Heidi Swank interview on July 28, 2014: Nevada Assemblywoman, Founder of Nevada Preservation Foundation, Founder of the Flamingo Club; Scott and Heidi Swank Interview on October 13, 2014: Talks about the John S Park Neighborhood, being an independent professional in Las Vegas, and the Flamingo Club.
Theresa Brickley and Elizabeth Burkey come from very different corners of the world, but were united by dance in Las Vegas. Theresa was bom and raised in Tokyo, and immigrated to the United States with her American husband. Elizabeth, better known as Liz, was bom in Detroit, Michigan into a family of performance artists. Theresa's first dance job was disrupted by World War II, while Liz's break came when becoming a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Migrating to Las Vegas from Seattle and California respectively, the two met as performers in the Sun City Dance Company, and became the best of friends. They have performed all over the city, including Sahara, Rio, and Mirage, to name a few.
David Bartlett’s Nevada roots run far and deep. He was born in Las Vegas in 1940, his family moved to Reno when David was in grade school. A great joy was for him to return to Las Vegas and spend time with both sets of grandparents: David and Julia Lorenzi (maternal) and Byron and Dessa Bartlett (paternal). In local history, both families represent the early entrepreneurship and craftsmanship of residents: from the Bartlett Brothers Hardware to Grandfather Lorenzi’s stonework that still graces such landmarks as the grottos at St. Joan of Arc Catholic church and at Bishop Gorman High School. Of particular note is that David’s grandfather, David Lorenzi, envisioned the recreational park known as Lorenzi Park and is located in the Twin Lakes area of Las Vegas. Today David is retired from a long career in auto/truck sales. He lives in Las Vegas and is active in several community organizations including the Elks Lodge and Three Square.
Maureen Conner interviews educator Beula Jane Adams (b. 1902) at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Smithfield, Nebraska, Adams relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1932. During the interview Adams explores and highlights the role of education in relation to the social development of Nevada. Adams discusses presidential visits, early above ground atomic tests, and her involvement in local politics. Adams also discusses religion and how she became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian.
Leonardo Gray interviews his neighbor, local electrician Robert Allen III (b. 1947) at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, Allen relocated to Nevada in 1953. During this interview Allen discusses the history of Las Vegas from his perspective, high school in Nevada, casinos, local television stations, sports and recreation, and the Strip.
Marcus Brown interviews his father, Bernard Lee Brown (born 1915 in New Albany, Indiana) about his experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bernard discusses his work at various gaming properties on the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas, owning his own shoe business, working at the Nevada Test Site, racial discrimination, the role of unions, and overall changes in Las Vegas over time.