Las Vegas Sun News

1996

A bit of Louisiana debuting in Vegas: Orleans hotel-casino opens its doors today; Wednesday, December 18, 1996; By Ed Koch, Bob Shemeligian; The $173 million Orleans hotel-casino opens its doors at 7 tonight, bringing an upscale property reminiscent of the French Quarter to Las Vegas. The 840-room resort, developed by Coast Resorts -- owner of the Gold Coast and Barbary Coast -- tries to capture the authenticity of Bourbon Street from its hand-carved door frames, lattice work and ornate ceiling trim to its restaurants featuring Cajun dishes such as crawfish and jambalaya.

Hacienda glory days recalled: Tuesday, December 31, 1996; Debra D. Bass; But self-professed "old-timers" admit that the best part of the Hacienda can't be destroyed by an elaborate pyrotechnic display and implosion.

1997

A new 'Apple': Scaled-down New York, New York, opens in Vegas; Saturday, January 4, 1997; Associated Press; Visitors showed a voracious appetite for the Little Big Apple Friday, turning out by the tens of thousands to gawk and gamble at the $460 million New York-New York Hotel & Casino.

Full PEPCON explosion probe hampered: Thursday, July 31, 1997; By Mary Manning; Capt. Robert James said he'd like to take a look at what happened near Cedar City, Utah, after the same company that owned and operated Pacific Engineering & Production Co. of Nevada suffered another fiery blast Wednesday.

Harrah's to unveil $200 million expansion: Wednesday, October 22, 1997; Gary Thompson; But if you were to do it with Harrah's Entertainment, the word would be "focus."

1998

Harrah's buys Rio hotel-casino: Monday, August 10, 1998; Gary Thompson; The merger gives Harrah's an upscale all-suites Las Vegas property at Flamingo Road and Valley View Boulevard with a highly popular brand name, as well as a bigger stake in a new airline that will help transport Harrah's customers between its 20 casinos around the country.

1999

Mandalay Bay ready for magic: Resort to beckon guests into a 'world of escape' when doors open tonight; Tuesday, March 2, 1999; Gary Thompson; Mandalay Bay opens to the public tonight about 11 p.m., but the Circus Circus Enterprises Inc. president welcomed media members Monday with a speech brimming with optimism.

Gamers face wider fraud lawsuit: Tuesday, June 22, 1999; David Strow; A group of attorneys suing virtually every major casino operator and slot manufacturer is asking a federal judge for access to documents they say will prove a long-term effort was made by industry players to intentionally mislead slot players.

French-themed hotel-casino opens on Vegas Strip: Wednesday, September 1, 1999; Robert Macy, Associated Press; Beneath a 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower, next to a casino featuring slot machines touting "Le Jacque Pot," guests began registering Wednesday at this gambling capital's latest effort to go global.

Still opulent and extravagant, the 'Folies Bergere' celebrates the big Four-O: Friday, December 10, 1999; Kimberley McGee; They won't go silently into the night. They still claim it with kicks and twirls in the longest-running production show on the Las Vegas Strip, the "Folies Bergere" at the Tropicana hotel-casino.

2000

Sahara coaster to be Las Vegas' fastest: Monday, February 28, 2000; By Richard N. Velotta; A Maryland company that has pioneered theme park rides propelled by electromagnetic fields is building the fastest roller coaster in Las Vegas at the Sahara hotel-casino. The new ride, which will open in late March or early April and has been named "Speed-The Ride," was developed by Premier Rides, Millersville, Md.

Desert Inn marks 50th anniversary: Monday, April 24, 2000; David Strow; In a city where casinos seem to come and go like tumbleweeds blowing in the wind, there's something special when one property actually lives to see its 50th birthday.

Last of cocktail waitresses settles suit with casino: Monday, July 10, 2000; Greg Tuttle; The trial in federal court filed against a Las Vegas hotel-casino by six cocktail waitresses came to an end today when the last woman accepted a cash settlement rather than a jury verdict.

