We're GOING INSIDE a long-closed WWII-era nightclub in Reno, Nevada - does anything survive?

[@Ecosse57]

what an absolute treasure! if reno doesn't recognize the historic and cultural significance of this entire building, and move to preserve or protect it, they would be guilty of a inexcusable disgrace.

[@SteveTRYK]

Its privately held but I think the owner is tuned into what they have there.

[@Ecosse57]

@@SteveTRYK fingers crossed. btw , first time viewer and i think you did a great job here!

[@FreiherrDinkelacker]

@@Ecosse57 This building could make the owner a lot of money as a movie set for many types of period-correct movies!

[@mistervacation23]

Turn it into a 40s nightclub, with bands like in that day. And you have to be dressed up to get in

[@SteveTRYK]

I like the idea!

[@britton6062]

Ya know what ? I would love that. Fantastic to experience what it was like back then. Don't know if there would be a market for that, unfortunately.

[@mistervacation23]

@britton6062 well if promoted well it could very lucrative.

[@432b86ed]

Seeing it frozen in time, makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Amazing place, inside and out.

[@SteveTRYK]

I agree!

[@jamescassidy1907]

I left Reno, Nv back in 1976 and this Hotel was still open, but the most interesting thing about this establishment is my Mom worked the front desk for awhile and my older brother worked for room services. During one of their renovations they were getting rid of some of the furnishings and my parents bought a complete bedroom set from them. The El Cortez - I ‘m surprised it’s still there.

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool - thanks!

[@BradArmstrong-f1v]

As a contractor for many years, I loved going in untouched old buildings. How on earth does any historic architecture survive in Reno?

[@SteveTRYK]

...or anywhere as well? Cheers!

[@BradArmstrong-f1v]

@SteveTRYK true, so sad , the total disregard for architectural history

[@HouseofBrewz]

What a magnificent time capsule sitting there. Incredible that Trocadero Room is unfazed by 80+ years of progress happening all around it in downtown Reno. Don’t let the City Council see this episode, they’ll want to level it and make an ice-rink. Hopefully an insightful person with nostalgia in their bones will want to repurpose it into something beautiful again.

[@sergiopazmoore]

I have lived in Reno since 2016, and when i drive across downtown, i see these old buildings. i always get excited to know its history behind it...... you got a new subscriber.

[@SteveTRYK]

Nice - thanx!

[@AnthonyJP2024-k4v]

Being an Indian American. I absolutely love the 1940s American lifestyle from the cars to the dressing . Thank you for sharing this beautiful club .

[@SteveTRYK]

A wonderful era - thanks for watching!

[@benwright6330]

Well then you'd love the movie 1941, with John Belushi

[@48thRonin...]

I lived downtown for 2 years. I spent many a night sitting at that bar. My pal Rudy was a hell of a bartender.

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool!

[@eurekachrome-pr5kd]

Man, you are right, this is the last great edifice from the Greatest Generation Era. You do a dang good job with the AV, and super voice over writing. Thanks mucho

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks - I appreciate you watching!

[@robt5818]

It is miraculous that this piece of history survived, especially in Nevada!

[@jennielee1972]

I appreciate the opportunity to revisit the past with you! We sincerely hope that your audience finds it as delightful as we did. It was a pleasure for The Siegel Group to contribute to the revival of a piece of this historical building's past. Thank you, Steve, for including us in this project!

[@simiamalum5487]

The Trocadero Room is such a fantastic piece of Reno's history...and hopefully its future as well. Thank you for allowing the access.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for your help and for making yourself available!

[@kellyfehrer]

I remember eating there in Dec 1971 my dad wanted to go and try a new place downtown it was good THANK YOU for all the memories

[@SteveTRYK]

Back in the day - nice!

[@bingbruce4865]

That telephone switchboard is the bomb! I have a friend who restores old phone equipment like that. He would love to work on that piece I'm sure. Great video!

