If you have a question or a comment about this photograph you may write to me at:
tomas@schweich.com
I sometimes post interesting questions in my FAQ, but I never disclose your full name or address.
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Photographed 24 July 2013.
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Legend of June Lake Slot Machines
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During the 1930's, in central Mono County, demand for gaming
entertainment skyrocketed with the influx of hundreds of employees
working on the Mono Basin project. To accomodate the workers, many
local bars and cafes installed slot machines. Although illegal, there (sic)
use in Mono County thrived for many years. Unfortunately, upon
completion of the aqueduct in 1941 and transfer of all workers,
demand for this activity diminished. Within a few years most slot
machines were voluntarily removed. It was rumored that the last slot
machines were hastily dumped into June Lake in the middle of the night
by local merchants in response to an imminent raid by the state
revenue agents. However, the legend of the slot machines did not end
there. Over the years, numerous attempts to locate them by special
cold water dive teams failed. Although no one has recently inserted a
coin into one and pulled the handle, many people still gamble on
hitting the jackpot and finding these “one armed bandits” at the bottom
of June Lake. Forever lost? Time will tell.
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Dedicated September 11, 2010
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Bodie Chapter No. 64
E Clampus Vitus
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Article records that use this photograph:
Other photos about Geography - Mono Lake Basin, California or June Lake.
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Date and time this page was prepared:
11/3/2024 5:38:23 PM
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Eastern Mojave Vegetation