Strip says adios to El Rancho: Tuesday, October 3, 2000; Jace Radke; THE 13-STORY El Rancho hotel-casino tumbles to the ground early in the morning on Oct. 3, 2000. The building, which belongs to Florida-based Turnberry Associates and has been vacant since 1992, was imploded by Las Vegas-based LVI Environmental Services Inc. and Maryland-based Controlled Demolition Inc. Turnberry Associates is currently building Turnberry Place, a high-rise condominium project, adjacent to the doomed El Rancho, but no plans for the land where the hotel sat have been announced. R. MARSH STARKS / LAS VEGAS SUN

Fireworks open Terrible's at old Continental site: Thursday, December 7, 2000; By Las Vegas Sun Staff; The locals-oriented property, located on Paradise Road at Flamingo, opened shortly after 6 p.m. at the site of the old Continental hotel-casino. The property, extensively improved, is the third owned by Herbst brothers Ed, Tim and Troy, though it is their first in Las Vegas.

2001

Way cleared for Wynn's Le Reve: Tuesday, October 23, 2001; Jace Radke; One of the Desert Inn's towers was brought down by booming explosions this morning, closing a chapter in the life of the historic property that is being transformed into Steve Wynn's new megaresort.

Palms ready to open, will cater to everyone: Friday, November 9, 2001; David Strow; To a city spoiled by a three-year wave of megaresort openings, next Thursday's debut of the Palms hotel-casino might not seem that big of a deal.

2002

Last legs: Friday, January 4, 2002; Angie Wagner; Sequined dancers lie on the stage as it lowers them in front of an audience eager to be mesmerized by mystique and beauty. Swirls of orange and pink feathers come to life, fluttering and fading into a blur of a single graceful movement.

Nevada's first state college opens its doors: Tuesday, September 3, 2002; Jennifer Knight; At 7:30 this morning Natashia Masterson, 18, was the first student to walk through the door of the Nevada State College at Henderson--unceremoniously marking the birth of Nevada's first state college.

After 50 colorful years, resort remains a “jewel”: Friday, October 4, 2002; By Liz Benston; It was called the "Jewel of the Desert" when it opened in 1952 on a windblown plain that was home to only five other casino resorts. The modest two-story motel -- formerly called "Club Bingo" -- was a harbinger of the extravagance that was to bloom decades later in the desert. The Sahara opened with the area's first Olympic-size swimming pool.

Desert Oasis: Sahara's rich entertainment history recalled at 50: Friday, October 4, 2002; By Jerry Fink; Marlene Dietrich onstage in the Congo Room, with Burt Bacharach at the piano.

2003

Tuscany unveils casino: Monday, January 20, 2003; Sun Staff; The Tuscany hotel celebrated the opening of its casino Friday.

Record jackpot claimed by Calif. engineer: Monday, March 24, 2003; Jean Reid Norman; Judy Selasky of Lavonia, Mich., didn't hit the big one on Friday. Neither did Dee Cluck of Henderson, Suzee Groth of Las Vegas or Kim Wong of Kailua, Hawaii.

Blaze is latest chapter in hotel's storied history: Thursday, May 29, 2003; By Ed Koch; The Moulin Rouge has been everything from an icon to an eyesore -- and its roller-coaster ride through history may not yet be over.

Dream of revitalizing Moulin Rouge suffers blow: Friday, May 30, 2003; For decades, bringing financial viability to the Moulin Rouge has been an elusive dream.

Horn still critical after attack: Monday, October 6, 2003; By Mary Manning; Famed magician and animal trainer Roy Horn remained in critical but stable condition this morning after Friday's onstage mauling, doctors at University Medical Center said.

2004

Sahara optimistic over monorail, coveted land: Sunday, June 13, 2004; By Richard N. Velotta; Al Hummel is looking forward to the day that the people coming through the door of the Sahara hotel-casino are new customers who found their way to the historic property on the monorail and not people in business suits looking to buy the place.