[@paulkalff6408]

Steve! Another very fine presentation! At TI, the bldg. behind you is the old USN Bldg. One. My office for the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group Command (IUWG) was on the third deck just behind the 2nd large window from the left. I was the only Enlisted lad and worked with a RADM, Capt., two CDRs, three LCDRs, and three LTs. We had cognizance over 21 IUW detachments from Indian Head, MD to Pearl. I think it was in 1974 that the "Movn' On" TV series filmed scenes for an episode set in "San Diego." We met a very convivial and personable Claude Akins and enjoyed some pretty good chili and fix'ns with the actors/crew at lunchtime. Your brother (good to see him with you!) may know of the old Heafey-Moore - now DeSilva Gates/Gallagher & Burk - batch plant at 344 High Street (at Tidewater.) My grandfather "taught" Mr. Heafey the road-building business, and retired as the superintendent of the H-M base rock quarry that is now a housing development at Mountain Road and Leona just West of the Leona Canyon Preserve. My mother's family lived a few blocks East of the batch plant on High Street. There was also a residence near the batch plant that had some exotic animals...when she was about 8 years old an Ostrich picked my mother's hat as she walked by the fence. Keep up the very fine presentations and travels through Reno's history! calbears.com/hof.aspx?hof=117 localwiki.org/oakland/Leona_Quarry

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool info - thanks!

[@alanpecherer5705]

This was a terrific video! I love the old stories and the folks that built things up from nothing.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks - glad you liked!

[@markfrench8892]

Your videos just keep getting better with each episode. Thanks for your hard work and for sharing it with us.

[@SteveTRYK]

I appreciate that!

[@FRDMLIBERTY]

This is a Great nostalgic well authored and produced video, Thank You for the trip back in time.😀

[@SteveTRYK]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@1800luce]

The detailed research you did really makes this episode shine. Thanks for bringing the Trocedero to the attention of the community and would be a great opportunity for someone. Looking forward to more Reno history to come.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks, it's a great place to bring back to life!

[@ShowMeGolden]

In Vegas The Golden Gate Casino on Fremont has been in operation over 120 years and even has some original rooms still in operation.

[@ronaldlagasse2787]

It is absolutely amazing that this place still exists all these decades later. I may not have been born yet, but this period in our countries history during WW2 needs to be remembered. It would be awesome if this venue was back in business in some capacity that maintains its current architecture and historical value. This is my first time visiting your channel, but not my last. Congratulations on a great video.

[@SteveTRYK]

Great to have you here - thanks for watching!

[@spokanetomcat1]

Seeing this video reminded me of when my parents visited Reno. They may have been there back in the heyday. My dad was in a suit and tie and my mom was in a very nice dress. Maybe, do a piece about the Washoe County Courthouse? Where The Misfits and other movies were filmed around that area.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching this vid!

[@dorothylewis1207]

Back, when People had Class! 🤩💕

[@johnbogle6475]

As a young man I can remember operating sound (I think maybe 3 microphones :) for a small Jazz Trio (Quartet? _ my memory of the early 70s is fuzzy) in the Trocadero Room. I remember this because myself and a friend were guests of Steve Maytan (Saxophone) and Jerry Genuario (Drums). This may have been part of the Pincolini Brothers Promotion. As an older fellow with a past career in entertainment and an entrepreneurial spirit I would love to recreate a performance venue in the Trocadero Room. Sadly current business conditions limit profitability. Maybe next year :). Love your videos. Thank You! Northern NV native. Born and raised.

[@SteveTRYK]

Great info - thanks!

[@kevinfestner6126]

It's a shame that the hotel and the Troc can be brought back, as originally designed. Central Reno has fallen on hard times. Siegel, I think, is the largest building owners in Nevada. TY for the tour. I hope central Reno can come back. The river, etc. makes it one of the more unique central districts. In Las Vegas, we're not overbuilt, rather underdemolished. We lost the Trop, last year, and the Mirage. Our El Cortez is still thriving, what is left of the old Mint, this from the 50s, is now Binions. But, very little is left. I have fond memories of the Harold's Club. I won 10 oz of silver spinning a freebie slot machine! Now, even the mural is gone. As a kid, I visited Harrahs auto collection in Sparks, while Bill Harrah was alive. I actually saw him getting into one of his cars in the collection and driving off. Great memories.

[@SteveTRYK]

"Underdemolished" - love that! The Harolds mural is preserved in town thankfully.

[@kevinfestner6126]

@SteveTRYK where? The mural is iconic. Greeting from the behemoth to the south.

