card into the promotional kiosk inside the station, 2) play the spin and win game, and 3) get up to Z Casino and activate your prize, some restrictions apply. If you don’t have your Club Z player’s card, you can print a new one inside at the Z Stop too!

Free Z-Play prizes are available at Z Casino (Black Hawk) only.

10X Points

Z Casino is the place for the most points. Every day this month win up to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game!

Get in the Zone!

Featured exclusively at Z Casino in Black Hawk, the Multiplier Zone. Play slots in the Zone and get 10X points all day and night. That’s right, a full 10X points on all of your slot play in the Multiplier Zone! Why settle for less when you can play in the Zone?

Oktoberfest Drawings

Every Wednesday through Sunday from Aug. 31 – Oct. 30 join us for our $40,000 Oktoberfest Drawings from 1 p.m.- 11 p.m. every other hour, win up to $500 in Z-Play at each drawing. We will have two winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 points for that day of play.

Join us every Friday this month for our $3.99 Prime rib dinner special after you earn 50 same day base points.

Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Prime Rib

Everyday earn 25 same day base points and receive your Prime Rib dinner for $7.77. Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Want to convert your comps to Free gas?

Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day!

Play and Ride!

Earn 75 same day base points, redeem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play. Earn 500 same day base points and get an additional $5 in Z-Play.

Get reimbursed for your ATM fees

Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM, bring your receipt to Z Casino within two hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back!

Catch the free shuttle!

The shuttle stops at Z Casino (on Selak Street adjacent to our free parking lot).

Z Cafe

Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Z Casino to get your favorite cappuccino, latte, mocha and much more.

Come celebrate your birthday with us

New and existing members play our kiosk game to win free Z-Play.

Silver Tsunami Club

Are you 60 years of age or older? Join us every Monday and Tuesday this month for our Silver Tsunami Club 60+ days. Just earn 60 base points that day and receive one free special of the day and a free nonalcoholic soft drink, coffee or tea. Just one more way to win at the Z!

Club Z card

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Z Casino and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the same day! See Club Z for complete details.

Don’t want to pay for Breakfast?

On Mondays and Tuesdays just earn 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Down Breakfast and Wednesday through Sunday

October 4 - 17, 2016

theisleblackhawk.com $15,000 Mega Jackpot Sweepstakes

The rich get richer on Oct. 8 during our $15,000 Mega Jackpot Sweepstakes. Drawings will take place from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Earn entries now through Oct. 8 with each hand-paid taxable jackpot of $1,200 or more.

Bedroom makeover giveaway

All you have to do is earn 300 tier points each Friday in October to receive an entire bed set during our Bedroom Makeover Giveaway! All guests have the opportunity to

receive a set of Pillows on Oct. 7, a sheet set on Oct. 14, a comforter on Oct. 21, and receive any item that you missed on Friday, Oct. 28. Pick your gift up starting at 3:00 p.m. every Friday. Available while supplies last. On Friday, Oct. 28 you have a chance to win one of our three luxurious bedroom sets during our grand prize drawings from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Receive one free entry and earn additional entries for every 100 tier points.

Trick or Treat Hot Seat Giveaway

Head home $500 richer every Tuesday in October during our Trick or Treat Hot Seat Giveaway! Random drawings will take place from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. and winners will get to select Jack-O-Lanterns for the opportunity to win $500 in cash or other FanPlay prizes! Receive one free entry each promotional Tues-day and earn additional entries for every 100 tier points.

Casha Palooza

Going on now for a limited time only is Casha Palooza!

Now is your chance to earn even more cash for your points.

During Casha Palooza, redeem 5,000 points for $5 cash back. Talk about more bang for your buck. Current point redemption rate is 10,000 points for $5 cash back.

$8,000 Blackjack Tournament

Win a share of $8,000 on Nov. 6 by participating in our Blackjack Tournament! Guests who earn eight hours of cumulative rated table play in the month of October will receive an entry into the tournament. Registration is on a first come first serve basis on Sunday, Nov. 6 between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. and limited to the first 180 players. Round 1 will start at 10 a.m. on Oct 8.

20X Points on Pennies

Earn 20X points on pennies every Thursday in October from 8 a.m. – midnight. Register at Cashier Services prior to playing.

Make You Happy Mystery Multiplier

We’re multiplying the fun on every Monday in October! From 8 a.m. – midnight, you will receive a lucky mystery multiplier when you visit the Cashier Services upon registration. Receive up to 20X points on your favorite slot machines and a food offer after earning 100 tier points.

Not valid on video poker. Multiplier cannot be combined with any other offer. Must register prior to playing.

50+ Perks

With age comes big bonuses! Every Sunday in October from 8 a.m. – midnight everyone age 50 or better is invited to stop by for 5X points on slots and 2X points on video poker. Receive a food offer after earning 100 tier points.

Cannot be combined with any other point multiplier.

New member play 30 & 5,000 FanClub points for an email

In October, all new members of the Fan Club will receive a food offer after playing 30 minutes on their new

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

Players card. Guests who provide an email address at the time of enrollment will receive 5,000 Fan-Club points.

Social media

Make sure to ‘like’ Isle Black Hawk on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. To stay up to date with all promotions, events and special contests! Also, make sure to register your email with Cashier Services to receive special promotion emails.

Play and stay at the Isle

During the month of October, earn 500 tier points on your Fan Club card Sunday’s through Thursday’s between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight) and stay the night on us!

On Fridays earn 800 tier points and your hotel stay is free.

Poker players have the opportunity to get a free room by playing six consecutive hours (only valid Monday – Thursday). Poker players cannot redeem both the hotel offer and bus reimbursement in the same day; they must choose one offer they want to redeem. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply. Must register prior to playing. Offer subject to availability. Excludes holidays and blackout dates.

Bus fare redemption

Do you ride the bus to Black Hawk? The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $23. Simply earn 350 tier points on your player’s card in October for your refund! Then, present your return bus ticket to cashier services. Table Games players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play. Poker players can earn their bus fare back with three hours of consecutive play. Guests must redeem bus ticket at Cashier Services. Limit one bus redemption per person per day.

Smokehouse Buffet

Join us for lip-smacking barbeque specials every day at the Smokehouse Buffet. Featuring daily specials like BBQ ribs, pulled pork and hush puppies. All-you-can-eat smoked prime rib Friday through Sunday Night. Located just past the Poker Room. Limited time only. Get you some before it’s gone!

Farmer’s Pick Buffet coming soon!

The Grand Opening of our Farmer’s Pick Buffet is right around the corner! We will be offering many delicious items to choose from on the buffet - from the freshest salad bar to our always changing carving station and simply yummy desserts — we offer something for everyone.

A wide variety tastes better when the ingredients come right from your own backyard. Local. Fresh. Flavorful.

