Tex Rickard’s Northern Saloon in Goldfield was legendary. From there he entertained the citizens and took their money. It was so busy, it was said, that 50 employees were working at the same time.
From here he ran rock drilling contests, and brought in the Gans-Nelson fight. This 42 round fight is often in the top five all time boxing matches. Only a disqualification in the 42nd by Battling Nelson gave Joe Gans the victory. This fight was a turning point in Tex Rickard’s life and a boon for Rawhide.
With all the hoopla at Rawhide, Rickard sold his Northern Saloon in Goldfield, got in his Thomas Flyer automobile and headed to the new mining camp. Once there he quickly established a new Northern Saloon. Although hampered by a much smaller population and low grade ore, Rickard again ruled the camp.
In the heart of the city, it was again the place to be. He paid $8,000 for a lot at the junction of Rawhide and Nevada Street and $4,000 to a saloon owner in a tent that had the sign ‘Northern Saloon’ on it.
The local paper reported that when the Northern opened its doors 13,624 drinks were served in the first twenty-four hours.
The poor miners of Rawhide had a to go a long way around town to get to their favorite entertainment section of the city - Stangaree Gulch. Rickard cut a pass through the hillside that came out right at his back door. It is said he doubled his business and was considered a public benefactor to boot!
Here he hosted the infamous English authoress Elinor Glyn.
But the most intriguing picture of Rickard’s control over the city appeared in the Bankers Magazine of 1908.
From here he ran rock drilling contests, and brought in the Gans-Nelson fight. This 42 round fight is often in the top five all time boxing matches. Only a disqualification in the 42nd by Battling Nelson gave Joe Gans the victory. This fight was a turning point in Tex Rickard’s life and a boon for Rawhide.
With all the hoopla at Rawhide, Rickard sold his Northern Saloon in Goldfield, got in his Thomas Flyer automobile and headed to the new mining camp. Once there he quickly established a new Northern Saloon. Although hampered by a much smaller population and low grade ore, Rickard again ruled the camp.
In the heart of the city, it was again the place to be. He paid $8,000 for a lot at the junction of Rawhide and Nevada Street and $4,000 to a saloon owner in a tent that had the sign ‘Northern Saloon’ on it.
The local paper reported that when the Northern opened its doors 13,624 drinks were served in the first twenty-four hours.
The poor miners of Rawhide had a to go a long way around town to get to their favorite entertainment section of the city - Stangaree Gulch. Rickard cut a pass through the hillside that came out right at his back door. It is said he doubled his business and was considered a public benefactor to boot!
Here he hosted the infamous English authoress Elinor Glyn.
But the most intriguing picture of Rickard’s control over the city appeared in the Bankers Magazine of 1908.
NOVEL LOCATION FOR A BANK A DISPATCH
from Reno, Nevada under date of June 24
State Bank Examiner Hofer has returned from Rawhide after making an examination of the First Bank of Rawhide and the Merchants and Miners Bank. He also examined the Bank of Wonder and declares that all three are insolvent. He says the Merchants and Miners may be able to settle its claims if creditors do not press them. The Northern Saloon run by Tex Rickard at Rawhide has practically assumed all banking operations. Last night Rickard came to Reno with several thousand dollars worth of checks which he cashed. Rickard has arranged to serve as a clearing house for Rawhide merchants and will do the banking business over his bar.
from Reno, Nevada under date of June 24
State Bank Examiner Hofer has returned from Rawhide after making an examination of the First Bank of Rawhide and the Merchants and Miners Bank. He also examined the Bank of Wonder and declares that all three are insolvent. He says the Merchants and Miners may be able to settle its claims if creditors do not press them. The Northern Saloon run by Tex Rickard at Rawhide has practically assumed all banking operations. Last night Rickard came to Reno with several thousand dollars worth of checks which he cashed. Rickard has arranged to serve as a clearing house for Rawhide merchants and will do the banking business over his bar.
Although the fire of 1908 avoided the Northern Saloon, Rickard had lost interest. He had a dream to become one of the great boxing promoters. Starting with the Johnson (The Great White Hope) - Jeffries fight of 1910 in Reno, his dream became a reality.