Moulin Rouge Hotel History Book [Paperback]

Richard B. Taylor (Creator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

During the 1950's (when the "Mob" ruled Las Vegas) a group of investors out of New York City bought a piece of land North West of Las Vegas on the edge of a fast growing area that was mainly Negro (a common noun that was not derogatory). The investors knew that people of dark skin were not invited to the major Las Vegas Strip hotels and felt that a casino in the for Negroes would be successful. The hotel opened in 1955, and at first looked like it had found it a nitch in Las Vegas. This book follows the history of this hotel, the "Moulin Rouge" through newspaper stories of that era. In less than one year the hotel closed it doors and went into bankruptcy. Why? The book explains, and includes info about many attempts to revive the operation. Lots of big name Black entertainers were involved. Segregation at the Las Vegas Strip hotels started to dissolve. Was that the death knell? Some thought "insiders" did too much skimming. Was it? Did they? Who were the prospective saviors who tried to revive the hotel? Underworld people? Big time investors? The hotel was to become a historic icon and this book shows why. Read all about it in this book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Content of book includes reproduction newspaper stories about the hotel and staff opening day as well as it struggles since. -- Nevada State Historical Society

About the Author

Author (compiler) Richard B. Taylor was the leasee-operator of the Moulin Rouge Hotel 1955-56.

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Getting Out By Going In (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961663383
• ISBN-13: 978-0961663384
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,593,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars You need to be really interested, February 13, 2000

By 

Jack McGee (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moulin Rouge Hotel History Book (Paperback)

The book is basically 3 pages from the author, a 13 page excerpt from a paper by Roosevelt Fitzgerald at the University of Nevada, and the remainder is bad copies of newpaper clippings. The pictures are particularly hard to make out. If you have a intense interest in finding about th MR, this may be the best source, but don't expect a traditional history. For example, the author managed the place for period of time, but there about about 4 sentences relating to that experience.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The only reference out there., July 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Moulin Rouge Hotel History Book (Paperback)

If you want to know what the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino was, this book will tell you. If you want greater detail, you have to do your own search. There is not a lot of information regarding the Moulin Rouge, in general, but if you are a casino fan and love Las Vegas, this book is a must.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars When will I learn to read the reviews FIRST??, June 21, 2003

By 

K. M. Kelly (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moulin Rouge Hotel History Book (Paperback)

Actually, I would have probably bought this book if I had read the reviews beforehand. I worked and lived at the Moulin Rouge for a few years in the early 60's...that time period is not mentioned at all in Mr.Taylor's book! It was a most interesting place at the time...a cast of very colorful characters made it their home...to this day I believe some of the residents were in what we call today the Witness Protection Program.

I was saddened by the recent fire at the MR, not only for the historical value of the hotel, but for my own personal history as well. The book is strictly one of a kind and unless someone writes something better in the wake of the fire, it is all we have to remember her by!