Try the new desserts at Tradewinds

Tradewinds at the Isle has a new menu that features the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, the California or the Tradewinds Classic Burger, you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds now offers the best desserts in town; visit Tradewinds@ at the Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

PAGE 13

Central City Nuggets winner! Top prize on the board is $500 cash! You can always win the guaranteed $500 cash final drawing each night!

Bonus entry Tuesdays

Central-city. cnty.com Pumpkin Patch Match

Fridays 6-11 p.m., Saturdays 3-11 p.m., Sundays 3-6 p.m. – Oct. 7 – 29. One Winner Drawn Each Half Hour Win up to $500 Revealing and Matching “Candy” Prizes! $500 Cash Prize at Final Drawing! Play Pumpkin Patch Match this October at Century! Earn entries with just 50 base points on your Player’s Club card! Entry barrel emptied after each weekend’s drawing – earn entries starting each Monday for that week’s game!

We will draw one present winner each half hour to pick a prize pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch Match board. The winner reveals prizes until they find a match!

Then we scramble the board for the next

Earn 2X Entries on slots and video poker for our weekend drawings and boost your chances to win with all your play on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to midnight!

Bonus bus Tuesdays

Bus riders have lots of reason to visit Century on Tuesdays! Regular shuttle bus riders will only need to earn 100 base points on Tuesdays to receive $20 InstaPlay for their ticket! Bus groups who schedule with us on Tuesdays will receive double their play benefit, up to $10 in Insta-Play and $10 in Insta-Comp! Tuesday is the best day to bus to Century!

Chips ahoy – win playing table games!

It’s back! Play table games any day at Century and you can take “The Helm” for a spin and win Promo Chips to boost your bets and your chances of winning! You

earn spins on the ship’s wheel with specific bonus hands or conditions in all of our table games. Promo prizes on the wheel include prizes up to $100 in promo chips!

New members get up to $20 in day one Insta-Play!

cash prizes for our bigger bingo games for three random hourly games each Thursday! Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for just $7.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card! Prime Rib special is also available for $14.99 with no card. Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon.

Military Appreciation Monday Senior celebration – Wednesday and Thursday Sign up at our Player’s Club for a free Guests with military ID will receive a

club card to get a free spin to win up to $1,500! Earn 10 base points on your day of signup and return to the Player’s Club for $5 in Insta-Play added right to your account! Earn 100 base points total on your signup day and redeem at the Club for $5 in Insta-Play added to your account! Earn 200 base points that same day for another $5 Insta-Play bonus! Finally, earn 300 base points that same day for another amazing $5 in Insta-Play bonus available at the Club! That’s up to $20 in Day One Insta-Play for New Members! Wow!

Bigger Bingo –Thursday Bingo

Enjoy free Bingo every from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with $100 Insta-Play Play or Table Games Play Chips prizes, with $250

free ice cream, plus 50% off meals (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill.

Fantasy golf Wednesday!

Earn up to seven Fantasy Golf Card Scratch Tickets Each Wednesday (at 250 base points, 400 base points, and 1,000 base points, and every 1,000 base points thereafter up to 5,000) and Win your share of $1,000 in Cash and Insta-Play prizes if you have one of the lowest five scores recorded that day! Win double prizes if your score is under par for the card! Scores are tallied and winners posted the next day and prizes must be claimed within one week. Play, scratch, and win with Fantasy Golf Wednesdays at Century!

VOTED DENVER’S

BEST CASINO 2012-2016

PAGE 14

$7.99 prime rib every day!

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play all day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50% off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50% food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including daily food specials.

Birthdays at Century

All guests can come in on the day of their birthday and get 2X points plus a free gift! Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the gift, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 Promo Chip to use at the tables! Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer redeem it at the Player’s Club for a gift of 10X their age in points!

E M O C EE S Y! WH

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF COLORADO GAMING!

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

October 4- 17, 2016

Central City Nuggets johnnyzscasino.com Memory Foam Travel Pillow Stop by Johnny Z’s on Thursday, Oct. 13 to pick up your free Breast Cancer Memory Foam Travel Pillow. Just earn 50 same day base points. The giveaway will start at 11 a.m., quantities are limited.

Get in the Zone!

Featured exclusively at Johnny Z’s in Central City, the Multiplier Zone. Play slots in the Zone and get 10X points all day and night. That’s right, a full 10X points on all of your slot play in the Multiplier Zone! Why settle for less when you can play in the Zone?

10X Points

Club Z card

Johnny Z’s Casino is the place for the most points. Every day this month win up to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game!

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Johnny Z’s and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the same day! See Club Z for complete details.

Zombie Z-Play Drawings

Don’t want to pay for Breakfast?

Every Wednesday through Sunday from Oct. 2 – Oct. 30 join us for our $50,000 Zombie Z-Play Drawings from Noon-10 p.m. every other hour with an additional drawing at 11 p.m., win up to $500 in Z-Play at each drawing. We will have two winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 points for that day of play.

Silver Tsunami Club Are you 60 years of age or older?

Join us every Monday and Tuesday this month for our Silver Tsunami Club 60+ days. Just earn 60 base points that day and receive one free special of the day and a free nonalcoholic soft drink, coffee or tea. Just one more way to win at the Z!

10X POINTS October 4 - 17, 2016

On Mondays and Tuesdays just earn 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Down Breakfast and Wednesday through Sunday just earn 20 same day base points before 11 a.m.! Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

$3.99 Prime rib

Join us every Friday this month for our $3.99 Prime Rib dinner special after you earn 50 same day base points. Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Prime rib dinner

Everyday earn 25 same day base

points and receive your Prime Rib dinner for $7.77. Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Want to convert your comps to Free gas?

Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day!

Play and Ride!

Earn 75 same day base points, redeem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play. Earn 500 same day base points and get an additional $5 in Z-Play.

Get reimbursed for your ATM fees Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM and bring your receipt to Johnny Z’s within two hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back!

Z Cafe Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Johnny Z’s to get your favorite cappuccino, latte, mocha and much more.

Come celebrate your birthday with us New and existing members play our kiosk game to win free Z-Play.

Hottest Table Games Play the Hottest Table Games in Central City at Johnny Z’s Casino every day from 10 a.m. to close! We have all your favorites from Craps with Fire Bet, Three Card poker, Double Deck Blackjack, and Buffalo Blackjack! Whether you’re in Central City or Black Hawk win at the Z!

Catch the free shuttle!

The shuttle stops right in front of Johnny Z’s in Central City. With quick, easy access to Z Casino in Black Hawk.

Get 10X Points on all slot machines in the “Multiplier Zone” All day every day!

Ask any team member to get you into the “ZONE” Located on the second floor of both casinos

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 15

Central City Nuggets lucky guest will win $500 at 6 p.m. See Guest Services for full details.

reservecasino hotel.com $86,000 Cash, Cars and Guitars Earn entries Now– Oct. 1. We will be giving away a Toyota Prius along with a fine selection of autographed guitars. Tuesday swipe and win car entries at the promotional kiosk to win up to 10,000 car entries for the finale drawing.

Earn 10x entries on Thursdays. See Guest Services for full details.

