Here's some history on the hotel. When Thomas Hull opened the El Rancho Vegas on April 3, 1941, it was part of his "El Rancho" chain, including similar hotels in Sacramento, California, and Bakersfield, California. El Rancho Vegas was the first resort on what would become the Las Vegas Strip. It was designed by architect Wayne McAllister and offered horseback riding, a large swimming pool and top shows in the "Round-Up Room" (later the "Opera House" theater).
In December 1944, William Wilkerson leased the El Rancho Vegas from then owner Joe Drown for six months. Wilkerson paid Drown $50,000 for the six-month lease. Wilkerson would later go on to build The Flamingo Hotel. The resort went through several changes of ownership before Beldon Katelman, who received a share of ownership upon the death of his uncle, Jake Katelman, in 1950, bought out the remaining shareholders and became the proprietor of record.[2]
The legendary stripper Candy Barr was headlining at El Rancho Vegas in 1959 when she was arrested by the FBI after her appeal on a marijuana conviction originating in Texas was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Harry James and Betty Grable were performing a late show on stage when the hotel was destroyed by a fire on June 17, 1960.[3]
Despite vows to rebuild the El Rancho Vegas after the fire, the plans never materialized. In 1970, billionaire Howard Hughes purchased 60 acres (24 ha) of the land. In 1978, the remnants of the old resort were demolished. The Hilton Grand Vacation Club now occupies a portion of the land.
This would make it a valuable piece of vintage Vegas memorabilia ! I would contact a dealer or shop in Vegas if you want the inside scoop and the best deal