It Happened in Windsor - Working at the Elmwood Casino

We've all heard of the Elmwood Casino, but what was it like to work there?
I spoke to my old friend Rob Miller who worked as a busboy at the Elmwood casino back in 1972 when he was 18 years old.
Rob got to see acts like: Sammy Davis Jr, Ray Charles, Tom Jones and others.

[@Jeff71067]

Awesome story thanks for sharing & we have such wonderful history in our City 💓

[@tompiperson46]

Back around that time I drove for South Windsor Cab. The Elmwood was one of our cab stands. While driving the staff home they would tell me about meeting the entertainers like Jimmy Durante and how he would talk with the staff he was a fine gentleman. I remember the Mama's and the Papa's also played there.

[@silvenerus9982]

Hi I'm Silvio Venerus - I worked at the Elmwood Casino for several years. Started as a busy boy then worked back stage with the entertainers full time as I went to school. The shows were top notched with the best entertainers in show business. Seen so much and have so many memories. The casino went from top notch show place in North America to the hard times to fill the evening with guest.

[@jasonmilling7259]

My Mother worked there for a few years in the switchboard operator. She has so many good stories, sonny and cher, Kenny rogers, jimmy durante. Sammy Davis jr. lots of memorabilia and autographs She can go on!

[@starsfromheaven7382]

Hi! My dad was in the band there many years ago. I’m looking for a few pics of the Elmwood and Sonny and Cher for a story I’m writing that’ll be published. Do you have any I can use?

[@randyletzler3617]

Hi, I was a dancer in the shows at the Elmwood. I was part of the Tom Finnan Review and I was in the shows with Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Bassey and Brenda Lee, and Sonny n Cher.

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

Thank you for the stories Randy!

[@tamarapurplesweetgrassmacg1175]

Love and sent some of these videos to many who either went to the shows the owner of the CAN USA that many would go after for pop and fries as they were Greek too, selling it to another Greek who turned it from the Pises back to the CAN USA making it a blues bar back in 89. Bands like The Windsor Dukes.

[@pianodood]

Thank you for this, Michael! Such an amazing story.

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

My pleasure Scott.

[@laurenexplores9808]

Your videos always impress me and every one seems better than the last. This one is particularly good

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@brianpape5644]

Yes I remember this and its all true. I was hired by Kees Roozen, the General Manager and worked initially as a lifeguard at the motel under Mark Brown and was asked to go to the Casino as a prop boy backstage under Mel Louis, then as a busboy, and more. I spoke English which was an advantage. At the beginning, 18 hours a day and all at the same time. Worked my ass off but made lots of dosh. My biggest tip was $500 which was my first years tuition. For loading the truck for the Will Mastin Trio. That was in the mid 60s and I was underage, before and during university Four years total in various roles. I could write a book but who'd listen. One of the most memorable moments of my life was with Sammy Davis. Have much memorabilia of the times. Cheers

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

Elmwood memorabilia? Photos? I would love to see some.

[@Robertodette]

I'd buy that book

[@SisterMidnite]

My Mother, Judy, worked at the Elmwood between 64 - 65 as a cocktail waitress. I think she told me she saw Chubby Checker there.

[@bobdylanfan1952]

I saw Tom Jones!!! Dinner show 13.00!! I was a teenager, my Dad brought me and dropped me off. Back in the day, you could leave your teenager at a dinner show, and everything was fine

[@bert5138]

My Mom worked there in its heyday and worked with Mark Brown. I heard all the stories. I later became friends with Mark’s daughter.

[@jefferyotto1588]

My sister had her Wedding reception there in1960 I think Ha ha !@!

[@lisette7404]

Can you please tell me where you got these pictures. I see my Uncle in the kitchen staff pictures. I know my Dad worked at the Casino in the 50's and early 60's. My Dad had a green trunk full of pictures from the Elmwood that I would look through. My parents had a fire in their bedroom and my Dad was only able to safe a few pictures that I have to this day. Thank you.

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

While I was making this video, a friend told his neighbor and she said she had a few from her days working there. Other than that I think I found a few on line

[@marissasmeme]

I worked there in the 60's

[@Robertodette]

I worked the bingo a few times when I was a brentwood resident in the early 90s - it just occurred to me that might be where the showroom was. Is that correct?

[@jessicas1433]

There's a lady on Facebook named Marlene Lamore (September 1, 1962) who was adopted that is looking for information on her birth mother who worked there (Mary Diane Manser (October 25, 1938) and information on Al Siegel. Her post says Her birth mother worker there around 1961. If you think you can help, try finding her on facebook. Even if you don't know her birth mother but could maybe connect her with Al if he's still living. He could possibly lead her in the right direction.

[@billkonrad3366]

Elmwood Casino was not a Casino. It featured class acts n it;s day. Sammy Davis, Vic Damone and many more I can't remember. It was the hottest club in town, Mel Lewis was Matre De (sp?)

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

Yes Bill indeed it was not a casino. Mel Louis.

[@dreamitable]

I saw Tom Jones there and the ladies, not me, thew their undies at him to wipe his sweat with, I thot they were all nuts. I was pretty close standing up near Tom and all the other woman. I didn't even like Tom back then, do now. Took everything for granted. I saw Sammy Davis Jr. he was so good! In his brown derby hat and brown lovely suit. He did Mr. BoJangels and many more, The Candy man, can. I thot Sammy was underrated, but I think more people loved him than I knew. Saw Ann Mrgaret, not that interested and her hubby was standing right next to me with a perm, Roger Smith maybe, from 77 Sunset Strip if I remember correctly... I gave him his privacy an did not talk to him. I was invited by I dont know who and never desired to go there other than being invited. Tom Jones was on a little stage and the woman were all around him. It was electric. I am Louise Reed.

[@MikeEvansWindsor]

Great stories. Thank you for sharing Louise.

[@LOUISEVENERUS]

Mike Evans - I need to contact you