Houston Texas gambler and oilman Jake Freedman (whose last name was also spelled as Friedman in many articles), along with partners Jack Entratter and Carl Cohen, both from New York, where they worked at the Copacabana night club, and Ed Levinson, wanted to build a new hotel and casino on the Strip. Unable to get a building permit, they purchased the stylish French La Rue's restaurant, which opened in 1950, at 3355 Las Vegas Blvd., South, in 1950, from former builder/owner of the Flamingo, Billy Wilkerson. Wayne McAllister came back to Las Vegas again to work on the remodeling. The 200 room hotel and casino amounted to a $5.5 million addition to the old restaurant.

It was rumored at the time that additional financing came from Siegel associate Myer Lansky, Joe Adonis, Frank Costello, New Jersey mobster Joseph "Doc" Stacher, Florida and Kentucky bookie Eddie Levinson, and Minneapolis crime leader Isadore Blumenfled (aka Kid Cann).

One of the hotel's builders asked "Mr. Freedman, we need a working name for this place; what should we call it?" Freedman replied "There's so much sand in this damned place that my socks are full of it! So why don't we call it 'The Sand' until it's finished; then we'll call it the 'Holiday Inn'." The builder responded "But Mr. Freedman, you can't just say 'The Sand'. You must use the plural, 'Sands'." Sands it became. People preferred the name "Sands" over "Holiday Inn" so the Sands was officially born.

"Jakie Freedman was accepted and respected as a quality gaming operator. He was known as a good host and a man of unquestionable integrity." - Carl Cohen

"He (Freedman) was the most colorful man I'd ever met. I recall him saying to me in his deep voice, 'Never scratch a poor man's back.' Freedman was famous for carrying around $1,000 bills and never gambled with chips. He always bet with cash." - Eleanor Roth Grosso, Jack Entratter's Assistant

"At one time (1950) Jakie Friedman (sp) known from Main to Spain as "The Little Man," spent $200,000 to redecorate just three rooms in the Domain Privee, his palatial estate in Houston, Texas. This beautiful mansion is of imposing southern Colonial architecture, with tall Gothic columns, set in a faultlessly landscaped park." - Jack Cortez, 1952

Freedman with Bell Hops

"In one celebrated incident, Jakie lost about $95,000 playing poker at the Horseshoe Club because he had lost track of his winnings and thought he was ahead when he left the game." - Chuck Bennett

"My aunt Sadie, (Freedman's wife) was the matriarch of the hotel, and frankly, early Las Vegas, in general. Sadie Freedman was known for her grace, class, and refinement." - Anne Vratil, Niece of the Freedmans

Bearing the slogan "A Place in the Sun" the Sands opened on December 15, 1952, as the seventh resort on the Strip, just nine months and four days after construction began. Opening night entertainment was provided by Danny Thomas, Jimmy McHugh, Judy Collins, Chuck Nelson, and the "Copa Girls", billed as the "Most Beautiful Girls in The World".

The rooms were housed in five two-story Bermuda modern-style buildings, each named after a famous thoroughbred racetrack, arranged in a semi-circle around a half-moon shaped swimming pool. These structures featured an unique "Vermiculite" tile roof which was used extensively in the tropics to provide cooler temperatures.

The main building was a great rectangular hall with the reception desk in one corner, slot machines along one long wall, and a bar and cocktail lounge, complete with a Latin trio along the opposite wall. Three wide terrazzo stairs led down into the large low casino lit by shallow modern chandeliers.

The casino was flat-roofed where warm earth tones predominated and were enhanced by expensive copper lighting fixtures.

On the east side of the main casino building was a popular gathering spot called the Sunrise Terrace, because it afforded a beautiful view of Sunrise Mountain. Inside the main building was the Garden Room Coffee Shop, with its cool, green motif, terrazzo floor, numerous tropical plants, and 60 feet of window space, offered a wide view of Highway 91 and the mountains beyond.

The Silver Queen Bar and Cocktail Lounge were decorated with various Nevada scenes by muralist Allan Stewart.

Placing an eye-catching porte cochere and a zigzag wall ornamented with tiled planters along the sidewalk subdued the cavernous mass of the structure. The three modernistic pylons was hewn from rough Italian marble. The Sands' porte cochere went far beyond the Thunderbird's to become striking.

Crowning the Sands was a roadside sign that took a first step beyond the Strip status of sheet metal signs adorned with neon. At 56 feet, it was taller than the rest, with the "S" alone standing 35 feet, but its primary distinction was its integration into the main building's architecture. McAllister designed the sign and the Young Electric Sign Company fabricated it. An eggcrate grill, cantilevered from a solid anchor pylon, played with the desert light and shadow. In a bold free script, the neon name "Sands" sprawled across the face of it.

Freedman brought in experienced management, especially when gaming was involved. He brought in men who would make the operation run smoothly. Executives like Sid Wyman, Ed Levinson, Charles Kandel, Aaron Weisberg, Ed Torres, Charles Turner and Ed Levy to name a few, were all Sands' alumni and went on to other top posts in major Vegas hotels.

