For nearly two decades between 1950 and 1970, only one dentist of Jewish ancestry was known to be licensed to practice in Nevada. That was Dr. Joe Chenin. Finally, in 1971, the steadfast and easy mannered Dr. David R. Wasserman (1944 - ) broke through the barrier to become the second Jewish dentist serving the Las Vegas community. Over the following years, Dr. Wasserman built a sizeable following and immersed himself in the Jewish community of Las Vegas. Among his achievements is his participation and leadership in the formation of Las Vegas’ first Reform Jewish synagogue, Congregation Ner Tamid. He also would be active in the Jewish Federation. In 1992, as the HIV-AIDS epidemic affected dental offices throughout the nation, Dr. Wasserman saw an opportunity to get ahead of the infection. With the help of his wife Juanita Davis-Wasserman and his father-in-law Warren Davis, he developed, patented, manufactured and distributed a disposable tip for a treatment instrument commonly found in dental offices called a tri-syringe. This disposable tip brought sanitary options and great financial fortune to Dr. Wasserman and his family. In this oral history, Dr. Wasserman reflects on his joy of living in Las Vegas. He is a highly regarded dentist and leader in the Jewish community.
Oral history interview with Siegfried Haderly conducted by Stefani Evans on October 30, 2024 for Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Haderly recalls his childhood in Manila, Philippines until his parents separated, his mother's move to the United States, and Haderly's move to join her in Las Vegas, Nevada after graduating high school. He describes working first as a dishwasher, and then as a busboy for various hotel/casinos including the Sahara, Desert Inn, and Sands. He then was hired as a bartender and joined the Bartenders Union Local 165 and has been a union member ever since. He shares his experience serving two years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and then moving to St. Paul, Minnesota and starting a family. Haderly describes his eventual return to Las Vegas in the 1990s, retiring, and his year-long trips back to the Philippines, and working part-time for family members. At the time of his 2024 interview, Siegfried Haderly was employed as a canvasser for Culinary Workers Union Local 226.
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Drafts for the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice file. On unacknowledged Black cowboys and soldiers.