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Transcript of interview with Wilma and Burt Bass by Barbara Tabach, February 9 , 2015

Date

2015-02-09

Description

In 1939, Wilma (Frank) Bass was born in New York City, where she began her involvement in theater at the age of ten. Almost twenty years later, she met Burt Bass (1932- ) when both worked for a photography studio, one of Burt first post-high school jobs. Burt opened his first professional photography studio in 1962, shortly after he married Wilma in 1960. The couple soon had two daughters – Jill and Wendy – and moved to Las Vegas in 1974. Burt initially worked for his brother-in-law Ed Frank's check cashing businesses and later opened his own photography business, Burton Studio. He later added services such as fingerprinting, background checks, and photographs for identification cards. Wilma worked as a jewelry salesperson, first at the Gold Factory then at Nieman Marcus. Socially, she was very involved with Temple Beth Sholom’s Sisterhood, using her theater talents to write, direct and produce various shows for the Sisterhood, ORT as well as B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. In this interview, Burt discusses his photography business, the migration of its storefront around town, and his colorful landlords, including individuals like Moe Dalitz and Art Marshall. Wilma talks about her sales career in the local jewelry industry, and more extensively, she shares memories of her involvement in the Jewish community with theater productions. Much of the discussion revolved around related news articles and personal photos from their relationships and activities within the Jewish community. The couple also shares stories of friendships with local entertainers, including Jerry Lewis and Neil Sedaka.

Text

Series II: Personal, 1907-1957

Level of Description

Series

Scope and Contents

The personal series consists of journals, correspondence and family mementos including three scrapbooks. Though some of the journals and diaries do record personal feelings and thoughts, for the most part they are comments on daily activities. Three journals represent the years Denton served as an Assemblywoman for the Nevada State Legislature. Also included is family biographical information.

Archival Collection

Hazel Baker Denton Papers
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00387
Collection Name: Hazel Baker Denton Papers
Box/Folder: N/A

Archival Component