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On February 18, 1979, Richard Fesler interviewed Jack W. Cornell (born 1918 in Manhattan, Nevada) about his experiences living in Nevada. The two first discuss historical buildings, including the Nye County Courthouse, and Cornell describes his family background and the different locations at which his ancestors lived. Cornell then talks about his experiences as an airplane mechanic for the Army Air Corps during World War II and the different countries he would visit during that time. The two also discuss the effects of the Depression, Cornell’s work in automotive body repair, and his recreational activities. Cornell also describes an experience in which he assisted an air escort for President Roosevelt, and he also describes when he witnessed one of the atomic tests. The interview concludes with Cornell’s thoughts on how the rural area in Manhattan has changed over time.

On March 8, 1975, John Neal interviews Ruth Hazard (birthdate unknown, 67 years old) in her home about her memory of how Southern Nevada has changed economically. Hazard goes in-depth about her knowledge of municipal politics and her husband’s friendships with a number of Nevadan politicians. Hazard also briefly talks about her fascination with the above-ground atomic tests, speakeasies during Prohibition, and local anxieties about Las Vegas “losing its identity.”

Interview with Mary Louise Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on June 19, 1998. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Williams was musically trained and worked as a dancer at the opening of the Moulin Rouge in 1955. Following her career in social work and teaching in New York, she retired to Las Vegas.

Series VII. Entertainers

Stanley Mallin (1923- ) was a native of Kansas City, Missouri; the son of Bess and Louis Mallin. His mother was a homemaker and his father was an industrious immigrant from Ukraine who earned his US citizenship through combat in World War I. Stan was the middle child of their three. It was while Stan attended the University of Missouri that he met Jay Sarno. The two men’s fast personal friendship made them solid business partners. Their first endeavor was in Florida with a tile business. It was during a holiday stay at the Flamingo that the two dreamed a bigger, better hotel-casino. The result was Caesars Palace. He has lived and helped develop Las Vegas since 1968. In 1982, Stan married his wife Sandy (neé Jacoby) Mallin. Sandy grew up in New York and arrived in Las Vegas in 1977. She has provided dynamic leadership in the Jewish community. For several years she was President of the Women’s Division of Jewish Federation. She then followed this as the first woman to be President of T