Kelly Silver Mine

Kelly Silver Mine. The Owl Cafe and Slim Riffle. , Kelly Silver Mine , Silver was discovered directly behind this building around 1918. The Kelly Silver Mine was the richest in the world at the time, albeit other silver mines in the area were very profitable as well. As a result, the town of Red Mountain sprung up. The Kelly Silver Mine was part of the California Rand Silver Mining Company. It is estimated that the mine's total production was over $12 million dollars. , The Owl Cafe and Slim Riffle , In 1921, Slim Riffle built this building and called it the Owl Cafe. Before Las Vegas and Palm Springs came into existence, Red Mountain was the place to come for the Hollywood elites, professional gamblers, the miners and people just looking for a good time. Famous people like members of the Little Rascals, Rita Hayworth and others dined here regularly. Slim Riffle was a great big man and well known by everyone. He sold illegal booze during prohibition and was also involved in prostitution and gambling. The police had a difficult task trying to apprehend anyone however, because of the endless miles of mine shafts under the buildings and streets which patrons disappeared into. The highway along here was lined with brothels and speakeasies which were opened at all hours. Slim lived in the corner house next to this building and the buildings on the north side of the Owl Cafe were the Owl Hotel and the Madam's house. Next to the Madam's house were the 'cribs' (little brothels) - which you can still see standing today. Down throughout the years Slim turned into a legitimate business owner. He opened a Dodge and Plymouth dealership/garage across the street from the Owl Cafe in the 1950's. Inside the Owl Cafe there was a coffee shop, barber shop and bar. , Slim Riffle died Dec. 19, 1978.