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Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment

Identifier

MS-01141

Abstract

The Maryann Picchi Collection on Las Vegas Showgirls and Entertainment (approximately 1965-2009) contains newspapers clippings and programs for different shows on the Las Vegas Strip that featured showgirls from the 1970s to the 1990s. Shows represented in this collection includes Casino de Paris, Folies Bergère, and Jubilee!. Materials include programs for Stardust Resort and Casino cast and crew member reunions. Materials were donated by Maryann Picchi who used to perform as a showgirl for the Stardust.

Archival Collection

Barbara Davis oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-03610

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Barbara Davis conducted by Joanne Goodwin on December 18, 1996 and March 25, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Davis opens her interviews by discussing her audition for the Folies Bergere as a dancer with limited experience. Davis describes working with the Folies Bergere as a touring showgirl in the 1940s. She discusses touring the United States in the Folies Bergere, touring South America for three years, and going to college at night while performing during the day. Davis then talks about the city of Reno, Nevada and working as a showgirl there. Davis addresses common rumors about showgirls, such as being involved in prostitution or being addicted to gambling. She then discusses her interest in education in her later years including earning various post graduate degrees. Davis ends her interview with a discussion on classic entertainment of the 1940s, including vaudeville and entertainment hotspots of the time.

Archival Collection

Terry Ritter Collection

Identifier

MS-00773

Abstract

The Terry Ritter Collection, dating from approximately 1995-2012, contains six color prints of Ritter's artwork depicting Las Vegas, Nevada showgirls. There is also one convention flier advertising her artwork.

Archival Collection

Gloria Freeman Dell oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00414

Abstract

Oral history interview with Gloria Freeman Dell conducted by Claytee D. White on April 05, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Dell discusses her life as a Las Vegas, Nevada showgirl and her experiences in the entertainment industry. She describes working at the Flamingo Hotel and tells several anecdotes about prominent entertainers she met or performed with, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. Dell also discusses living in a barracks specifically for showgirls, being pursued romantically by Howard Hughes, and concludes the interview by singing a song from one of her former acts.

Archival Collection

Janis Walker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01900

Abstract

Oral history interview with Janis Walker conducted by Claytee D. White on July 03, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Walker discusses her career as an African American showgirl in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1970s and 1980s. Walker describes dancing in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino productions of Hallelujah Hollywood and Jubilee!, and what the life of a showgirl was like. She also talks about the company manager at the MGM, "Fluff" LeCoque, her own children, her work at the time of the interview, and how entertainment in Las Vegas has changed.

Archival Collection

UNLV University Libraries Collection on Las Vegas, Nevada Show Programs

Identifier

MS-00333

Abstract

The UNLV University Libraries Collection on Las Vegas, Nevada Show Programs consists of show programs, ticket stubs, fliers, and other ephemera from shows that played in Las Vegas, Nevada between 1950 and 2012. It contains materials about lounge performances, revue shows, Broadway shows, and other entertainment in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Carye St. Claire oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03589

Abstract

Oral history interview with Carye St. Claire conducted by Claytee D. White on July 02, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. St. Claire begins the interview by discussing her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she was born in 1948. She details riding around the city on a horse before the area became more developed and how she learned to dance. St. Claire discusses her career as a showgirl, the audition process, and performing at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino with comedian Richard Pryor. She describes performing at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino, being friends with the first African American showgirl, and her parents' reaction to her career choice. St. Claire also details the influence of Howard Hughes on Las Vegas, race relations in the city, and performing shows on ice.

Archival Collection

Horden-Graglia Family Photographs

Identifier

PH-00090

Abstract

The Horden-Graglia Family Photographs depict the Horden-Graglia Family in Las Vegas, Nevada from 1910 to 1941. The photographs primarily depict Joseph and Frances Graglia and their children John and Anne. The photographs also depict historical buildings, including the Hotel National, the Pair o’ Dice Nite Club, the Union Hotel, and the Las Vegas School. The photographs also include Elinor Horden, who performed as a showgirl in Las Vegas in the 1950s.

Archival Collection

Corrine Sidney oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01697

Abstract

Oral history interview with Corrine Sidney conducted by Claytee D. White on June 05, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview Corrine Sidney discusses her life as an actress, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work as a showgirl at the Sands Hotel and Casino, moving back to Los Angeles, California, marrying George Sidney, and moving back to Las Vegas with George.

Archival Collection

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