The Story of Classic Las Vegas Oral History Interviews (approximately 1950-2006) is comprised of raw and edited video recordings of oral history interviews used for The Story of Classic Las Vegas documentary which was produced, directed, and edited by Lynn Zook. The documentary offers first person historical overviews of what it was like to live in Las Vegas, Nevada from the 1920s to the 1970s. Individuals interviewed include a wide range of community members of the Las Vegas Valley including business owners, educators, entertainers, politicians, gaming professionals, casino workers, and activists. Materials also include a media kit with promotional materials and interview transcript for one of the interviewees, Betty Willis.
Ernie Hensley, an accomplished African American musician, was born in Washington D.C. on March 14 1940, the son of Ernest W. Hensley Jr. and Gladys Barbara Hensley. Both of his parents worked for the federal government in the nation's capital. Ernest W. Hensley Jr., was an employee at the Department of Defense and Gladys Barbara Hensley mother, who was an excellent pianist and drum major, ultimately set her musical career aside to provide for her family and worked for the National Labor Relations board. At the age of seven, after finding a saxophone in his grandmother's attic, Ernie embarked on his musical journey. He took lessons at the Modem School of Music in Washington D.C. Eventually acquired proficiency with the clarinet and the flute through long hours of practice. Ernie attended a historically black school, Armstrong High School in D.C., until he was transferred to integrated McKinley High School in 1954 following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Ernie recalls his experience in a new desegregated environment. After High School in 1957, Ernie joined the Air Force as a member of the 511th Air Force Band. In 1959 he resettled in France to play saxophone for the Air Force Band. Emie ultimately made a career in the Air Force. He had countless experiences of performing around Europe and in Washington D.C. at places like Constitution Hall. A dream came true when Emie was honored to become a member of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble for the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1979. Because of his distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Emie had a number of opportunities once he retired from the military. He moved to Las Vegas in 1979 at age 39 and after living in area for just a few weeks, Emie started working with Johnny Haig 3 nights a week. Shortly thereafter, Emie found a long-term home working with Jimmy Mulidore's group at the Hilton for nearly a decade until 1995. Throughout Ernie's lifetime he has been fortunate to work with notable musicians such as Andy Williams, Sammy Davis Jr., Somers, Juliet Prowse, Steve an Eydie and his good friend Sarah Vaughn. Emie, along with his wife Carolyn, a retired UNLV faculty member, still resides in Las Vegas.
Information about the Bunkhouse Saloon sign that sits at 124 S 11th St. Site address: 124 S 11th St Sign owner: 11th Street Tavern LLC and Jillian is the manager (no last name found) Sign details: This location opened in 1953, but has recently reopened under new ownership. This location is known for their concert venue as well as their southern style bar food. Sign condition: 3-4- some fading in the plastic so it does not show as clear as an image as it could. Sign form: Pylon Sign-specific description: This sign has a black steel base with a sign box on top. This sign box is steel but has wood renderings on the sides of it. The sign box contains a back lit plastic sign that is red with yellow lettering that states "The Bunkhouse Saloon" in a swirly western font. Below this is a reader board. Sign - type of display: Backlit plastic sign and reader board Sign - media: Steel, wood and plastic Sign - non-neon treatments: Plastic backlit sign and readerboard Sign environment: This location is downtown on East Fremont across the street from PublicUs and a food market. Sign - thematic influences: Their saloon theme is portrayed in the font on their sign. This theme could also pay homage to the early Las Vegas and Old West theme with the saloon idea. Survey - research locations: Asessor's Page, Bunkhouse website http://www.bunkhousedowntown.com/about/ and google images. Survey - research notes: Tried to contact manager for information on sign but no response. Surveyor: Wyatt Currie-Diamond Survey - date completed: 2017-08-23 Sign keywords: Pylon; Plastic; Backlit; Steel; Reader board
$2,500,000.00 offer from the Las Vegas Valley Water District to purchase all water production lands and facilities, with exceptions noted that were owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company and subsidiaries.