Oral history interview with Maria Benítez conducted by Monserrath Hernández and Maribel Estrada Calderón on June 21, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Maria Benítez is the image of a hardworking and determined Salvadoran woman. After facing adversity amidst the Salvadorian Civil War she talks about her journey as a nurse in El Salvador and migrating to the United States. Here in Las Vegas, she has worked as a cook on the Strip, been an active member of her church, and supported the education of her children selling pupusas. Subjects discussed include: El Salvador, Salvadorian Civil War, Migration, US Citizenship Documentation, and Judaism.
Information about the Crystal Palace that sits at 4680 Boulder Hwy. Site address: 4680 Boulder Hwy Sign owner: Tim Poole Sign details: The building was constructed in 1977 for this Skating Center. This skating center opened during the prime skating rink roller age of the 70's/80's. The Crystal Palace does have a second location in North Las Vegas on Rancho built in 1981 which is ran by Larry & Judy Sandord though still under Tim Poole's company. Crystal Palace holds birthday parties, themed nights and open skate for all ages. Sign condition: 4- has had some weathering over the ages. Sign form: Pylon and building signs Sign-specific description: On Boulder Hwy they have a roadside sign that has a yellow steel base with a yellow curved sign box that is lined with yellow incandescent light bulbs. Inside this box is a back lit plastic sign that states "Crystal Palace" in a retro 1970's/80's double lined font. Within the two words there is a red circle that showcases a navy blue pair of roller skates and then states "USA" in white letters within the red circle with two white stars on either side of it. On both sides of the building there are thin red steel words "Crystal Palace Skating Center" that is down lit by LED lights. Sign - type of display: Incandescent, LED and backlit plastic sign Sign - media: Steel and plastic Sign - non-neon treatments: Signs on building up lit by LED lights and the roadside sign is backlit plastic Sign animation: Flasher for incandescent light bulbs Sign environment: On Boulder Hwy towards the East side of Las Vegas. There is an RV lot across the street as well as other shopping centers. Sign - date of installation: Has been up sine at least 2007 Sign - thematic influences: The roller skate image on the sign shows symbolism for what kind of company it is, as well as the font makes you think of the classic 70's/80's roller rink style. Sign - artistic significance: The double lined font is very 1970/80s roller rink/ video game style (similar to SEGAs logo). Survey - research locations: Assessor's page, Crystal Palace website http://www.skatevegas.com/ , google maps satellite and road view Surveyor: Emily Fellmer Survey - date completed: 2017-09-06 Sign keywords: Incandescent; Backlit; Plastic; Steel; Flashing; Building-front design; Pole sign
The Maria LaCavera Papers (1947-2017) contain the papers of professional dancer Maria LaCavera. The collection documents the career of LaCavera dancing in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Flamingo Hotel in 1947, and the Last Frontier Hotel in 1949 as one of the Ramona Girls dancing in the Danny O'Neil Varieties Act. Materials include photographs of LaCavera and other Ramona Girls, newspaper clippings, correspondence, LaCavera's American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) employment contracts, Fabulous Las Vegas magazines, and hotel receipts. Other items of note include photographs of the 1949 Helldorado parade, a Frontier Hotel Ramona Room menu, and Frontier Hotel ephemera. There is also a copy of a self-published biography of LaCavera, written by her daughter-in-law Kristin Meyer entitled From Bon-Air to the Last Frontier. The collection also contains the digital images used to illustrate the book.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Office of the President Records is comprised of documents used in daily matters of the Office of the President from approximately 1950 to 2007. The records in the collection document the expansion of the UNLV campus, and the academic and athletics programs offered by the university.
The Michael McKensie Pratt Professional Papers (approximately 1950-2021) contain costume designs, musical selections, and synopsis for shows that Pratt worked on in Las Vegas, Nevada including 90 Degrees & Rising, Les Folies Chic, and Jubilee!. The collection also contains souvenir show programs for cabaret shows performed in Paris, France and Las Vegas, Nevada, including Lido de Paris, Casino de Paris, Bal du Moulin Rouge, and Folies Bergere. Materials also include copies of Pratt's curriculum vita and swing bible used by Pratt when he was the co-company manager for Jubilee!. Also included are video recordings of shows Pratt choreographed and an archived version of Pratt's personal website.