Kelly Silver Mine

Silver was discovered directly behind this building around 1918, and the Kelly Silver Mine, part of the California Rand Silver Mining Company, became the richest silver mine in the world at the time, with total production estimated at over $12 million dollars; along with other profitable area mines, it helped bring the town of Red Mountain into being. In 1921, Slim Riffle built this building and named it the Owl Cafe. Before Las Vegas and Palm Springs came into existence, Red Mountain drew Hollywood elites, professional gamblers, miners, and others seeking entertainment, and people including members of the Little Rascals and Rita Hayworth dined here regularly. Slim Riffle, a large man known throughout the area, sold illegal booze during Prohibition and was also involved in prostitution and gambling. Police found it difficult to apprehend anyone because endless miles of mine shafts under the buildings and streets allowed patrons to disappear. The highway here was lined with brothels and speakeasies open at all hours. Slim lived in the corner house next to this building, and on the north side of the Owl Cafe stood the Owl Hotel and the Madam's house; next to the Madam's house were the cribs, little brothels that still stand today. Over the years, Slim became a legitimate business owner and in the 1950s opened a Dodge and Plymouth dealership and garage across the street from the Owl Cafe, which also contained a coffee shop, barber shop, and bar. Slim Riffle died Dec. 19, 1978.

California · United States