Here are some of our plans for Preservation Projects in 2009:

History Archives:

This program will take the current 130 videotaped interviews of long-time Las Vegas residents and transfer them to the DVD format. Each interview will be on an authored DVD. A sample of individuals interviews include William Laub, Sr; Jim Cashman, Jr; Manny Cortez; Don English; Earl White; Florence Murphy; and Walt Casey.

There exist approximately 1,500-2,000 photographs that need to be authored on to DVD. These photographs come from personal collections that are not currently available to other researchers, scholars and the public.

These DVD interviews will be indexed and include both the moving image as well as an interview transcription.

Roundtable Series:

The Roundtable Series is a monthly event that  brings a panel of three or four “old timers” to talk about Las Vegas history or a particular aspect of our history. These programs are held at the Nevada State Museum, Clark County Museum, and various libraries in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.

Past programs have included such individuals and topics as: Rex Bell, Jr; Pioneering Women of Southern Nevada Journalism; Doin’ the Donut: Cruisin’ Fremont Street; A Salute to the Las Vegas High Rythmettes; Boomin’ Up: Building Boulder Dam; and Growing Up in Early Las Vegas.

Historic Fremont Street Study:

This project will bring together the architectural and social history of Fremont Street chronologically and in its various evolutions into one succinct document.

This project’s goal is to gather the social and architectural history, authenticate its accuracy, and present this information in a final document that captures this fascinating history and brings it together in one place.

Downtown History Series:

Like the Roadshow, this Speakers Series brings together panels of long-time residents to talk about the history of Fremont Street. 

So stay tuned and stay subscribed, we have some wonderful plans for 2008 and will keep you updated as we progress! 

Become a member of the Friends of Classic Las Vegas and help support our efforts.

Even if you are geographically challenged or don't have the time available to help, you can support our efforts by becoming a Friend of Classic Las Vegas.  Click here   to learn how you can help!

The Friends of Classic Las Vegas is joining with the Atomic Age Alliance to help save Frazier Hall on the UNLV campus.  This was the first building built on the campus.  As the University celebrates its 50th birthday this year, we find it very ironic that they want to tear down the first building.  Most universities preserve their first building so that students can get a sense of the history that came before them and how far the university has come from its humble beginnings.

UNLV seems to embrace the too popular notion that because a building is old, regardless of its history, it must be destroyed to make room for the new and better.  It is this idea that is destroying history throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Here's how you can help:

Atomic Age Alliance co-hosts “Save Maude’s Hall” Rally with the Anthropology Society of UNLV in support of the preservation of Maude Frazier Hall, the first building ever built on the UNLV campus.

UNLV History to be Demolished and Re-written

The first classes at UNLV were held here in Maude Frazier Hall on September 10, 1957. It is one of Midtown’s most historic buildings. As the university focuses on the next 50 years, this building is slated for potential demolition within the coming year. On November 29 and 30th the Board of Regents will discuss this decision, whether they will turn their backs on their history and identity, or celebrate this building as a bridge representing the last 50 years of educational growth in Southern Nevada, and as a gateway to the future of UNLV and Midtown redevelopment.

Named for a Female Pioneer of Nevada

persuading the State of Nevada to provide funds for a fledgling university, Maude Frazier’s work is the foundation upon which a substantial portion of Southern Nevada’s educational past, present and future is built. In addition to being a champion of education, Maude Frazier was also a state assembly person and the first female Lieutenant Governor of Nevada. The edifices constructed to celebrate individuals are touchstones by which inspirational spirits may be remembered. Rather then tear down the original and affix Maude’s name to a new irrelevant structure, Maude Frazier Hall should become part of the new master Mid Town plan and saved for the enrichment of generations to come.

The Rally

The “Save Maude’s Hall” rally will bring together student, fans of architecture, alumni and others who care deeply about this important piece of Las Vegas and Clark County history. Special guest speakers will be announced. It will be held from 11:30 to 12:20 making it a convenient lunchtime activity for students and working professionals alike. Local award winning pizzeria, Metro Pizza, has donated pizza for the first rally attendees who arrive.

We hope to see you there!

The Friends of Classic Las Vegas strive to promote better living and preservation of Las Vegas history and landmarks by capturing the stories of our pioneers, educational outreach programs and community awareness and activism!