#big wheel

The shopping center on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Sahara Ave opened in summer '59 as Francisco Square when the cross street was "San Francisco Ave." The business at the center was a grocery store serving the Meadows neighborhood. A series of casinos followed. It has been Bonanza Gifts since the early 80s.

'30s-50s: Tower Auto Court preceded the retail square.

'59: Francisco Square opens. Francisco Square Super Market ('59), Food Giant ('63), and Mayfair Market ('64) - grocery stores in the center building. SOUTH WING

'59: Honest John’s - newsstand/liquor store opened by Normal Little in the south wing of the mall. Bought by the Ferguson's in '63, it was turned into a casino. Incorporated into Jolly Trolley in '78.

'67: Lucky’s Casino, Money Tree ('67-'81). Owner Don Pettit changed the name to Money Tree in '72. CENTER BUILDING

'71: Big Wheel Casino. Opened by Jay Sarno, 8/7/71, with a Ferris wheel built on top of the casino the following month. Closed 8/31/73, and reopened by W. Woofter 10/74 to 1/75.

'75: Centerfold. Opened by James A. Bilbray 4/75, and sold 7/76 to BMD Inc, Bendetti, Mastro, and DeLamos, fronts for mob interests.

'76: Jolly Trolley. BMD changed the name to Jolly Trolley 2/77. Sold to Don Pettit 11/78, and closed in '81. EAST WING

'71: Jackpot Casino ('71-'79) - East wing of the mall.

'82: Quarter Corner Casino ('82-'89) - In a smaller portion of the east wing, replaced by Friendly Fergies ('89-'97).

'83: Bonanza Gifts opens, eventually spans the entire square.