[@hoodatdondar2664]

Reno-Sparks Livestock Events 1350 N Wls Ave, Reno

[@rikeckert493]

This is great! I’m always surprised how intimate these venues are. What strikes me about the showroom is it looks like there isn’t a green room or backstage. The Crystal Bay Cal-Neva showroom was similarly small, but carried so much history. Reno is my hometown, and my family has been here for probably a century. I’m certain that I never saw a show at the Trocadero. Those performers must have been with the audience just to get to the stage. It’s just so damn ‘Reno’. You could perform all over the world and come here and truly be part of the community like nowhere else.

[@SteveTRYK]

I wondered about a green room too!

[@frankgrant4784]

Excellent video of the Art Deco Age. Its great that it is still in the condition that it is, hopefully it can have historical status. Love that period of history, thank you for presenting it.

[@SteveTRYK]

Glad to help spread some awareness!

[@Minuteman-31650-Minot]

Wow! Truly a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing.

[@SteveTRYK]

Appreciate you watching!

[@robertbowers9856]

I was born in 1944, and enjoyed your story throughly. It was so good to see it!!

[@maickelgatzka4219]

Ein fantastischer Ort , und so toll erhalten . Dolores Gray war auch in Deutschland bekannt, Ich besitze einige Schallplatten von ihr , eine erstklassige Künstlerin .. Vielen Dank für die Führung durch das heilige Gebäude 😊 Und nun lege ich Dolores Gray auf meinem Plattenspieler auf, mit "Rock Love" von 1955 😊.

[@laikapupkino1767]

This one had just about everything I love- Reno history, art moderne (late deco) architecture and furnishings, swing music, old crooner songs, and my honorary goombah (I'm Italian-American) Chico Marx. The El Cortez is truly a local treasure, with those weird Hollywood-Moorish doorways inside and that old-style rooftop neon sign on scaffolding. Maybe not as famous as the Hollywood Trocadero Club was, but it has outlasted it. I hope that someone opens it again (WITHOUT fucking it up!) and it + the El Cortez are still around long after us old boomer fossils is dust... PS: Your editing + presentation on this episode were top notch. I'd nominate you for a HUELL HOWSER award for regional historical archiving videos if there was such a thing...

[@SteveTRYK]

I appreciate this - thanks!

[@rockyroad-hq7hz]

How ironic. I did visit Faces Nightclub about two and a half years back. Probably close to the time they were closing permanently. It was a gay nightclub with a celebrity impersonation drag review. I do remember those drapes and the 1940's era atmosphere. It did have a glam vibe to the place. Very well kept up. Unfortunately it was just after COVID. The business was struggling. I believe the last year, the business only opened on the weekends. The owner still has other bars/nightclubs in California. What really did the business in. Was a $10.00 cover charge. Unfortunately Reno isn't a town for cover charges. Everybody instead would head over to 5 Star Saloon for dancing. I hope someone will find a great use for it.

[@SteveTRYK]

Good info - thanks!

[@flipflopsguy8868]

The problem was a cover charge of TEN BUCKS ! IF that's all it takes to keep the riff raff down to a minimum it would be for people appreciative of the trip back in time, I imagine a whole corner restored and exclusive of the time period of 1920's to 40's, the hotel signage and vintage vehicles parked along the street.

[@Rick-tj5iq]

They had karaoke at Faces. The best sound system in town.

[@georgebee9562]

What a masterpiece of preparation. Wealth of knowledge! Thank you so much!

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

The buildings are absolutely beautiful inside it's nice that was basically preserved 👍

[@SteveTRYK]

Indeed!

[@quagmiredavis4117]

The history of that place. Awesome video thanks for posting

[@SteveTRYK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aprilrich807]

My paternal family has an impressive history with Reno - nothing historical, it was just the favorite getaway. This piece meant a lot to me - thank you!!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sarahisselling]

What a fantastic video! Thank you for featuring this place. I never knew that we had such a cool historic building like this here!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks Sarah!

[@krazykat64]

For some reason the algorithm popped this up as a recommendation and I quite enjoyed it. I lived in Reno for about 8 years back in the 90's and even in that relatively short time the city changed A LOT. Thanks for showing some of the history.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching!

