The Biltmore in Fenton, MO opened its doors in 1929 as a casino for the elite but carried a notorious reputation of being a “speak easy” operated by friends of well-known gangsters. It was raided often and is rumored to have been frequented by famous gangster, Al Capone. At one time, the Biltmore was owned by Capone’s friend Harry E. Belford (a.k.a. Hickory Slim). Belford testified in Al Capone’s defense during the famous tax fraud trial that sent Capone to prison. The Biltmore conducted shady operations until 1939 when its doors were closed. In 1951, it reopened as a supper club and later, a nightclub catering to a younger crowd in the late 1970’s. In 1979, the Biltmore was destroyed by fire.