"My father, Marty Goldberg, was the first Host at the hotel, before Bucky Harris; and perhaps you could say he coined the "Host" identity in Las Vegas. As other gaming executives were brought to the Sands from the East Coast, Uncle Jake brought my father out from Philadelphia, where he'd owned night clubs and bars (he gave a start in show business to both Pearl Bailey and comedian Jack Carter in his Philadelphia night club, The Chateau Crillion). Marty was brought to Las Vegas to oversee the liquor / Copa Lounge operation, which expanded into a general Host role. Red Norvo, a Copa Lounge jazz entertainer, wrote a piece of music entitled, "Marty's Walk" - to pay tribute to how my father walked all night, greeting people and making them feel important. His key role was to know "who was who," and to ensure they were recognized and treated like royalty while guests at the hotel." - Anne Vratil, Niece of Jake Freedman

"Entratter put Las Vegas on the map because of his personal contact with every major movie nightclub star in show business. He also worked closely with powerhouse newspaper people such as Louella Parsons, Walter Winchell, Hedda Hopper and Earl Wilson to publicize the Sands and Las Vegas nationwide.
"He always catered to the stars and their families by throwing lavish parties for them and arranging special events, such as Sinatra's wedding to Mia Farrow, and Rosalind Russell and Freddie Brisson's 25th wedding anniversary. But it didn't matter who they were, Jack treated everyone the same. He was an innovator too, being the first owner to give blacks full and equal hotel privileges. Lena Horne, for example, was one of the first black performers to regularly play the Strip, thanks to Jack." - Eleanor Roth Grasso

Sands' first Copa Girls

Jack
Entratter, Louella Parsons, and Frank Sinatra in October 1953 just before Sinatra's first appearance at the Sands

 

The Sands was the hotel of the 50s and early 60s. Entratter brought in Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack - included Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop. It was reported that Sinatra alone made $15,000 a week at the Sands.

Appearing nightly in the Copa Room by night, and shooting the Warner Brothers "Oceans 11" by day in the resort, proved a huge windfall for the Sands. Entratter billed the three week engagement as "The Summit at the Sands".

"Every night they put on a different show because everything the Clan did was impromptu. It really was like New Year's Eve every single night." Eleanor Roth Grasso

"It was the greatest time of my life. There was only one bad thing about it though. I was in the first scene to be shot in the mornings while everyone else slept in. I remember that billing in those days was 'Four Kings and a Joker'." - Joey Bishop

It was the habit of the Rat Pack to visit the Sands' lounge, tuxedos and all, shortly after finishing the midnight show. Their presence in the lounge usually disrupted play completely, with eager and wide-eyed gamblers flocking to catch a glimpse of the fun.

"Back then the lounge had a very long stage that was removed from the audience. Now, in the back there was the VIP table, reserved for the Rat pack. I liked to con Frank, Dean and Sammy and the rest into coming up and joining my show. So I'd take my microphone with its long cord down to Sinatra's table and do my songs from there, coaxing them up on stage. Frank liked to do physical humor, such as throwing ice at you while you were performing.
"But one of his favorite pranks was to break my straw hats, which were my trademark. I'll never forget the night I was down to my last straw hat. Frank, between his shows, grabbed my hat in the middle of my show and put his fist through it. Just when I was yelling at him for wrecking the last hat I had, up came more than 100 hats flying at me from the audience. Frank had them flown in from Los Angeles." - Dave Burton, Sands lounge entertainer

 

In 1953, Sands celebrated her first year on the Strip by burying a capsule. Tallulah Bankhead, who was starring in the Copa Room helped with the burying. At a special ceremony, Bankhead placed one of her studio photos inside the capsule with Entratter holding the door open. Other items included Bing Crosby's pipe, Ray Bolger's dancing shoes, Sugar Ray Robinson's boxing gloves, and a wax impression of Jimmy Durante's nose. Then the 12-foot capsule, in the shape of a small rocket ship and dotted with stars, was lowered into the earth. The capsule was to be opened in the middle of the next century.

In 1953, Sands showcased Al Bernie, The Copa Beauties, Billy Eckstine, Nanette Fabrey, Chandra Kaly and his Dancers, Enzio Pinza, and Ray Sinatra Orchestra.

In 1954, Sands showcased Frank Sinatra, George Tapps' Dancers, Martin Brothers, Sands Ziegfeld Girls, Ernie Stewart Trio, Ziegfeld Follies, Vic Damone, and Ray Sinatra Orchestra. The 20 Sands Ziegfeld Girls were personally chosen by Jack Entratter from all sections of the country. The production numbers were written and staged by Sid Kuller, and Check Nelson narrated the show as well as taking charge of the featured singing role. The choreography was created by Rene Stewart/Bob Gilbert, with gowns made by Billy Livingston. Special music was written by Lynn Murray.

When the Desert Inn opened its large pool in 1955, the Last Frontier across the highway filled in its old roadside pool and built a heated one of AAU dimensions with a subsurface observation room at the deep end and a deck-side bar. The Desert Inn then replaced its original pool with one even bigger. The Sands created a thing of free flow design large enough to float a cruiser to compete.

At its base, the original 1952 Wayne McAllister casino was removed into a plainer, less elegant façade that included a smaller cylinder sheathed in colorful mosaics and a new triangular porte cochere. Michael Stern, Jr., was the architect.