[@WilliamHandley-o8y]

What a terrific hotel and nightclub! I could see a big band on that stage, and would love to dance there.

[@aussiedorsmith9293]

That was so cool ! Just loved it. Thanks !

[@KelleyElizabeth]

Hit 200k today. I'm really grateful for all the knowledge and nuggets you had thrown my way over the last months. Started with 14k in June 2024

[@CalebBenjamin-r6o]

Congratulations on hitting the 200k milestone! That's an incredible growth from 14k in just a few months - what strategies or investments did you implement to achieve this remarkable success?

[@EvelynMercy-l9r]

I'm beyond thrilled to see your progress! From 14k to 200k in such a short time is amazing. Would love to hear about your journey and the key decisions that led to this success.

[@Chukwuemeka-hc8hp]

Hello, how did you achieve such monthly returns? I'm a newbie and I've lost a lot of money investing on my own. Please how do I go about it, the year is almost coming to an end, how can I make profit?

[@KelleyElizabeth]

As a beginner, it is essential that you have a mentor to help you stay accountable. In my case, Elizabeth Marie Hawley has guided me for months and I highly recommend her. I focus on her. To be honest, I'm almost hesitant to let someone take charge of growing my finances, but I'm so glad I did.

[@GregGJames-x9p]

I'm desperate to turn my finances around. I've been working three jobs just to pay off debt. Can someone please share contact or information? I need her help.🙏

[@johnarduser2712]

Exellent research on this episode! Love the old film footage and newspaper ads. Fascinating history; I lived in Reno for 10 years and never knew squat about this place. Keep it going!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks! Lots of history in Reno to uncover.

[@jimfree0]

What a fantastic space - the ghosts of the past still live in the Trocadero Room~! Seeing the prominent blank spot where a spouse's name should be on Mr. Zetoony's gravestone brought a bittersweet tone to the heady brew of nostalgia. There is something really magical about Reno for me, and this channel as well. I hate people who recommend books; that being said, please read Dreamland by Sam Quinones. It is largely not about Reno, but shows Reno as the keystone for America's greatest health crises.

[@SteveTRYK]

So glad you find value here - cheers!

[@LoganPEade]

I first moved to Reno in 1965 when I was 5 and in total lived there off and on nearly 30 years, I saw it change so much, I certainly knew about it but I don't recall ever going to the Trocadero. I 'do' however miss Kin's Hoff Brau,😁! Thank you for this!

[@SteveTRYK]

Great to have you watching!

[@LoganPEade]

@@SteveTRYK Sorry man, I forgot to subscribe earlier today, just fixed that! 😁👍

[@U.S.bill2066]

Seeing how Reno is now, perhaps this should be called, "The Reno we Knew"....I clicked like and subD. I wonder if Glenn Miller played there. I was surprised at how small it is inside. I pictured a much larger facility. YOU and the History Hunters guy should do a Collab.

[@SteveTRYK]

Glenn Miller would have been a big name and I probably would have found an ad if that happened. I mentioned that once to Jeff!

[@U.S.bill2066]

@@SteveTRYK An Interesting show Idea: In Auburn, Dewitt center was a Huge R and R Center and Hospital, during the war. Many people, even in Auburn, dont know the history of that place. And yes, Glenn Miller Played there. I had sporadic ideas of trying to start a Museum there years ago, but it never went anywhere. However, there is a museum of sorts there now.

[@jackbodenmann7379]

Hello My Friends Time marches on. Very interesting how a once busy and vibrant place is now quiet and deserted. Hopefully this gem will be preserved in some way. It would be a real shame to see this piece of history lost. Jack🚂

[@treasuretom13]

Great history I had heard of this place..glad it still appears very nice! It looks like it would have been very cozy, surprised it wasn't a little bigger 💚

[@SteveTRYK]

The video format shrinks it - its a comfortable space. Cheers!

[@karimski84]

Excellent video sir, thank you for finding and documenting this amazing treasure, good to see it survived all this time without being molested. Art deco 1930-40s history and architecture are subjects I love. I liked The bonus at the end with the old hotel equipment. I also liked ( slightly shocking but in an excellent way ) was when you started talking about some the people involved instead of showing their photo, you showed their gravestone. That puts it in a more personal space in a good way it was like meeting the person, but not really. Good job sir I look forward to seeing your other work.

