Modest, Thoughtful Exhibit at Downtown’s El Cortez Honors Casino Legend Jackie Gaughan
When casino executive Jackie Gaughan (pronounced “gawn”) passed away on March 12, 2014, at 93, he left behind a unique legacy.
Gaughan was a major influence on Las Vegas casinos as we know them today, and was revered not only for his casino operations prowess, but also for the way he treated his customers and employees.
As a humble way of honoring Jackie Gaughan, the El Cortez is currently hosting an exhibit of memorabilia from several of his casinos.
The exhibit, entitled “Jackie Gaughan’s Downtown Las Vegas,” is free and can be viewed near the casino’s players’ club desk.
The exhibit is being presented in conjunction with the Museum of Gaming History, something this blog didn’t exactly know existed. Here’s more.
The exhibit is a graphic reminder of just how many Las Vegas casinos Jackie Gaughan owned or operated, several of which are now part of Vegas lore.
At various times, he was involved with the Boulder Club (1946), Las Vegas Club (1961), Club Bingo (1962), El Cortez (1963), The Western (1970), Union Plaza (1971), Golden Nugget (1973), Nevada Hotel (1974) and Gold Spike (1993).
A handy brochure tells more about Jackie Gaughan’s impact upon Las Vegas and the exhibit at El Cortez. What, you thought we knew all those casinos and years off the top of our head? We are a Las Vegas blog, not a historian.
The exhibit brochure says none other than Steve Wynn said of Jackie Gaughan, “I am one of those people whose life was brightened by a friendship and association with that delightful man.”
The Jackie Gaughan exhibit at El Cortez is an elegant reminder of the indelible impression this man made on the town we love so much.
Oh, after your visit to the exhibit, make sure to take the El Cortez up on its $5 burger and beer (or soda) deal. It’s our new favorite burger in Las Vegas. Given the exceptional value, we’re thinking Jackie Gaughan would’ve approved.
Take a gander at more photos from the Jackie Gaughan exhibit at downtown’s El Cortez Las Vegas.
Jackie Gaughan's Downtown Las Vegas Exhibit
Leave your thoughts on “Modest, Thoughtful Exhibit at Downtown’s El Cortez Honors Casino Legend Jackie Gaughan”
1 Comment