R.I.P. The Famous Balinese Roon Destroyed by Hurricane Ike photo

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11-25-07	LynnH

R.I.P. The Famous Balinese Roon Destroyed by Hurricane Ike

Galveston TX

This photo has been in my collection for a while, but I wanted to bring it up again
because the Balinese was destroyed last Saturday morning during Hurricane Ike.

Circa 1940s Galveston, the Balinese Room is legendary. Back then,
there were blackjack tables, crap tables and slot machines, but no windows,
as gambling was illegal. The casino extended out past the full length of the pier
– 600 feet out over the gulf – buying plenty of time to disappear tables, cards,
and chips into secret wall pockets and for gamblers to assume positions as respectable
seaside patrons if Texas Rangers would show up for raids.

Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Doris Day, Duke Ellington, and even Frank Sinatra appeared here.

FujiFilm FinePix A610

other sizes: small medium original auto

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Cindi Smith		09-Dec-2008 16:31
I think I have just the pilings left in one of my photographs of after the hurricane. It was sad!!!

Rick Bricker		02-Dec-2008 06:52
What a shame Lynn.I just finished googling it and reading it's history.Sinatra,Hope...yep...all the biggies of the day. Sad...and thanks for sharing and for your written comments.

Sam X		25-Nov-2008 04:34
sorry it's lost , but it will always be here, great perspective

Manas Khan		25-Sep-2008 21:15
Excellent capture! Beautiful composition! V

Guest		16-Sep-2008 02:13
A blast from the (now) past.... thanks for the story line as well. Jv

Peter Sussex		09-May-2008 20:05
Simply love it!

Raphael_E		13-Apr-2008 11:24
Interesting story and very nice shot of this place ! V.

Michele Lee		06-Mar-2008 21:04
Great shot of an awesome establishment! V

Arlon		04-Feb-2008 20:54
Great picture. I've been down there 100 times and never noticed that!

Milan Vogrin		05-Jan-2008 23:12
Very nice shot.