Search Results
Transcript of interview with Wilma and Burt Bass by Barbara Tabach, February 9 , 2015
Date
Archival Collection
Description
In 1939, Wilma (Frank) Bass was born in New York City, where she began her involvement in theater at the age of ten. Almost twenty years later, she met Burt Bass (1932- ) when both worked for a photography studio, one of Burt first post-high school jobs. Burt opened his first professional photography studio in 1962, shortly after he married Wilma in 1960. The couple soon had two daughters – Jill and Wendy – and moved to Las Vegas in 1974. Burt initially worked for his brother-in-law Ed Frank's check cashing businesses and later opened his own photography business, Burton Studio. He later added services such as fingerprinting, background checks, and photographs for identification cards. Wilma worked as a jewelry salesperson, first at the Gold Factory then at Nieman Marcus. Socially, she was very involved with Temple Beth Sholom’s Sisterhood, using her theater talents to write, direct and produce various shows for the Sisterhood, ORT as well as B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. In this interview, Burt discusses his photography business, the migration of its storefront around town, and his colorful landlords, including individuals like Moe Dalitz and Art Marshall. Wilma talks about her sales career in the local jewelry industry, and more extensively, she shares memories of her involvement in the Jewish community with theater productions. Much of the discussion revolved around related news articles and personal photos from their relationships and activities within the Jewish community. The couple also shares stories of friendships with local entertainers, including Jerry Lewis and Neil Sedaka.
Text
Schafer, Jared E., 1942-
Jared Shafer is a former board member of Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas, Nevada. He served as president of the congregation from 1984 to 1986 and also managed the temple's preschool. He moved to Las Vegas in 1944.
Roundtable Interview with Members of Temple Beth Sholom, 2015 January 14. OH-02459. Transcript. Oral History Research Center, Special Collections, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Las Vegas, Nevada.
Person
Rudiak, Richard, 1952-
Richard Rudiak (1952-) was born and raised Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the son of Gertrude and George Rudiak. He graduated from Clark High School, Pomona College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Before retiring to provide care for his mother, Richard worked in investments including Valley Hospital and Tam O’Shanter Motel.
Person
Greenberg, Melanie
Melanie Greenberg was born June 24, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri. She came to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1976 with her daughter Sari and husband Gene Greenberg. She is an active member of Temple Beth Sholom, the Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership and Women’s programs, organizer of Hebrew High, coordinator of L’Dor V’Dor activities for seniors, and served as Executive Director of Hillel from 1996 – 2003.
Person
Baskow, Jaki, 1951-
Jacqueline “Jaki” Baskow was born in 1951 and grew up Jewish in Camden, New Jersey where her father was a murder victim; her tenacious effort to find the perpetrator included the help of celebrity detective Joe Schillaci. She has worked with a colorful array of A-list entertainers and events in her successful business, Baskow and Associates. She came to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1976. For over forty years she has worked in celebrity talents brokering, planning events, and in production services.
Person
Ruth Urban photographs and program, 1940s-2015
Level of Description
Archival Collection
Collection Name: Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project Community Collection
Box/Folder: N/A
Archival Component
Valerie Wiener photographs, 1941-2016
Level of Description
Archival Collection
Collection Name: Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project Community Collection
Box/Folder: N/A
Archival Component
Photograph of Louis Wiener, Jr., 1980s - 1990s
Date
Archival Collection
Description
A portrait of Louis Wiener, Jr. Louis Wiener, Jr., Valerie Wiener?s father, arrived in Las Vegas, NV, in 1931. He, like his daughter, graduated from Las Vegas High School. After graduating from the University of California/Berkeley Boalt School of Law, Louis practiced law in Las Vegas for 55 years until the day he died in 1996.
Image
Photograph of Valerie Wiener and the Nevada Youth Legislature, 2007
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Senator Valerie Wiener (Retired) sponsored legislation in 2007 to create the Nevada Youth Legislature. Gathered for a special reunion are NYL Alumni with whom Senator Wiener maintains a mentor-mentee relationship. From left: Zhan Okuda-Lim, Grant Gabriel, Evan Gong, Rose Asaf, Mitchell Ragan, Senator Wiener, Miranda Rosen, and Tierra Patmavanu.
Image
Photograph of Harry Reid and Valerie Wiener, 1986
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Valerie Wiener, who served as press secretary and speech writer for Congressman and Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) in Washington, D.C., celebrates the dedication of the Great Basin National Park with Senator Reid in 1986. The handwritten messages across the front of the image reads: "Valerie - the park is a reality because of your trip to Ely. Thanks. Harry M. Reid, U.S.S."
Image