Text
On February 17, 1980, Judith Chavez interviewed Thelma Coblentz (born 1911 in New Jersey) about her experiences in Southern Nevada. Coblentz first talks about her move to Lovelock, Nevada, where her husband provided medical care as one of the first physicians in the small town. She later talks about her move to Las Vegas and some of the services she helped to provide at Nellis Air Force Base. Coblentz later describes Downtown Las Vegas, specifically the development of the casinos and shopping businesses. She later talks about the rainstorms and dust storms that the city would experience before recalling some of the entertainers who would perform on the Las Vegas Strip. The interview concludes with a discussion on the first physicians in Las Vegas and the increasing population of the city.
Text
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.
Text
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Drafts for the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice file. On the 1980 Las Vegas Chaz Nightclub not allowing Black individuals.
Text
From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Drafts for the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice file. On Black history and Civil Rights Movement.
Text
The Stella Champo Iaconis Photograph Collection (approximately 1890-1950) contains four black-and-white photographic prints of the Helldorado Days celebration held in Las Vegas, Nevada and three photograph albums with family photographs. Included in the albums are images of Italian family members, and Stella and her sister Irene as young children on their family ranch in Southern Nevada in the 1920s and 1930s. The Champo family and other Las Vegas residents are prominently featured in photographs taken across Las Vegas, including at the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam) dedication, the family's farm, and outside residences near downtown Las Vegas. The third album covers Stella Champo's personal life, with photographs of her first husband, Walter Cordano (married 1934-1942) and her second husband, John Iaconis. Included are trips to Los Angeles, California; Pioche, Ruth, and Goldfield, Nevada; and early downtown Las Vegas, including the Union Pacific Station. A partial inventory is available for the third album.
Archival Collection
