Oral history interview with Lucela M. Wattin conducted by Stefani Evans on December 6, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
Lucela shares memories of her life growing up in Cebu Province, Philippines and being raised by her mother and grandparents after her father's death. She talks about immigrating to the United States under her fiancée's visa, moving to Chinatown in Las Vegas, and her work as a busser at the Excalibur Hotel. Lucela discusses how joining the Culinary Workers Union improved her work conditions and benefits, and how she is working with the union and a legal attorney to help her daughter immigrate to America. She also shares her favorite Filipino dishes (sinagang, chicken adobo, and bugas mais), holiday traditions, and what life was like when casinos shut down during COVID-19.
What's Doing in Las Vegas. A magazine about life, art, entertainment and popular culture in Las Vegas. The mid-century diverse Las Vegas community and prominent Vegas entertainers are vividly featured in various articles and photographs. The magazine contains numerous print advertisements of local businesses and organizations.
Photographs from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Creative Services Records (2010s) (PH-00388-05). Client: Raegen Pietrucha/Innovation. All images created by Catherine Angel, Professor of Art. Copy Art.
Virginia Joyce Mooney was a dancer who performed in the Sands Hotel and Casino and the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. She changed her name to Virginia James when she began performing at the Sands.