April 19, 1955 - The Strip's eighth resort, the Royal Nevada. The dream Royal Nevada was owned and built by Frank Fishman, and operated by Easterners Albert B. Moll, Herman E. Kohen, Joe Leibman and Sid Wyman. Architect Paul Williams was working with architect/engineer John Replogle on the low-rise motel tradition. The Royal Nevada featured a curving entry canopy and a large fountain-like sculpture of neon. The Royal Nevada opened north of the New Frontier as the "Showplace of Showtown, U.S.A." The resort's crowning glory was the crown which sat on top of the resort. Opening night entertainment was provided by opera star Helen Traubel in the hotel's magnificent Crown Room. The opening was attended by the mass with Mayor Baker in attendance. The night before the opening, atomic soldiers were treated to a pre-opening party.

In 1959, The Royal Nevada was acquired by the Stardust and turned into their convention center and VIP guest area. This hotel area also housed the Lido showgirls. The next year, the Polynesian restaurant Aku Aku opened between the two main buildings. The Aku Aku was the first of it's kind in the valley, offering a menu of exotic foods and cocktails. It's entrance was marked by a giant stone Tiki head. The Stardust's sports book also grew into the sports book after which all future ones would be modeled.

Chip scans courtesy of Ross Poppel and Silver State Treasures