Hughes' legacy looms large in LV: Thursday, December 23, 2004; By Ed Koch; Howard Hughes -- record-setting aviator, Las Vegas casino mogul, acclaimed film producer, eccentric recluse -- was as much myth as he was man.

2005

A history of change: Friday, January 28, 2005; By Ed Koch; Las Vegas is celebrating its centennial this year despite its history of imploding its history.The old railroad ice house, historic casinos such as the Sands and the Dunes and numerous other sites of yesteryear have been wiped off the desert floor to make way for the growth of America's foremost boomtown.

Las Vegas Centennial: LV: 100 years, 21 sites: Thursday, May 12, 2005; Kirk Baird; Las Vegas is a city more often concerned with its present than its past, as made evident by the hoopla surrounding the opening of Wynn Las Vegas.

Valley settlers defied the odds: Friday, May 13, 2005; By Ed Koch; As Las Vegas celebrates its 100th birthday this weekend amid much prosperity and growth of recent decades, it is difficult to imagine that at several points in the town's history it could have dried up and blown away.

Mercury hits 110 for 9th straight day: Thursday, July 21, 2005; By Mary Manning; As daytime temperatures dropped seven degrees in the Las Vegas Valley on Wednesday, Southern Nevada still managed to break a record.

Boardwalk runs out: Wednesday, October 19, 2005; By Liz Benston; On Friday, parent company MGM Mirage mailed letters to the Boardwalk's 749 employees, informing them that they will lose their jobs Jan. 9, but will be allowed to apply for open jobs at other company properties.

2006

Warming raises scientists' concerns: Weather Records:; Tuesday, January 3, 2006; By Launce Rake; According to the National Weather Service and the Western Climate Research Center, Las Vegas could at least tie the record for the warmest year, in average temperature, in recorded history.

Columnist Jack Sheehan: On the gradual disappearance of the statuesque icons, symbols of Vegas: Sunday, January 15, 2006; Last October, for the 15th time, I interviewed the champion of our annual PGA Tour event for the crowd surrounding the 18th green at the Tournament Players Club at Summerlin. This past year it happened to be a 41-year-old rookie from Texas named Wes Short Jr.

2007

'Dust to dust: Sunday, March 18, 2007; Liz Benston; As a chronicler of casinos, it's my job to remember the old and usher in the new. Attending my first implosion and watching the past crumble firsthand triggered complex emotions that can only be described as a mix of sentiment and excitement at this icon of the past disintegrating against the rush to modernize.

ROBERT GOULET: 1933 - 2007: 'Camelot' baritone, Vegas headliner was arts advocate; Wednesday, October 31, 2007; By Ed Koch; Goulet died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he was sent Oct. 13 from Las Vegas for an emergency lung transplant after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

2008

Deadly casino fires helped rewrite safety standards: Friday, January 25, 2008; Las Vegas residents and visitors have witnessed plenty of fires damage and destroy various hotels over the years.

MGM fire changed safety standards: Friday, January 25, 2008; By Mary Manning; The 1980 MGM Grand fire altered safety standards in both Nevada and across the nation.

Past tragedies at Las Vegas resorts led to safer visits for today’s guests: Saturday, January 26, 2008; By Mary Manning; The hotel fire with the second-largest loss of life in United States history took place on Nov. 21, 1980, when the 26-story MGM Grand Hotel and Casino burst into flames, killing 87 people and injuring 700. At the time the MGM spouted a plume of black smoke seen throughout the Las Vegas Valley, there were no requirements for sprinklers, no smoke detectors in rooms and no way to contact guests in their rooms once the electricity was cut off.

World Series of Poker: Tuesday, February 12, 2008; By Ed Koch; Throughout the final day’s play at the 1997 World Series of Poker, Stu Ungar periodically reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a photo of his daughter, Stefanie.

