Meet the “Sinners”!

Miss Julia (video)

Little Lost Chicken (video)

Meet William, the gambler

Every day, you can meet a range of people from the frontier – live – in the Sin in the Sagebrush exhibit. Chat with them about why they came to the Western frontier and what brought them to this saloon, gambling hall or bordello.

For example, in the exhibit’s re-created gambling hall, you’ll meet William, the professional gambler, who’s dealing three-card monte, faro, and other games of the late 19th century.

“I’m disdainful of fools, but if you are the desperate sort, because of uncontrollable circumstances, I’ll have compassion toward you – unlike those in dire straits because of their choices,” he says.

“Gambling is much more personal here out west. Unlike some gaming emporiums in a few big cities, there is no ‘betting against the house.’ Most of us small-town gamblers rent table space in a saloon or gaming house. Play twenty-one, faro, or three-card monte with me, and you’re competing directly with me – the dealer – my money’s on the line,” he says.