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

July's Untold Stories is going to look at those who help keep our history alive by collecting Las Vegas ephemera.  From postcards to menus to casino chips, these guys are helping to preserve a very vital piece of our collective memory.

It started as a small hobby that over the years has grown in size.  But without them, many of these pieces would be lost for good.

Please join us and panelists:

Carey Burke

Robert Stoldal

and others as we talk about the hows and whys of their collections and why those collections are so important.

There will be copies of "Las Vegas: 1905-1965", the history book that Carey Burke and I did utilizing a great deal of his postcard collection, will be on sale before and after the panel.  Carey and I will be happy to autograph copies.

Thursday, July 2nd

6:30 pm

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

Admission is $12

It should be a fun evening of history and the panelists are bringing items from their collections as well!

We hope to see you there!

Pete Findlay Oldsmobile

On Thursday, June 4th, Untold Stories will look at Architecture in Las Vegas.  Most people tend to think that Las Vegas has very bland architecture with just cookie cutter type homes and McOffices.  But our past (and present) is filled with wonderous examples of soaring architecture and many of these wonderful buildings are still standing, though they may be harder to see these days buried behind new facades.

Panelists include:

Architect Eric Strain of Assemblage Studios

Karen Zick Goff, daughter of architect Walter Zick (who designed the Mint Hotel)

Brian "Buzz" Leming, neon designer

Check back as other panelists are added to the list!

Untold Stories

The Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Desert Learning Center

Thursday, June 4th

6:30 pm

Admission is $12

Thanks to RoadsidePictures (Allen Sandquist) for the Pete Findlay photo.