AGA: Fireside Chat – Nick Abelman, the Man behind Graham and McKay (Off-site, SVL)
September 6 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Nevada History – On The GO! (Sierra View Library)
A Special American Gaming Archives AGA: Fireside Chat
Nick Abelman, the Man behind Graham and McKay (Bank Club Casino)
Bank Club, 1938.
September 6, 2025
1:00 to 2:30 pm
Nevada History – On The GO! Lecture 2025
The Nevada Historical Society’s building may be closed for an exciting remodel, but you can still enjoy their fascinating lectures at the Sierra View Library during their closure. NHS Nevada History – On The GO! Series is combining their three history programs that delve into Nevada History, Lake Tahoe, and the American Gaming Archives gambling and gaming history. Make sure to visit Sierra View Library on the first Saturday of every month to learn more about Nevada’s history through these engaging talks that are geared towards audiences of all ages.
Speaker: Bill Pettite, former judge and gambling historian
Title of Chat: Nick Abelman, the Man behind Graham and McKay (Bank Club Casino)
Summary of Talk: Learn about the man behind Reno’s gangster’s Graham and McKay, owners of the Bank Club Casino.
Speaker Bio: Bill Pettite was appointed a Probate Judge for Clark County, Idaho back in 1959 while owning and operating two weekly newspapers, the Market Lake Citizen and the Clark County Enterprise. By 1961, Pettite chose not to seek another term as Probate Judge but moved to California. He served in many positions in California state government, including as director of that state’s OSHA office. He had a personal relationship with then-Governor Ronald Reagan and Governor Jerry Brown.
We would like to thank our partner, the Washoe County Library System and the Sierra View Library for hosting our off-site lectures.
Sierra View Library has been serving communities from Midtown to South Reno since 1987. Located inside the Reno Town Mall, directly across from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the library has two entrances. The front entrance allows visitors to stroll by shops and businesses in the mall, while the second entrance is accessible from the rear, south side of the mall. This back entrance has an ADA accessible lift. The address is 4001 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502.
