Our friend (and FCLV member) Dr. Linda Miller is profiled in this video on Las Vegas pioneer, Helen Stewart.

Helen Stewart is often called the "First Lady of Las Vegas".  She and her husband, Archibald, pioneered the old Las Vegas Ranch, which also served as as waystation for travelers.  The Ranch had water, which in a desert enviroment, was an essential.  After Archibald was killed at the old Kiel Ranch, the owner sent a note telling Helen that her husband was dead and she could come get his body.

She hitched up a buckboard, retrieved Archie's body and gave him a decent burial.  With her children, she stayed on at the Ranch.  When Sen. William Clark came looking for land and water rights for his railroad that would change Las Vegas forever, Helen J. Stewart was the woman he sought out.

She sold her ranch to Clark but maintained the property where Archie was buried.  She bought more acreage and continued to live in Las Vegas.  She became a good friend to the Paiute Indians and traded with them.  Her collection of Indian baskets are now part of the collection at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.

For more information on Helen J. Stewart and her place in Las Vegas history:

http://www.1st100.com/part1/stewart.html

Couple of interesting tidbits:

1)  It was originally supposed to be a feature length movie directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Russell Crowe but that didn't pan out.  Now, Nick Pilegi, author of the book that inspired Casino (as well as the screenplay), is developing a dramatic series on the life of former Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb.  CBS is looking to be the home of the series.  Director James Mangold who brought the Johnny Cash bio, I Walk the Line, to the silver screen will helm the pilot.

Ralph Lamb was the sheriff during Las Vegas's heyday of the 1960s through the 1970s.  He faced down every one from Frank Rosenthal to Hell's Angels and investigated everything from car bombings to the abduction/murder of Culinary official, Al Bramlett.  He has had a colorful life that includes growing up on a ranch in central Nevada.  The Lambs were at one time one of the most influential families in the state.  Ralph's brothers include former State Senator Darwin Lamb who has a cameo in the Bond film, Diamonds are Forever.

2)  The cast of the latest Cirque show, Elvis at Aria, received the bad news that the show is going dark for six weeks beginning in January while officials retool the show.  The retooling may include the jettisoning of Elvis music and biography elements.  The goal is to make it more of a Cirque spectacular.

3)  The Las Vegas Convention Authority has hired former mayor Oscar Goodman to help promote Las Vegas.  He will have his usual accessories, showgirls and a large glass of gin with him.  The contract lasts two years and is a work in progress.  "I will be the brand of Las Vegas," said Goodman.