Historic Huntridge could face destruction

Historic Huntridge could face destruction: Theater owner wants out of state preservation deal; Thursday, February 28, 2008; By Joe Schoenmann; The owner of the historic Huntridge Theatre, designed by famed theater designer S. Charles Lee and once owned by Oscar-winning actress Loretta Young, is seeking a state ruling that would allow him to destroy the building, leaving Las Vegas nostalgia buffs in stunned silence.

The booth was big enough for both of ’em: Jack Sheehan on a meeting between two of Las Vegas’ most notorious criminals; Sunday, March 2, 2008; In Las Vegas terms, it was like Godzilla meeting King Kong. Or maybe Al Capone bumping into John Dillinger.

Owner says he’s tried to find use for Huntridge: LOOKING IN ON: CITY HALL: He wants to save theater, he says, but effort has dead-ended; Friday, March 7, 2008; By Joe Schoenmann; The owner of the historic Huntridge Theatre says he doesn’t want to see the landmark torn down.

For a time, Las Vegas Park, shown in the early 1960s, looked as if it might be one of the nation's top tracks. But it stumbled out of the gate, suffering from bankruptcy, corruption and poor attendance.

A sad saga: horse racing in Las Vegas: Upon Further Review: Dream of first-rate track here hit snag after snag and died, but not before captivating Sun founder and countless others; Tuesday, April 29, 2008; By Rob Miech; Las Vegas Park might have become one of the premier Kentucky Derby prep races. Maybe Big Brown or Z Fortune would have raced here in a Las Vegas Handicap or Silver State Stakes in recent months.

Don’t mourn what is gone; celebrate what has survived: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Kristen Peterson; In a city where the past is continually being wiped out, Historic Preservation Month could be a sour time for exhausted preservationists constantly spinning the same old record.

A guide to Las Vegas Historic Preservation Month: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Kristen Peterson; Despite its frantic immediacy, Las Vegas has a story.

Mob Ties: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch, Mary Manning; They were law enforcement’s pests and the casino industry’s parasites, arriving in Las Vegas as the feds cracked down on gambling coast to coast. They were the mob — gangsters, hoodlums, thieves, small men — Las Vegas’ founding fathers. Their influence locally lasted about half a century, although their impact on those formative years will forever be threaded into the tapestry of Las Vegas’ lore and history.

Showtime: How Sin City evolved into 'The Entertainment Capital of the World': Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch, Mary Manning, Dave Toplikar; Before central air conditioning and eye-catching neon lights, the Las Vegas Strip entertainment scene started in the western-themed El Rancho Vegas, a motor lodge located on Highway 91.

Desert oasis drying up: Valley's water supply dwindles with climate change, population growth; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; The Las Vegas Valley is seeking ways to squeeze every drop of water out of all available desert resources.

Las Vegas weather can be a gamble: Snow, flash floods, and even tornadoes shake up normal heat wave; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Experimental computer models tell scientists that the jet stream, the river of air flowing around the world, could mean drier conditions in the southern tier of the United States, according to Kelly Redmond, regional climatologist with the Desert Research Institute's Western Regional Climate Center in Reno.

Conscience of the community: Sun founder Hank Greenspun fought for little guy; left lasting legacy; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch, Mary Manning; Where in the world was Hank Greenspun?

Boulder City: A gateway to the past: Town home to Hoover Dam, but not casinos; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Natasha Shepherd; Located half an hour outside of the bright lights of Las Vegas lies a quiet town that some might consider to be the Mayberry of Southern Nevada. Although the town has grown, it still displays parts of its beginning.

The other Vegas: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Jenna Kohler; Just north of the twinkling lights of the Las Vegas Strip is a city founded on the morals of a pious man from Utah, only to be taken over by bootleggers during Prohibition, discrimination by local banks and finally split into two cities by community developers.

Where the fighter pilot calls home: Nellis AFB grew from a dirt runway to housing the world's most squadrons; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By April Corbin; While it's nicknamed the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," Nellis Air Force Base, located in the northeast part of the Las Vegas Valley, is home to much more than just fighter pilots. With nearly 12,000 military personnel and civilians and more squadrons than any other Air Force base in the world, the 14,000-acre base plays a vital role in the U.S. military operations.

