Okay all you Las Vegas history buffs.  Time to put on your thinking caps.  We have a reader who has been reading a book about Marilyn by Adam Victors.  According to the book, Marilyn (then Norma Jean) lived in Las Vegas in 1946.

The house was at 604 S. 3rd Street.  Today, the plot of land is a parking lot.  Our reader was wondering when the house was destroyed.

Also, he is looking for information about the old Las Vegas Hospital at Ogden and 8th.  The hospital construction was spearheaded by Dr. Roy Martin in the early 1930s.

"He told the Las Vegas Evening Review-Journal that he had retained architect A.L. Warwick to design the hospital, which would be "a two-story structure, built of gypsum blocks, stuccoed outside, finished in white with a red tiled roof, in the typical Spanish style so well adapted for this country." Total cost would be about $100,000. The Las Vegas Hospital was a state-of-the art, 35-bed facility. It had laboratories, maternity ward, an X-Ray machine, five treatment rooms, a tilting operating table, and an advanced lighting system in the operating room. "  (The First 100)

The building stood long after it was abandoned as a hospital.  It burned due to a fire of suspicious nature (too often the case to buildings preservationists are trying to save, it seems) but I can't remember the year.  Can you?

Anyone got any other Marilyn in Las Vegas stories to share?

This has been such a popular series (thank you to everyone who has emailed me about how much they love the pictures).

To all of you, here are some more:

The Union Plaza site with Von Tobel Lumber in the foreground.  Looking north,  you can see the Train Depot and tracks and Cashman Auto Dealership in the background.  That is Main Street with cars on it.

What used to be Union Park and all the trees are gone, the Train Depot still sits in the back of the property.  The Golden Gate and the Las Vegas Club sit in the foreground.

The Union Plaza begins to be built.

1969, the Train Depot has been torn down.  Three different depots have sat on this property, the first one built in 1905.  But, in 1969, that was all history.  Train service to Las Vegas continued until the late 1980s via Amtrack's Desert Wind.  The far south end of the Union Plaza handled trains, Greyhound buses and in the 1970s was the main hub for local buses as well.  I spent many a Saturday afternoon/evening waiting for the bus that would take to me to the Huntridge Theater or the Charleston Plaza Mall's Fox Theater to see a double bill.  After a day at the movies, I had to wait at the Plaza for the bus to take me back to Charleston Heights.

"Diamonds Are Forever" starring Sean Connery as Bond, James Bond was shot on location while the Union Plaza was under construction.  You can't see much since most of the action on Fremont Street takes place at night, but the film is a wonderful time capsule of 1970's Las Vegas with a number of locales and signs that are no longer there.

We've had a couple of emails from people asking about the Union Plaza and wanting to see more pictures about the Train Depot, Union Park and what was there before the Union Plaza was built.

Thanks to our good friend, Dennis McBride, at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas we can do just that.

This is an aerial shot of Union Park with the Train Depot sitting in the background with the train tracks behind the Depot.  In the foreground, you get a glimpse of the Las Vegas Club neon sign and roof line and a small glimpse of the Golden Gate neon sign on the left.

This is the Train Depot looking east.  Union Park is front with the Las Vegas Club across the street.  To the left of the Depot is part of the Cashman Dealership.

This is looking just south of Union Park and the Train Depot.  In the foreground is the Golden Gate.  Across Main Street is the Greyhound Bus Terminal and Von Tobel Lumber.

Rendering of the Union Plaza Hotel.  Though the rendering credits Stanley J. How and Associates in Omaha, Nebraska, the local firm of Walter Zick and Harris Sharp were involved as well.

Construction begins on the Union Plaza.  The Las Vegas Club and the Golden Gate are in the foreground.  The Train Depot has yet to be torn down.

More coming!!!!!

Well, my first video piece for the Walt Disney Family Museum is now up on YouTube.

Be sure to check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whg3czz8X18

For more videos on the Museum go here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whg3czz8X18

And let me know what you think!

 It's back!  One of the most comprehensive guides on the web to the Fireworks and 4th of July Holiday weekend celebrations in Las Vegas!

SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES!

Here are some of the listings we have put together for the holiday weekend.  Bookmark us or subscribe to our RSS feed as this list will grow and be updated as the Strip hotels make their plans known.

If you are traveling to Las Vegas, be sure to check out our new section on Special Hotel and Show Discounts.

Thursday, July 1st:

Annual Night of Fire at the Bullring at

Las Vegas Motor Speedway features

Fireworks, SMRA Supermodifieds

 The Bullring, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s NASCAR-sanctioned 3/8-mile asphalt oval, will kick off the Independence Day holiday weekend on Thursday, July 1, with its annual Night of Fire. The night of family fun features fireworks and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series stock car racing, a jet car and SMRA Supermodifieds.

