Phil Tobin posing on a white horse at an unknown location. In 1931, as a freshman Assemblyman, Phil Tobin introduced a bill to legalize gambling in Nevada. A Humboldt County rancher and buckaroo, the 29-year old had no interest in gambling himself. Instead, he correctly believed legalized gambling would benefit the public and especially schools thanks to tax revenues. At the time, illicit gambling houses were thriving in Las Vegas, and with Hoover Dam slated to begin construction 40 miles away, many feared the increased Federal presence associated with the Dam construction effort would lead to a clamp-down. The measure passed. After serving out his term, Tobin returned to ranch life for good.
A group of men on horseback at Kiel Ranch in Northern Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas Review Journal published this photo in their segment "Help Us Write History," and a reader responded with the following description: "Left: Francesco Barravecchio. Rider nest to left: Salvatore Bencivengo. Horseman - (second from RGT): Mario Lasalnullovo. Extreme Right: Pasquale Spensieri and 5 yr old daughter Filomrna. Photo taken: June 30th, 1924. Why: Summer Vacation." This document is included with the image.