Fremont Street: A block with experience: How a dusty main street transformed into a neon-lit gambling mecca; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Rob Ponte; The canopy of lights that hangs over Fremont Street has a bit of a hypnotic, and fully intentional, effect on the people below. Walking through a crowd of hundreds who stand perfectly still, eyes cast upward on the synchronized 12.5 million LED lights and ears tuned to the 550,000-watt sound system is one of the city's most whimsical experiences.

Battle-born Henderson now 'A Place to Call Home': Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Michael Lyle; The city of Henderson was born during War World II to produce adequate amounts of magnesium for military supplies, such as airplane parts. The Basic Magnesium Plant was built in 1943 in Southern Nevada, creating Henderson. The city was comprised of workers and engineers from the plant as well as their families.

Home of Sin City's original sin: Block 16 housed prostitues, alcohol during prohibition; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Stephanie Kishi; Dusty saloons, gambling tables, whiskey and gin flowing like a river, and of course, scantily-clad women with loose morals. That describes many towns in classic Western movies, but don't expect John Wayne or Clint Eastwood to ride into this one. That's because this place was real, this place was Block 16.

Desert highway turned destination: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; A small slice of the once humble Highway 91, a two-lane road that offered an arduous trip between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, has become one of the most famous streets in the world: the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas Showgirls: Show and (a lot to) tell: Number of showgirls may be shrinking, but their iconic stories live on; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Behind the glitz, the glamour and the greasepaint, Las Vegas showgirls created an image of “Sin City” second to none.

Howard Hughes: A revolutionary recluse: Hughes changed Strip landscape with corporately-owned casinos; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Howard Hughes was one of the brightest figures in Las Vegas’ neon history. But he came to Las Vegas under the cover of darkness during Thanksgiving weekend in 1966. Hughes rode in on a fortune. His father had invented an oil well drill bit that could penetrate hard rock, leaving his son one of the richest people in the world.

Siegfried & Roy: Las Vegas' magic duo: Illusionists amazed audiences with help of white tigers; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; One of Las Vegas’ most successful acts was born on the high seas when Siegfried Fischbacher met Roy Horn on a cruise ship in 1957. Siegfried worked as a cabin steward, Roy as a waiter. The pair began doing magic tricks for the ship’s passengers and eventually got their own show.

Tying the knot with ease or Elvis: 'Wedding Capital' offers variety of ceremonies, themes; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Each couple coming to Las Vegas to wed has a unique reason.Whether the ceremony is spur of the moment or needs an Elvis, Gothic or Star Trek theme, this 24/7 town offers a round-the-clock wedding schedule, including drive-through services at some chapels — great for those celebrities in hiding.

Wayne Newton owned the Strip: 'Mr. Las Vegas' will go down as entertainer, but also owned the Aladdin; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch; In 1980, Wayne Newton, affectionately known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” got a taste of what Frank Sinatra had experienced for much of his life — accusations of mob association.

The many colors of Mayor Oscar Goodman: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch; He touted the benefits of drinking gin to a fourth-grade class, recommended that graffiti taggers have their thumbs cut off and suggested that brothels would be one solution to revitalizing a run-down Fremont Street.That’s our quirky Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Elvis has yet to leave the building: Despite his untimely death 30 years ago, The King's legacy in Las Vegas lives on through tribute artists, impersonators and even 'Flying Elvi'; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Elvis Presley’s opening night on July 26, 1969, at the International Hotel (now the Las Vegas Hilton) had Las Vegas Sun columnist Ralph Pearl eating crow.

Bill that transformed a city: Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch; The Wide Open Gambling Bill of 1931 was the cornerstone on which Las Vegas’ economy was built.

'Bugsy' Siegel - The mob's man in Vegas: Siegel left his mark and myth in Sin City; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch; In builder Del Webb’s storied career, he was never more nervous than when he was general contractor for the construction of the Flamingo Hotel.

