Las Vegas History

“VEGAS THE SHOW” Plays on July 4 Weekend at the Plaza Hotel

July 4th, 2008 Categories: Las Vegas History

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Las Vegas, NV – Over one year ago, “Vegas The Show”made its debut to a sold-out audience at the Starbright Theater. Because of its educational and entertainment value, the Las Vegas Clark County Library District premiered “Vegas The Show” to the community on Saturday, May 10, 2:00 p.m at the Summerlin Library. Library officials and the community gave a standing ovation to this multi-media presentation.

 

On Sunday, July 6 at 4:00 p.m the show will be presented in the main showroom at the Plaza Hotel and Casino downtown Las Vegas. The show is a musical and humorous multi-media journey through the history of Las Vegas from the 1930’s to the present day, including a look into the future of Las Vegas in the year 2050.

 

Show-goers will learn some fascinating details that created the history of Las Vegas while being entertained with great music and performances by some of Las Vegas’ talented entertainers.

 

The show stars a cast of five that include singer, entertainer and television personality, Tony Sacca, comic impressionist, Tom Wallek, who will humorously narrate and portray famous characters of the past and present while guiding you through the history of Las Vegas with 75-years of video presentation decade by decade. The show also features “Vegas The Show-Girls”- principal singer and dancer of Jubilee- Laurie Caceres, and singer/dancers Nellie Norris and Amanda Kaiser. These talented girls will portray famous Las Vegas entertainers from the past and present.

 

The show consists of songs that were made famous by legendary Las Vegas entertainers from the past and present including five original Las Vegas songs. Grammy Award Winner, Gary Anderson - Orchestrator / Arranger, skillfully maintained the integrity of the original music of each decade. Mr Anderson is the conductor with musical accompaniment by the Michael T Orchestra.

 

Learn and enjoy the history of Las Vegas through music and comedy with a multi-media presentation Las Vegas Style.

 

Tickets are $30 (includes entertainment tax and fees)

 

Call the Plaza Box Office at (702) 242-5444

 

For more information, contact Madeline Costanza at (702) 889-3587

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Untold Stories: The Las Vegas Strip: The Early Years

July 1st, 2008 Categories: Las Vegas History, The Las Vegas Strip

Everyone thinks they know the real history of the Las Vegas Strip. 

But did you know that Bugsy Siegel didn’t build the Flamingo Hotel from scratch? 

Do you know who the first nude showgirl was? 

Do you know who Jakie Freidman was? 

Do you believe that Tommy Hull was inspired to build the El Rancho Vegas because his car broke down and he counted the cars that passed him on the old highway?

Well, if you don’t know the real answers to these questions or if you think you do and want confirmation of that, then come out to the Springs Preserve on Thursday evening, July 3rd for our next installment of “Untold Stories’ where we explore the real history of the early years of the Las Vegas Strip.

Joining us will be:   Betty Bunch: a dancer who came here in the early 1950s and is still dancing on the Strip today. Lisa Medford; the first nude showgirl (okay, we gave you one answer) George Stamos: writer of the original Strip Hotel histories for the Las Vegas Sun in 1979.  and Dr. Michael Green: historian and Professor at the College of Southern Nevada.

It all happens on July 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Springs Preserve.  Gas is over $4 a gallon so if you are spending the 4th of July weekend in town, then come join us for a great night of history and stories.

Come early for the Farmers Market and the Mojitos and Mozart in the Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

Untold Stories:  The Las Vegas Strip: The Early Years

Thursday, July 3rd

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

7:00 pm

Admission $12.00 

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More About The Liberace Townhouse That’s For Sale In Forest Hills

May 26th, 2008 Categories: Forest Hills, Las Vegas History, OUR LISTINGS

All the pictures are now posted in the Featured Properties Section in the left Column. What I didn’t tell you on Friday was that it’s priced at only $280,000. I have a feeling from some of the comments, that you expected a much bigger price tag than that. Sorry if I misled you.

Forest Hills is one of the hidden treasures of Vintage Vegas. That’s were Susan from Spokane will be moving into next week once we get her deal closed. She bought a stunning 1 story townhome, partly because of the community landscape with it’s giant trees, and hanging shrubbery.  