In April of 1955, Danny Thomas' brother died in a car accident just outside Barstow, California, while traveling to see the comedian perform at the Sands. Thomas was hit hard with the news and had to bow out of his engagement. Frank Sinatra flew in that day to replace Thomas for two days. Sinatra had to leave due to contract obligations, and Billy Gray flew in and took over until Thomas came back.

Also in April of 1955, Sands announced they were going to build a new Health Club that would be located directly off of the pool. The management felt that the investment was well worth it to get club manager Neil Leppo away from the Chinese kitchen that the club was next to.

In 1955 the resort showcased The Clark Brothers, The Copa Girls featuring Chuck Nelson, Rosemary Clooney, Peter Lind Hayes/Mary Healy, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Antonio Morelli & His Orchestra, and Danny Thomas.

The Silver Queen Bar showcased Nellie Lutcher & her Rhythm, El Gringo & his Latin Rhythms featuring Mechita, The Guadalupe Boys, and Ernie Stewart Trio.

Sands celebrated her birthday with Sammy Davis, Jr., Marlene Dietrich, and Danny Thomas.

In 1956, Sands made her acting debut in Meet Me in Las Vegas. She also celebrated her birthday having a party with Lucille Ball, Loretta Young, Danny Thomas, Marlene Dietrich, Jack Entratter, Mitzi Gaynor, and Esther Williams.

During this year, Entratter recreated the Ziegfield Follies which starred Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy. During one show, someone broke up the audience by yelling out "you're so cute, you two!" Also starring in the show were Lena Horne, and Pepper Davis/Tony Reese.

One of the most unusual gimmicks at the Community Fair was a stunt being done by the new Volk-shaver company - a cute teenager handed out cards to the males reading "Pardon me, sir, I don't mean to be impolite, but you need a shave!" Then the cards went on to say "This is, a demonstration shave." Al Freeman, Sands publicist, headed up the new company which distributed the startling new idea to nine Western states.

During 1956, it was noted that Myron Cohen and Pearl Bailey appeared at a show when Hayes and Lind were stranded in Los Angeles by a plane delay.

In 1956, the resort showcased The Aristocrats, Beachcombers w/Natalie, Nat King Cole, Bob DeVoye Trio, Peter Lind Hayes/Mary Healy, Jerry Lewis starring in The Royal Jester, Roberta Linn, Peggy Lee, Martin & Lewis, Antonio Morelli & His Orchestra, Chuck Nelson, Rowan & Martin, Frank Sinatra, Danny Thomas, and the Copa Girls. In the Silver Queen Bar Freddie Bell, Lillian Briggs, Clark Brothers, The Melodaires, Peppy Morreale Trio, Ernie Ros Trio, and Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps.

It was reported that a child attending one of Danny Thomas' shows had a movie camera and wanted a "moving picture" of herself and Thomas. Thomas picked her up during his performance and allowed the "movie" to be filmed for the girl's memories.

In a total white environment, Nat King Cole could only perform at the resort and could not enter the casino. His daughters, Carol and Natalie, couldn't get admitted to the Sands dining room to eat breakfast.

In June of 1956, Jerry Lewis was seen riding around the resort in one of Sands' shuttle cars. Lewis could be seen picking up sun bathers, driving them around the resort, dropping them off at the pool and then pick up another batch.

Also during this year, Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak attended a birthday party, and Audrey Hepburn, Mel Ferrer, Frank Sinatra, and Prince Mike Romanoff attended a function at the resort.

Sands getting ready for her appearance in an I Love Lucy episode starring Fred MacMurray.

On July 12, 1957, Sands hosted the 49th birthday of Milton Berle. Also in attendance were Spike Jones, Herb Shriner, Joe E. Lewis, and Red Skelton.

During this year Sands showcased Louis Armstrong, The Copa Girls, Pepper Davis/Tony Reese, Marlene Dietrich, Dean Martin/Ken Lane, Will Mastin Trio starring Sammy Davis, Jr., Robert Merrill, Antonio Morelli & His Orchestra, Peggy Lee, Rowan & Martin, Marguerite Piazza, and The Vogues.

The Copa Lounge showcased King Pins, Frank Moore Four, and Tune Timers.

In 1957, top parts in a new Broadway production were given to Sands dancer Don Torrillo, and Saharem Dancer Pat Gorman.

It was noted that autograph seekers had paper and pens ready when Frank Sinatra, Lauren Bacall and Jerry Lewis showed up in the casino taking time to sign autographs and talk with patrons.

"Uncle Jake died on January 20, 1958, at Los Angeles, CA, following surgery to repair a blockage in his aorta. This was an early attempt at a bypass, but the surgery had not been perfected in 1958; and the blockage was too close to the heart for the then-unsophisticated skill required for that type of surgery. After my uncle's death, Aunt Sadie moved out of their home not far from the Strip, and into a suite in the Belmont Park building on the Sands grounds, where she lived until her death approximately ten years later. Jack Entratter became President of the Sands after Uncle Jake's death.

