The Barbara Raben Collection on the Las Vegas Jewish Community (1976-2018) is comprised of materials collected by Barbara Raben that document her personal life and her involvement with the Las Vegas, Nevada Jewish community, specifically the Hadassah Southern Nevada Chapter and the Jewish Family Service Agency (JFSA) of Clark County, Nevada. Hadassah and JFSA records consist of photographs and programs from events held by the organizations. Materials also document Raben's business, The Candy Factory, and her connections to the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.
The Clinton Wright Photographs (1964-2018) contains black-and-white photographic negatives of various sizes, dating from 1964 to 1971. The images document the Black experience in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s and 1970s, and capture scenes of everyday life in the historic Black neighborhood known as the Westside, social events such as weddings and parties, and events hosted by local churches. The collection also contains a photograph of Clinton Wright from 2017 when he visited the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Special Collections and Archives, and a memorial program for his wife, Joyce Wright, who passed away in 2018.
Part of an interview with Rejoyce Williams, June 12, 1996. In this clip, Williams talks about working as a hotel maid and avoiding trouble when she was accused of stealing.
An exterior view of the Castaways Hotel and Casino. A marquee advertises Open now all new rooms", "air conditioned", "pool". The Castaways was a hotel and casino in Paradise, Nevada that operated from 1963 to 1987 on the Las Vegas Strip. The property had originally been San Souci Auto Court, an early motel which opened in the 1930s, and developed into Sans Souci Hotel in the 1950s. In 1962, the resort became Castaways Hotel & Casino. The hotel had a 1,500-gallon aquarium in its bar. In 1967, the Castaways was sold to billionaire Howard Hughes for $3 million dollars. The resort operated until July 1987, when it closed and was demolished and the property was purchased by Steve Wynn. The resort became the Mirage, opening on November 22, 1989. The property is located at 3400 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas, NV 89109.
Gordon Smith was born in Utah, but moved with his family to Babbitt, Nevada in 1947. His father, a barber, moved the family to Las Vegas in 1955. In this interview, Gordon recalls school and after-school pursuits; changes in the town; summer jobs; and college. He also talks about his military service and returning to Las Vegas to take up the razor himself - starting a successful barbering business of over 30 years.