Elmwood Casino reunion | CTV News [Video]

A former employee is organizing a reunion on the 50th anniversary of the closing of the beloved and much celebrated nightclub and casino on Dougall Avenue.

“I have fond memories in my heart of the Elmwood,” Silvio Venerus told CTV News.

He used to work backstage at the Elmwood ‘as a youngster.’

“You were not a big entertainer until you came to the Elmwood,” said Venerus. “Back in the glory days of the Elmwood, all the big stars from North America came to the Elmwood.”

Acts like Sony and Cher, The Temptations, Louis Armstrong and even Sammy Davis Jr.

“He loved coming to Windsor because he was an avid golfer,” Venerus recalled. “I believe there was [a] driving range across the street called Woodall’s and he (Davis Jr.) used to go there during the afternoon and hit golf balls.”

An undated image of the Elmwood Casino. (Source: Museum Windsor)

When he worked as a bus boy, Venerus recalled how busy dinner service could be.

…