The sale of a percentage of the Sands to Sinatra accomplished two important needs: 1) to generate some cash so Aunt Sadie could pay off Uncle Jake's remaining gambling losses, accumulated right before his unexpected death; and 2) to give Frank what he always wanted -- an ownership interest in the Sands." - Ann Vratil

In 1958, Sands showcased Danny Thomas, The King's IV, The Exciting Texas Copa Girls, Will Mastin Trio starring Sammy Davis, Jr., Antonio Morelli & His Music.

During his tenure, Danny Thomas suffered a separation of the spine, and in spite of the tremendous pain, had gone on every night as scheduled. Thomas's right leg was affected by this ailment.

The Copa Lounge showcased Red Norvo.

In 1959, Bucky Harris was Host and Executive of the Sands.

Also in 1959, Vegas hosted the Variety International Convention and various resorts participated. Praise was given to Orchestra Leader Antonio Morelli whose musical genius and sense of stage direction was responsible for what could easily compete for the "greatest show on earth" honors by the conventioneers.

In October of 1959, Sands completed a $100,000 remodeling of her lobby area, and was about to embark on a $1 million project for the addition of 53 luxury suites.

In 1959, Sands showcased Ames Brothers, Joey Bishop, Nat King Cole, The Copa Girls, Bobby Darin, Bethe Douglas, Exciting Texas CopaGirls, Pietro Gentile and the Magic Violins, Georgia Gibbs, George Gobel, Lena Horne, Betty Kean/Lew Parker, Kings IV, Kovach & Rabovsky, Buddy Lester, Will Mastin Trio starring Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Bob Melvin, Corbett Monica, Antonio Morelli and his Orchestra, Rowan & Martin, Frank Sinatra, Danny Thomas with Wally Pop at the piano, and Sophie Tucker.

"I remember when Bobby Darin came into the Sands in as the starring act. He had already earned his Vegas spurs as a singer on the George Burns show six months earlier. So there he stood center-stage at the world famous Sands' Copa Room, the starring act. He had just gotten a lousy story in national TV Guide from a know-it-all write by the name of Richard Gehman who had walloped Darin unmercifully by labeling the finger snapping Roberto as a 'rotten, little braggart.' Only it took Gehman several thousand words to go more fully into his snarling unfounded charges. That story started a wild feud as hundreds of newspapers all over the nation reprinted some of Behman's story. So, the night Bobby made his all important debut as a Vegas star in the Copa Room of the Sands, everybody in the first night audience was watching Bobby like he was a curio under glass.

Bobby did the show, then bolted off the stage after a quickie bow. That's all he had to to do to convince many die-hards in the room that he was really what Gehman had charged. But I had a difference idea on the subject. I got out of there in a hurry and went up to Darin's dressing room. There I found the 'arrogant, nasty' Darin stretched out on a cot. He was the color of the gaming table cloth and retching endlessly all over Jack Entratter's fancy dressing room rug. I then found out that Darin has been petrified from the moment he set foot on that stage. The mere fact that he acted cocky and comfortable while he did a 40 minute act was a remarkable Academy Award performance.

Since that memorable night much has happened to Bobby Darin the wonderful world of show business. He is now an established star of cafes, TV and motion pictures, has a wife (Sandra Dee) and a child, also a special file in Uncle Sam's Bureau of Internal Revenue. Together with his manager, Steve Blouner, and high school chum, Dick Behrke, who does a remarkable job as Bobby's musical conduct, he is now an established, terribly wanted entertainer in all phases of the business. As for the great prophet of TV Guide, Richard Gehman, he's been trying to scrape the egg off his face for the last year. It was he who had written that Darin, among other things, was strictly a flash in the pan. He should be such a flash in the pan." - Ralph Pearl, February 1963

In 1960, Copa Room showcased Brascia & Tybee, Dave Burton, Bobby Darin, Georgia Gibbs, George Gobel, Lena Horne, Morry King & His Violins, Eber Lobato Dancers w/Nelida, Dean Martin, Antonio Morelli's Orchestra, The Most Beautiful Girls in the West including 21 year old Ann Trebes, Page & Bray, Red Skelton, Ernie Stewart and his Trio, and Danny Thomas. The Lounge showcased Jan August, Dave Burton, Bobby Cole, Lee Evans, Johnnie McCormick/Bobbi Boyle, Morry King & his Violins, The Sabres, and Ernie Stewart Trio.

When Danny Thomas performed in May of 1960, the patrons cheered him on to stay and entertain until 2:00am. Even after the show ended a few hours later then originally scheduled, Thomas was seen later in the lounge with his wife Rosemary, and Mr. & Mrs. Red Skelton.

During one of Dave Burton's appearances in the Copa Room he showcased his true talents when he proved he could sing songs in 16 different languages.

In 1961, Sands boasted a $40,000 steam room known as the Clubhouse of the Clan.

In May of 1961, it was reported that Dorothy Entratter, Jack's wife had passed away.

