In the heart of America, where it adorns a plethora of structures, the term “casino” does not always echo the chime of slot machines or the clatter of roulette tables. Derived from the quaint Italian casa for “house”, this moniker originally baptized small villas or summer houses, precursors of today’s grand gambling institutions. As time drifted into the 19th century, the term matured to embrace social clubs and charming retreats where merriment—including but not bound to games of chance—occurred.
This metamorphosis of meaning perhaps confuses first-time visitors of such establishments, who are greeted by an expected declaration, “no, there are no slot machines here,” upon scanning their respective websites. Regardless of the evolution of its interpretation over two centuries, today’s gambling dens are still fondly called “the house” due to their etymological roots in casa.
Among the most noteworthy establishments that boast the casino epithet in America, the Catalina Casino in Avalon, California, springs forth. This grand architectural marvel—what one might consider the island’s crown jewel—graciously acknowledges its 10th anniversary courtesy of its founder, the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. Fast forward nearly a century later, the edifice stands resolute, a historical footprint of the countless who traveled 26 miles across the sea for an evening of revelry in the form of films, hearty meals, and exhilarating dances. Today, it’s repurposed as a cinema and ballroom for exclusive and civic receptions.
Meanwhile, New York City shelters the remnants of what was once Manhattan’s premier nightclub, the Central Park Casino. The historic Casino unfurled its opulence in 1864, inviting undulating crowds of elite socialites like banking magnate Robert Lehman, rail tycoon William Vanderbilt, and entertainment mogul Florenz Ziegfeld, for nights filled with the clinking of champagne glasses. Amid the city’s hushed whisper of prohibition, the intoxicating flow of alcohol inside “the Casino” remained unhindered.
However, following a series of scandals involving then-city mayor, Jimmy Walker, and rumors of hidden bribes, the establishment saw its swansong in 1932, replaced with a playground in 1936. Today, the area serves as “SummerStage”, a nod to its glamorous past.
Venture south, and the city of La Grange, Texas, welcomes you with an architectural gem named Casino Hall, an edifice initially erected by the Casino Society, a cadre of German immigrants in 1881. Despite swaying sentiments towards Germans, the house was soon absorbed by the local population and used by several organizations, including the city that repurposed it to house its school, fire department, and city hall alternately across decades. Today, after a hefty renovation, it stands as a performing arts center and housing for the visitors bureau.
The tale of perpetual renaissance continues in Gulfport, Florida, as well, where the Gulfport Casino showcases its third rebirth. From a simple community gathering space in 1906, it withstood a devastating hurricane and then moved to a location that now boasts a solid maple dance floor and socialization area spread over 10,000 square feet. Following a notable murder in 1949, the structure went through a major facelift to become the Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom and it also earned a spot on the National Historic Places list in 2014.
Finally, the forgotten tale of the Sandwich Casino hangs over Sandwich, Massachusetts, its memory collecting dust among few. Inaugurated in 1884, this casino offered posh amenities, including indoor washrooms and a performance area. Despite surviving a hurricane and decades of transformation, the building met its demise around 1944, marking the end of an era.
All in all, these businesses and establishments showcase the rich tapestry of American culture and history, dated but not forgotten. Keeping true to their roots, they serve as a reminder that the term “casino” once held a meaning far removed from the glitz of Las Vegas. It was a social crucible and a culture’s hearth, bound together through the centuries under the word ‘casino’, testament of the varying paths down which language can guide us.
