Dayvid Figler (1967 - ) is the quiet boy who became an insightful and creative contributor to the local culture of Las Vegas. The oldest of Barbara and Meyer Figler?s three children, he was four years old when the family station wagon reached Las Vegas in 1971. They moved in with Uncle Izzy (aka Big Irish) Figler for a few months. Having the ?juice,? Dayvid?s father soon became a Pan dealer on the Strip. As the family grew, Barbara eventually immersed her energies in her children?s activities, Hadassah and Temple Beth Sholom. In this oral history, Dayvid also recalls his awkward, but incredibly interesting youth, his bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Sholom, and path to a successful career as a criminal defense attorney. He also talks about embracing Las Vegas as his home, owning a home in John S. Park neighborhood and mentions a number of literary depictions of Las Vegas that he admires. Dayvid describes growing up a ?casino kid? who lived in an apartment near the Riviera Hotel. This, in addition to his slight stature and academic brilliance, may have set him apart from many of his childhood peers. He graduated from Valley High School at the age of 16 and by the age of 23 he was a rising star in the legal world. He looks back with appreciation to his list of mentors who encouraged him along the way. Dayvid is also a local favorite as an essayist and poet. For a number of years he could be heard on KNPR/NPR. He has been a performer in hundreds of productions that featured his comic wit and writings, from Lollapalooza to Tom and Jerry?s on Maryland Parkway.
Text
Text
Audio clip from interview with George Simmons. In this clip, Simmons talks about his work with Sproul Homes in Las Vegas and his career designing homes and structures for Test Site.
Sound
UNLV Libraries Collection of Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino Promotional Materials includes clippings, press releases, press kits, and promotional materials for the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, dating from 1989 to 1997.
Archival Collection
The UNLV Libraries Collection of Grand Casinos, Inc. Promotional Materials and Reports includes annual reports, financial reports, newspaper and magazine clippings, press kits, press releases, and promotional materials for Grand Casinos, Inc. properties in Mississippi, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Nevada, dating from 1992-2002.
Archival Collection
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Drafts for the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice file. On the importance of Supreme Court appointment with retirement of Justice Brennan.
Text