There’s 2300 sf of gorgeous living space. All the furnishings can be bought separately. The Tiki themed patio is one of the largest in the complex, and it’s right beside the community pool and spa.

 

 

I don’t want you to get the impression that it’s ALL about the Stained Glass Mural. It’s also about the piano shaped platform for the baby grand piano, and the sunken tub under the mirrored ceiling and chandelier in the master bathroom. It’s about the formal dining room that could seat 12, and the stone fireplace which is bordered by more stained glass windows.

It’s about affordable elegance that I can’t duplicate for you anywhere else in Vintage Vegas. 

 I’ll let the rest of the pictures do the rest of the talking. Take a look.

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The Phillip Johnson “Glass House” - A Handcrafted Work Of Modernist Art And Why It’s Important To Historic Preservation In Las Vegas

May 13th, 2008 Categories: Historic Preservation, Las Vegas History, Mid Century Modern

I’ve been emailing regularly with Martin Skrelunas. He’s the Preservation Manager of the Philip Johnson “Glass House”. The Glass House was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation upon the death of Philip Johnson in 2005.

I won’t even pretend to explain this phenomenal work of Mid Century Modernism as well as it’s explained in the video link above. Turn the sound up loud, and watch it full screen.

Martin started the dialog a few months ago when he paid me one of the finest compliments that I’ve ever received as a result of this blog. He said:

I browse dozens of realestate websites a week to find modern home communities, and this is by far the best. I appreciate your understanding of the homes and descriptions.  Very few people would know how to market an untouched house as you just did!

In another email he said:

I am in New Canaan CT, and am working quite closely with our modern homeowners, and am working with others on a larger initiative to bring modern home communities together.  I see your updates daily through Google Alerts.  Google continuously searches for new items that have “mid century modern” in the text.  Your updates are the most constant.  Strong seconds are for a group that discusses and promotes moderns in the Washington D.C. area and for Palm Springs. Also, I would say that you are the only person that really has a variety of relevant material in addition to listings.

Those are exceedingly kind words, but they mean nothing without the resolve and the dedication that goes into fulfilling them. I’ve been asked many times why I mention mid century modern so often. There’s one good reason.

Most Of The Homes In Vintage, Historic Or Retro Las Vegas Fall Under The Category Of Mid Century Modern

The vast majority of the pre-1970 homes in Las Vegas are Mid Century Modern. I can’t help but to be fighting to preserve the historic and classic neighborhoods of Las Vegas without a total dedication to preserving modernist architecture, and the lifestyle it was designed to promote. .

Modernist architecture required big lots. One of the hallmarks of modernist architecture  is exemplified in the Glass House. Bring the outdoors in, and let the indoors get out. That’s why we find the walls of glass, the clerestory windows, and the use of natural materials. That’s why we cherish our big trees and big yards.

Education about modernism is the most important part of my efforts. I meet a lot of people who are shopping for a home. Whether they buy a home or not, they can’t help but to leave me with at least a new found, or a heightened appreciation  for all the amazing elements of modernism that just can’t be found out in the suburbs. I’m hoping that that appreciation is also realized among my many readers. 

Some of our homes are absolutely terrific, and some of them have been absolutely butchered.  The biggest tragedy, and the one that I want to help to correct is the lack of knowledge among the very owners of the mid century modern homes of Las Vegas. The new breed of mid century modern home buyer is aware of the architectural significance, the advantages of modernism, and appreciate its characteristics. But most of our effort has to be given to educating the current owners.

Just as the National Trust, The Glass House, Atomic Age Alliance, Modernism Magazine, Atomic Ranch Magazine are trying to get the word out, VeryVintageVegas is equally dedicated in our own small way. Won’t you please tell a friend or neighbor or co-worker or relative about us? Will you help to spread the word?

The classic homes of Las Vegas deserve to be preserved, and they deserve to have the recognition that similar homes in Palm Springs, or the Eichlers of California receive.

It’s Historic Preservation Month in Nevada. Dinosaur bones, Indian petroglyph, cowboy lore, neon signs, and Mid Century Modernism all have played a role in Las Vegas and Nevada History. 

At VeryVintageVegas, we celebrate them all.  But especially, we celebrate modernism.

