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Harrell, Beryl, 1918-1977
Beryl Deane Harrell was born on September 23, 1918 in Vancouver, Washington, the family eventually relocated to Los Angeles, California. Hawaiian music was very popular throughout the 1920s, 1930s, and the 1940s-Beryl was taught how to play the steel guitar by Sol Hoʻopiʻi, who was acknowledged to be one of the greatest steel guitarists in history. Hoʻopiʻi taught lessons in Los Angeles which is where he taught Beryl Harrell.
Person
Toston, Gertrude
Gertrude Toston was born May 09, 1947 in Galveston, Texas, and grew up in Austin, Texas. Her parents moved to Seattle, Washington, to provide more opportunities for their children but ended up separating. Toston’s mother brought the children to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 to have the support of her sister while she divorced. Her sister's husband, Reverend Coleman, was the pastor of Second Baptist Church, and the family became very involved in church activities.
Person
Bezard, Pierre, 1924-2020
"Pierre was born June 16, 1924 in Paris, France. He survived WWII as a prisoner in a Nazi work camp where he met his lifelong friend Louis Juif. After the war, he returned to his family and began his career working backstage in theater. Although he never had much formal education, Pierre quickly ascended to the position of stage director, managing numerous productions including the Lido in Paris, Casino de Paris in Las Vegas, Ballet de Roland Petit, Solid Gold Las Vegas, Vive Les Girls, as well as touring shows worldwide.
Person
Brooks, Sheilagh
Sheilagh Thompson was born on December 10, 1923 to Robert and Leah Thompson. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from San Pedro High School. She earned her BA in 1944, her MA in 1947, and her PhD in 1951 all in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. She married Richard Brooks on November 10, 1951, and the couple had two children, Kathleen and Carolyn.
Person
Pearson Urban, Ruth, 1948-
Ruth Urban was born November 16, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of ten, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with her mother and older sister. Urban spent most of her childhood in the Huntridge area and was always involved with Temple Beth Sholom. After graduating from Las Vegas High School, Urban attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work, and later, a master’s degree in counseling.
Person
Aplin, Charles W., 1887-1971
Charles William Aplin was born on March 30, 1887 to Amanda Jane and William Luther Aplin. He was raised in Southern California, where his father worked painting buildings. Charles first came to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1904, and then returned with his family to settle permanently in Las Vegas in 1905. Charles and his father William established a painting business that same year. Charles went to Bakersfield, California in 1910 to work in the oil industry, and it was there that he joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1911.
Person