$50,000 25th Anniversary of Gaming Giveaway We are celebrating 25 years of gaming fun!

Earn entries Oct. 1 – 29. We will be drawing winners every 30 minutes Fridays and Saturdays 12 p.m.-9 p.m. for $100 at 10 p.m. we are guaranteed to give away $2,500. On Oct. 29 on lucky guest is guaranteed $10,000. See Guest Services for full details.

New in October! We are Bonkers for Bingo

Earn Entries October 1-29 Earn 25X entries Oct 1, 4, 11, 18, 25 Drawings Oct 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 28, & 29 12PM-9PM every 30 minutes 10PM on drawing days one lucky winner is GUARANTEED $2,500!

Oct 29th one lucky guest is

GUARANTEED

$10,000!

I-70 Exit 243 • 321 Gregory Street, Central City CO, 80427 ReserveCasinoHotel.com • (800) 924-6646 PAGE 16

Join us Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays for Bingo at 11 a.m. Everyone receives one free bingo card. Earn 50 points to win Freeplay.

October Gift Giveaways Oct. 6 and 16, Football Glass Giveaway-350 base points 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Oct. 10-TV Giveaway- Swipe and Win to win free play prizes or a TV plus 2nd chance drawings at 6 p.m. to win a TV. October 13, 20 and 27- Play and Treat-125 base points to get a 1lb bag of candy. Earn up to three bags.

Winning Wednesdays Wednesday’s from 12-3 p.m. in October are for winners! Every Wednesday in October receive one free entry into our slot tournament for your chance to win up to $500 in Freeplay!

Earn up to three additional sessions by earning 200 same day base points. That’s not all however; stick around after the slot tournament for Winning Wednesday’s Drawings! One

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

$4,000 Fall into Riches Slot Tournament Join us Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

The first round is free and you can earn up to three additional sessions with every 300 base points earned that day. $4,000 in prizes will be given away! See Guest Services for full details.

$3,000 Mid month Progressive Drawings Earn 2000 points in the month of September to qualify for our Mid-Month drawing on Oct. 15. Ten lucky guests will be called at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Guests can play the progressive board for a chance to win $50 progressive amount. See Guest Services for full details.

$10,000* End of month Progressive Drawings Earn 2000 points in the month of September to qualify for our End of Month drawing on Oct. 25. 10 Lucky guests will be called at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. If progressive is hit jackpot resets to $1,500. See Guest Services for full details.

$1,500 Free Roll Blackjack Tournament If Blackjack is your game, join us October, 23 registration 3-4 p.m. tournament runs from 4-7 p.m. Guests must RSVP prior to October 22 by playing in the blackjack pit. See Guest Services for official rules.

Football Sundays October 9 and 30 — Football is back and we are excited to bring you all the action on our large big screen TV. Players can enjoy food, squares and prizes with 100 same day points.

Also meet pro football alumni when the home team plays away.

Food Specials $2 hot dog and domestic beer 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily at the celebrity bar $29.99 Surf and Turf lobster tail and petite filet Wednesday-Sunday at the Bistro All day everyday buffet at the Chef’s Kitchen.

October 4 - 17, 2016

History of Gaming

This, and the following page, are reprintings of pages from the Sept. 24, 1992 edition of The Gambler.

Continued on page 18 October 4 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 17

Continued from page 17

25

Gambler Carolyn Burlingame I have had the pleasure to work on “the hill” since the end of 1991 and have worked with some of the best. I received my gaming license in February 1992 during the time when Main Street in Black Hawk was a dirt road, no stop lights and anyone could park on Highway 119. All of the slot machines were reeled, coin operated and most of the casinos only averaged around 50-100 slot ma-

PAGE 18

Anniversary Editions

chines. Black Hawk Station, Wild Card, Ottos, Main Street Casino, Rohling Inn, The Prospector and Claim Jumpers were just some of the first to open in Black Hawk during the first one to three years of gaming. Over the last 25 years of friendships with co-corkers and guests, the best part of this all is raising my wonderful, smart, funny little Man and being home at Monarch Casino.

The next issue is October 18-31

RTAINMENT SHARING ENTE EWS AND GAMING N R FO U WITH YO 25 YEARS

To advertise in this special issue call Sharon Sweeney at 303-503-1388 or email cogambler@mac.com ATTENTION ALL EMPLOYEES

that have worked in the gaming industry 20-25 years. Please send us your mug with a 50 word bio.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

October 4 - 17, 2016

The Last Hand

Casino Owner Profile

Steve Boulter recalls early days of gaming A 25-year winning streak

BY ROSEMARY FETTER

Continued from Page 2

representative was resigning his position. Sharon said, ‘Give me his job, Dad.” I did and the rest is history.

The young lady took off and never looked back in making this newspaper a success. The Colorado Gambler soared across the gaming communities with wide readership across the Front Range and mountain casino towns.

This month, we’re looking back over the 25-year span of business, relating some history about the casinos and the people who have pioneered statewide gaming.

Central City Opera depicts triumph and tragedy, and the gambling business has been both for owners and operators. We never win all the hands, and like the song says, “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”

The pundits predicted all sorts of negativity that never occurred. This form of recreation has been very popular with the public and has employed at least 10,000 people.

Gaming has created massive tax dollars for the state, counties and cities. Parks and recreations have received millions, along with historic-preservation projects.

What we’ve noticed in more recent years is the widespread professionalism of the employees. The dealers, bartenders, chefs, pit bosses, cage operators, marketing managers and investor/owners.

It is fair to say that we have many gaming corporations now competing for gaming business. Ed and Shirley Smith at the Wildcard are among the very few original folks still in business.

If we miss you, let us know for our next edition and we’ll include you in the next issue celebrating 25 years of mountain gambling, drinking and having a good time.

We have many friends in each town that we’ve met down through the years.

It would appear that gaming will continue to grow with new hotels and projects continuing. The old Belvedere Theater appears likely to be saved, remodeled and reopened as an asset to the area.

How nice if we had a mini-convention facility to accommodate conventions and trade shows.

Sports betting is another huge option where licensed present-day casinos could have sports lounges where sports betting would be legal. This would include horseracing, along with amateur and professional team competition, just in like Reno and Las Vegas.

Millions are being waged on sporting events and Colorado is at the leading edge of all sports teams and venues.

What a tourist opportunity for our state and a fresh tax source for the state treasury in the face of falling oil prices and statewide declines in energy revenues.

I passed through Deadwood, S.D. recently and the retail stores are an incredible draw for that community.

The casinos are showing their age compared to our newer Colorado facilities. But they have a main street full of retail stores with exciting merchandise. It really brought to my attention how new our gaming facilities are, and in such immaculate condition compared to Deadwood.

Deadwood has the 100,000 population of Rapid City to draw from and we have three million people within easy driving distance of our gaming towns. They have Mount Rushmore, but we have Buffalo Bill’s gravesite and museum, along with vast tourist draws.