Atomic testing burned its mark: Test Site employed thousands, put many more at risk; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning; Nuclear weapons testing — atomic fireballs in Nevada’s predawn skies — began six years after the first atomic bomb, Trinity, exploded on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico.

'Eighth Wonder of the World': Workers suffered hardships, death to build historic Hoover Dam; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Ed Koch; Each year, about 10 million people visit Hoover Dam. Although most are awed by its sweeping architectural design and impressive size, not many are aware of the hardships endured by those who, from 1931 to 1935, built what was then the nation’s highest dam and costliest water project.

A Gamble in the Sand: How Las Vegas transformed itself from a railroad watering hole to the 'Entertainment Capital of the World'; Thursday, May 15, 2008; By Mary Manning, Andy Samuelson; Despite the pull of its gaming and glamour, this city is like many other major metropolises — a community that cares about its citizens, relishes its own distinct economic and social roles, and offers individuals the ability to fulfill and flourish within their own desires and dreams. And the small railroad town that was formed a little more than 100 years ago didn’t become “The Entertainment Capital of the World” on pure luck, either.

Clockwise from left: Atomic testing: This aboveground nuclear explosion in 1957 was one of 100 set off in the desert 65 miles north of downtown Las Vegas at the test site, which opened in 1951 and eventually employed a total of more than 100,000 people.

Gaming: Gamblers play roulette at the Apache Casino on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas during the 1930s. Nevada relegalized gambling in 1931, paving the way for the development of modern Las Vegas, after outlawing it in 1910.

Hoover Dam: Built in the 1930s, the dam created Lake Mead, the source of 90 percent of Southern Nevada's water supply. Along with the nearby Grand Canyon, the dam is a major tourist attraction, with many choosing to see it from the air.

Personalities: Peter Lawford, from left, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop -- the Rat Pack -- perform in January 1960 at the Sands. People flew to Las Vegas from all over the world to see their act.

How Vegas became a city like no other: >> INTRODUCING lasvegassun.com/history: Mix mobsters, visionaries and stars with desert, add decades; Sunday, May 18, 2008; By Ed Koch; For what was for so long a small town, Las Vegas always has been about big things. The gangsters and the gaming pioneers were larger than life. The entertainers were the biggest and the brightest of stars. Even the bombs were huge, as towering mushroom clouds from aboveground atomic testing in the 1950s were as iconic as the flickering neon and the stretch of skyscraper resorts that would become the signatures of this desert oasis.

Project required collaboration, old-fashioned digging: HOW WE DID IT:; Sunday, May 18, 2008; By Dave Toplikar; The Las Vegas Sun has unveiled a rich multimedia chronicle of the city’s history, from its humble birth as a railroad stop to its present-day status as the entertainment capital of the world.

The remains of the Cook Bank building in Rhyolite are silhouetted against mountains. The ghost town was founded by miners and pioneers in the early 20th century after gold was discovered nearby.

Places threatened by the times: Preservation group’s list of endangered places includes Southern Nevada landmarks; Friday, May 30, 2008; By Kristen Peterson; Preserve Nevada recently named its 11 endangered places throughout the state — as the nonprofit statewide preservation group has for the past six years.

To celebrate icon’s 50th birthday, movement afoot for national recognition

To celebrate icon’s 50th birthday, movement afoot for national recognition: preservation:; Thursday, September 25, 2008; By Kristen Peterson; Tourists from all over the world pose for photos under the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign.

Motor Court Cabin, left, originally in Las Vegas, is now on Heritage Street at the Clark County Museum, which features rescued historic houses from throughout the area.

Here today, there tomorrow: DAILY MEMO: PRESERVATION : In the Las Vegas Valley, saving historic buildings and artifacts often involves moving them; Thursday, October 2, 2008; By Kristen Peterson; Las Vegas is always about the next big thing — and a move-it-or-lose-it attitude that pummels the city’s past.