[@SteveTRYK]

I could not find photos of those folks but I could find their markers, so I went with it. Thanks!

[@CoreRopeMemory]

Great episode!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanx!

[@Flipper56489]

Absolutely wonderful!! As a lifelong Reno native, your videos always make me smile with great memories. Thank you!!!

[@SteveTRYK]

Great to hear!

[@brianmorger2174]

Enjoyed the history and tour immensely. There is a unique venue of similar time-frame and operators in Black Eagle, Montana ; The 3D International across the Missouri River from Great Falls. It has been open for 80 years and managed by a family of Italian origin as a night club and restaurant. Keep up the good work from one Preservationist to Another.

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool - I was in Great Falls this past April - missed it!

[@Dr_Bombay]

as soon as i saw those art deco windows behind you in the thumbnail, i knew it was the Trocadero! great video as always. it's sad to see the original serpentine bar (on the right as you go in) long gone, but at least its counterpart on the left remains. Love the Troc! HRPS had a great party there back in 1990s, i think (or maybe the early 2000s??). Anyway, i'm so glad parts of it remain. I still hold out hope that someone will restore it to its glory, and make it a jazz or jazz & swing club. [EDIT]: came back to mention that i notice you posted this on the anniversary of the loss of The Mapes. Nice reminder to treasure what we have on such a sad anniversary!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks - I think there was a HRPS party there in 1999.

[@Dr_Bombay]

@@SteveTRYK that sounds right. i was there, i know that much, haha.

[@calilenz3476]

Anyone remember Bill Fong's restaurant in the El Cortez? It was a great restaurant back in the day - nice seeing the inside of that club and happy it hasn't been demolished like so many of the other interesting and memorable architecture in downtown Reno. Wishing for better preservation of old Reno. It was a wonderful city to be born and grow up in. Thanks you, for your videos you connect me back 3 generations of happiness.

[@SteveTRYK]

I think Bill Fong ran it until his death in 1982. Before my time. Thanks for watching!

[@calilenz3476]

@@SteveTRYK They had really good egg foo yung hahaha

[@od1452]

Grew up mostly in Reno. I rarely get to visit so the changes are stark to me... but it is nice to see some things like the Cortez building are still pretty much the same. Funny, I remember everyone called it the Trockadero ... but I was too young to visit it. I also remember hearing Zahtooney's name alot. Thanks... its fun to remember how colorful downtown Reno and Sparks were. I Grew up loving all the Neon signs...

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for sharing the Reno memories!

[@Joe_Blo]

I like how they dressed up the entrance. Its actually very simple. Just 3 portholes, an overhang & chrome strips on the wall.

[@SteveTRYK]

Agreed!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a huge fan of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture/design, what got me interested was visiting the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. After that I now enjoy visiting all kinds of Art Deco buildings around the western US.

[@SteveTRYK]

Cheers Alex!

[@OPTERON_PRIME]

Fantastic thanks, love your continuing content your awesome!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching!

[@iam4iamWe]

Well done. Great walk back into time with you.

[@SteveTRYK]

Glad you liked!

[@roberthull93534]

Watching from Kingman, AZ. I worked as a Nevada Bell service technician in the early 80’s and I have gone into some of the old hotels with their fancy carpeting, that were turned into residential apartments. They had their phone terminals in the basement and I saw tunnels while down beneath the hotel. I was told that there was an underground tunnel system connecting many of the older hotels. Do you have a video showing this information? Thanks

[@SteveTRYK]

I think most if not all of those have been filled in, but worth looking into...

[@cowboybill777]

Loved the video!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanx!

[@timmyinmodesto]

WOW. Thank you! Good to see they have preserved some history at the El Cortez.

[@SteveTRYK]

Yes indeed - thanx!

[@davepurkiss2409]

Another great video Steve, I look forward for more.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching!