It’s great to be a part of a thriving business and industry and we thank our faithful readers, advertisers, writers and staff for this great journey into Colorado history for the past 25 years.

We look forward to future decades of having fun and looking for those jackpots.

Play the hand you’re dealt and make the best of it.

October 4 - 17, 2016

Steve Boulter, one of the original Wild Card Casino owners, has clear memories of opening day in 1991. “We were painting and dry walling until about 3 a.m.,” he said. “We went home, came back, emptied our tool belts and filled them up with quarters. When we opened the door there was already a line outside, and it never stopped for the next four years. We had lines three or four deep sometimes.”

Boulter and his friend Craig Ball came to town in 1988 to work with the group supporting Amendment 4, that would legalize gambling. Steve and Craig personally gathered 57,000 signatures to get the Amendment on the ballot. Boulter’s gaming license, #41, is probably the oldest still in use.

“Main Street in Black Hawk was still a dirt road,” he recalled. “There was only one entrance into town, so everybody had to come by our door. We had no parking at the casino so we stood out front with a sign and an arrow pointing to the place where people could park.

Peanut shells covered the floor and we had an old juke box in back. Sometimes the old machines would tilt because they were so full that they would clog, and coins would just spill out of the slots.”

The following year, Boulter, Craig Ball and Craig Ridings left the Wild Card to open the Black Hawk Station.

“We had live music five days a week, and people danced on the bar. Everybody had a great time!” Boulter and his partners ran The Black Hawk Station for 12 years before they sold it. The casino remained in operation until last year, when the Smiths purchased the building and included it as part of the Sasquatch casino.

Boulter’s wife Lisa, along with her parents Bruce and Sandy Schmalz, opened Dostal Alley in Central City on Oct. 1, 1991. The Schmalz family in Central City goes back to 1958, when Lisa’s grandparents opened a rock shop on Main Street. In 1992, Bruce and Sandy took over the rock shop and moved the family to Central. Over the years, both Bruce and Bruce Jr. (Buddy) have served as town mayor, and Lisa has worked in all the family enterprises from rock shop to casino/micro-brewery.

Bruce introduced Steve and Lisa, who were married in 1994. They have three boys, the oldest now a freshman at Colorado School of Mines and the others are still in high school. The couple joined forces professionally nine years ago.

“My wife’s brother, Buddy, started the Dostal Alley brewery in 1998 and it’s become a popular local watering hole,” Boulter said. “He continues to grow and improve and produces a great beer. We won four medals at the Great American Brew Festival.”

He recalls the early days of gaming with some nostalgia, but he is excited

Lisa and Steve Boulter

about the future. “Certainly things were more easygoing in the early days. Gambling was a new industry in Colorado and there were a lot of things happening, a lot of construction going on.” He maintains that Central City survived because of gaming. “There is no other single industry that could have come in and saved the town. All buildings were crumbling, who knows what their future held. Our history is very important to us. The look of Main Street has changed little in the last 140 years and the storefronts remain intact. Black Hawk, on the other hand, was pretty much a blank slate. They had the Gilpin and Crook’s Palace, but they didn’t have to tear anything down to build.

“Gaming is part of our history,” he added. “We had gambling up here through the 1950s. The Smaldones [a small organized crime family in Denver and Pueblo] ran all the slot machines up here and paid for all the school lunches

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

as a benefit to the town.” Some of the old handle machines are on view at the Gilpin County Museum.

Boulter sees Black Hawk and Central City as a single entity divided by two names. He feels that the large casinos have enhanced the towns by providing parking and hotel rooms, which encourage people to stay longer. Although there is no longer a moratorium on building, at this point Central has no large hotel/ casino except for the Reserve. “I would like to see a large casino here,” he said.

“They would need to conform to code and meet the architectural standard, but there are many creative ways to comply.

We couldn’t have tall high rises like Ameristar, but there’s plenty of room here.”

Although there are no plans to build a large casino in Central, Boulter thinks it’s just a matter of time. “City just purchased Triangle Parking Lot, and there are quiet rumblings of something happening. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

PAGE 19

a look back

otel,

pin H

il The G 1900

Gregory Street 1900s

In August 1949 Alice Ramstetter went to jail rather than give up the slot machines she had in her Central City restaurant and grocery store. She was allowed to take her own bed since the jail beds were uncomfortable, and armed guards marched her to the Catholic Church, where she was the organist, on Sunday. She was also escorted to her restaurant by a woman deputy in order to take her meals.

The excavation site for the Black Hawk Casino

by Hyatt in 2000 (now Ameristar)

Harvey’s, 2000

Remodeling Raynold’s Court (now Johnny Z’s) in 1992, Gilpin County manager Donna Martin is in the photo.

intersection of Black Hawk Street and Hwy 119, 1800s

Playing roulette in the Teller House in 1933.

PAGE 20

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

October 4 - 17, 2016

Archives

This is a reprinting of a page from the Feb. 13, 1992 edition of The Gambler.

October 4 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 21

Archives

COLORADO HISTORY

Card games, gambling popular in Old West

By Linda Wommack Gambling has been a popular pass time since the beginning of time. The Greeks wagered on chariot races and the Romans had laws regulating gaming as early as 900 B.C. The turning point in the game of chance was the invention of playing cards. Historians disagree on when the first cards were invented. Some believe they originated in China, others say Korea, still others believe India. No matter where they originated, the British Museum shows proof that playing cards were in use by the fourteenth century.

Their very arrival in America, the rapid expansion of their popularity and the colorful games they inspired makes playing cards as American as, well...Texas Hold ‘em.

It was Christopher Columbus that introduced the standard deck of fifty cards to America. The popularity of card games swept the American frontier becoming a gaming phenomenon and creating legends.

These gambling legends of the American West are etched in stone. Those passing through or making a name for themselves in Colorado included Doc Holliday, Poker Alice, Bat Masterson, Big Ed Chase, Belle Siddens, Luke Short, Soapy Smith, Lou Blonger, and Wyatt Earp, among others.

Several games of chance existed in the saloons and gambling halls of the American West. The majority of the gambling clientele were miners. The salary of these men averaged twenty dollars a week, but a few were lucky and managed to hit “the big one.” Professional gamblers flocked to the mining towns to engage the miners in a friendly game of cards.

The most popular card game in Colorado’s saloons, and the American West, was Faro, a classic house game. This was a fast action game and the odds were greater at

A Faro layout featured 13 square boxes with pictures of a standard playing card, Ace through King, in each box

winning then in other games. A standard deck of cards was used, as well as a dealing box, and a device for card counting, similar to an abacus. Placing a bet, meant paying careful attention to the cards already dealt.

Players bet a rank of card to win, another to lose. If the winner and loser cards are of the same rank, the house takes half of all bets.

The card counting device allowed the player a count of cards already played, saving his serious bets for later in the game, when the odds were better.

