On October 1st, we are focusing on the history and myth surrounding the famed Moulin Rouge Hotel on the Westside of Las Vegas.

The hotel opened in 1955 as the first integrated hotel and casino in town.  The opening night was attended by some of the biggest names in entertainment.  Everyone had high hopes for this wonderfully designed (by Walter Zick and Harris Sharp) hotel with its giant, neon-script sign (designed by Betty Willis).

The hotel seemed to flourish and stories have been handed down over the years of deserted casinos on the Strip late at night because everyone was at the Moulin Rouge gambling, hanging out and enjoying the jam sessions and the late, late show.

In less than two years, it was closed.  Rumors have been rife for years of the mob being involved, of financial improprieties and more.

On Thursday, Oct, 1st we will try to distinquish fact from fiction, history from myth and try to discern what really happened.

Joining us on the panel will be:

Carrie Pollard, dancer who performed at the Moulin Rouge back in 1955

Trish Geran, local author who focuses on the African-American stories of Las Vegas and who's grandmother ran one of the most famous boarding rooms for African-American performers.

Claytee White, director of the Oral History Program at UNLV's Special Collections.

Richard Taylor, local historian who has written two books on the history of the Rouge.

Thursday, Oct. 1st

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

6:30 pm

Admission $9 (note the new lower price!), discount tickets available if you buy the next three months.

We hope to see you there!

Photos from the Jay Florian Mitchell collection, courtesy of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

Techatticup Mine

As we begin our third year of Untold Stories, come join for a great evening of history.

"Mining in Southern Nevada" will look at the history of El Dorado Canyon and Goodsprings as well as some of the other smaller mines around the Valley.

Panelists include:

Tony Werly, owner of the Techaticcup Mine in El Dorado Canyon

Don Blake

Dr. Elizabeth Warren

Thursday, Sept. 3rd

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

6:30 pm

Admission $12

We hope to see you there!

This should be a great evening of stories, memories and laughter.

We will be talking about the "Entertainers of Classic Las Vegas".  Back in the day, the showrooms and lounges were filled with the cream of the crop vocalists, entertainers and musicians.

If you missed out on the days when Las Vegas was known as the Entertainment Capital of the World or you remember those days fondly. please join us!

Panelists include:  Lorraine Hunt-Bono, Peter Anthony, Lisa Medford.

Check back as we will be adding names before show time!

Thursday, August 6th

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

Admission is $12

On Thursday, February 5th we have a very unique panel centered around the history of the railroad in Las Vegas.

As many of our readers know, the railroad put Las Vegas on the proverbial map.  It's importance in those early, beginning days of Las Vegas cannot be understated.  The railroad provided many of the jobs for the small community and also provided cottages for its workers to live in.

Over the years, the railroad cottages were home not only to those connected with the company but as the community grew and the railroad grew less important, many of the cottages were turned into businesses.

Finally, many fell into disrepair and most were demolished to make room for bigger and better offices.

But for an evening we are going to look back on this buildings that were home to many of our pioneering residents.  We will talk about their historic importance, the battle to save them and the story of their ultimate preservation.  We will also talk about the importance of the railroad in sustaining the small community in those formative years.

Join us and our panelists to learn more about our early history and the story behind the Cottages.

Donna Andress

Eileen Fitzgerald Carson

Paul Stewart

Brian "Paco" Alvarez

Thursday, February 5th

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

7:00 pm

Admission is $12

We hope to see you there for this rare evening of early Las Vegas history!

Wilbur and Toni Clark at home for the holidays

Join us on Thursday, Dec. 4th for

"Untold Stories":

"Mad Men Holidays:  Celebrating the holidays in Mid-Century Modern Las Vegas

On December 4th, our monthly series, Untold Stories at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve  will look back at the way Las Vegans celebrated the holidays in Post-War Las Vegas.  From fun decorations outside and in, Holiday parades, Holiday programs at school, aluminum trees with color wheels and lavishly flocked trees all accompanied by the prayer to Santa  to please bring snow along with lots of presents.

Joining us in our look at the spirit of holidays past will be native born Las Vegans:

Mary Joy Alderman, Pam Hartley, Gretchen Stamos and tentatively, a surprise guest (who will offer a little history about the way the holidays were celebrated before the war.)

It should be alot of fun and the Las Vegas Springs Preserve will have its Festival of Lights ablaze as well as its Farmer Markets and Wolfgang Puck's restaurant will be open before the Roundtable begins, so stop by early if you're so inclined.

Thursday, Dec. 4th

Untold Stories

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

7:00 pm

Admission is $12 for non-members, $10 for members, $6.50 children 5-17

Reservations requested

(702) 822-7786

We hope to see you there!

December's "Untold Stories" will look back at the way we used to celebrate the holidays with a focus on