Oral history interview with Al Levy conducted by Cheryl Caples and Martha Zehnder on February 23, 1979 and March 8, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Levy discusses Las Vegas, Nevada history, notably Jewish discrimination in the city.
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Part of an interview with Al Levy on February 23, 1979. In this clip, Levy discusses his childhood, living in Las Vegas, and his experience at Las Vegas High School.
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Part I: Interview with Al Levy by Cheryl Caples on February 23, 1979. At the time of this interview, Levy was serving on the city commission (now the Las Vegas City Council). He talks about growing up in Las Vegas and attending Las Vegas Grammar School (Fifth Street School) and Las Vegas High School. He mentions the Helldorado events, recreational activities, and raising a family in Las Vegas. Part II: Interview with Al Levy by Martha Zehnder on March 8, 1981. Levy recalls much of the same information as the previous interview, and again talks about his schooling and attending the University of Southern California. He returned to Las Vegas to assist his father with his grocery stores. Levy talks about the polio epidemic as the reason that children were not allowed to swim at public or hotel pools. He discusses his real estate firm, Levy Realty Company, his involvement in the community and the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), and the booming hotel industry. Levy also discusses some city leaders he's known, including Mayor Gragson. He talks about his Jewish faith and having to go to Los Angeles to train for his bar mitzvah because there were no rabbis living in Las Vegas.
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