Ralph Vandersnick was interviewed on October 18, 1997. Ralph owns Snick's Place, the longest-operating gay bar in Las Vegas and whether he'd agree or not, he's one of the most respected members of the Las Vegas gay community.
From the Dennis McBride Photograph Collection (PH-00263) -- LGBTQ+ events and organizations in Las Vegas, Nevada -- Digital images file. Notes from the donor, Dennis McBride: Kelvin Atkinson came out on the floor of the Nevada Senate on April 22, 2013 while arguing against the state's proscription of same-sex marriage. On October 9, 2014 Atkinson and his partner, Sherwood Howard, became the first same-sex couple to marry in Nevada. Atkinson resigned his office on March 5, 2019 over accusations he misappropriated campaign funds for his personal use. He was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison on July 18, 2019. ... Ruben Kihuen was later elected to the U. S. House of Representatives from Nevada's District 4. Accused of sexual misconduct he did not seek re-election in 2018. Individuals identified by the donor, Dennis McBride: Kelvin Atkinson [Nevada State Senator, District 4, African American, Democrat (gay)]; David Parks [Nevada State Senator, District 7, Democrat (gay)]; James Healey [Nevada State Assemblyman, District 35, Democrat (gay)]; Heidi Swank [Nevada State Assemblywoman, District 16, Democrat]; Ruben Kihuen [Nevada State Assemblyman, District 10, Democrat]; Tony Clark
The Jerry's Nugget Casino sign sits at 1821 North Las Vegas Boulevard. The family-owned and operated casino has been in business for over fifty years. Information about the sign is available in the Southern Nevada Neon Survey Data Sheet. Site address: 1821 N Las Vegas Blvd Sign owner: The Stamis Family Sign details: In 1964, Jerry Stamis and Jerry Lodge opened Jerry's Nugget Casino. The property, formerly the Towne House Bar, was converted into a casino. Four years after its opening, the owners bought the nearby Bonanza Club along with its sign, adding an additional 10,000 square feet to their property. The site has undergone numerous renovations, including in 1982 when it became a full-service casino complete with a restaurant, bars, and nearly 700 slots. The porte cochere was also added at that time. In 1996, a theatre lounge was added as well as a bakery and even more gaming tables. The casino, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. This location still claims to cater to "locals." Currently, it consists of slots, table games, keno lounge, and a bingo hall, among other popular features. Sign condition: About 4-5, appears to have relatively low damage Sign form: Sculptural pylon Sign-specific description: Neon sign looks to be in the form of an oil derrick, "Jerry's" in a nugget shape at the top, "Nugget" spelled downward in light blue neon, possibly was once orange. Sign - type of display: Neon Sign - media: Steel Sign environment: Located in North Las Vegas along Las Vegas Blvd, near the Silver Nugget Casino. Sign - date of installation: 1964 for most of the signage for the property Sign - date of redesign/move: 1982 Porte Cochere added with expansion Sign - thematic influences: The signage conveys the Old West theme of striking it rich with gold, silver or oil, as they have an oil rig for portion of their sign. Survey - research locations: Neon Museum tour outline, Jerry's Nugget website http://www.jerrysnugget.com/ , recorder's office, Assessor's page Survey - research notes: For the 50th anniversary of their Company they donated the money for the restoration of their sign which is showcased on the documentary "Restoration Neon" and remains in the Neon Museum. Surveyor: Carlyle Constantino Survey - date completed: 2017-07-12 Sign keywords: Neon; Steel; Pylon; Incandescent; Back to back; Reader board; Video screen