The Las Vegas Pioneer Club stands as a testament to the vibrant history of Fremont Street and downtown Las Vegas. Originally established in 1942, this iconic gambling hall has undergone numerous transformations, mirroring the dynamic evolution of Las Vegas itself. Its story is deeply intertwined with the very fabric of the city, from its early days as a burgeoning desert oasis to the dazzling entertainment capital it is today.
The Pioneer Club’s location at 25 Fremont Street is historically significant, residing within Clark’s Las Vegas Townsite, Block 3. The land itself has witnessed various iterations of commerce and entertainment. Before the Pioneer Club, the site was home to the Opera House, marking it as a place of gathering and activity from early on. The adjacent land, which later became part of the Pioneer Club through expansion, was once occupied by The Westerner.
The building that housed the Pioneer Club is equally rich in history. Constructed initially in 1912 as a two-story structure, it first operated as the Thomas Department Store. Just a year later, in 1913, it transitioned into Beckley’s Men’s Wear, a prominent local business that lent its name to the building itself – the Beckley Building. In 1929, a third story was added, further solidifying the Beckley Building’s presence on Fremont Street.
Beckley’s Men’s Wear remained a fixture until its closure in 1941, paving the way for a new chapter. On April 15, 1942, the Pioneer Club opened its doors, quickly becoming a popular gambling destination. Over the years, the club experienced several name changes and expansions, reflecting the changing times and competitive landscape of Las Vegas casinos. In 1956, it was briefly renamed the New Pioneer Club, and later, in 1967, it adopted the moniker Famous Pioneer Club. By 1983, it reverted back to simply Pioneer Club.
An interesting chapter in the Pioneer Club’s story involves Club Bingo, which opened at 23 Fremont Street in 1962. Club Bingo operated until May 31, 1983. Following Club Bingo’s closure, the Pioneer Club expanded westward, incorporating the Club Bingo building into its premises, further solidifying its footprint on Fremont Street. However, the Pioneer Club itself eventually closed its doors on June 29, 1995.
Despite the closure of the casino, the legacy of the Pioneer Club continued. In 1998, it reopened as a gift shop, preserving the name and location for a new generation of visitors. In 2014, the gift shop expanded eastward onto 1st Street, indicating a continued presence and adaptation to the evolving downtown Las Vegas landscape.
The Pioneer Club is also famously associated with Vegas Vic, the iconic neon cowboy sign that has become a symbol of Las Vegas. Installed in 1951, Vegas Vic stood tall outside the Pioneer Club, welcoming visitors to Fremont Street. Interestingly, during the construction of the Fremont Street Experience, Vegas Vic’s hat was shortened to accommodate the light show canopy, a testament to the sign’s integral role in the Fremont Street experience. Another notable feature, the “Here It Is!” sign, was a part of the Pioneer Club’s facade, although it was removed in 1955 when the adjacent 32 Fremont building was demolished.
While the original Pioneer Club casino is no longer operating, its history remains a vital part of the Las Vegas story. From its location in the historic Beckley Building to its association with Vegas Vic, the Las Vegas Pioneer Club encapsulates the spirit of vintage Las Vegas and its enduring appeal. Today, the Pioneer Gift Shop serves as a reminder of this rich past, allowing visitors to connect with the legacy of one of Fremont Street’s most iconic establishments.
