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Transcript of interview with Deanne Alterwitz-Stralser by Barbara Tabach, November 1, 2014

Date

2014-11-01

Description

Interview with Deanne Alterwitz-Stralser with contributions from her son Daryl Alterwitz on November 1, 2014. In this interview Deanne talks about her Jewish upbringing near the Illinois-Indiana state line, meeting her first husband Oscar, with whom she had four children, and the difficulties with keeping kosher. The family moved to Las Vegas from Gary, Indiana for opportunities in the furniture business. Daryl weighs in on his father's personality, business decisions, and their move to Las Vegas. They discuss the location of the store the Alterwitz's bought (Walker Furniture) and purchasing the building from Jackie Gaughan, and the different tastes in furniture in Las Vegas. Then they talk about the Jewish community and the division between the east and west sides.

On New Year's Day, 1931, Deanne Alterwitz-Stralser was born Deanne Friedman in Hammond, Indiana, the daughter of an insurance salesman and a stay-at-home mom. Deanne spent her childhood in Calumet City, just across the state line in Illinois, and was raised with a strong Jewish identity. At the age of sixteen, she met her first husband, Oscar Alterwitz, at an Alpha Zadik Alpha (AZA) dance in Gary, Indiana, and the two were married in 1950. Deanne and Oscar settled in Gary, where they had four children?Aimee, Larry, Daryl and Linda?and took over the Alterwitz family furniture business. Eventually, the couple grew the business to three successful retail furniture stores. However, a decline in the city's safety and opportunities forced the Alterwitz's to consider relocating, and in 1973, after a family vote, Deanne and Oscar moved their family to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, Deanne and Oscar bought Walker Furniture from original owners, George and Ruth Walker. Deanne used her artistic eye and training from the Art Institute of Chicago to lead the design and merchandising elements of the business. Socially, Deanne integrated into the local Jewish community, and ensured her children participated in Jewish life as well. Deanne and Oscar's children still remained involved in Walker Furniture operations, including Daryl, who serves as the company's general counsel; Larry, who is the company's president; and a daughter who now oversees the store's design and merchandising.

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Prospectus for the premier of CineVegas, December 1998

Date

1998-12

Archival Collection

Description

A prospectus for the premier of CineVegas, an international film festival held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Newsletter from Temple Beth Sholom (Las Vegas, Nev.), April 1998

Date

1998-04

Archival Collection

Description

The Bulletin is the monthly newsletter from Temple Beth Sholom. This issue includes columns by the Temple President and the Cantor, religious school news, announcements and calendars, event photographs, and advertisements.

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Orientation manual of the Jewish Family Service Agency of Clark County, 1989

Date

1989

Description

The orientation manual of the Jewish Family Service Agency provides guidance for the duties of the board of directors, the operation of the agency, the organization chart, and staff listing. It also outlines the role of volunteers in the agency.

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Program from event at Treasure Island at the Mirage, Tenth Anniversary Scholarship Benefit for the Meadows School, May 20, 1994

Date

1994-05-20

Archival Collection

Description

The "Presidential Evening" event at Treasure Island was held to raise funds for the Nat Hart Scholarship Endowment Fund and General Scholarship Fund for the Meadows School in Las Vegas.

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Annual report from Congregation Ner Tamid, 2008-2009

Date

2008 to 2009

Archival Collection

Description

Annual report from Congregation Ner Tamid, 2008-2009

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Annual report from Congregation Ner Tamid, 2009-2010

Date

2009 to 2010

Archival Collection

Description

Annual report from Congregation Ner Tamid, 2009-2010

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Application and supporting documents for the naming of Mark L. Fine Elementary School, 2007

Date

2007

Archival Collection

Description

The application and supporting documents provide details about Mark Fine and his contributions to Clark County and Las Vegas, Nevada. There are letters of support from many members of the community, including his children and elected officials, and from leaders in religious groups, non-profit organizations and business enterprises.

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Minutes from Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors meetings, 1995-1996

Date

1995 to 1996

Archival Collection

Description

Meeting minutes include reports from committees of the board, correspondence, and balance sheets.

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Minutes from Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors meetings, January 1993 - June 1993

Date

1993

Archival Collection

Description

Meeting minutes include reports from committees of the board, correspondence, and balance sheets.

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