Early History of the Las Vegas Strip- Discussion Friday Evening

June 2, 2009

When it rains and it pours but the good news is that y'all get to reap the benefits of all this historical talk.

As part of the Clark County Centennial, each month they are offering a historical roundtable discussion. This month the focus is on the Early History of the most famous five mile Strip in the world, our very own Las Vegas Strip!

We've got some great panelists:

Betty Bunch, a dancer from the 1950s and 1960s and she has some great stories!

Lisa Medford, the first topless dancer on the Strip

George Stamos, writer who interviewed a number of employees who worked at the original hotels.

Peter Anthony, musician and comedian who played all the lounges back in the day!

Friday, June 5th

6:00 pm

Clark County Government Center (Bonneville and Grand Central Parkway)

Free

Hope to see you at all three events!

The History of the Mob in Las Vegas- This Friday Afternoon

June 2, 2009

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel and George Raft

Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal

From Guy McAfee to Bugsy Siegel to Moe Dalitz to Frank Rosenthal and
Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, the Mob has had a hold on the imaginations of
most people who love "classic" Las Vegas.

This Friday I will be giving a talk that will cover not only the
historical points but also talk about the difference between guys like
Benny Binion and Moe Dalitz and "Lefty" and "The Ant".

Also, I will have autographed copies of my book "Las Vegas: 1905-1965"
for those interesting in purchasing one or more!

I'd love to get a head count (even an approximation) so I can be sure
that we have enough chairs! You can email me or post here, either way will work!

3:30 pm Friday, June 5th

El Cortez Upstairs

Hope to see you there!

Architecture and Las Vegas- This Thursday!

May 31, 2009

Pete Findlay Oldsmobile

On Thursday, June 4th, Untold Stories will look at Architecture in Las Vegas. Most people tend to think that Las Vegas has very bland architecture with just cookie cutter type homes and McOffices. But our past (and present) is filled with wonderous examples of soaring architecture and many of these wonderful buildings are still standing, though they may be harder to see these days buried behind new facades.

Panelists include:

Architect Eric Strain of Assemblage Studios

Karen Zick Goff, daughter of architect Walter Zick (who designed the Mint Hotel)

Brian "Buzz" Leming, neon designer

Check back as other panelists are added to the list!

Untold Stories

The Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

Thursday, June 4th

6:30 pm

Admission is $12

Thanks to RoadsidePictures (Allen Sandquist) for the Pete Findlay photo.