"We were among the multitude profoundly shaken by the news of Dorothy Entratter's demise and extended our condolences to her husband Jack (President of the Sands Hotel). To know her was to love her, was deeply etched in the hearts of the diversified throng that came to mourn her. The grief of the late Mrs. Entratter's family was completely shared by everyone, from bus boys right on up to executives and countless entertainers. Prevalent was an emptiness that one can experience only when a great loss has been suffered. Dorothy was a vivacious person, with a vital interest in her fellow man, as attested by her devotion to civic and charitable enterprises. Above all else, Dorothy was first a wife and mother, a role which she fitted to exactness." - Jack Cortez, May 1961

Casino Assistant Dean Shendal was a 35 year old business-administration graduate of Washington College. He got his start in "the business" selling football pools around campus, got to know his way around the local horse parlor, and ran a little crap game of his own for a while. One day he found himself in Vegas on a vacation, looked it over, liked it, went home and packed, and has been there ever since.

In October of 1961, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved the 1% interest purchase of the resort by Dean Martin.

In November of 1961, it was noted that on one particular date it was impossible for patrons to get tickets to Frank Sinatra's show. Almost the entire audience consisted of celebrities from all realms of entertainment. Some that were noted included Vic Damone, Sammy Davis, Jr & Mai Britt, Tommy Sands, Nancy Sinatra (both mother and daughter), and Jimmy Darrin.

In 1961, Copa Room showcased Marty Allen & Steve Rossi, Andrini Brothers, Paul Anka, Brascia & Tybee, Nat King Cole, Rosemary Clooney, Copa Girls, George Gobel, The Half Brothers, Peter Lind Hayes Show starring Patric Wymore/Paula Kelly & The Modernaires/Claud Stroud, Lena Horne, Paula Kelly & Claude Strauss, Kings IV, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Will Mastin Trio w/Sammy Davis, Jr., Modernaires, Antonio Morelli & His Music, The Most Beautiful Girls in the West, Garr Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Steiner Brothers, Ernie Stewart Trio, and Pat Wymore. There was also a show called the Ring-A-Ding-Ding Show starring Frank Sinatra. The Copa Lounge showcased Dave Burton, Martin Denny, Dale "Deacon" Jones, Morry King & His Violins, Nelson & Palmer, Kiki Paige, Chuy Reyes, Ernie Stewart Trio, and Jerry Vale/Dale "Deacon" Jones.

During her tenure at the resort, people were amazing to Kiki Paige swimming on cool October days. Paige was practicing as she had captained professional water ballets in New York City and Florida and was a year 'round swimmer.

The casino was managed by Carl Cohen who was also Vice President.

In 1962, the Sands added the U-shaped three-story, 83 room "Aqueduct" wing.

Copa Room showcased Joey Bishop, Nat King Cole, Pat Henry, Lena Horne, Betty Johnson, Dean Martin, Will Mastin Trio starring Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Bob Melvin, Corbett Monica, Antonio Morelli & His Music, The Most Beautiful Girls in the West, and Garr Nelson.

The Copa Lounge showcased Dave Burton, Don Cherry, Martin Denny, Terry Gibbs/Pat Moran/Judy Lawler, The Internationals/Jac D'Jon, Morry King & His Violins, Morry King & His Violins, Ernie Stewart Trio, and Jerry Vale.

In November of 1963, the Installment Dinner of the Skal Club was held at the resort under the direction of its newly-elect President Larry Decker who was also Vice President of Bonanza Air Lines. Trop travel executives from all over the world were on hand. (Skal is an international organization of travel executives).

"The devastating Clan of show biz, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., have just concluded their second week at the Sands. This show is about as uproarious and funny as anything I've ever seen in Vegas in the past ten years. Actually, it starts out like a Pasadena weiner roast. Each of the boys comes out in obedient, almost meek manner does a 20 minute bit, then bows off. However, when they finally get down to business they almost tear of the Copa Room roof as they loosen their ties, unbuckle their collars and start to slug at a tableful of booze wheeled onstage earlier. That's when the reverent, overly fed audience began to take notice. The risque laff lines came fast and furiously from the lads and it was a really a ball in every sense of the word. The hundreds that managed to catch the Clan in this quickie engagement are most fortunate because many thousands were turned away at the door and many more thousands turned down by phone. I'll long remember this one, 'The Poolroom Follies of '63.'" - Ralph Pearl, Feb. 1963

The Copa Lounge showcased Margaret Ann/Ernie Mariani Trio, Dave Burton, Don Cherry, Goldie & The Gingerbreads, Morry King & His Violins, Gary Morton, Sonny King/Vido Musso, Ernie Stewart Trio, Jerry Vale, and Yacoubian & Company.

In 1964, Sands appeared in the movie Kiss Me, Stupid.

One of the most widely known of the lounge hosts was Charles Baron who was an executive at the Sands and acted as public relations man for the resort. Baron was a full colonel in the U.S. Army reserve and proudly displayed his five battle stars, the Bronze Star and Commendation Medal which he earned while on active duty in the European theater.

Baron entered the National Guard in Illinois in November 1938, and gained his first commission as a second lieutenant in November of 1940. After his war service, he returned to Chicago where he opened the Ford agency in 1946 and remained there until 1960 when he came to Vegas. He was one of the original owners of the Tropicana and was on hand when it first was opened.

The above depicts Baron sitting with Bob Fuller (Emergency TV show) and Fuller's wife, Mrs. Kerner, General Boyle, Governor Kerner of Illinois, General Homefeld, General Kane, and Colonel Baron, and major General Kane, Comm. Gen. 33rd Infantry Division, Lieutenant General Dodge, Comm. Gen. 5th Army, Major General Boyle, and Colonel Baron.

