Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Search Results

Display    Results Per Page
Displaying results 11 - 20 of 94

Dennis Ritz oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03245

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dennis Ritz conducted by Claytee D. White on September 29, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ritz discusses his early life in rural Pennsylvania. He recalls his initial interest in entertainment, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965, and becoming an entertainment director for hotels and casinos. Ritz talks about the influence of organized crime in Las Vegas, and the various shows he worked on.

Archival Collection

Patricia and Robert Schnider oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03501

Abstract

Oral history interview with Patricia and Robert Schnider conducted by Claytee D. White on October 22, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Robert discusses his early life and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. He remembers attending Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and his father's ownership of the Capri Motel. Patricia discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, and growing up homesteading. Lastly, Patricia and Robert describe entertainment in Las Vegas during the late 1950s.

Archival Collection

Walter Cartier Papers

Identifier

MS-01074

Abstract

The Walter Cartier Papers (1962-1998) primarily contain materials collected by Walter Cartier during his time working as company manager of Bal du Moulin Rouge at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. Materials include posters, show programs, and costume drawings as well as photographs, and slides of the show's opening night performance. Other images in the collection include reference photographs of performers in costumes. Other materials in this collection include show costumes designed by French costume designer, Edward Piekny, various costume designs created by Cartier, and a copy of his curriculum vitae from 1987. Programs for shows performed in 1962 at Casa Mañana Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas are also included in the collection.

Archival Collection

Marinka Melanie Hunter oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03600

Abstract

Oral history interview with Marinka Melanie Hunter conducted by Claytee D. White on April 15, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hunter discusses her early life in Cuba and immigrating to the Unites States in 1959. She remembers moving to New York City, New York, becoming a burlesque dancer, and performing internationally. Lastly, Hunter talks about burlesque shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

Archival Collection

Dick Franco oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03789

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dick Franco conducted by Su Kim Chung on July 14, 2021 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Richard Francis or Dick Franco, his stage name by which he is more commonly known, has been juggling for over 50 years, having learned the art while he was still in high school. Taught by prominent juggling legends in Vaudeville and Las Vegas, Franco would go on to perform all over the world. He began as an opening act with the Harlem Globetrotters in the US, but he then traveled Europe and was featured in variety and production shows in Blackpool, London, Monte Carlo, and Berlin among others.

Franco won specialty awards in Monte Carlo and Paris for his juggling prowess. In the US, Franco performed extensively in Las Vegas at the shows Hallelujah Hollywood, Lido de Paris, Folies Bergere and Jubilee. He then performed many shows in Branson, MO before becoming an entertainment agent and producer in Las Vegas. His wife and daughter traveled all over the world with him and both would perform in his acts.

Archival Collection

Dwight (D. A.) Anthony Downey oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02571

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dwight (D. A.) Anthony Downey conducted by Claytee D. White on February 05, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Downey discusses his early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He describes the African American owned businesses on the Black Wall Street, and the community where he grew up in. Downey recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977, being involved in the entertainment industry, and his employment with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the food service industry.

Archival Collection

Heather Victorson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01877

Abstract

Oral history interview with Heather Victorson conducted by Nancy Hardy on June 26, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Victorson discusses her early life in Nairobi, Kenya and London, England. She remembers being enrolled into the Royal Ballet School, and her experience dancing in show productions for the Royal Ballet Company. Victorson talks about winning a dancing audition that required her to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, dancing in the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust, and wearing showgirl costumes. Victorson describes lounge shows, working topless for the first time, and dancing in Vive les Girls. Lastly, Victorson discusses the future of Las Vegas dance shows.

Archival Collection

Floyd Sweets Harrison oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02834

Abstract

Oral history interview with Floyd Sweets Harrison conducted by Claytee D. White on September 16, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Harrison discusses his upbringing in New York City, New York and his involvement in the King Charles Unicycle Troupe. He remembers joining the Ringling Bros. circus in 1968, touring around the country, and his experience as an African American entertainer during that time. Harrison talks about performing in Las Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment industry during the 1980s, and performing for community events. Later, Harrison recalls touring with Siegfried and Roy, and the King Charles Unicycle Troupe becoming an independent show in Las Vegas. Lastly, Harrison discusses the future of circus shows in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Fercos Family Publicity Collection

Identifier

MS-00919

Abstract

The Fercos Family Publicity Collection (approximately 1978-1989) contains newspaper articles, advertisements, and a poster promoting the Flying Fercos, a family of juggling and acrobatic performers who performed in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Dunes Hotel during the 1970s and 1980s. The materials document the Fercos family's act as part of producer Frederic Apcar's shows such as Casino de Paris and Hot Shock.

Archival Collection

Keith Boman Papers on the Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Identifier

MS-00951

Abstract

The Keith Boman Papers on the Smith Center for the Performing Arts consist of materials documenting the construction of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada from approximately 2009 to 2010. The collection includes documents from the construction oversight committee, financial budgets, and board of directors meeting agendas.

Archival Collection