[@coerfjoe1]

This was the best nostalgic look at the past with the past intact I've seen. You're sitting there in the town I left behind in 2014, but I keep inside me the history of NAS Alameda and Treasure Island. I would recommend you look into the Roosevelt Hotel in Chicago or New Orleans to look for original nightclubs, if they exist. I would stay at the El Morocco Hotel just to see a restored Trocadero! When I first glanced at the bar area I had flashbacks! I will look for my parents vintage portraits shot in several nightspots in L.A. and perhaps find one to inspire your work. You might want to look at the former NAS Alameda Officer's Club. I worked there in the 60s and, although it was updated, the old ballroom/bandstand still remains, though resembling the 50s. This tour made me think of the former SS Normandie's dining hall. Great job.

[@SteveTRYK]

Super cool - thanks!

[@observer74]

Love your content! And this is a treasure I had no idea even existed. You’re right. That room is definitely Sinatra as eff! As a Sacramento resident who has spent a lot of time in Reno over the years, my inner history nerd loves videos like this. Thank you for your videos. Keep it up!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching from over the hill!

[@Variety1985]

In the 90s ... I was a resident at EL CORTEZ 😊

[@SteveTRYK]

Cool!

[@pambrown8697]

I love it, it is the same everywhere.

[@markm.9590]

Wow !!! It would be nice if that Night Club was saved. Just as it is. I think it would still be a hit as a Classy Bar or Restaurant - Bar ! Maybe the City of Reno should step in. It would be a great Tourist stop operating as a Restaurant !

[@KokopelliHall]

This made me feel nostalgic for something I never experienced. Very well done.

[@rickloera9468]

That is an excellent way of putting it. I feel exactly the same. I can remember driving around Reno in the summer of 1978 and seeing the old MapesnMoney Tree Hotel one night. From first sight, I was fascinated with the Mapes and other classic Reno and Las Vegas hotel casinos of the past

[@SteveTRYK]

Then I accomplished my mission - thanks!

[@MrShobar]

2:23. Used to be a western wear store before it became an antique mall. I attended Mass right across the street at St. Thomas Aquinas. Many thanks.

[@SteveTRYK]

Cheers!

[@D-FensDogG]

This was an exceedingly cool video! Undeniably a 10 on the "Sinatra-ness" scale! (which is a terrific term invented by you, and soon to be regularly used by me). I lived in Reno for 4 years and often walked past that site having no idea of its history. (Circa 2016 or so, there was an exceptionally good pizza joint right next to the Trocadero Room, where I ate a number of times.) I've often thought that if I had a lot of money, I'd like to open a retro-bar, which would be like taking Mr. Peabody's 'Waybac Machine' to the 1930s, '40s & early '50s. Old School class with nothing but Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Ella & Ellington, Sinatra, Basie, Ben Webster, Billie & Dinah (et al.) on the jukebox. A re-polished Trocadero Room would be ideal for such a bar. You just picked up a new subscriber! 😃 Thanks for the wonderful trip back in time!!

[@selbybrown9841]

Thanks. I enjoyed that! I'd love to make a bar out of it today.

[@johnstephen7610]

Another fascinating video, Steve. And you're right, there aren't many 1940s-era entertainment venues still around anywhere, not just in Reno. I hope someone rescues the place and brings it back to life. Hopefully your video will help.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks and I hope the word reached the right person.

[@tf4606]

Great history lesson!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks!

[@SootHead]

Retro is big! Wonder if reviving the vintage facility could fly as a business venture?

[@SteveTRYK]

Hoping so!

[@StevenMccart-e5z]

Thats an awesome art deco building.

[@SteveTRYK]

Agreed!

[@mindpoacher4732]

Great video!!! Thank you for your efforts it diffently shows!!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanx and cheers!

[@GeorgeFrei-g4l]

As the video host talked about the Trocadero Room and the El Cortez Hotel, I was reminded of all of the stories about Reno, Las Vegas, Chicago, New Orleans, San Antonio, New York and San Francisco(I am a born son of the City By The Bay), especially those about the WW II era. It is easy to imagine those WWII military personnel who were stationed near those cities and who visited the entertainment venues, had fun, perhaps met friends or someone who became either their life spouse or a temporary partner. Those men and women then went off to war and either survived with their memories that they passed onto family, friends and others or died in the war living on in the photographs and memories of them that were inherited by family or in some cases by those temporary partners who remembered them even though they later married someone else. There were also the memories of post-WWII Reno, Las Vegas, Chicago, New Orleans, San Antonio, New York and San Francisco beginning in 1945 and ending in 2005(sixty years after WWII). All of these memories were told to me by family and friends who lived them and as a 67 year old born in July 1957(a member of the 1960s generation), I lived through memories of the period in which I lived. It is hard to believe that soon ALL of those who lived through the WWII and immediate post-WWII era will be simply a memory(deceased) and that in 20-30 years most of my generation will be gone too. Thank you so much for your efforts to preserve and share these precious videos with all of us so that those who are OUR CHILDREN and those of the following generations can know what we knew and LOVE IT as we do. George Frei