A seemingly easy and low-risk game, it’s a wonder it became the rage all over Colorado’s saloons. The reason was the professional gambler. A game so simple left the door wide open for cheaters, most of which were professional gamblers, working for the house at short stints. Some of the better gamblers quite good at this practice were Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp.

“Wyatt just acquired a quarter stake at Faro, Doc.” “Since when is faro an honest game? The odds are all on the house,” says Doc. “It’s fair. It’s not like they’re holdin’ a gun to their head,” says Wyatt.

“Poker. Now that’s an honest game,” Doc replies.

-Tombstone

Faro, seen above, was a very popular card game with gamblers in the Old West.

versions of poker existed in the 1880s, as well as today. The key element then and now, was concentration. The standard poker hand is five cards. In a draw, your chances of improving the deal increase or decrease, depending on the “luck of the draw.”

The size of the bets depended on the game. Faro was twenty-five cents to a dollar, Roulette was as little as ten cents, and Poker games had a one to two dollar limit. Higherstake games did exist. It was the fashion of the upper-class gents of these mining towns to host all-night gambling in the back and upper rooms of the saloons.

Colorado’s Bonanza King, H.A.W. Tabor gambled often at his own Tabor Opera House. Clifton Bell ran private gambling rooms upstairs at the Opera House. Tabor In contrast to the ease of Faro, Poker was played poker for high stakes, usually loosa card game that required great skill. Many ing. It was common for Tabor to lose as much as five thousand dollars in one night.

Senator Edward O. Wolcott was another player at Bell’s private rooms. In contrast to Tabor’s luck at cards, Wolcott usually won.

Wolcott’s gambling was a major issue in the senate election of 1888. When asked about the gambling, Wolcott said he lost at cards what he had won at the races. Hum. In any event, his honesty won him the election.

Because gold dust was the predominant means of exchange, all saloons, gambling houses and bordellos operated with a set of gold scales. The scales were found sitting on a piece of carpet, which the operator could easily allow a few grains of the gold dust to fall off the scale. The amount of gold dust shaken from the carpet at the end of the night could be as much as twenty dollars.

Paper and coin money replaced the gold dust by the 1880s, but Colorado preferred the solidness of the coin currency. After all, Colorado’s main industry, gold and silver, supColorado gamblers experience the entertainment.

Photos courtesy Linda Wommack plied the nation’s cash reserve.

August PAGE 22 28 - September 3, 2007

THE COLORADO THE COLORADO GAMBLER –GAMBLER Celebrating 25 Years

Photo by Camillus S. Fly

Mining seemed to be the biggest gamble in any mountain boom town. Professional gamblers made their way to the mining towns, shortly after the first miners would arrive. For the most part, they were welcomed. The saloon keeper needed the gamblers to run the games and enhance his business and would either hire them, or support the independent gamblers in their establishments.

Superstition played a big part in gambling. Many gamblers believed it to be bad luck if someone looked over their shoulder.

In poker games, almost no one would count their chips before the game because of bad luck. It was considered bad luck to engage in any game with a one-eyed player. One form of diminishing bad luck was to walk around one’s chair three times before sitting.

The card sharp was found in every atmosphere of gambling. The card sharp was the crooked gambler, out to make a fast, clean sweep and move on to another town. One noted card sharp of the day, Dick Clark, wore an enormous diamond ring. The diamond faced the palm of his hand, so that he could see the deck through the shine as he dealt.

However, Clark would never hide an Ace up his sleeve, he felt that was too low-down.

A turn of the card didn’t always turn the table in Colorado’s Old West.

Scales were often used in gambling houses to weigh the wager in gold dust.

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October 4 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 24

October 4- 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 25

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PAGE 26

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

October 4 - 17, 2016

Resident Profile

Getting to know the ‘locals’ Mike Keeler

M

ike Keeler is a man everyone should know. He’s the heart of Central City.

You may see him at the Visitor’s Center, at the Cemetery Crawl, the upcoming “Creepy Crawl”, The Peak to Peak Corral or on the Board for the Historical Society. Or watch him on Channel 20 where he gives “virtual tours” of the buildings in Central (even the vacant ones).

I like him best in the Wild Bunch Gun Shows that he and some friends started eight years ago! They have been creating a disturbance in Main Street for many a Saturday, right about 1 p.m. … You would think the Law Enforcement would have that under control by now! Oh yes, and he’s retired.

Look for Part 2 of our 25 Year Commemorative Issue on Oct. 18 * Honoring 20-25 year employees *Continued history *Archives Stories ... & much more!

October 4 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 27

Test anxiety at the eye doctor’s

then I wait, hoping she’ll believe me and the exam will be over.

But she always wants proof. So I say, “P…E…something…F…something. Can I have a hint?”

I think the hardest part of being an optometrist would be refraining from coaching the patient.

They must teach you that in eye doctor school. I’d want to help.

“Really? You think number one is clearer. Is that your final answer?”

Or “F? Are you sure? Maybe you should rethink that?”

My eye test anxiety was magnified in August—pun intended—because I had to renew my driver’s license. The stakes are high when you take the DMV’s eye test. They’re even higher if you fail it and keep on driving. In case you’re worried about traveling in my neighborhood, I did pass.

It’s possible my test anxiety comes from the first eye test I ever took. I believe I was in fourth grade and I failed the test with a big fat E. Not an F. An E—the big

me nervous. Even the Some people inherit name sounds scary, money. Some people like a camera-wielding inherit land. I inherited dinosaur. The phoropglaucoma. Of all the ways I could have taken ter is that big machine after my amazing mom, with the dials, the one that’s the one I picked. that looks like a cross Or rather, the one that between Google glasses picked me. and a high-tech washThe bad thing about ing machine. The minhaving glaucoma—beute the doctor pulls it

BY DOROTHY ROSBY drosby@rushmore.com toward me, my heart sides that it can make you blind—is that you starts racing. When have to go to the eye doctor more I’m tense, I’m indecisive. Actually, often. My optometrist is a lovely I’m indecisive when I’m relaxed person, so that’s not the problem. too. But I’m even more indecisive The problem is, I have test anxi- when I’m tense. At least, I think am. ety. Eye test anxiety.

The doctor puts rows of letI can tolerate those bright lights she shines in my eyes. I pass ters on the wall in front of me and the color blindness part of the test says, “Which one is clearer, one with, well…flying colors. I can or two.” I say, “One. No—two. I even deal with having my eyes di- don’t know. What do you think?” lated. I’m okay spending the rest If she has an opinion, she keeps it of the day disoriented and looking to herself.

Then she puts up a row of like I’ve been taking illegal drugs letters and says, “Can you read when it’s for my own good.

It’s the phoropter that makes that?” And I say, “Yes, I can.” And

Humor one at the top of the eye chart. Not only could I not read it, I didn’t even know it was there. Then the doctor put the phoropter in front of my face, spun a few dials and ta-da! I was mortified.

How had I missed it?

