Oral history interview with David Ober conducted by Stefani Evans on October 11, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Ober discusses his upbringing in Tucson, Arizona and talks about his parents’ careers. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989 to work for his father’s home building business, R. A. Homes, and opening his real estate company, Jorant Commercial. Ober describes joining Temple Beth Sholom, his involvement with the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, and developing the Desert Shores community. Later, Ober discusses his mother’s career as a teacher in the Clark County School District (CCSD) and her contributions in designing the first program for visually impaired students. Lastly, Ober talks about CCSD naming a school in honor of his parents.
In 1990, Las Vegas became home to Ellis Landau and his attorney wife, Yvette. They moved from Phoenix, Arizona when Ellis accepted a position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Boyd Gaming. The relocation also included a desire to become active in the local community. Temple Beth Sholom was one of their first connections. For Ellis the Jewish community of a newer city like Las Vegas differed immensely from his childhood upbringing in a more ethnic Jewish community outside Philadelphia. Nevertheless, Ellis soon became active on the Temple Beth Sholom board, and is a past Treasurer and President. The couple are among the founders of the Warsaw Memorial Garden at the synagogue. In 2006, Ellis was honored as Temple Beth Sholom’s “Man of the Year.” The Landaus have been significantly involved with other local organizations such as Nathan Adelson Hospice and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Ellis’s dedication to the Anti-defamation League, both on a local and regional level, is a beacon of inspiration to others. The Landaus are sponsors of ADL’s “No Place for Hate” program. Ellis is a graduate of Brandeis University in economics and has a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University School of Business. His former career steps include Ramada Inc. and U-Haul Corporation.
The Jewish community events photographs depict Jewish religious events, parties, and ceremonies in Southern Nevada from 1960 to 2010. The photographs primarily depict Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs. The photographs also depict Jewish organizations such as Combined Jewish Appeal, B’nai B’rith, and Temple Beth Sholom.
Archival Collection
Frank Mitrani Photographs
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Collection Number: PH-00332 Collection Name: Frank Mitrani Photographs Box/Folder: N/A
Oral history interview with Wendell Bunker on October of 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wendell Bunker (b. 1911 in St. Thomas, Nevada), discusses early Las Vegas, Nevada and the socio-economic changes that have taken place in the Valley. Bunker talks about the Boulder (Hoover) Dam and religion and education in Nevada. He also describes working for the Union Pacific Railroad and the importance of the railroad to the economic development of Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with John Brooks conducted by Jeff Kennedy on February 28, 1979 for the Ralph Roske ORal History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview Brooks discusses gaming, education, the early above-ground atomic blasts, the Boulder Dam, and social and environmental changes in Nevada. Brooks also discusses the Old Ranch, economic changes, religion, politics, family life, the Navy, sports, the railroad, Fremont Street, and the hotels on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip.
A postcard illustrating young men sitting on the floor playing poker with the title, "A Sunday School Class in the West". The caption on back reads, "This is a jolly group old time Cowboy friends. Sunday is a time of visiting on the western ranches, and the 'latch string' is always out for the strangers. These fellows are not disturbers of the peace as might be inferred from the photograph".
Throughout this interview, Blaine shares stories of his father, Alvin Benedict. Al owned and operated Benedict and Remy Plumbing Business for a few years before entering into casino management. He is considered to be the first college educated executive and had an illustrious executive career at the MGM. He also was a co-founder with Susan and Irwin Molasky of Nathan Adelson Hospice.
Jane Radoff?s sophisticated eye and creative energy follow her wherever she goes. Her interior designs have anonymously touched most all who have walked through many of the Strip casinos and hotels. Her working partnership with interior designer Roger Thomas for Steve Wynn properties are among the most iconic of recent era. Born 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA, to Adelaide and Meyer Sachs, Jane was destined to lead a colorful life. Her mother was a local radio/TV personality with her own show and her father was successful real estate entrepreneur. Jane attended the University of Michigan where she honed her design skills. Before moving to Nevada, Jane?s career path included Restaurant Associates, a short stint as a girl Friday for Johnny Carson, and freelance product design while starting a family. Then in 1978, her husband William ?Bill? Radoff accepted a purchasing director position from Billy Weinberger and Neil Smythe at Caesars. With her signature wry humor, she reflects on her early observations of Las Vegas, and eventually working with Roger Thomas. In time, the duo worked together to bring groundbreaking interiors to the Strip, primarily with Steve Wynn. As most Jewish transplants, the Radoffs first belonged to Temple Beth Sholom. Later she was the interior inspiration for Congregation Ner Tamid where Jon Sparer did the architectural design. She is a quiet icon of Las Vegas?s turn to elegance and warmth in design of public spaces.