During this year the Copa Room showcased Paul Anka, Augie & Margo, Chubby Checkers, Nat King Cole in Sights & Sounds of 1964, w/The Merry Young Souls/Ronnie Martin - Ike Jones was the Production Supervisor, The Four Step Brothers, The Half Brothers, Alan King w/Jerry Vale & Harry Nofal production singer, Carol Lawrence/Jan Murray, Jerry Lewis w/Lou Brown Musical Conductor, Dean Martin/Ken Lane, Corbett Monica, Antonio Morelli & his Music, The Most Beautiful Girls In The West, Lydia Torea & Co. Charlie Brosen, sax player for the Antonio Morelli Orchestra, temporarily left the band when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident when his car was demolished by a huge road truck.

The press covering the Lawrence/Murray opening night had a special treat when they were invited for coffee with Lawrence after the performance.

The Copa Lounge showcased David Allen, Dave Burton, Danny Costello, Forbes & Villa, Morry King & his Violins, Sonny King/Vido Musso, Red Norvo/Betsy Duncan, Johnny Prophet, Dick Roman, Mongo Santamaria, Red Skelton, Bob Snyder/Peggy Kaye, Suzie & The Niteowls, Ernie Stewart Trio, and Jerry Wald Five featuring Ruth Gillis.

In February of 1965, the resort as well as the nation went into mourning when Nat King Cole passed away. Cole was a regular at the resort since the 1950s, and he died just one year short of performing for three decades.

In May of 1965, the Sands traffic directors were commended for keeping the hotel's driveway less congested than any other resort on the Strip.

Vegas TV viewers didn't get to see the documentary Let My People Go presented by Xerox, due to a tight program schedule. So many people complained that Jack Entratter contacted the film's producer David Wolper, and made arrangements for is showing on May 2nd at the Jewish Community Center. Entratter made it a point to invite everyone of all faiths and creeds to join him in this special showing.

"It was Dean Martin's birthday and the lucky people in the Sands lounge got to see the show to end all shows. It started innocently enough. Dino was at his table, surrounded by the Copa Girls, and Vido Musso was onstage, wailing on his sax, to the get the audience warmed up for Sonny King. When Sonny came onstage he took a deep breath, untied his tie and proceeded to sing 'Happy Birthday'.

When he got to 'dear Dino,' the audience gave out with sort of a collective gasp and joined in on the singing in earnest. The 'Little Old Lady' who does the Dodge TV commercials was ringside so Sonny brought her onstage to sing another chorus to Dean. About this time, a white, ten-gallon hat ambled to the stage, brushing against the ceiling. Between the hat and the floor was a lot of Texan. I won't say he was big but he could have used Jackie Heller as a watch fob.

Vido Musso couldn't resist borrowing the hat, which turned out to be a mistake of major proportions. The Texan figured the critters on stage were a right neighborly bunch and kept joining them at regular intervals for the rest of the set. Only thing is, he stood on the floor and looked down at the people onstage.

When Dino came onstage the first time, Sonny was in the middle of a number. At intervals, he'd lean the mike over in front of Dean but before Dean could focus his eyes on it and open his mouth sing, Sonny would snatch it back. Figuring he needed both hands to grab the mike, Dino set his drink on the piano . . . only he was about four inches too far away and that was the first of many broken glasses. The rest of the number Sonny spent running around to push the piano close to Dean so he wouldn't miss. Mt. Everest in the ten-gallon hat came up to help but he was too late.

Dino had gone through another drink by this time and when a cocktail fetcher hurried by, he grabbed one off the tray. I don't know what kind of drink it was but it had cherries and a lemon wedge and Dino looked at it trying to figure out whether it was a drink or a fruit salad. Finally he decided it wasn't his cup of tea and poured it on Sonny King. After a few more drinks poured over Dino, Sonny and Vido, the stage was in a pretty treacherous condition and Vido took a decidedly unrehearsed pratfall off the stage, nearly landing in the 'Little Old Lady's' lap.

Dino grew a little sad over all the wasted libation, so he cast about for a substitute and came up with his birthday cake. After that, the drinks stayed in the glasses, but the cake was smeared from one end of the stage to the other. The last hunk of it went in the ear of an old gent wearing a hearing aid, who picked the wrong time to wander within range. The show finally ended with Vido slipping around in the cake icing trying to make a speech a la Mussolini, the old gent with the cake in his ear gazing happily off in the general direction of the Garden Room, Mt. Everest trying to jitterbug with a cocktail waitress, Mongo Santamaria sliding all over the stage, trying to set up his bongo drums for his next act, and Dino back at his table causing palpitations among the Copa Girls." - Larry Ling, 1965

1965 picture of the pool area.

In 1965, Sands Vice President Carl Cohen became Chief Blue Eagle in ceremonies attended by the entire tribe of Ponca Indians at a Cherokee strip Gold Classic in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Pictured are Chief Little Buffalo, T.J. Corzalina, General Chairman of the Golf Classic, Carl Cohen, and Chief Big Buffalo.

