Dennis Ortwein arrived in Las Vegas in 1956. He shares many details about growing up in Montana, his parents and siblings, his education, and the moment in time when he was offered an opportunity to work in Las Vegas. He also lays out the path his singing career took, starting with school plays, duets with his sister, and high school quartets. Once in Las Vegas, Dennis taught for a while, served as principal, and was involved in creating programs that helped integrate schools. He also talks about his church choir work, entertainment in early Las Vegas, above-ground testing at the Nevada Test Site, and anti-nuclear protests. Dennis served as lab school and student teaching coordinator in Nigeria. He offers several anecdotes and stories about the time he and his family spent there. After retiring early (age 53), Dennis acted as consultant to the Esmeralda County school board, executive director for the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and wrote a book. He is currently enjoying his singing career by appearing at conventions, in musicals, and at weddings and memorials.
Summary of the damage from a flood in the Moapa Valley on March 3-5, 1938
Transcribed Notes: Transcribed from handwritten text on pg. 3: "West of the Flood Channel and on west side of Highway except for a few acres west of Highway and East of Channel in Logandale above point where Highway bridge crosses Channel. # 10 acres early vegetables were silted over lightly making them unfit for shipment. About 5-10 acres will need re-leveling. One of the most important aspects of the entire experience, that of the supervisory personnel getting this lesson which could not be learned without just such an object lesson."
Folder of materials from the Mabel Hoggard Papers (MS-00565) -- Personal papers file. This folder contains a book with cooking recipes (not digitized in its entirety), a memo, and other documents containing recipes.