The Pioneer Club in Las Vegas holds a significant place in the city’s vibrant history, particularly on Fremont Street. Originally established in 1942, this iconic gambling hall witnessed numerous transformations, expansions, and ultimately, a shift in purpose reflecting the evolving landscape of Las Vegas. Its story is intertwined with the famous Vegas Vic neon sign and the historical Beckley Building, making it a landmark with layers of fascinating history.
Before the Pioneer Club became a fixture, the location at 25 Fremont Street was already steeped in local history. The building itself started as a two-story structure in 1912, initially housing the Thomas Department Store. Just a year later, in 1913, it transitioned into Beckley’s Men’s Wear, becoming known as the “Beckley Building.” This early iteration of the building highlights the commercial activity on Fremont Street well before the gambling boom fully took hold. In 1929, an additional story was added, expanding the building further.
Beckley’s Men’s Wear operated for several decades before closing its doors in 1941. This paved the way for a new chapter in the building’s history with the arrival of the Pioneer Club. Opening on April 15, 1942, the Pioneer Club quickly became a part of the burgeoning Fremont Street casino scene.
The Pioneer Club’s timeline is marked by several name changes and expansions, reflecting the dynamic nature of Las Vegas businesses. In 1956, it was renamed the New Pioneer Club. Later, in 1967, it adopted the moniker Famous Pioneer Club. Finally, in 1983, it reverted back to simply Pioneer Club. These changes likely mirrored shifts in ownership, branding strategies, or attempts to refresh its image in the competitive casino market.
A significant event in the Pioneer Club’s history was the opening of the New Pioneer Club Hotel on August 17, 1965, located at 200 South 1st Street. However, this venture was relatively short-lived, closing in 1968. Interestingly, during this period of expansion and change for the Pioneer Club, another establishment, Club Bingo, opened at 23 Fremont Street on August 24, 1962, adding to the entertainment options on the street.
Club Bingo’s run was also finite, closing on May 31, 1983. This closure presented an opportunity for the Pioneer Club to expand. In 1983, the Pioneer Club extended westward, incorporating the space previously occupied by Club Bingo. This expansion likely aimed to increase the casino’s floor space and offerings to attract more visitors.
Despite these expansions and adaptations, the Pioneer Club eventually closed its doors as a casino on June 29, 1995. However, the story of the Pioneer Club didn’t end there. In 1998, it reopened as a gift shop, repurposing the historic location for retail. In 2014, the gift shop further expanded eastward onto 1st Street, demonstrating the continued commercial viability of the site, albeit in a different form.
The land where the Pioneer Club and Club Bingo stood has its own lineage. The Pioneer Club’s location was previously occupied by the Opera House, while Club Bingo’s land was once home to The Westerner. These prior establishments add further depth to the historical tapestry of this Fremont Street location.
Today, the Pioneer Club is remembered as a key part of old Las Vegas, inextricably linked with the Vegas Vic sign. While the casino is no longer operating, its legacy remains embedded in Fremont Street’s history and the memories of those who experienced its golden era. The location at 25 Fremont Street, situated in Clark’s Las Vegas Townsite (Block 3), continues to be a point of interest for those exploring the historical heart of Las Vegas.