Spectator gates will open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. Fireworks are tentatively scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Stock car racing classes include: SMRA Supermodifieds (50 laps), MetroPCS Super Late Models (76 laps), Chargers, Outlaw Enduro Bombers (76 laps), twin Legends Cars features, Bandoleros.

Spectator admission:
Adults: $15.
Senior citizens and military personnel with ID: $12.
Children (6-12): $5.
Family 4-Pak (2 adults and 2 children): $38.
Stockyard (VIP tailgate area in Turns 3 and 4): $149 (includes 4 admission tickets). Stockyard passes are available for purchase by visiting or calling the LVMS Ticket Services Office.

The Bullring's concession stand offers a family-friendly dollar menu, including $1 hot dogs, $1 soda and $1 beer. For more information, please call the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or visit www.LVMS.com.

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North Las Vegas 11th Annual Independence Day Jubilee

The City of North Las Vegas in its 10th Annual Independence Day Jubilee from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 3rd, at Seastrand Park, 6330 Camino Eldorado.

 July 2nd and 3rd

Las Vegas 51's Baseball Game

and Fireworks

 
When: July 2nd and 3rd,after the game
Where:Cashman Field
Admission: $14
More info: 702-326-7200

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 FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE

July 3rd - 5th

Summer of the '70s Celebration continues

Faux Fireworks Display on the FSE Canopy

The Little River Band helps the FSE celebrate the  4^th of July weekend from Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5 and highlights Fremont Street Experience’s Viva Vision show.

  The evening of the 4^th of July will also showcase a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy.

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July 3rd - 4th (only):

62nd Annual Boulder City Damboree

When: July 3rd
Where: Boulder City
Schedule: Pancake Breakfast - Bicentennial Park - 7am
Parade - Nevada Way - 9am
Damboree Ceremonies and Midway Booths - Broadbent Park- 11am

Sunday, July 4th

Fireworks Festivities - Veteran's Memorial Park - 6pm
Visit the Boulder Dam Damboree online

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July 3rd:

Summerlin July 4th Parade

The annual Summerlin Patriotic Parade returns July 3rd,  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The parade begins at the corner of Hillpointe Road and Hills Center Drive in The Trails Village of Summerlin.

Participants travel south toward the Village Center Circle roundabout before heading west on Trailwood Drive.

It usually attracts more than 25,000 people. The event is free.

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Las Vegas Springs Preserve

"Red, White and Tunes"

July 3rd

8:00 -10:00 pm

Kick-off your Independence Day weekend with family-friendly fun and patriotic music as the Springs Preserve hosts Red, White and Tunes, featuring a performance by the UNLV Community Band and barbershop/a cappella quartet Ready or Not.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own small folding chairs to the event. Ice cream, snow cones, hot dogs and other summertime goodies will be available for purchase. Please note: There will be no fireworks show at this event.

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Downtown Henderson Fourth of July fireworks & celebration

When: 6-9 p.m. July 4

Where: Henderson Events Plaza and surrounding area

Admission: Free

More Info: 702-267-2171

Attendees will enjoy three stages of live music by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, country music entertainer Randy Anderson and more.

Additionally, families will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of food and beverage options while the children are entertained by an assortment of fun activities including a rock wall, dunk tank, bounce house and more. The

Independence Day celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from atop City Hall.

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UPDATED: 

The Stations Casinos Announces that they are offering the largest fireworks show in town!

Sunday, July 4th!

UPDATED:  FIREWORKS FUN SCHEDULED FOR 8:45 PM

Continuing its 4th of July tradition, five Station Casinos’ properties will host the largest 4th of July fireworks show in Southern Nevada on Sunday, July 4 around 8:45 p.m. for the entire community to enjoy.

The nine-minute fireworks show, named “Station Casinos’ 4th of July Blast” will be in celebration of the nation’s 234th birthday and will be featured at Aliante Station,  Green Valley Ranch Resort,  Fiesta Rancho and  Texas Station as a shared location and Red Rock Resort.

The fireworks show will be produced by Fireworks by the Gruccis of New York, one of the premiere fireworks companies in the world who annually produces the 4th of July fireworks events as well past hotel-casino openings on behalf of Station Casinos.

For guests interested in staying at one of the participating hotel-casinos, Station Casinos now offers a new and exclusive hotel discount program, available only online at www.stationcasinos.com that offers room rate discounts for advance, pre-paid reservations.

