The death of former Lt. Gov. Cliff Jones brought memories of the back-door maneuvering and intrigues of the '50s.
At no time in Nevada's history was its cast of characters as fascinating. Older residents will recall such names as Sen. Pat McCarran, Gov. Charles Russell, Gov. Vail Pittman, Eva Adams, Wallie Warren, Norman Biltz, Ed Converse, Sen. Alan Bible, Bill Moore, C.D. Baker, Marion Hicks, Sen. E.L. Cord and many others whose names most likely would bring contradictory emotions, depending on whose side one favored.
The Sun and its publisher, Hank Greenspun, broke the biggest political story of the time by disclosing that mob chief Meyer Lansky had undisclosed interest in the Thunderbird Hotel.
With the aid of investigative reporter Ed Reid and undercover detective Pierre La Fitte posing as a wealthy business man named Lou Tabet, a scenario developed that toppled politicians on both the state and local level.
The story read like a modern who-done-it and is well documented in Mary Ellen Glass' book, "Nevada's Turbulent 50s."
Cliff Jones played a major part in the sordid tale and many of his friends felt it cost him a brilliant career in politics. However, his popularity and influence did not wane.
Jones was an enigma. On one hand the hard-nosed politician and lawyer. On the other hand a courtly gentleman with compassion for those less fortunate than he.
He had many friends and few enemies. His place in the history of Nevada is secure.
If anything can be learned from the lives of such men as Cliff Jones, it is that nothing lasts forever. The men and women who hold positions of power and influence pass on and others take their places. It is wise, however, that yesterday's leaders be remembered as the movers and shakers who believed in our state and built the foundation for today's success.
Another Strip landmark is being readied for the chopping block. The fate of the Algiers has been determined. When it finally comes tumbling down many of us will remember a handsome gentleman we all knew as Mr. Algiers -- Jack Walsh.
Toni Steff, who worked at the Algiers for 20 years, is concerned that in all the articles written about the old hotel, none mention Walsh.
Walsh was a power in local and state politics, but one who worked quietly in the background. Many major decisions affecting our community were made by politicians, business men and even newspaper reporters meeting in the once-famous Algiers restaurant and bar. Walsh was always there, pensively smoking his pipe while offering sound advice.
When the Algiers is no more, the memory of its general manager, Jack Walsh, will still remain with those who had the privilege of knowing him.
There are few things more delightful than sitting down to chat with attorney Ralph Denton.
With his wry humor and fantastic memory of Nevada's past, he can entertain for hours.
To understand what I mean, I recommend that you stop by the old Boulder Dam Hotel in Boulder City from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday and meet Denton.
He will be hosting a reception and autographing copies of "A Liberal Conscience, Ralph Denton, Nevadan."
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