Three slot machine experts from Australia who claimed to have invented a system in which they garnered $200,000 in winnings from the machines, visited the Sands twice during 1965 to prove their theory but were stopped cold by the Bally machines in the casino. The three were hosted by Sands Executive Charles Kandel, and left Vegas with a fine impression of the resort. Pictured are Keith Jennings, Charles Kandel, Cecil McKenzie and George Clampett. McKenzie was a reporter from Sydney, Australia who accompanied the group to report on their success.

In July of 1965, Red Skelton was surprised on stage by his wife Georgia (right), daughter Valentina, and a huge birthday cake in the form of a piano. The piano theme was adopted because of Skelton's prolific music writing.

A visit to the Sands also included royalty. The first picture depicts Royal Highness Prince William of Cloucester (right) and his traveling companion Ben Coleman (left) of the Coleman Mustard family. In the middle is Sands Casino Executive Charles Turner. Prince William was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth of England, and attended Stanford University, California; the second picture depicts The Sultan, Sultana, and Queen Mother of Kedah, Malaya.

On July 11, 1965, the National Distillers interrupted Joe E. Lewis onstage in the Celebrity Theatre. They presented him with a solid gold "shot" glass in honor of his millionith drink "The man who has done the most to stimulate interest in libations."

On July 18, 1965, Skelton's musical compositions were rpesented in the Sands Concert Hall by the Antonio Morelli Orchestra, under the direction of Skelton's musical conductor, Don Ferris.

In August of 1965, Ron ERickson, former newspaper man, became Assistant to Publicity Director Al Freeman.

In late 1965, groundbreaking for the new tower took place. Most groundbreaking ceremonies include holding a shovel. Danny Thomas, had a whole different idea. He is pictured with Jack Entratter.

Marriages at the resort during this year included: King of the Road fame Roger Miller and Lea Kendrick. Actor Doug McClure served as best man; actor Rod Sterling toasts his daughter Tish and Lal Baum. Tish's mother was Ann Sothern; Sonny King and Jacqueline Viele. From left to right is Red Skelton, Sonny King, Jacqueline Viele, Maurice Chevalier, and Jimmy Durante; and Sands Executive Moe Lewis and Lillian Parker. From left to right is Sands owner Hy Abrams, Sands Vice President Carl Cohen, Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Lewis, Sands Treasurer Aaron Weisberg, Mickey Wichinski, and Sands President Jack Entratter.

Joey Bishop hosted the executives of Jetours International, who had aligned with the Sands to bring large groups there via their international network of travel agencies. The picture depicts Mrs. & Mrs. Jerry Corsi, Mr. & Mrs. Art Strahl, Bishop, Ed Thies & William Jacobi.

Marty Allen and Steve Rossi presented Patti Page with a life-sized "Oscar", and a huge bouquet of long-stemmed red roses in tribute to Page's sensational closing week in the Copa Room.

Alan King and his wife dance a slow anniversary waltz in the Emerald Room during the party hosted for them by Sands management.

Italian movie company Sancro Films, spent several weeks at the Sands filming parts of the resort for use in their film The World By Day produced by Luigi Vanci. The picture depicts the crew photographing a CopaGirl audition.

Pictured are Red Skelton, Mrs. and Mrs. Harry Porter from Shreveport, Louisiana, Attorney General Jack P.F. Gremillion of Louisiana, Mrs. Gremillion, and Jimmy Durante.

The most unusual sight in Vegas during the 1965 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention was the free-wheeling Buick swinging high in the sky about the Sands new tower. Sands was headquarters for the Buick Division of GM and the unusual idea was the idea of Roland Withers, General Sales Manager of the Buick Division.

In September of 1965, one of the first conventions held at the new Sands convention facility was Nevada Governor Grant Sawyer and members of the Nevada Congressional Delegation attending the Nevada State Association of Mental Health Banquet.