UPDATED 7/4:

There will be synchronized musical simulcast on KOAS-FM, 105.7 and KVGS-FM, 107.9.

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UPDATED ON 6/28:

MANDALAY BAY ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS SHOW

Mandalay Bay announced today that it will have a fireworks show on Sunday, July 4th.  Show is scheduled to begin at 9:00 pm.

Reggae band, Mystic Roots will be playing and there is a $25 cover charge.

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UPDATED ON 6/28:

CAESAR'S PALACE ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS SHOW

Caesars Palace announced today that it will have a fireworks show on Sunday, July 4th.  Show is scheduled to begin at 9:00 pm.

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UPDATED ON 6/28:

LAS VEGAS HILTON ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS SHOW

The Las Vegas Hilton announced today that it will have a fireworks show on July 4th.  The fun is set to begin at 9:20 pm

There will be an invitation-only party poolside but the hotel says the best place to view the fireworks will be near the entrance to the Sports Book.

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UPDATED 7/4:

Lake Las Vegas

Minature flags will be given out to the first 3,000 people who arrive at 6:00 pm

The Stinson Brothers will perform and Fireworks go off at 9:00 pm.

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UPDATED:

PRIMM VALLEY

SUNDAY, JULY 4TH

Primm Valley Casino Resorts will celebrate with a fireworks display over the desert in Primm,

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PARTIES

Party with special guest host Kelly Rowland and hear a special performance by the Destiny’s Child diva on July 3 at Pure in Caesars Palace. Doors open at 10 p.m.

On July 3 special guest Big Boi from Outkast treats revelers to a performance in conjunction with the release of his new album “Sir Lucious” at LAX Nightclub in Luxor. Doors open at 10 p.m.  

VooDoo Lounge at the Rio kicks up the heat on July 4th with Red, White & VooDoo hosted by special guest Playboy model Jesse Preston and featuring a patriotic performance by the Fire-N-Ice dancers. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino hosts the Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on July 4th. Sorrentino will be celebrating his and the nation's birthday when he hosts the Hard Rock's renowned pool party.

The Palms Pool & Bungalows Hosts two events. On July 3 at noon its Red, White & Pauly – The official birthday party for New Jersey’s favorite DJ, Pauly D. DJ Pauly D will be spinning and allladies are free. On July 4 at noon it's IndepenDANCE Day, featuring entertainment by Cosmic Gate, Markus Schulz, Jordan Stevens and DJ Scotty Boy. The party starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. There's no cover.

The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower will host the “Red, White and You” pool party on Sunday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m.

It will be the ultimate Independence Day party, open to the public with free cover, drink and food specials and live entertainment. The ultra sexy girls from BITE® and the cast of American Superstars™ will make special appearances throughout the day to ensure the party keeps rocking.

After a full day of partying, revelers will want to head up to Level 107 Lounge or Air Bar, the highest bar in Las Vegas located on level 108. These will be the best spots on the Strip to watch fireworks all over the Las Vegas valley.

Drinks will be flowing with $2 Jello shots, $18 Absolut Exposure pitchers, $9 Independence Punch and $10 vodka-infused baby watermelon.  

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon at the Rio is hosting a three-day party beginning with a keg party on July 1. Revelers can tap the keg and take part in beer drinking with $2 keg stands and beer bongs all night long, along with a beer pong tournament starting at 10 p.m. On July 2, Acoustic Soul, an all-request band, plays from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. On July 3, the bar offers $2 PBR and Keystone cans and the ladies are invited to make their own red, white and blue bikinis and compete in McFadden's bar-top bikini contest. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.  

Rockhouse at Imperial Palace will kick off Fourth of July with the ultimate “Road Trip Weekend” July 1 - 5. Road trip revelers will enjoy complimentary cover, two-for-one beers and well drinks, and beer pong competitions all weekend long. Partygoers will also celebrate the nation’s birthday with the Strip’s rowdiest tailgate party, “Red, White and Booze.” The Independence Day bash will feature a stunning lineup of bikini-clad cocktail waitresses and a tailgate menu including mini corn dogs, chimichangas, hamburgers, chicken fingers and fries.

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Please note that the County's Red, White & Boom has been cancelled and is being replaced by Red, White & Splash --smaller community events at the following county pools:

Laughlin, Nevada announces:

When: July4, the festivities begin just after dusk
Where: Laughlin
How Much: FREE to the public along the Laughlin River walk
More Info: 800-227-5245 or 702-298-2214
Enjoyone of the mostspectaular fireworks display in the West choreographed to fabulous patriotic music simulcast on various local radio stations.