Laurel Park in Henderson County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Casino

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

1. The Casino Marker

Inscription. W.A. Smith's improvements to the Park and Amusement Grounds started in 1907 with the construction of a 5,000 square foot modern roller skating rink. The building's foundation, erected above water level on 8-foot piers, provided boat houses, dressing rooms, “shower baths” and an outdoor restaurant at the lake level. The spacious building had 16-foot-high walls with maple flooring and electric lighting.

In addition to skating, the Casino was a venue for “high class vaudeville,” theatre performances, dancing, “silent pictures,” wrestling matches, and the annual Horse Show Ball. Many famous orchestras of the day performed at the Casino to the tens of thousands of visitors from throughout the South that annually descended on Laurel Park.

Each summer season brought the latest entertainment until the night of January 11, 1921, when some hooligans broke into the Casino and started a fire on the maple floor to keep warm. This resulted in the structure being destroyed. The Casino's popularity amongst a wide-ranging populace was evidenced by the spreading of its fate in newspapers all over North Carolina and nearby states.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 35° 18.95′

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N, 82° 29.303′ W. Marker is in Laurel Park, North Carolina, in Henderson County. Marker is on Canal Drive south of Crystal Spring Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 Crystal Spring Dr, Hendersonville NC 28739, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Park and Amusement Grounds (a few steps from this marker); The Retreat Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Canal (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Laurel Park Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rhododendron Lake (approx. 0.3 miles away); Crystal Spring (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Quarry Tract (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Alexander Smith (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel Park.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2024

2. The Casino Marker

via City of Laurel Park, NC (Public Domain)

3. The Casino

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 36 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on February 13, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.