Julie Menard began her career as a showgirl in 1964, performing in the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel. Although she appeared in the show for only sixteen months, she offers an insider’s view of the early Las Vegas entertainment scene. She describes a period when showgirls were treated as local royalty and “the boys” wielded considerable influence. Menard’s narrative sheds light on the glamour and complexities of the showgirl. Her descriptions of physical characteristics of the job, the day to day work schedules, the expectations of physical beauty, as well as the stigma of her occupation outside of Las Vegas offer a fuller view of the job. Menard left Las Vegas in 1966 to pursue a film career in Europe but like many Las Vegas entertainers, she returned to make the desert city her home. Although her brief performing career failed to prepare her for future employment, she relishes her brief experience as a showgirl. Her narrative evokes the glamour, excitement and mystery of Las

37 x 50 cm. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights "Atlas sheet no. 77(B)." "Issued May 7th 1877." "Expeditions of 1871 & 1786 under the command of 1st. Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army." "Weyss, Herman & Lang, del." "By order of the honorable the Secretary of War." "Under the direction of Brig. General A. A. Hunphreys, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army." "2nd. Ed. June 30th, 1881." Original publisher: U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian, Scale: 1 inch to 4 miles or 1: 253440.

Hadassah benefit set, Las Vegas Review-Journal, July 30, 1970; Hadassah sets benefit dinner, July 27, 1970