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Set of photographs including Church of God, convocation, and wedding
Photographer's notations: VIII-6 Church of God, Convocation GH, Wedding (sis[?] W Neice).
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Transcript of interview with Jon Sparer by Barbara Tabach, March 4, 2015
In this interview, Jon Sparer discusses his involvement as the architect of Congregation Ner Tamid's synagogue in Green Valley. He explains details of the building including the concrete tilt-up form, glass windows and the incorporation of quotes throughout the building. Sparer also discusses his involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) as a board member.
According to architect Jon Sparer, when he moved to Las Vegas in the early 1980s, the art of the deal was still based on a "handshake." It was just after the infamous MGM fire and Jon went to work for Rissman and Rissman. He later worked for Marnell Corrao Associates until 2001, and then as a principal in his own firm. He is now retired. While honing his design skills with the exciting transformation of the Strip into a world-class destination, Jon also became an active contributor to the Las Vegas community. Among his most notable experiences was being on the search committee for a new location for the fast growing Congregation Ner Tamid and then the architectural design for the synagogue's location in Henderson. It was a unique experience and Jon tells how he approached each aspect of the religious facility and how it would provide a memorable setting for life experiences. Jon has been involved with Jewish Family Services and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). In addition, Jon along with his husband John Klai have been instrumental in the LGBTQ community and the opening of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada [The Center]. In this interview, he also talks about the significance of The Center/ and its success in working with the Clark County Health District, as well as providing a user-friendly experience for all who visit The Center and the Bronze Cafe located there.
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Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Community Study, 1995
This study was conducted in 1995 when an "estimated 55,600 Jews live[d] in 29,100 Jewish households in the Las Vegas area. An additional 11,200 plus non-Jewish persons live[d] in these households, for a total of 66,900 people living in Jewish Las Vegas households."
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Clippings and publications from Temple Beth Sholom (Las Vegas, Nev.), 1952-1988
Group of items documenting the history of Temple Beth Sholom, including a building dedication program brochure and the Fortieth Anniversary publication.
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Barbara Fuson oral history interview
Oral history interview with Barbara Fuson conducted by Darnell Frazier on March 20, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fuson discusses Las Vegas, Nevada culture in the 1960s including medical care, the education system, gambling, politics, and religion.
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with Eleazar "Al" Martinez by Marcela Rodriguez-Campo, October 2, 2018
In his lifetime, Eleazar Martinez has climbed both literal and figurative mountains as an avid outdoorsman and social justice advocate for Latinx issues. Born in Sweetwater, Texas, Eleazar (Al for short) grew up connected to the land and his family. Al comes from a large family with strong ties in Texas and Mexico. His mother worked the fields and his father was a construction worker who instilled in their children the importance of a strong work ethic and the pursuit of an education. Al shares about growing up during a time when Spanish was banned from schools and children would get punished if they were caught using their home languages. His experiences developed his aspiration to serve his community and fight for people’s rights. After a short stint in the Navy, Al followed his instincts and sought out a college education and majored in sociology. His interest in social issues lead him to serve in a range of roles from psychiatric support, community education outreach, and counseling. At one point, Al even helped mediate tensions between gangs and law enforcement in order to prevent violence from erupting. Since arriving in Las Vegas in 1998, Al has been working alongside diverse communities to build solidarity. Today, he works as a supervisor for the Whitney Recreation Center and leader in Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). As Al would describe himself, he is “a proud Mexican Latino American, a Tejano with a Chicano attitude”.
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