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Re-Invention:The Las Vegas News Bureau Captures the Essence of Downtown

May 13th, 2008 Categories: Downtown Las Vegas, Historic Preservation, Las Vegas History

To kick - off the state-wide Preservation Week, Re-Invention focuses on the evolution or Re-Invention of downtown Las Vegas by comparing historic and current images of buildings such as Binion’s Hotel on Fremont Street and dramatic changes such as the re-location of the La Concha hotel lobby. Brian Alvarez, Curator of the Las Vegas News Bureau Photo & Film Archives will be there to talk about the photo collection. Additionally, Bob Stoldal, President of the Historic Preservation Commission, will kick off the weekend by talking about the Historic Preservation and Archaeological Awareness Month events scheduled. The historic images were provided courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

A public reception is scheduled for Friday, May 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Bridge Gallery, on the second floor of Las Vegas City Hall, located at 400 Stewart Ave.

The exhibit will run through May 30, 2008. The buildings included in the collection of photographs are: Binions Horseshoe, El Cortez, Fremont Street Experience, Golden Gate Hotel, Golden Nugget, Hotel Sal Sagev, La Concha, Las Vegas Club, Las Vegas Grammar School (Fifth Street School), Las Vegas Post Office, the Morelli House, Union Pacific Railroad Station, and the Union Plaza. Included will be several aerial and over-all photos of Fremont Street. 
 

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Annual Helldorado Parade In Downtown Las Vegas on Saturday May 17 7 PM

May 13th, 2008 Categories: Historic Preservation, Las Vegas History

If you missed the festivities last week in Downtown Las Vegas, you get another chance to see what all the hubbub is about.

This time it’s the HELLDORADO PARADE, which has been an Las Vegas Icon Event since 1935

From the City of Las Vegas Website:

What began as a tool in 1935 to bring tourists to town following the completion of construction on Hoover Dam evolved into a celebrated event that united locals with community spirit and raised money for local charities. In its heyday, Helldorado was centered on Western themed events such as the Kangaroo Court, Old Timers Parade, Rodeo, Whiskerino Contest, Beauty Parade and Children’s Parade. Events planned for this year include the parade and new fireworks show, an art show and silent auction, the Shootout Charity Golf Tournament and the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament. The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. following the parade. The best location to view the fireworks is the Fremont East Entertainment District, which is on Fremont Street between Las Vegas Boulevard and Eighth Street. Information on these upcoming events can be found on the official Helldorado Days Web site at http://www.elkshelldorado.com/

Our favorite Las Vegas History Club, “Classic Las Vegas” has more coverage and old pictures coverage on their blog relating to the history of Helldorado, and is sponsoring the panel discussion on Tuesday Night at 7 pm at the Clark County Museum on Boulder Hiway. (details in yesterday’s calandar of events)

FIREWORKS FOLLOW THE PARADE at the Fremont East Entertainment District.  

If you’re not reading the CLASSIC LAS VEGAS BLOGregularly, you’re missing a whole lot of terrific coverage of the history of Las Vegas. It’s my favorite read, and without Lynn Zook and her blog, I swear I’d know nothing about Las Vegas History.

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Nevada “Historic Preservation Month” Calandar Of Events And Programs

May 12th, 2008 Categories: Historic Preservation, Las Vegas History

It’s a big week for Historic Preservation: Below the fold is the entire month long schedule for the whole state, county by county.

I’m leaving the Clark County Events on the front page.

There’s a new addition to the schedule that’s very near and dear to many of us.

SATURDAY 5/17: THE HUNTRIDGE THEATRE will be open to the public on the hour at 10am, 11am, Noon, and 1 pm. This will be a limited tour due to the current condition of the building. The “Save The Huntridge” task force and Classic Las Vegas will have information tables, and would love to get input from you on finding an adaptive use for the building so that it can become viable again.

HERE’S THE CLARK COUNTY SCHEDULE.

Clark County:

May 1 through May 31:    Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, Department of Cultural Affairs, 600 Yucca St., Boulder City and take a train ride on the historic Boulder Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad.  Trains operate each Saturday and Sunday departing at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Fares are $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; and $4 for children 11 and younger. Call 702-486-5933 for details.

