In this interview, George reflects upon his life in Las Vegas, particularly the period as ma?tre d? of the Sand?s Copa Room. Joined by his daughter - and former United States Democratic Congresswomen-Shelley Berkley, George shares stories of working in the gaming industry during this unique era, including those of Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton. He also talks about his life as a professional gambler.
Born on February 28, 1925 in Sommerville, New Jersey, George Levine?s family moved to his childhood home, Manhattan?s Lower East Side, when he was six months old. George served on a United States Navy aircraft carrier for thirty months during World War II. After returning home, he met his first wife Estelle, with whom he had two daughters, and soon moved to Kiamesha Lake, New York to work at the Concord Resort Hotel. In 1963, George and his family moved to Las Vegas and took his first job at Mr. Sy?s Casino. Six months later he began waiting tables at the Sands Hotel and Casino. He worked his way up the ranks and was ma?tre d' from 1979 until the hotel closed in 1996.
On March 7, 1980, John Everett interviewed his father, cab driver Dale Everett (born January 29, 1924 in Danville, Illinois) at their family home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers past local historical data. During the interview, Mr. Everett discusses the weather, wildlife, and hunting. He also shares his views on prostitution and gambling in Las Vegas.
The Dolores Brownhofer Neonis Photograph Collection (approximately 1940-1970) contains photographic prints, negatives, and a slide depicting the Brownhofer family at restaurants, bars, and casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Young Audiences New York, Nevada Humanities Photograph Collection (approximately 1970-1979) contains black-and-white photographic prints, slides, and negatives of the Las Vegas, Nevada chapter of the Young Audiences New York arts organization. Images include scenes of concerts, workshops, and chapter outings at public parks. There are images of specific bands within the chapter such as the Brass Quintet, Vocal Quartet, and Woodwind Quintet. Lastly, there are images of celebratory banquets honoring members of the Las Vegas chapter.
The Southern Nevada Historical Society Records document the management and development of the Southern Nevada Historical Society (SNHS) as well as various historical projects in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada that the society sponsored from 1948 to 1983. The records include SNHS correspondence (1951-1978), meeting minutes (1958-1983), and accounting information (1959-1980). It also contains copies of the SNHS Backtrails Newsletter, promotional material for events, membership lists, and research materials for various projects related to the history of southern Nevada and Las Vegas.
The Cork Proctor Photograph Collection (1960s-1980s) primarily contains black-and-white photographic reproductions of early Las Vegas, Nevada; the Cal-Neva Lodge at Lake Tahoe, Nevada; and various celebrities. The collection also includes black-and-white photographic prints of the Helldorado Parade. Cork Proctor was a comedian who performed throughout Nevada and the United States.
The collection is comprised of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Department of Anthropology and Ethnic Studies administrative records, memoranda, and correspondence dating from 1966 to 2006. The collection includes information about UNLV's department of Anthropology and Ethnic Studies from its inception at Nevada Southern University, its transition to UNLV, and research initiatives the department has undertaken.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Alumni Association Records (approximately 1970-2009) primarily contain photographic prints of homecoming, graduation, award ceremonies, luncheons, career days, sports, and other events. Also included in the collection are photographic prints of UNLV merchandise, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as subject files with correspondence, reports, brochures, university anniversary planning documents, promotional materials, meeting minutes, and newspaper clippings. Additional materials include contact sheets, negatives, a floppy disk, VHS tapes, a Betacam tape, and keychains.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Faculty Senate Records (1957-2001) primarily contain meeting agendas, minutes, correspondence, notices, and additional documents pertaining to the Nevada Southern University Faculty Senate and the UNLV Faculty Senate, as well as associated committees such as the Curriculum Committee, Graduate Program Evaluation Committee, and Status of Women Committee. The collection also includes constitutions, bylaws, handbooks, merit allocation lists, and reports.