On the bright side, I got glasses. Suddenly there were leaves on trees and words on signs. There were also pores on people’s faces and hairs in their noses. But it was worth it.

I wore thick glasses for years and contacts for decades. Then I experienced the miracle of laser eye surgery and I tossed them all away. Today I bravely face my test anxiety and visit my optometrist regularly. I continue to see the Big E at the top of the eye chart and I’d like to

keep it that way.

(Dorothy Rosby is the author of several humor books, including I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better. Contact drosby@ vastbb.com.)

Crossword Puzzle 1

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Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe. See answers on page 30 PAGE 28

ACROSS: 1. Ski town with September snowfall (9) 7. Big Steeler’s QB (3) 9. Has a swimsuit edition (2) 10. A sore backwards rose (4) 12. He sang Viva Las Vegas (5, 7) 16. The night before (3) 17. Home of Leprechauns (7) 19. Florida tourist destination (7) 21. 14th letter in the Greek alphabet (2) DOWN: 1. Bronco’s QB (6,7) 2. Front range town and ski area namesake (8) 3. Nuclear sub (3,10) 4. Gravestone inscription (3) 5. In the headlights mammal (4) 6. English county NE of London (5) 7. City in Orange County, CA (4) 8. Note well (2) 11. Stan Laurel’s buddy (5) 13. The terrible grand prince of Moscow (4)

22. Exclamation (2) 23. Pre-hand poker bet (4) 25. Food (4) 27. Saint Diego (3) 29. TV industry awards (5) 32. Only female PM of India (6,6) 35. Friendly 80’s alien (2) 36. Fuel consumption (3) 37. Bottom elevator exit (2) 38. Football pick (3) 40. Hawaiian root (4)

14. Duran Duran song (3) 15. Why not Tony? (4) 18. Slang for money (4) 20. Firebrand politician (9) 24. Museum that displays Philippine culture and history 26. Could be a bad back (7) 28. Rock star Adam hormiga (3) 30. Popular little British car (2) 31. Weekend comedy show (3) 33. Altered British band (6)

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

41. 2.54cm (4) 42. Tech job (2) 43. A big byte (4) 45. Mad (5) 46. Members of a Roman Catholic order (7) 47. The letter M (2) 48. North of South Dakota (2) 49. One who can see the future (4) 50. A large group of people (5)

34. Credential evaluation service for overseas athletes (6) 39. Parsley, sage, rosemary and ….? (5) 41. You’re either this or out (2) 44. Thinner at 8000ft (3) 45. Secretary of Defense Carter (3)

October 4 - 17, 2016

The legends behind the Face on the Barroom Floor

The legends behind the Face on the Barroom Floor

By Jan MacKell

D’Arcy passed away in 1925, but his poem lived on. In 1936, the poems’ fame was sealed by Herndon Davis, formerly an artist for the Denver Post. The story goes that Davis was a carpenter at the Teller House in Central City. His employer was Anne Evans, daughter of former Colorado Governor John Evans. A falling out between the two resulted in Davis’ termination. Before leaving, Davis painted a ladies’ portrait on the floor. The act allegedly infuriated Anne Evans, though not enough to inspire her to remove it. In fact, the identity behind the mysterious face became legend until Davis died in the 1960’s. Just before his death, Davis revealed that the face was none other than his wife, Edna.

The success of the Teller House face was not lost on the rest of Colorado. In about 1953, another face appeared at the Western Hotel in Ouray. Built in 1890, the Western offered hotel rooms until it closed in 1945.

The bar and dining room were kept open, however. When the Western was purchased by a Mr. Shady, according to Ouray native Ed Gregory, Shady decided that another face might boost tourism. Shady commissioned Ed’s mother, Ruth Gregory, to paint the portrait.

Like the faces in Cripple Creek and Central City, Mrs. Gregory’s portrait reveals an intriguing face with mischievous eyes and a bobbed hairstyle. The painting also appears “two—faced”, with the left side resembling a profile. The fuss over the faces in Ouray and Central City continued to grow. Antoine D’Arcy’s poem received more coverage from Franklyn MacCormack, beloved radio announcer at Chicago’s WGN. A recording exists today of MacCormack reading the poem to his listeners.

One last rendering of a face on the floor appeared in the early 1960’s in Cripple Creek, at the Cottage Inn at 261 East Bennett.

When owner Jack Schwab passed away in 1961 his ex-wife Evelyn took possession of The Cottage and commissioned Dick Johnson, founder of the Cripple Creek District Museum, to paint a female face on the floor.

Like Herndon Davis, Johnson preferred not to be identified as the artist until after his death three years ago. Today, Cripple Creek’s “Madeline” is preserved at the Cripple Creek District Museum.

In 1978, writer Henry Mollicone penned an opera version of D’Arcy’s poem. The Central City Opera Company swooped upon the play, presenting it with great success. The company performs near the Teller House, where Edna Davis’ portrait continues to reside. Most recently, the story of Madeline gained fame once more in 1997 when Teller County musician T.O. Locker produced his own music video, The Face on the Barroom Floor . Several Colorado locations were used in filming the video, including Cripple Creek and the Western Hotel. The video won several first place prizes through the Colorado Springs Film Commission and the Professional Film and Video Guild of Colorado.

D’Arcy passed away in 1925, but his poem lived on. In 1936, the poems’ fame was “Say, boys, if you give me just another sealed by Herndon Davis, formerly an artist for the Denver Post. The story goes that whiskey, I’ll be glad And I’ll draw right here a picture of the Davis was a carpenter at the Teller House in Central City. His employer was Anne Evans, face that drove me mad.

Give that piece ofhaschalk with which daughter of former Colorado Governor John This poem me

by Hugh Antoine D’Arcy Evans. A falling out between the two resulted been the subject of barroom stories for you mark the baseball score The last decades. It’s an intriguing tale, yet the truth known in Davis’ termination. Before leaving, Davis You shall see the lovely Madeline upon the behind it is one of the little-known tales of face on the painted a ladies’ portrait on the floor.

The act western folklore. The mysterious and alluring floor in barroom floor.” faces of various women began adorning tavColorado allegedly infuriated Anne Evans, though not ern floors across the nation roughly a century was ago. Each had their own story to tell, and enough to inspire her to remove it.

In fact, the painted This Hugh D’Arcy has Colorado is nopoem exceptionby to the ongoing Antoine folkduring the identity behind the mysterious face became lore.

1960’s in been the subject of barroom stories for At one time, there were as many as eight Cripple legend until Davis died in the 1960’s. Just decades. intriguing portraits knownIt’s to bean painted on barroomtale, yet the truth Creek by floors across America. Diligent research has before his death, Davis revealed that the face Dick behindthe itsurviving is one the exclulittle-known tales of revealed four of to appear Johnson. sively in Colorado.

Each face seems to have western folklore.

