The Canfield Casino
Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, NY
John Morrissey, a New York State Senator, Congressman, former heavyweight champion and founder of the Saratoga Race Course built the Casino in 1870. His gaming club was so successful attracting Saratoga Springs’ visitors to nighttime gambling. In 1871, the addition to the east was added. The stately Italianate structure contained a bar and large gaming room on the first floor. On the second and third floors contained private gaming rooms and living quarters. John Morrissey had 4 rules:
- NO gambling on Sunday
- NO women allowed in the gaming rooms
- NO Saratogians
- NO credit
Gambling was technically not legal, and the reasoning behind the no Saratogians rule was that he did not want a local sore loser trying to shut his club down. Outside just to the west of the building stands the Morrissey Fountain, a tiered fountain that would have a ball bouncing in the water if the gaming rooms were open.
Morrissey died in 1878, and the club was sold to Spencer and Reed. John Canfield purchased the club in 1894 for $205,000. In 1902-1903 Canfield built the 93 x 58 dining room with beautiful octagon stained glass windows, and kitchen on the north side of the building. Canfield also designed the Italian gardens on the north side of the park with an investment of over $800,000 in improvements. Richard Canfield operated the “Monte Carlo” of America. High stakes gambling, fine food and wine attracted the high society of the Victorian Era. Ladies were allowed in the dining room only and it was here that the first Club Sandwich was served.
The success was short-lived. The Casino closed in 1907 because of the gambling reform movement. The village was growing and the climate of the community was anti-gambling. Canfield put the Casino up for sale and in 1911, the village purchased it and the plans were in place for Congress Park.
In 1915, the Historical Society had offices in the Casino and today is home to the Saratoga Springs History Museum. The Museum has a former gaming room on the second floor, and the exhibits change annually. For more information: www.saratogahistory.org The building is owned and operated by the City of Saratoga Springs, and the elaborate dining room, bar, parlor and kitchen are available for private events.
The Centennial Series
The city of Saratoga Springs was chartered on April 7, 1915. In celebration of our 100 years this summer, Roohan Realty brings you “The Centennial Series,” featuring the history of local properties – from origin to what we see today.
Do you own a historic property or know one you’d like to see featured? Submit an inquiry and our contributing writer will contact you.
