Comments on: History of the Las Vegas Dunes Hotel

By: Michelle Grimes

Michelle Grimes — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:48:09 +0000

My Step Father Arthur Fordonski worked for Mr. Shenker in the Junket Office. I even had the chance to work in their office’s during the summer stuffing envelopes and typing when I was just a teenager. It was the early 80′s. I had my 16th Birthday Party at the Dunes. I remember having Passover with the Shenker family when I was just about 14 years old. I loved going to the Dunes casino when I was a kid. It was a great memory.

By: Jennifer Shenker-Niles

Jennifer Shenker-Niles — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:10:40 +0000

The Dunes was my childhood. I spent 1975-1984 there as my grandfather Morris was the Chairman of the Board, my father Arthur the President and my grandmother Lillian the vice President… I myself was between the ages of 3 & 12 yet had hotel id’s stating that I was not only the chairman of the board, but also a housekeeper, showgirl and 21 dealer! What a life! I was the “Eloise” of Las Vegas and long miss those days of my youth when Las Vegas still had an element of class. To this day I still have issues going to the Bellagio and shed a tear when in town and drive by!

And I’m not sure about the above mentioned Robert Urich fact, however, I can confirm that not only was the Rob Lowe movie Varsity Blues filmed there, but so was an episode of the late television show B.J. & The Bear. I have pictures of Sam (chimp who played the Bear) playing slots.

I could go on and on with stories from the Dunes…it was my home and I will miss it and my grandparents Morris & Lillian Shenker!

By: Robin Douglass

Robin Douglass — Sun, 02 May 2010 23:46:49 +0000

My grand parents used to visit the Dunes twice a year as guests of Big Julie Wientraub. My fondest memory of both the Dunes, Big Julie and Mr Shenker was when I was 6 and Mr. Shenker saw me sitting in the lounge outside the casio floor waiting, with my mother, for the rest of family to go to dinner. Mr. Shenker asked if he could “borrow” me for a few moments. He took me into the gift shop and told rthe sales girl I could have anything I wanted in the store. I picked out a princes doll and I still have it today…..

By: Lila Tarsey

Lila Tarsey — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:24:24 +0000

When the Dunes was built Jason Tarsey was part owner in 1958 . He left The Dunes and got into another business I didn’t know him until 1972′ when I met him in Hawaii and married him. I know he mentioned Bob Rice and I believe
he came to visit us once. I would here a few stories about how it was. I guess he preferred Hawaii and was very happy here in Honolulu. That’s all I really know.

By: Johnny Elvis Foster

Johnny Elvis Foster — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:33:28 +0000

God Bless My Godfather Morris Shenker < Morris was the Best.
I played in the Showroom for two years with My Elvis Show
” For The Love Of Elvis ” I use to go to the top floor for My Massages
Johnny Elvis Foster :
THE MAN,THE MYTH,THE LEGEND !

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:16:26 +0000

I played the Dunes golf course back in 1990. Does anyone know where I can view photos of the course?

By: melissa rice

melissa rice — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:52:12 +0000

I am sad that you fail to mention the truth about the Dunes and who really owned and ran it. It was my uncle BOB RICE and a group of men including my grand father Al Rice from RI. They were in the jewelry business not the mob. Maybe you could mention that somewhere in your “history of the Dunes” I would like my kids and their kids to see their family history portrayed correctly, PLEASE

By: Clark W. Griswold

Clark W. Griswold — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:58:41 +0000

Who cares. Just remember this:

When a man can come to Las Vegas with a few extra bucks in his pocket, plunk down a 10 spot on a table, pay an extra buck for steak with his eggs….well, its a happy day for that man.

By: Rogerio

Rogerio — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:16:54 +0000

Dunes is where I got my first real job after graduating from high school.I did everything from busboy,waiter,maintaince,etc.It was after two years there that I was drafted.I spent one year with the US Army in Vietnam.Am now retired and frequent Las Vegas 2-4 times a year.I have fond and beautiful memories of the Dunes.I spent a lot of time on grave yard shift at:Top O The Strip restaurant and Lounge.I remember Follies Begere.I met Cary Grant once on my job as a waiter.I wasa saddened to see it go.The Dunes will always remain one of the most exciting places and beautiful memories for me as long as I live.Thanks for keeping this memory alive-Rogerio

By: Rusty Griswold

Rusty Griswold — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:50:19 +0000

What the heck is Nick Pappagiorgio talking about!? a) Dan Tanna never had a condo b)the warehouse he lived in was no where near the Dunes. It was located just north of Circus Circus, which can be easily documented by anyone who watches the show. The building used as his home was demolished in 1986, the land went on to be the location of Ripleys Believe it or Not, and Arby’s fast food. It now is the location of a large condo project…