[@SteveTRYK]

Way cool George - thanks for your viewership!

[@unr74]

Excellent episode as always. If you get a chance, do some research on Newt Crumley. He’s generally credited with bringing big name entertainment to Nevada. He brought Ted Lewis to the Commercial in April,’41 and cycled many of the same Trocadero figures through there. Later in the ‘50s he ran the Holiday in Reno and the Ranchinn in Elko. Impressive Nevadan.

[@SteveTRYK]

I've read a little about him - thanks!

[@jaxwest6289]

One of your best,,,somethings should never change.

[@SteveTRYK]

I appreciate that - thank you!

[@OrganNLou]

This was TERRIFIC!! THANK YOU!!

[@miketuggle9273]

Oh the music. So nice to listen too.

[@SteveTRYK]

All analog back then!

[@miketuggle9273]

@@SteveTRYK And no vulgarity!

[@colleenchupp6394]

I was born and raised in Reno, Nv. I've always knew about the El Cortez but not the WWII part of it. I thought I knew allot about Reno but this one slid past me. I did know it was one of the oldest "floor" shows home here, just not the original name. Thanks

[@SteveTRYK]

Great to help illuminate - cheers!

[@richw2615]

Nice work, It reminded me a lot of the Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, AZ.

[@unchainedsilver9702]

Great Video love learning more history about Reno via this channel... That place was amazing to see it still preserved mostly from the 1940s,... Would definitely go there if it re-opened as a lounge or club with live entertainment.....

[@SteveTRYK]

I'm hopeful that that business model works today. Thanks!

[@terrystewart2070]

Another great show Steve thank you! What a cool place! I'm sure the old clips didn't really do the old perfomes justice, but boy folks were easily entertained back then 😊

[@SteveTRYK]

...and they didn't record the shows with cell phones in the air! ;-)

[@ESund-k3r]

In the late 1990's there was a swing dancing revival. Bring back that kind of up-to-date modern swing dancing in this club

[@ATLcentury334]

I stumbled across this post by chance. I actually teared up a little watching this. The nightclub, with enough money, and vision could be brought back. I agree the bones are all there and it would be a beautiful nightclub. Many years ago in the 1980’s, I frequented a small restaurant/nightclub in Detroit. It was called Peter Mel’s Backstage restaurant and Footlights lounge. It had a big gay clientele, and was quite popular late night after the gay dance clubs closed at 2 a.m. Everyone got in their cars and raced to Backstage to line up for breakfast. They were open until 4 a.m. Footlights was all black lacquer and stainless steel. Perched atop a small stage at the back of the room was a white palm tree, under it was a white baby grand piano. There was live entertainment most nights. In the early 90’s Backstage/Footlights was sold to a new owner. Most people were concerned but for about a year, nothing changed. I stopped in one afternoon for happy hour. When I pushed the door of Footlights I thought I had a stroke. All of the small art deco chairs that had black patent upholstery and stainless steel legs were gone. In their place was something that belonged in a 1970’s rec room. I casually asked the bartender what happened. He said the old chairs were too expensive to recover, so the new chairs arrived the week before. I asked if any of the old chairs were still around, he said about 10 or 15 were in the back. I asked if he thought the manager would sell a few to me. He asked for my number and said he’d call me. I was nervous, I really wanted those chairs. He called the next day, I was willing to pay $100 for 2. He said if I came to the bar right then I could have my pick. I lived 10 minutes away. He took me to a back room. The chairs were stacked down a hallway. “How many do you want?”. I replied “4 would be nice”. The bartender said “$20 bucks”. I picked out the 4 best I could find. I was so happy About a month later my boyfriend and I were watching the 11 o’clock news. The top story was Backstage and Footlights was on fire. A total loss. We got in the car and drove down Woodward Ave. It was true, this beautiful art deco palace was gone, for good. That was 32 years ago. My boyfriend and I got married, we’ve lived in 3 different houses, and we still have our little art deco Footlights chairs. I wouldn’t sell them for any price.