May 1 through May 31:  Visit the Lost City Museum, Department of Cultural Affairs, 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, to view “From the Footlocker: An Album of Life in the 3-C”, an exhibit featuring memorabilia from Civilian Conservation Corps works in southern Nevada.  Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  Museum admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; and free for children under the age of 18. Call Eva Jensen at 702-397-2193 for details.

May 2 through May 19:   The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas will exhibit photographs and memorabilia from the historic Helldorado Parade days.  Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors/military/students; $4 for children.  Call Marilyn Gillespie at 702-384-2008 for details and hours of operation.

May 10:  The Nevada Rock Art Foundation will lead a tour of the Valley of Fire State Park rock art such as Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank, starting at 10 a.m.  Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and bring water.   Call Kim Hopkinson at 775-323-6723 for details on meeting location. 

May 10: The Old Spanish Trail Association will lead a tour of the new Old Spanish Trail Park at Cimarron Road and Tara Avenue, Las Vegas from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and bring water.  Call Nick Saines at 702-896-4049 for more information.  

May 13:The History of Helldorado Clark County Museum 1850 S Boulder Highway 7:00 PM (Please note new start time)  Panelists include:
Emmett Sullivan, the son of co-founder Mark Sullivan
Tim Cashman, the grandson of co-founder, Big Jim Cashman
Don Payne, former Manager of the Las Vegas News Bureau
Special thanks to the Las Vegas News Bureau for sponsoring this event!

May 14:  The Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, Department of Cultural Affairs and Nevada Humanities are hosting a panel discussion at 700 Twin Lakes Drive, Las Vegas on “The New Deal in Southern Nevada” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  A reception will follow.  Call Barbara F. Slivac at 702-486-5205 X 227 for details.

May 17:  The Junior League of Las Vegas will lead a tour of the restored mid-twentieth century Morelli House, 861 Bridger Ave., Las Vegas from 1 to 4 p.m.  Call Dedee Nave at 702-458-7175 for details.   

May 17:  Come to the Southern Nevada Cultural History Fair at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Families are welcome with free admission to the exhibition, performances and workshops.  Visit the archaeological remains of adobe and pit houses. Participate in the making of pottery and weaving.  Take in a mini documentary, listen to cowboy poets or view the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe’s Snow Mountain Pow Wow dances. Call Jodi Molever at 702-822-7763 for details.

SATURDAY 5/17: THE HUNTRIDGE THEATRE will be open to the public on the hour at 10am, 11am, Noon, and 1 pm. This will be a limited tour due to the current condition of the building. The “Save The Huntridge” task force and Classic Las Vegas will have information tables, and would love to get input from you on finding an adaptive use for the building so that it can become viable again.

May 17:  Attend the opening of a new exhibit at the Lost City Museum, 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton, featuring the changing natural and cultural landscape of Southern Nevada from 7 to 9 p.m. The State Historic Preservation Office will present Nevada State Historic Preservation awards for southern Nevada. Call Eva Jensen at 702-397-2193 for details.

May 18:  The Lost City Museum, Department of Cultural Affairs, 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton celebrates International Museum Day and the opening of its new exhibit from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Free admission. Call Eva Jensen at 702-397-2193 for details.

May 18:  The National Park Service Submerged Resources Team will present “Underwater Archaeology in the Desert” about the B-29 aircraft that crashed and sank in Lake Mead at the Lost City Museum, Department of Cultural Affairs, 721 South Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton at 2 p.m.  Free admission.  Call Terri Wade at 702-397-2193 for details.

May 24:  Renee Corona Kolvet of the Bureau of Reclamation, will present “From Boys to Men: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Southern Nevada” at the Lost City Museum, Department of Cultural Affairs, 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton at 1 p.m.  Ms. Kolvet will autograph copies of her book of the same name following the presentation.   Museum admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; free for children under the age of 18. Call Terri Wade at 702-397-2193 for details.

 
 

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The Liberace Museum Is A Must See Attraction For Anyone Interested In Las Vegas History

April 30th, 2008 Categories: Las Vegas History

I attended a cocktail party last night at the Liberace Museum. It’s a great place to bring your out of town guests, and for locals, it’s Free every 2^nd Sunday of the month.

Just a few teaser pictures and the rest of them are below the fold.

 

Located at Tropicana and Spencer.

Check the website for hours and admission fees.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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