The Classic Las Vegas Roadshow in partnership with the Nevada State Museum and Stephens Press:
Tuesday, February 5th:
Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia and Palace Intrique
On the eve of Thanksgiving 1966, Howard Hughes came to Las Vegas via train. He was then escorted via ambulance to the Desert Inn Hotel. He checked into the penthouse. He was only expected to stay about a month and be gone before the high rollers returned for the New Years celebration.
Well, Hughes ended up staying in Las Vegas longer than a month. Rather than move from the Desert Inn when Moe Dalitz insisted that he needed the Penthouse for his customers, Hughes bought the hotel and stayed ensconsed in the Penthouse until he left Las Vegas two years later.
He went on a buying spree and bought the Silver Slipper, the Frontier, the Castaways, the Landmark and the Sands. He was attempting to buy the Stardust when the federal government stepped in and stopped the sale due to anti-trust and monopoly concerns.
Was Hughes sent by the government to rid the town of mob ownership of casinos or was he just an eccentric billionaire who was always intriqued by this oasis in the desert?
Author Geoff Schumacher's new book explores the facts and the fiction behind Hughes and his love affair with Las Vegas.
A book signing for this eagerly anticipated tome will begin at 5:30 pm.
After the book signing, there will be a roundtable discussion with not only Geoff but those who knew or worked with Hughes during his stay in Las Vegas
CONFIRMED panelists include:
Robert Maheu
Peg Crockett
Paul Winn
Gordon Margulis
Geoff Schumacher
Tuesday, February 5th
Nevada State Museum
700 Twin Lakes Drive
Lorenzi Park
5:30 pm Book Signing
6:45 pm Roundtable Discussion
You won't want to miss this exciting evening of history!
Donations: $3 / Free to Museum Members
Book available for sale in the Museum Store
Please RSVP by Feb. 1st at 702-486-5205 x 120