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Jose Luis Vinas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01880

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jose Luis Vinas conducted by Nancy Hardy on May 27, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Vinas begins by describing his upbringing in Spain and his early interest in art. He discusses studying art and fashion design under his aunt, and later becoming a costume designer for stage shows in Paris, France. Vinas then describes moving to the United States to design costumes for the Casino de Paris and Vives Les Girls shows at the Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s and 1970s. Vinas talks about his experiences in show business and prominent people he has worked with, most notably Frederic Apcar, on productions over the years.

Archival Collection

Truly McGee Mann oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01188

Abstract

Oral history interview with Truly McGee Mann conducted by Tamara Wochnik on March 11, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mann discusses entertainment and gives insight on show business from the perspective of a dance choreographer in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Valda and Esper Esau oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01058

Abstract

Oral history interview with Valda and Esper Esau conducted by Su Kim Chung on February 20, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Espers discuss their careers in entertainment. Valda Esper begins by describing her upbringing in Australia, learning to dance, and later going on to perform in various productions in Paris, France, as well as other European countries, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1958 to perform as a showgirl at the Stardust Resort and Casino. Esper Esau then describes his personal history, how he developed stage hand experience, moving to Las Vegas in 1954, and working shows with prominent performers, such as Liberace, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Esper continues, describing his specific job duties and why he transferred to the Stardust from the Sands Hotel & Casino. Valda discusses the life of a Las Vegas showgirl, the amount of work the position required, and how they were required to present themselves in public. The Espers recall how they met, life in Las Vegas during the 1960s, and opening a bed and breakfast after retiring from show business.

Archival Collection

Cork Proctor oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01516

Abstract

Oral history interview with Cork Proctor conducted by Claytee D. White on February 3, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Proctor discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1940s and 1950s. He tells several anecdotes of his life, such as the time he stole a car in the Huntridge Theater parking lot or his time working as a gravedigger, and describes popular establishments and entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Proctor then talks about his career in show business as a comedian and radio host, race relations in Las Vegas, and meeting his wife. He also discusses how Las Vegas has developed socially and expanded, how he expects it to evolve in the future, and other experiences from entertainment gigs.

Archival Collection

Darrell Luce oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01156

Abstract

Oral history interview with Darrell Luce conducted by Claytee D. White on September 28, 2003 and October 06, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Darrell Luce discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family in 1932, the history of Las Vegas, the testing of nuclear weapons, Basic Magnesium Inc., Carver Park, the construction of Hoover Dam, and businesses in early downtown Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Hal Belfer Papers

Identifier

MS-00575

Abstract

The Hal Belfer Papers chronicle the professional career of producer, choreographer, and writer Harold (Hal) Belfer (1935-2004) and consist of general materials regarding his work in Hollywood, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the scrapbooks contains photographs of famous personalities from his early work in movies and theater. Also included are newspaper clippings, scripts, sheet music, arrangements, and photocopies of "Fabulous Las Vegas" and "Ken's Spotlight on Las Vegas," where Belfer had made notations.

Archival Collection

Karl Carsony Papers

Identifier

MS-00807

Abstract

The Karl Carsony Papers (1918-2011) are comprised of photographs, newspaper clippings, ephemera, and artifacts representing Karl (Schrom) Carsony's acrobatic career and personal life. The bulk of the materials in this collection date from approximately the early 1950s through the late 1970s. The materials also include vacation photographs of Karl (Schrom) Carsony and his wife, Margot Meyers. The materials also include promotional photographs, posters, and fliers for the Carsony Brothers, which was an acrobatic show consisting of Karl Carsony and his twin brothers, Joe and Bert Schrom.

Archival Collection

Minsky's Burlesque Records

Identifier

MS-00290

Abstract

Minsky's Burlesque Records (1922-1978) contain scripts, publicity, photographs, financial records, payroll records, sheet music, newspaper clippings, contracts, and correspondence. Also included are the personal papers of noted burlesque producer Harold Minsky, who was known for creating the "family burlesque" style of entertainment and for introducing the topless showgirl to Las Vegas, Nevada at the Dunes Hotel in 1957.

Archival Collection

Estelle and Julia Elliott oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03821

Abstract

Oral history interview with Estelle and Julia Elliott conducted by Vanessa Concepcion and Stefani Evans on December 2, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.

Twins Estrellita "Estelle" and Julieta "Julia" Elliott share their personal histories growing up in Cebu City, Philippines with their grandparents. They discuss moving to the United States to live with their parents after the death of their grandfather, and how they preserved their "tricultural" Castilian Spanish, Filipino, and American identities. After graduating from Stevens College, an art and academic school in Missouri, Estelle recounts marrying her husband and moving to Las Vegas where she gave birth to her daughter. Julia shares how she followed Estelle a few years later to Las Vegas, and the two women share their experiences as entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip. Both Estelle and Julia joined Minsky's Burlesque before becoming a permanent act in Siegfried and Roy's show at the Frontier Hotel. They also discuss their performances with Kirby VanBurch at the Aladdin's Abracadabra Show, dancing at the Playboy Mansion, and how Siegfried and Roy helped to diversify Las Vegas entertainment by incorporating dancers and performers of color, like the King Charles Troupe, into their shows.

Archival Collection

Karen Carmichael oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03652

Abstract

Oral history interview with Karen Carmichael conducted by Stefani Evans on December 9, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project.

In this oral history Carmichael discusses the world of professional dancing in the 1970s through the 1990s. She discusses her start in the industry and a variety of Las Vegas shows she participated in including: the Union Plaza Can Can, the American Dream Festival, Dasin’ Dirdy, and Babes Ahoy. She also goes into great detail behind her vision for Skyline, her adagio act, and the many celebrities she encountered throughout her career.

Carmichael also discusses her second career in jewelry design, and her experiences working with art galleries on the Las Vegas strip. She details the experiences of starting off at traveling art festivals, working her way up to award winning designs, and the art of jewelry photography. She also discusses the process of researching and publishing history for her book. She ends the interview with a discussion of what it means to be an artist and role of creativity in her life and those around her. She also discusses the ways in which others such as Betty Francisco, Hedy Jo Star, Debbie Reynolds and Sammy Davis Jr. had shaped her life.

Archival Collection