Cal-Neva Lodge Tribute

My tribute to the ever popular Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino, once owned by Frank Sinatra. Now being renovated to reopen in 2027. 2 minute video and copy below. Narrated/written by Karen Morris.

Built in 1926, the historic Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino, is located on the border of California and Nevada, and known as the "Lady of the Lake".

In 1930, the Lodge suddenly became newsworthy. Word on the street was a gambling scandal story, starring silver-screen actress Clara Bow, who stiffed the casino and canceled checks she owed them worth 13 thousand dollars (around 250 thousand today).

But Cal-Neva was made more famous in 1960 when Frank Sinatra purchased the resort, along with several others, including singer Dean Martin and Chicago mobster Sam Giancana, somewhat of a silent partner in the business.

By 1962 Sinatra owned more than a 50 percent share and had transformed the place into a popular destination.

Upgrading the property, Sinatra included a luxurious celebrity showroom, hosting his pallies Dean and Sammy plus many other legendary performers. 

He also installed a rooftop helicopter landing pad, and allowed his special guests to use the Prohibition-era tunnels beneath the Lodge to secretly travel between the bungalows without being seen by the public and the press.

The hotspot attracted Hollywood folks, Judy Garland, Kim Novak, Shirley MacLaine, Tony Curtis,and Marilyn Monroe. who stayed at the resort shortly before her passing in August of 1962.

But soon Sinatra would lose his gaming license. Rumors were that Nevada authorities spotted Sam Giancana on the Lodge premises, accusing Sinatra of inviting in a criminal, a violation leading to his license being revoked.

After Sinatra's reign, the resort had a variety of owners,and now it is undergoing a major renovation by the McWhinney Real Estate firm with a planned reopening in 2027, including a redesigned Casino & Frank Sinatra Theater, new restaurants, and a spa.

This is Karen Morris with a Swingin' Music Minute.