St. Joan of Arc Church, built in 1939 to replace the original chapel, can accommodate 400. While 400 families are registered with the parish, Mass attendance swells with tourists from nearby casinos.

100 years of service: History: St. Joan of Arc celebrates distinction as oldest Catholic church and parish in Las Vegas; Saturday, October 4, 2008; By Ed Koch; The parish of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church celebrates its 100th birthday today, a milestone that its pastor, the Rev. Timothy Wehn, credits to the “continuity of faith” displayed by parishioners, tourists and the homeless, and the stable leadership of a devoted clergy.

On Sept. 8, 1961, Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal testifies before the Senate Investigations Committee in a probe of organized gambling. He reportedly oversaw gaming secretly at several Las Vegas casinos.

Mob-era gambling boss was ‘Old Vegas’: FRANK ‘LEFTY’ ROSENTHAL:; Thursday, October 16, 2008; By Ed Koch, Mary Manning; With the heart attack-related death Monday of Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal , 79, at his Boca Raton, Fla., home, the book may finally be closed on one of the most colorful periods — and people — in Las Vegas history.

Douglas Unger, left, and H. Lee Barnes, plus a small scattering of the novels that have been written about Las Vegas--including, bottom right, Barnes' own, The Lucky.

Life, letters and Las Vegas: A conversation between Douglas Unger and H. Lee Barnes; Thursday, October 30, 2008; By Scott Dickensheets; If you want to have a conversation about writing and Las Vegas, it would be hard to find a better-matched pair than Douglas Unger and H. Lee Barnes.

A picture of the original Sands casino floor, left, is given color and new life in the exhibit, which could be accessible to the public within a year.

The Sands’ virtual renewal: VINTAGE VEGAS: Italian graduate students reviving history in project with UNLV; Sunday, November 16, 2008; By Charlotte Hsu; It’s a project at the intersection of history and technology, meant to rekindle the magic of old Las Vegas.

2009

This monument dedicated to Bugsy Siegel, in the Flamingo Hotel gardens, is the only monument in the world honoring a mobster and a murderer.

Lawyers, guns ... and money: The Strip Sense: Why a mob museum in Las Vegas would be criminally successful; Thursday, January 22, 2009; By Steve Friess; A legitimate mob museum at the beautiful, restored historic old federal building Downtown would be an enormous success for Las Vegas.

A glimpse of the County's centennial exhibit.

Century markings: Exhibit celebrates Clark County, the place to be for 100 years; Thursday, January 29, 2009; By T.R. Witcher; When the city of Las Vegas celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago, Mark Hall-Patton, administrator of the Clark County Museum, knew that his institution would have to rise to the challenge—because the county’s centennial is this year.

Dave Bauman shows a 1493 edition of "Nuremberg Chronicle" to Anastasia, left, and Claudia Soare of Los Angeles at Bauman Rare Books, in the Shoppes at the Palazzo. The item, one of the oldest printed books and an exemplar of early publishing, is priced at $150,000.

Bookworms' apple on Strip: Books: Purveyors of rare tomes show that not all Vegas draws need be glitzy; Thursday, February 5, 2009; By Kristen Peterson; When David and Natalie Bauman opened an antiquarian book store on the Strip a year ago, it seemed a daring move — even though the couple have been buying and selling rare and expensive books for more than 30 years.

Sorry, Sammy: History: Years before Davis, Josephine Baker was desegregating Vegas casinos; Thursday, February 19, 2009; By Richard Abowitz; It seems almost like a fairy tale in which a lone black woman—before the civil rights movement, before the integrated Rat Pack appeared on the Strip, even before the Voting Rights Act—stood against the powers that were in Vegas in 1952 and won.

County celebrates 100 years with a look at mining: Mining, key in county's history, to be focus of centennial discussion; Monday, March 23, 2009; By Jeff Pope; Clark County will continue to delve into its 100-year history with a look at mining operations in the next of a series of discussions celebrating the county’s centennial anniversary.

