Interview with Doris, Gerald "Jerry", and Marcy Welt by Barbara Tabach on November 30, 2014. In this interview, the Welts discuss how they came to Las Vegas in the early 1970s from California, and Eli Welt's pawnshop, Stoney's, which he acquired from Doris's father, Jerry Fox. Jerry and Marcy talk about how they met and came to Las Vegas, where Jerry worked for Harry Reid's law firm. They talk about the community that existed in Las Vegas at the time, and their involvement with B'nai B'rith.
Just before the start of the Great Depression, Doris Fox was born in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of fifteen, she met Eli Welt, and the two were married three years later in Alexandria, Louisiana, where Eli was stationed with the United States Army Air Corps. Eventually, Doris and Eli moved to southern California with their three children-Gerald (aka Jerry), Richard (aka Rick) and Susan (aka Sue). In 1971, after all their children were out of the house, Doris and Eli moved to Las Vegas. They followed Doris' father, Jerry "Stoney" Fox, who had moved to the city in the 1940s, and was one of the first entrants into the local pawnshop industry. Like many migrants to the city, Eli became active in the Jewish community, particularly with B'nai Brith and Jewish Family Service Agency. Doris and Eli's eldest son, Jerry, and wife, Marcy, moved to Las Vegas in 1972 with their two small children. Tiffany and Cory. Jerry and Marcy had met through a Jewish youth group as teenagers in Anaheim, California. Having just finished law school, Jerry found that legal career opportunities were plentiful in the growing city. His first job was as a law clerk with Harry Reid's law office, Beckley, DeLanoy, Jemison and Reid, later becoming an associate attorney. He assisted Reid as lieutenant governor and on his early political campaigns. Jerry left Beckley, DeLanoy, Jemison and Reid to work for Oscar Goodman's firm-Goodman, Snyder and Gang-focusing on civil litigation. In 1975, Jerry opened his own practice, continuing to specialize in civil ligation, and served as general counsel to Las Vegas Clark County Library District. Since their arrival, Marcy and Jerry have been dedicated to community service, particularly within the Jewish community. Both were active in youth programs at Temple Beth Sholom, Jerry even serving as youth commissioner and later, education director. Marcy worked with Edythe Katz at the Holocaust Resource Center and assisted with producing a film and training program for educators. Both are avid supporters of youth travel to Israel and work hard to ensure these opportunities continue to be available for those interested.
Oral history interview with Kit Waldman conducted by Claytee D. White on October 09, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Waldman begins by describing her early life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression, which forced her family to move to Las Vegas, Nevada due to financial reasons. She discusses life in Las Vegas during the 1930s and 1940s and how the city has changed since then. Waldman also talks about her career working as an assistant at her brother's law firm and being a member in the Jewish community of Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Natalie Wolf conducted by Barbara Tabach on October 22, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Wolf shares stories of operating the Greyhound bus station, a three-year ownership of Commercial Deli, and her long career working collections for the casino industry. She discusses working for Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and MGM Properties, including the Mirage Hotel.
Oral history interview with Kenny Epstein conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 01, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Epstein discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada as a teenager, working in casinos as a dealer, and owning the El Cortez Hotel and Casino.
Oral history interview with Rona and David Mendelson conducted by Barbara Tabach on April 26, 2016 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Rona and David Mendelson describe moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973 as a married couple and how they became board members of Congregation Ner Tamid, which led them to getting involved with the small and growing Jewish community. They discuss their activities and their current family ties within the Jewish community in Las Vegas. As educators, they also delve into their experiences with the school system in Southern Nevada and the discrimination they faced as Jewish educators and parents.
Part of an interview with Justice Michael Cherry on September 19, 2014. In this interview, Justice Cherry discusses connections with Jewish casino operators. He also talks about losing to, then representing, unions in court proceedings. He was later endorsed by the unions when he ran for office.