The mysterious and alluring was none other than his wife, Edna. been inspired largely D’Arcy’s poem, “The The success of the Teller House face was faces women adorning tavFace Uponof thevarious Floor”. The verse tells of began love lost by a lonely artist. One day the woman of ern floors across the nation roughly a century not lost on the rest of Colorado. In about his affections spots a portrait the artist is Photo courtesy Cripple Creek painting of another man.

Ultimately, the artist ago. Each had their own story to tell, and 1953, another face appeared at the Western District loses his girl to his subject, takes to drink, and Hotel in Ouray.

Built in 1890, the Western Museum.

Colorado isexchange no exception to the ongoing folktells his sad tale in for whiskey. The offered hotel rooms until it closed in 1945. artist then renders a stunning likeness of his lore. lost love on the tavern floor, only to fall dead The bar and dining room were kept open, one time, upon At the finished portrait. there were as many as eight Little is known about Hugh Antoine however. When the Western was purchased portraits known to be painted on barroom D’Arcy. He was born in France in 1843, and itfloors is thoughtacross he composed his famous poem in America.

Diligent research has by a Mr. Shady, according to Ouray native Ed about 1898. “The Face Upon the Floor” revealed themost surviving four to appear exclu- Gregory, Shady decided that another face appears to be his outstanding accomplishment, and he lived to see it put into sively in Colorado. Each face seems to have might boost tourism. Shady commissioned both movie and song. The poem was first immortalized in 1914, when Charlie D’Arcy’s Chaplin been inspired largely poem, “The Ed’s mother, Ruth Gregory, to paint the poradapted it for a film called The Face on the trait.

Face Upon Barroom Floor. the Floor”. The verse tells of love Like the faces in Cripple Creek and CenDespite the famous face on the floor at lost by a lonely artist. One day the woman of Central City’s Teller House, the first portrait tral City, Mrs. Gregory’s portrait reveals an hisappear affections spotswasaactually portrait the artist is to in Colorado history recorded on the kitchen floor of a private resintriguing face with mischievous eyes and a painting of another man.

Ultimately, the artist idence in Cripple Creek. The picture is bobbed hairstyle. The painting also appears thought havegirl beento painted the teens ortakes to drink, and loses tohis his insubject, 1920’s, in a house once owned by saloon “two—faced”, with the left side resembling a tells Herman his sad tale exchange keeper Metz.

Metzin sold the house to for whiskey. The over the faces in Ouray and Charles Walker in 1906, who in turn hired artist then renders a stunning likeness of his profile. TheThisfuss face on the kitchen floor of a Central City’s face on the floor of the Harry B. Denny to paint the house in 1910.

Central City continued grow.

Antoine residence in Cripple to Creek was only Teller House is by far the best known Denny left his on signature identified him- only to fall dead lost love the and tavern floor, discovered a few years ago. in Colorado. self as the house painter on a basement door.

D’Arcy’s poem received more coverage from upon thethefinished portrait.

Photo by Jan MacKell Photo courtesy of the author’s collection Did he paint portrait? Certain oldtimers of Franklyn MacCormack, beloved radio Cripple Creek say no, that Denny painted Little is known about Hugh Antoine what is mostWGN. intriguing A aboutrecording the ory: houses and nothing more. The true artist will atPerhaps Chicago’s D’Arcy. was born in France in 1843, and announcer mysterious faces on the floors of Colorado is “Another drink, and with chalk in hand likely never beHe known. their of failureMacCormack to become commercialized.

In thethe vagabond began As the face on the floor at Cripple Creek exists today reading it is thought he composed his famous poem in each case, D’Arcy’s story has been treated To sketch a face that well might buy the was subsequently forgotten, D’Arcy was poem to his listeners. with utmost respect. In the end, the poignan- soul of any man. experiencing a second successFace from hisUpon the Floor” about 1898.

“The behind the story of ringsatruer than any Then, as he placed another lock upon the poem. It came in the form of a movie by One lastcy rendering face onother the floor appearsdirector to be outstanding accomtale one could tell. Indeed, it is the last stanza shapely head, renowned John his Ford, most who in 1923 appeared in the early 1960’s in Cripple of D’Arcy’s poem that carries on the romance With a fearful shriek, he leaped and fell made his own version of D’Arcy’s poem, The plishment, and he lived to see it put into behind the obscure faces painted in his mem- across the picture—dead.”

Face on the Bar - Room Floor . both movie and song. The poem was first Creek, at the Cottage Inn at 261 East Bennett. ownerGAMBLER Jack Schwab passed away in PAGE 6 March 27 - April 2, 2007 THE When COLORADO immortalized in 1914, when Charlie Chaplin 1961 his ex-wife Evelyn took possession of adapted it for a film called The Face on the The Cottage and commissioned Dick JohnBarroom Floor.

Despite the famous face on the floor at son, founder of the Cripple Creek District Central City’s Teller House, the first portrait Museum, to paint a female face on the floor. to appear in Colorado history was actually Like Herndon Davis, Johnson preferred not recorded on the kitchen floor of a private res- to be identified as the artist until after his idence in Cripple Creek. The picture is death three years ago. Today, Cripple Creek’s thought to have been painted in the teens or “Madeline” is preserved at the Cripple Creek 1920’s, in a house once owned by saloon District Museum.

In 1978, writer Henry Mollicone penned keeper Herman Metz. Metz sold the house to an opera version of D’Arcy’s poem. The Charles Walker in 1906, who in turn hired Central City Opera Company swooped upon This face on the kitchen floor of a Harry B. Denny to paint the house in 1910.

Denny left his signature and identified him- the play, presenting it with great success. The residence in Cripple Creek was only self as the house painter on a basement door. company performs near the Teller House, discovered a few years ago.

Photo by Jan MacKell Did he paint the portrait? Certain oldtimers of where Edna Davis’ portrait continues to reside.

Most recently, the story of Madeline Cripple Creek say no, that Denny painted Perhaps what is most intriguing about the houses and nothing more. The true artist will gained fame once more in 1997 when Teller County musician T.O. Locker produced his mysterious faces on the floors of Colorado is likely never be known.

As the face on the floor at Cripple Creek own music video, The Face on the Barroom their failure to become commercialized. In was subsequently forgotten, D’Arcy was Floor . Several Colorado locations were used each case, D’Arcy’s story has been treated experiencing a second success from his in filming the video, including Cripple Creek with utmost respect. In the end, the poignanpoem. It came in the form of a movie by and the Western Hotel. The video won sever- cy behind the story rings truer than any other renowned director John Ford, who in 1923 al first place prizes through the Colorado tale one could tell. Indeed, it is the last stanza made his own version of D’Arcy’s poem, The Springs Film Commission and the Profes- of D’Arcy’s poem that carries on the romance sional Film and Video Guild of Colorado. behind the obscure faces painted in his memFace on the Bar - Room Floor .

By Jan MacKell

“Say, boys, if you give me just another whiskey, I’ll be glad And I’ll draw right here a picture of the face that drove me mad.

Give me that piece of chalk with which you mark the baseball score You shall see the lovely Madeline upon the barroom floor.”

