Archival Component
This press release details the "magic touch" of Jay Sarno who conceived of and built successful casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, including Caesars Palace and Circus Circus.
Text
The Jay Sarno Photograph Collection (1947-1983) contains photographs from hotel and casino developer Jay Sarno. The photographs primarily depict Sarno and his family. The photographs also depict some of Sarno's development projects, including Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, and the Grandissimo. The photographs depict construction of the hotels, events, and famous figures.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Heidi Sarno Straus conducted by David Schwartz on October 03, 2008 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Interview. In this interview, Straus discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and her experience as the daughter of Jay Sarno. She remembers living at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Tanya the Elephant performances, and the Flying Cavarettas trapeze acts. Straus describes her father’s relationship with Steve Wynn and Oscar Goodman, and his vision for the future of Las Vegas hotel and casinos.
Archival Collection
This collection is comprised of publicity and promotional materials documenting the Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino Resort and the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino Resort. Both resorts were a result of hotel and casino developer Jay Sarno. There is a small amount of material on Sarno in the collection such as newspaper clippings, a press release, and a copy of Sarno's FBI investigation file. The collection includes property records, magazine and newspaper clippings, informational brochures from the two properties, press kits, and a small amount of correspondence. It also includes a prospectus and stock offerings for Sarno's never-realized Grandissimo Hotel and Casino resort that would have been built on Interstate 15 to the west of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interivew with Victor Juarez Rivera conducted by Barbara Tabach on January 29, 2021 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.
Victor recounts his personal history growing up in Mexico City before moving to Las Vegas in 1988. He discusses his family life and occupation as a cook at the Circus Circus and shop steward for the Culinary Workers Union Local 226.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Evel Knievel conducted by David G. Schwartz on May 17, 2007 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Knievel discusses his personal relationship with Jay Sarno. He talks about Sarno’s career in gaming and the business ventures that he was involved with in Las Vegas, Nevada. Knievel recalls anecdotes of their friendship, and the opening of Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, and Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Lastly, he recalls stories of gambling with Sarno at his casinos.
Archival Collection
This set includes: plumbing plans, index sheet, electrical plans, mechanical plans, floor plans and lighting plans.
Archival Component