In just four months after opening the new convention center, it boasted the following conventions: American Mining Congress, The Norge Corporation, Telautograph Corporation, Hotpoint Dealers, Ford Motor Company, American College of Surgeons, International Knife and Ford Club, National Bus Traffic Association, Rotary International, Pacific Coast Meat Jobbers Association, National Poultry Manufacturers, TWA Quickie Vacations, Western States Guild Dispensing Opticians, Voice of Music, RCA/Whirlpool, National Licensed Beverage Association, Rose Bowl Group from Ohio, J.F. Pritchard & Co., Motorola, Inc., RCA, National Auto & Truck Wreckers Association, Kern County Officials, Pacific Coast Galvanizers Association, National Liquor Stores Association, GE, Indianapolis, USAF Fighter Weapons Meet, Texas Real Estate, Hotpoint, Lions Club, International Variety Clubs, World Flight of Congress, Air Force Association, National Liquor Association, American Tansul Co., Hutchinson News Group, Illinois Bell Telephone Co., Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, N.C., Eastman Kodak, Bell Telephone of Newark, Aero Space Medical Association, General Electric, Zellerbach Paper Company, Unistrut Corporation, Texas Real Estate Board, Swimming Pool Builders of America, Amana, Amana Refrigeration - Mid-West Region, Lear Electronics Corporation, Mayflower Moving Corporation, General Motors Corporation, Ethicon Corporation of New Jersey, Iowa "I" Club, Epic Record Distributors, Westwood Shrine Club, Wedgewood-Holly Corp, National Dyko, Institute of Scrap Iron & Steel, The Curtiss Candy Co., Richfield Oil Company, Mexican Rotary Club, Green Giant Brokers, Variety Club Members - Miami, Florida, Cincinnati Automobile Club, Japanese Steel Association, National Licensed Beverage Association, Continental Airlines, Pacific Coast Meat Jobbers, Motorola Roundup, American Sport Car Association, National Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, American Steel Warehouse Association, Edsel Dealers, Kiwanis Klan, American Standards Association, American Rack Merchandisers Institute, Westwood Shriners, Nat'l Association of Catholic Women, American Dental Association, Greybar Electric, American Society of Child Psychiatry, Plextone Corporation of America, Lincoln-Mercury Dealers, West Coast Electronic Manufacturers, National Association of Concessionaires, Southern California Furniture Manufacturers Association, Arrowhead Puritas Water Distributors, Liquid Petroleum Gas Association, Furniture Manufacturers, Frigidaire, Carrier Corporation, National Bankers, Servel, I. Miller Shoes, Relax-acizor Corporation, U.S. Borax & Chemical Co., Mercury Division - Ford Motor Company, Wine and Food Society, National Cash Register Co., American Trial Lawyers, Schenley Diamond Jubilee, and Bohemian Distr. Corp.

With the building of the tower came some unique problems. No resort has a 13th floor, at least the name 13th floor anyway. Entratter came up with a new name for that floor and had to show Danny Thomas. Another problem was where were the dressing rooms.

Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., decided to take the floor plans on stage to see if they can locate it. Frank Sinatra looks on while a Frank Sinatra impersonator joins the group. The real Sinatra is on the right.

When Sinatra went on an international tour, he posed with a sign making sure if he got lost, he was returned to the right place.

Jack Entratter decided to team Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra for a two-week engagement in the Copa Room. More than 76,000 requests were received for the 14,000 available seats during the 14 days. Nancy Sinatra, Sr., and daughter Nancy were on hand to host the 30 celebrities and personalities who attended the opening. Pictured are Sinatra performing with the orchestra; father and daughter after the opening show; and, a table showing Nancy Sinatra, Sr., Yul Brynner, Mrs. Yul Brynner, Edward G. Robinson, Leo Durocher, Richard Conte, Lucille Ball, and Sal Mineo. Entratter is standing over the table.

Others seen at the resort included Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda and Cyd Charise, as well as Jane Wyman with Jackie Heller of the Sands.

In December, 1965, Jack Entratter and Carl Cohen had a message for all Sands' fans.

In 1965, Copa Room showcased Paul Anka/Corbett Monica, Count Basie, Joey Bishop, Carol Burnett, Fisher and Marks, Robert Goulet, Jan Murray/Carol Lawrence, Antonio Morelli & His Music, Most Beautiful Girls in the West, Harry Nofal, Patti Page/Mort Sahl, Nipsey Russell, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, and Jennie Smith, Danny Thomas, and Shani Wallis.

The Copa Lounge showcased Traian Boyer, Bobbi Boyle, Danny Costello, Fisher & Marks/Red Norvo, Hines, Hines & Dad, Jonah Jones, Sonny King/Vido Musso, Vido Musso/Betsy Duncan, Red Norvo/Betsy Duncan, Johnny Rivers, Keely Smith/Red Norvo, Bob Snyder, Ernie Stewart, and Shani Wallis. Lounge mainstay Dave Burton had to take time off from performing for throat surgery and waiting the appropriate amount of time to allow his vocal chords to heal.

On June 30, 1965, the new Celebrity Theatre opened with Joe E. Lewis, Keely Smith and Sonny King as the opening show. I am guessing that the Celebrity Theatre took Copa Lounge's place as there is no more mention of it after that date. The Celebrity Theatre showcased Back Porch Majority, Traian Boyer, Fisher & Marks, Sonny King w/Vido Musso, and Ernie Stewart Trio.

Of note, On July 19, 1965, Keely Smith and Jim Bowen caught everyone off guard when they were married without fanfare. On September 7, 1965, Smith announced her retirement from club dates to concentrate on TV and recording and to have more time with her husband at their new estate in Toluca Lake, CA.

While Keely Smith performed, Margaretta Ramsey made a request that Smith sing Old Black Magic. The place went wild after the song.

1965 was the year for participation. At Jerry Lewis' opening, a gentleman in the audience got up and did a perfect impression of him, and at Patti Page's opening, a fellow broke her up by barking while she was singing Doggie In The Window.

At Patti Page's show people saw Ed & Sylvia Sullivan at a ringside table. As he exited, he was besieged by autograph hunters and much to everyone's pleasure, he stopped to sign all autographs.

When Fisher & Marks appeared, they were a big hit. They had Joey Bishop to thank as Bishop had talked the Sands into booking them.

The Management & Personnel, Dave Silverman, Carl Cohen, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Turner, Charles Kandel, Hy Abrams, Harry Nofal, and Aaron Weisberg took out ads in the Fabulous Las Vegas magazine.