When Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn first opened its doors in 1950, the deceptive sign in front featured a Joshua tree with not much ceremony around it. But inside was a different matter. Big-name entertainers were present, celebrating what they called “the most amazing opening Las Vegas had ever seen.”
Opening night had performances by Edgar Bergan, Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, Vivian Blaine, and the Ray Noble Orchestra. The Desert Inn was the fifth resort ever built on the Strip. It featured mind-boggling amenities like an 18-hole golf course and a beautiful observation deck overlooking all the swimming pools. The hotel’s entertainment hall, the “Crystal Showroom” hosted legends like Bobby Darin, Liberace, and Howard Hughs.
Tempest Storm
Annie Banks, famously known as "Tempest Storm," ruled the burlesque dance scene and was a regular performer in Las Vegas clubs. She even earned the title "The Queen of Exotic Dancers" during her prime. Born in Eastman, Georgia, in 1928, she moved to Hollywood and took on the name Tempest Storm when she turned 17. Soon, she landed an impressive deal: a 10-year contract with the Bryan-Engels burlesque chain, guaranteeing her $100,000 annually.
This made her the highest-paid burlesque star ever. In her personal life, Storm was romantically linked to famous names like Elvis Presley, Mickey Rooney, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis Jr., and even gangster Mickey Cohen. Tempest Storm's career spanned more than 60 years, and she made her mark on screen too. Recently, she was featured in a documentary that explored her fascinating life story.
Junior Rodeo
Since we’re time traveling back to the 1950s, a pitstop at a Junior Rodeo is always in order! Junior Rodeos were all the rage back then. Everyone wanted to watch pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls showcasing their rodeo talents with the same energy as the pros. From tiny bull riding to speedy barrel racing, these events were a blast.
Families and locals gathered to cheer on these young rodeo stars, passing down the cowboy spirit. Those junior rodeos in Vegas were the start of a legacy for aspiring rodeo masters. In 1952, the American Junior Rodeo Association was established in Texas with a similar model to the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The Showboat Hotel
Not every hotel in Vegas was an automatic success or sensation. A few of them hit tougher times. Mostly due to location, location, location! One of them was the Showboat Hotel which opened in 1954 on the North End of the Boulder Strip. The hotel was constructed by Vegas stalwarts William J. Moore and J. Kell Houssels - the very same guys involved in building the Last Frontier Hotel Casino and the Las Vegas Club. But Showboat aimed to be different.
It was the first fancy place right in the heart of Sin City/ The hotel had some tough years until they came up with a super cheap breakfast deal that outdid competing establishments. Breakfast brought in the crowds. It was a hit with the local residents. The hotel was sadly demolished in 2015.
Vegas Collaborations
The Martin & Lewis duo was wildly popular and the two would do performances in Vegas often. Despite the duo’s success, issues started cropping up in their friendship. Martin thought Lewis was being too controlling about their work. He contemplated flying solo. Lewis really looked up to Martin and felt hurt that Martin wanted to leave.
They ended up not talking to each other anymore. The two still collaborated until 1956. On July 25, 1956, they did one last show together at the Copacabana before parting ways. Above is a picture of a better time when Martin and Lewis performed together for an ABC show. The duo collaborated for 10 years.