A colorful picture postcard I came across reveals that Frank and Helen (last name unknown) were visiting Laughlin, Nevada, on September 12, 1987, undoubtedly, to do a little gambling. They’d probably never tell friends or family that, especially Reverend Archie Bunker back home in Prescott, although I doubt that is their pastor’s name. We’ll just assume it is for this story.
This postcard, sent by Frank and Helen to Mr. Fred Modlin in Hopkins, Minnesota, offers a brief glimpse into their trip to Nevada. The card was mailed from Prescott, where the couple were most likely getting ready to leave for warmer digs, perhaps even Lake Havasu City.
“Boy a week sure goes by in a hurry. We spent Tues & Wed in Laughlin at the Colorado Bell. I won’t stay there again as their new hotel is just too hard to get around. Back to the Riverside next time. It is now right about 100 degrees in Phex but it is cool here in fact we will likely need heat tonite. I don’t have any acorns to put up with, just carob beans. We are still going to try to get a little painting done but not much more than that. Frank & Helen“
Just why the Colorado Belle was so hard for Frank and Helen to get around will remain a mystery. Were they stumbling about from perhaps too much German stout? Serious beer drinkers will know what I’m talking about here. These days, with the casino doors shut tight, getting around inside is an impossibility unless you’re a rat or mouse. More on that later.
The Colorado Belle Casino was one of the most iconic landmarks in Laughlin, Nevada. Shaped like a grand paddlewheel riverboat, it stood as a symbol of the city’s vibrant gaming and tourism industry for decades.
The idea for the Colorado Belle was born in the early 1980s, as Laughlin was transforming from a modest riverside town into a bustling gaming destination. The concept was to create a casino that would evoke the romantic imagery of 19th-century riverboats navigating the mighty Colorado River. Construction began in 1980, and the project was a massive undertaking, requiring innovation to replicate the appearance and grandeur of a paddlewheel steamboat.
The casino officially opened its doors to the public in July 1981. Its unique design, complete with twin paddlewheels and towering smokestacks, made it instantly recognizable and a popular subject for postcards and photographs.
In its early years, the Colorado Belle established itself as a premier gaming destination in Laughlin. The casino offered a wide variety of slot machines and table games, while the hotel provided comfortable accommodations for visitors. Over time, the property underwent multiple renovations and expansions, adding more guest rooms, dining options, and amenities to attract a growing number of tourists.
The Colorado Belle became known not just for its gaming floor, but also for its entertainment venues, restaurants, and riverside location. The property’s riverwalk offered scenic views and easy access to the Colorado River, making it a favorite spot for both gamblers and leisure travelers.
Throughout its history, the Colorado Belle changed ownership several times as the gaming industry in Laughlin evolved. It was operated by several different companies, including Circus Circus Enterprises (which later became Mandalay Resort Group), and eventually by Golden Entertainment. Each change in ownership brought varying degrees of renovation and modernization, but the casino maintained its classic riverboat theme.
The Colorado Belle was more than just a casino; it was a community icon. The property hosted numerous events, including concerts, festivals, and poker tournaments, which drew visitors from across the region. Its distinctive design and welcoming atmosphere helped define the look and feel of Laughlin’s waterfront.
As one of the city’s original themed casinos, the Colorado Belle played a significant role in shaping the identity and tourism appeal of Laughlin. It was also a major employer, providing jobs for hundreds of local residents over the years.
The Colorado Belle Casino faced challenges in the 21st century, including increased competition and economic downturns. In March 2020, the casino closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, unlike many other properties, did not reopen. In June 2020, operators announced that the closure would be indefinite, citing the ongoing economic impact and uncertainty.
Today, while the riverboat structure still stands as a familiar sight on the Laughlin Strip, the Colorado Belle’s gaming floor remains dark. Despite its closure, the casino’s legacy endures in the memories of visitors and residents who experienced its unique charm. The Colorado Belle remains a symbol of Laughlin’s history, a testament to the city’s evolution from a remote outpost to a vibrant gaming and entertainment destination.
I had the opportunity to recently view the Colorado Belle up close. It is rapidly deteriorating from the excess Laughlin heat and, in a matter of time, will most likely have to be torn down.
Rodent feces could be spotted on the outside, along with the smell of mildew. Much more is needed to get the stationary paddlewheels turning than just a fresh coat of paint. The wheels actually never moved, as it was special lighting that made it seem that way.
The Colorado Belle Casino’s story mirrors the rise and transformation of Laughlin itself. From its grand opening in the early 1980s through decades of entertainment and community involvement, to its closure in 2020, the Colorado Belle remains an enduring part of Nevada’s colorful gaming history.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find Frank and Helen’s full identity, yet Frederick Edwin Modlin in Hopkins, Minnesota, was no problem. He was born in Hopkins on December 23, 1922, and died there 77 years later on November 20, 2000. It appears he was a fruit farmer like his father.
Frank and Helen were merely rubbing things in with their postcard, as Fred was already freezing his buns off in Minnesota. Some folks have a way of doing that to their family and friends living in cold states.
If Fred had been a prankster, he would’ve made a copy of the card and sent it to Reverend Archie Bunker. Their message was perfect fodder for the fictitious preacher’s next sermon on gambling addictions.
I like to write junk... 