October PAGE 46 - 17, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER –GAMBLER Celebrating 25 Years THE COLORADO

Archives

The last known face on the floor in Colorado was painted during the 1960’s in Cripple Creek by Dick Johnson.

Photo courtesy Cripple Creek District Museum.

Central City’s face on the floor of the Teller House is by far the best known in Colorado.

Photo courtesy of the author’s collection

ory: “Another drink, and with chalk in hand the vagabond began To sketch a face that well might buy the soul of any man.

Then, as he placed another lock upon the shapely head, With a fearful shriek, he leaped and fell across the picture—dead.”

PAGE March 27 - April 2, 200729

Helenite: Gemstone or Glass

H

elenite is a trade name used for a man-made glass that is produced using volcanic ash from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens’ volcano in southwestern Washington state. It is also known as Mount St. Helens’ obsidian, emerald obsidianite, and ruby obsidianite. It is a synthetic gemstone made from the fused volcanic rock dust from this volcano’s eruption.

Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest called the mountain “Louwala-Clough” or “Smoking Mountain.” The modern name came from Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy, who named it in honor of Alleyne Fitzherbert, the Ambassador to Spain, who also held the title, Baron St. Helens.

For many years, Mount St. Helens laid dormant, silently building strength. At 10,000 feet

high, it was really a sleeping giant. There were minor eruptions in 1898, 1903 and 1932; but for most of the 20th century, the Mount St. Helens was seen as a peaceful, beautiful mountain and recreational area. That serenity was shattered in 1980. Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980 sending a column of ash and smoke about 80,000 feet into the atmosphere. The volcano used to have a beautiful symmetrical cone about 10,000 feet above sea level. The eruption, which removed the upper 1,300 feet of the summit, left a horseshoe shaped crater and a barren wasteland. About 57 people were killed or are still missing.

From all that chaos, something beautiful emerged: a beautiful emerald green gemstone.

After the eruption, workers from a timber company were attempting to salvage equipment

damaged after the volcanic eruption. Using acetylene torches, they noticed that the intense heat was melting the nearby volcanic ash and rock and turning it into a greenish color. The silica, aluminum, iron, and trace amounts of chromium and copper present in the rocks and ash in the area, combined with the heat of the torches, transformed the volcanic particles into a compound that would be later commercially replicated as helenite.

This brilliant green creation has captured the attention of jewelry designers worldwide. As word of the discovery spread, jewelry companies took note and began to find ways to reproduce the helenite. Helenite is made by heating rock dust and particles

Gemstone & Minerals from the Mount St. Helens’ area in a furnace to a temperature of approximately 2700 degrees F. Although helenite and obsidian are both forms of glass, helenite differs from obsidian in that it is man-made. However, obsidian, along with silica quartz can serve as a component of helenite. The stone has found great interest in the jewelry industry because of its emerald-like color and durability. It is seen as an inexpensive alternative to other naturally occurring green gemstones like emerald and peridot. Helenite can also come in various red, green and blue varieties. Bottom line, helenite is glass! It has the exact same compounds as glass. Thus, helenite is a very inexpensive stone, although it is a very beautiful stone when cut right and placed in jewelry.

Helenite is used in many types of jewelry, including rings, pendants, earrings, and brooches.

Depending upon color, it can be an attractive stone. It has a hard-

ness of about 5 (on a scale of 1 to 10) and chips about as easily as window glass. It is best used in jewelry where it will not encounter impact or abrasion. People who purchase helenite should know that the material was not produced during the Mount St. Helen’s eruption, is man-made and is not rare because it can be produced in great quantities. Also, it is easily scratched or chipped because of its low hardness.

Unlike glass, helenite has no basis for true gemstone claim.

Glass is made from silicate quartz, both natural and synthetic. But unlike quartz which is technically a gem, glass does not qualify as a gem despite it origin. Glass cools far too quickly to reform all the intricate molecular structure needed to become a gem. Helenite is no different. It does not come from a gem or gem source. It comes only from an artificially created heat source placed beneath or directly into volcanic ash made up of various glass particles. In short, it is just another man-made glass.

Horoscopes Leo, now might be a great time to take a step back and enjoy a little breathing room. Look at things from a different perspective, and you might be amazed at your new outlook.

Sagittarius, try to separate your personal life from your professional activities this week. This may require being a little more quiet and introspective than usual, but do your best.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Virgo, many things in your life are vying for your attention. It’s difficult to choose just one, but you will have to do so this week. If necessary, reach out to a friend for assistance.

Capricorn, let your feelings be heard if you feel underappreciated by someone close to you this week. Your loved one will appreciate your honesty and welcome your insight.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Libra, your values and those of a loved one may clash from time to time. Some polite and intelligent discourse might be just what the doctor ordered this week.

Gemini, mixed signals lead to a bit of confusion.

It’s nothing you can’t handle if you backtrack and remedy the original situation, just provide yourself ample time to set things right.

A meaningful conversation with the right person may occur this week, Aquarius. It could mean a step in the right direction for you and help to further your career.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Reactions come swiftly and strongly this week, Scorpio. You either love or hate something, and things may be very black and white in your world in the days ahead.

Pisces, your emotions are so strong this week that you may feel alienated from those closest to you.

If so, make an effort to stay connected.

32. Indira Gandhi 35. ET 36. MPG

37. LL 38. Int 40. Taro 41. Inch

42. IT 43. Giga 45. Angry 46. Jesuits

47. Em 48. ND 49. Seer 50. Horde

1. Trevor Siemian 2. Loveland

DOWN:

3. USS Enterprise 4. RIP 5. Deer

Be extra sensitive to the plights or concerns of others this week, Cancer. Some around you could benefit from some empathy and understanding.

ACROSS

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

23. Ante 25. Eats 27. San 29. Emmys

Taurus, coworkers respond favorably to a proposal you worked hard on. Allow this professional momentum to pay dividends outside of the office as well.

17. Ireland 19. Orlando 21. Xi 22. Oo

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

10. Esor 12. Elvis Presley 16. Eve

Aries, certain feelings may not be easy to convey, but try to find the words this week. It’s important to let your feelings be known, and others are waiting on you to speak up.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

1. Telluride 7. Ben 9. SI

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

6. Essex 7. Brea 8. NB 11. Ollie

13. Ivan 14. Rio 15. Ynot 18. Dosh

20.

Demagogue 24. Ayala 26. Aching

28. Ant 30. MG 31. SNL 33. Images

34. Incred 39. Thyme 41. In 44. Air

45. Ash

Crossword puzzle answers from page 28 PAGE 30

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FEEL FREE to show up and STRUT YOUR STUFF 401 MAIN STREET • BLACK HAWK, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE • WWW.THEISLEBLACKHAWK.COM © 2016 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle is a registered trademark of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be at least 21 or older. Promotions and events subject to change or cancellation without notice. Rules and promotions may vary.

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 23 Years

PAGE 32