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Transcript of interview with Kerin Scianna Rodgers by Suzanne Becker and Claytee D. White, February 7, 2009 and August 11 & 16, 2011
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Kerin Rodgers was born in 1936. She recounts her family history and stories of her youth growing up in Boston, MA, and shares how the family relocated to Seattle, WA in the mid-1940s. She talks about her enjoyment of theatrical arts and politics, and about being a resourceful divorced, single-mom and entrepreneur. In 1958 she opened a retail fashion store and modeling agency with a friend in Santa Monica, CA. Kerin had a knack for fashion and interior design that would assist her then and into the future. She also shares the story of arriving in Las Vegas as part of retail job with The Broadway stores in 1966—a two-week stint that seemed to have no ending. Her transition into Las Vegas included remarriage, a 1974 Keno win that enabled her to put down money on a home ( a house built by Paul Huffey) in the John S. Park neighborhood, and making close friends in the community. Her interview is sprinkled with tales of activities and personalities from the neighborhood's past and present. Kerin was involved with the Focus Youth House, speaks about First Fridays and art, as well as gives a perspective of police, criminal behaviors and changes in the neighborhood over the years. She hosted a local television show and enjoyed being a community activist.
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Jewish Genealogy Society of Southern Nevada, West
The Jewish Genealogy Society of Southern Nevada (JGSSN), established in 1989, is a chapter of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and “is dedicated to researching and preserving Jewish family history in the United States and throughout the world.” In its early days, JGSSN met in the library in Temple Beth Sholom, but by the late 1990s, it became inactive. In 1998 Carole Montello reorganized and revitalized the Society. It offers free monthly classes, compiles resources on its website, and connects members who help each other research family history.
Corporate Body
Salton, Charles, 1922-2004
Charles Salton was born June 19, 1922 in Morristown, New Jersey to Rebecca and Al Salton. The family moved to Huntington Beach, California for two years before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1929. Salton was very active in the Southern Nevada Jewish community. He held careers as an engineer draftsman, insurance agent, and a real estate broker. He was also an income tax enrollment agent and one of the original members of Temple Beth Shalom. Salton passed away April 11, 2004.
Person
Brewster, Allen, 1921-2009
Allen Brewster (1921-2009) was the founder of King David Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Yonkers, New York, Brewster grew up during the Great Depression and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. An executive at Palm Mortuary since 1978, he recognized the need for traditional Jewish burial services and helped to develop Las Vegas' first Jewish burial garden. Brewster founded King David Mortuary in 2001 and also helped create the Chesed Indigent Burial Fund, which assists families who cannot otherwise afford Jewish burial services.
Person