During the spring of 1937, one intrepid Courier reporter took the citizens of Champaign-Urbana on a 6 part series tour of Champaign’s gambling dens. For this week’s #TBT we bring you pictures from North Market Street aka ‘Gamblers’ Row.’
“It’s a dull job Patrolman Charles Cole of the Champaign police force has been assigned to by Chief Roy Argo. His beat is confirmed to “Gamblers’ Row,” North Market Street. When this picture was taken it appears that Patrolman Cole was watching the entrances to 103 and 105 North Market street out of the corner of his eye.”
According to the series the 103 Club is the coziest of Champaign’s gambling establishments. Furnished in a more attractive style it appealed to the student population. Overseen by Ben H. Durham the 103 Club featured pool, craps, a racing board, and tables for blackjack and poker.
The 1937 Champaign-Urbana city directory lists 113½ Market Street as vacant but knock on the door and you find yourself in the Turf Club, more popularly known as Klemick’s, after Herman ‘Blue’ Klemick well-known owner of local real estate and the Continental Tavern. The Turf Club was one of three racehorse betting establishments in Champaign.
- Sherrie B., Archives Librarian