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Donn Arden Photographs

Identifier

PH-00328

Abstract

The Donn Arden Photographs (approximately 1920-1989) contain photographs, negatives, and photographic slides of dancer and choreographer Donn Arden. The photographs primarily document Arden's life as a dancer and choreographer in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Paris, France, including performances at the Stardust Hotel, Desert Inn, and MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Lido in Paris. The photographs also depict rehearsals, dancers, showgirls, Arden's friends and family, and performance locations.

Archival Collection

Las Vegas African American Community Conversations round table interviews

Identifier

OH-03599

Abstract

The Las Vegas African American Community Conversations is a four-part conversation with local Las Vegans. The first part of the round table is moderated by Trisha Geran with a central theme of "Migration, Work and Community Emergence." The panelists discuss the early history of the African American community in Las Vegas, Nevada. They also discuss how and why their families moved to Las Vegas, most citing the economic opportunities as a major factor. The participants share their personal histories and family histories building up the African American community in downtown Las Vegas and the Westside. The second part of the round table is moderated by Sonya Horsford with a central theme of "Education, Economy, and Integration." The panelists discuss the Clark County School District pre- and post-integration. They discuss the hardships of the Sixth Grade Center Integration Plan on the African American community as well as discussing the differences in the school facilities. The round table participants also discuss the social services and social programs and the history of those programs from the African American perspective. They also discuss civic involvement and the various civic groups started by the panelists, and share discrimination they faced.

The third part of the round table is moderated by Claytee D. White with a central theme of "Civil Rights and Entertainment." The panelists discuss the racism and segregation present in Las Vegas and discuss how African American community leaders worked to integrate African Americans into the Las Vegas community. They discuss the 1969 riots in detail, and discuss African American entertainers and the entertainment industry. They share personal experiences working in the entertainment industry and discuss the importance of the local unions, such as the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 720, and their contributions to the unions. The fourth and final part of the round table is moderated by Rachel Anderson with a central theme of the "Early African American Legal Community." The panelists discuss the foundations of the professional legal community in Las Vegas, noting the contributions of Charles Keller, Dr. William Bailey, and the Reverend Marion Bennett as driving forces for civil rights activism in Las Vegas. They share their experiences growing up in Las Vegas facing discrimination and segregation. Lastly, they share the changes they have seen and how both the legal and African African communities have grown.

Archival Collection

Jimmy Lee oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03771

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jimmy Lee conducted by Vanessa Concepcion, Kristel Peralta, and Stefani Evans on May 25, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.

Jimmy shares his family's history as entertainers and producers in Korea and their migration to the United States when Jimmy was six years old. He talks about their move to Durham, North Carolina and their relocation to Las Vegas, his education, and his current business, mentorship, and philanthropic pursuits.

Subjects discussed include: Arirang Sisters; Jo Mackey Sixth Grade Center; Nevada's tax structure; Commercial Center

Archival Collection

Corinne Entratter Sidney, Charlotte Nort, Mary Neivans, Judy Jones, and Joy Blaine Garner oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01899

Abstract

Oral history interview with Corinne Entratter Sidney, Charlotte Nort, Mary Neivans, Joy Blaine Garner, and Judy Jones conducted by Su Kim Chung on January 11, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Sidney, Nort, Neivans, Garner, and Jones discuss their early lives and recall their memories as members of the Copa Girls at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. They describe the audition process to become a Copa Girl, showgirl costumes, and the choreography that was created for their performances. The group recalls performing along famous singers, including Frank Sinatra, and the entertainment in Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s.

Archival Collection

George Levine oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03434

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Levine conducted by Cynthia Cicero on February 11, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project.

George discusses moving to Las Vegas and working as a waiter in the Copa Room at the Sands Hotel. He talks about working for Jack Entratter and Howard Hughes and describes the working conditions of his various positions in the Copa Room, including maître d. George also shares stories of different entertainers that would frequent the establishment.

Archival Collection

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