Charlie Mapes

Sometimes, Charlie Mapes doesn’t get the respect he deserves for his work in the Reno gaming community. I mean, really, here he is getting punched out by boxing champion Jack Sharkey! The event was the 85th Birthday party of Ancil Hoffman, who was well-known in Reno as the manager of Heavyweight Champ Max Baer.

The Boxing Champion’s party was the brainchild of Bill Pettite, a boxing fan and nephew of Nick Abelman, one of Northern Nevada’s gaming pioneers featured in the book, Mob City: Reno. Mapes decided to hold the event and foot the bill for 350 guests at his casino in 1970.

It turned out to be one of the largest gatherings of boxing legends ever, including James J. Braddock, Jersey Joe Walcott, and Jack Sharkey, with Governor Paul Laxalt attending. This notable event highlights Reno’s rich boxing history and fosters pride among the audience.

Nevada Gaming Pioneers

Gaming pioneers were there too, including Warren Nelson (Club Cal-Neva), Norman Blitz (Tahoe Cal Neva, Bank Club, Holiday Casino), Wally Mason (Horseshoe Club), and Harvey Gross (Harvey’s Casino). Recognizing Charlie Mapes as a gaming pioneer highlights his significant contributions to Reno’s gaming history.

The Mapes Hotel-Casino, completed in 1947 as Nevada’s tallest building, drew attention to Reno and attracted wealthy visitors from across the country. Its luxurious amenities and gaming offerings symbolize Reno’s vibrant past, inspiring nostalgia and respect.

Although the casino was often leased to other operators, Charlie Mapes owned buildings in downtown Reno, ran concessions at the airport, and opened the Mapes Money Tree casino on the corner of Virginia and 2nd Streets in 1969. It closed ten years later. The Mapes hotel-casino was closed in December 1982.

Thanks for reading – Al W Moe