[@SteveTRYK]

Great story - thanks for watching!

[@carlmclelland7624]

An outstanding video, Steve. I never knew what this building was until I saw this video. My wife and I are forty-year 'Nevada natives,' and I'm retired from the Sheriff's Office. An idea for an interesting video... if there's still anything left of it... the old Washoe County Sheriff's Office and main jail at Center and Court Street. They closed it in May, 1988, when they moved into the present facility at 911 Parr Blvd. My last official act in detention was the final walkthrough before we locked the elevator and entrance gates. (I went to the patrol division the following day).

[@SteveTRYK]

Interesting! Thanks for watching!

[@carlahafeman6461]

This is sooooo cool. Would dream of seeing it open, once again. I did get to see Sinatra close to the end, he was magical, still.

[@SteveTRYK]

I missed seeing him when he played Reno near the end and I regret not going.

[@guyfawkes8384]

I visited your brother's website. Wow, he really is talented.

[@SteveTRYK]

I agree - thanks!

[@johncrawford6992]

Great video Thank you for doing this it was very informative

[@SteveTRYK]

My pleasure!

[@barrygrant2907]

I would love to have a drink at an old WWII bar. My favorite hot spot is the old "Outrigger" resort built by Francis Langford of Hollywood and Bob Hope WWII USO tour fame. It still retains much of the atmosphere of that era when it was something of a hideaway for presidents and celebrities of her era. I tell people yo don't go there for the alcohol; you go there for the experience.

[@tristanwoodmansee477]

Just came across your channel today and watch the video on this and I just loved it exclamation. This was great and I loved everything that you captured in the video I live about 3 1/2 hours south of Reno in the town of Ridgecrest, California, I love Nevada, but I've never seen this place before and it's really cool how you honored and captured all the older celebrities and singers and artists that sing and performed here. I'm gonna be looking more at your channel and enjoying all that you have to offer. It's too bad that they can't open up that hotel and open up that club and just use it again somehow repurpose it I think all those items toward the end of the video should be in a museum of some sort in the town of Reno so that people can enjoy all the relics. Thank you. I enjoyed your video very historic to the city.

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for your interest! One of the best wildflower displays I've ever seen was just outside Ridgecrest!

[@ericnelson8422]

Dude! Well done!! Looking forward to more content!! ROCK ON!!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks much!

[@Raiderzombie57]

I enjoyed the trip back in time. I hope someone restores it and brings back a Noir-ish club atmosphere. I would love to have a drink there someday. Thank you for sharing its history. 🥃

[@Raiderzombie57]

Can you tell me the name of the Donald Novis song and where to find the recording? Thank you in advance

[@SteveTRYK]

It's called "Somewhere in the West" - it's on old 78's - I found it online somewhere.

[@craig0769]

Absolutely amazing!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for watching!

[@hoodatdondar2664]

Thanks for the detailed story. Would never have seen the seam for the hotel addition if you had not pointed it out. That extension was a good job, alright- the whole building looks all of a piece. Would have loved to see Chico Marx in concert!

[@SteveTRYK]

Lots of movies to reexperience Chico!

[@kplante7881]

Very nice…. Thanks for sharing!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanks for your viewership!

[@raulduke6105]

Wow! Looks new

[@genechronister7085]

Another awesome vid!

[@SteveTRYK]

Thanx!

[@jesseparker5669]

Right next door to where I live @ the El Cortez. This place was built in 1931, & it was a truly grand place. It's on the national register of historic buildings but for whatever reason their standards aren't as stringent as other places such as Maine where things are not allowed without specific permission from the historical society. The hotel don't seem to play by the same standards. It's been painted, all of the copper has been covered etc. It's a shame it couldn't have been kept in the same condition as it was in it's heyday.

[@SteveTRYK]

Yes, and its still super cool!

[@jesseparker5669]

@@SteveTRYK It is