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| In our opinion, this chip ranks in the Top Two of Galveston chips. Not only is it highly collectible, but it should bring the most money. This crest and seal chip is in excellent condition and is a must for any Texas collection. The chip measures 1-1/2 inches in diameter and has a smooth edge. This red dragon $100 crest and seal chip is one of the major keys to Galveston chip collecting, and is one of the many Galveston illegal chips from our collection featured on the front cover of the November issue of Gaming Times magazine. When the prohibition amendment was passed into law in 1920, the Maceo brothers, Rose and Sam, started "rum running" from offshore ships and soon had enough money to open a restaurant and speakeasy club on a pier at 21st and Seawall Blvd. called the Chop Suey, later renamed the Grotto. Closed in 1929 for illegal gambling violations, and then damaged by a storm, it was remodeled as the Sui Jen opening in 1932. (Sui Jen is pronounced Swee, as in "sweet" and wren, like the bird.). While the meaning of the name long has been debated, according to Trinity University Professor Dr. Meng Yeh, the Chinese translation stands for a Confuscius saying, "Follow Benevolence." Ironically, English kings used the word benevolence to describe mandatory land taxes. After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Maceos closed the Sui Jen's Tokio Ballroom, removing the oriental decor and remodeled the club as the infamous Balinese Room. |
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