A witness to history: Lifelong Nevadan to be buried in historic St. Thomas Cemetery; Wednesday, March 25, 2009; By Jean Reid Norman; In 1933, Laurence Murphy’s mother selected the spot in Overton where the St. Thomas Cemetery would be moved once the farming community was flooded by the waters of Lake Mead. On Friday, Murphy, who saw much of Southern Nevada history unfold over his 79 years, will be buried there with his parents and siblings.

Denise Scott Brown stands in the desert in 1966. Two years later she returned with students from Yale to study Las Vegas architecture.

An early chapter in Vegas architecture: Books: New offering revisits 1968 Yale study of city’s iconic structures; Thursday, March 26, 2009; By Kristen Peterson; A stylish new art book revisits a 40-year-old study of the commercial iconography of Las Vegas that changed the way people talked about architecture.

This decorative basket was recently donated to the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas by Lawrence and Harriet Stay, descendants of Helen Stewart. The gift was facilitated by James Martin, Helen Stewart's great-grandson, and museum volunteer Paul Carson.

Historic Native American basket finds its way back to Las Vegas: Decorative basket on display at Nevada State Museum; Friday, March 27, 2009; By Becky Bosshart; After more than 80 years in a private collection, spirited away from its Las Vegas origin by the ancestors of a pioneering family, a historic Moapa Paiute basket has returned home. The decorative basket, created by a skillful weaver in the early 20th century, is on display in the lobby of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.

Dancer Michelline Padilla waits for her cue at Tropicana's Tiffany Theatre. "Les Folies Bergere" was first staged in Las Vegas in 1959. As of Saturday night, the show will have been performed 29,000 times.

Photos: Final bow for ‘Folies Bergere’: VINTAGE VEGAS:; Friday, March 27, 2009; By Leila Navidi; Almost 50 years have passed since “Folies Bergere” staged its first performance at the Tropicana. “Folies Bergere” will stage its last performance at the Tropicana on Saturday night.

The intersection of Fifth and Fremont streets.

The real origins of Vegas: Book designed to dispel some popular myths as it traces the desert city’s humble beginning; Thursday, April 9, 2009; By Kristen Peterson; Local historians and preservationists have the not so glamorous job of debunking Las Vegas myths. The lies are perpetuated in documentaries, on Web sites and in books. Even a downtown placard has it all wrong. That this happens is fascinating, but not entirely shocking. Las Vegas history, for years, has been swept under the rug and replaced by sexy stories as dazzling as the facades on the Strip. Maybe it’s because the Old Stewart Ranch doesn’t have nearly as much juice as the fictional stories of Bugsy Siegel “creating” the Strip by “building” the Flamingo.

In Las Vegas, the past tends to disappear fast: DAILY MEMO: HISTORY: Catch these signs of our time before they’re gone; Friday, May 1, 2009; By Kristen Peterson; To celebrate Archaeology Awareness and Historic Preservation Month, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office encourages residents to take historic walking tours and visit archaeological sites throughout the state.

County and state officials announced on Thursday that earlier this month, the 50-year-old "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign had been added to the National Register of Historic Places. From left to right: Clark County Manager Virgina Valentine, Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, Nevada Historic Preservation Officer Ron James and YESCO Vice President and General Manager John Williams.

‘Fabulous’ sign garners historic designation: Officials announce Las Vegas icon is making its way to National Register; Thursday, May 21, 2009; By Amanda Finnegan; The “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is now officially etched into history. Clark County officials announced today that the famous Las Vegas landmark has been accepted into the National Register of Historic Places. The sign, which has welcomed visitors since 1959, was inducted into the register on May 1 after months of research and paperwork by Clark County officials. A plaque was placed at the sign today, marking its place in the registry. “The sign is one of the few landmarks on the Strip that has lasted 50 years,” Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid said.

Probe into Moulin Rouge fire finds human link: fire investigation: Arson, cooking are possible causes of May 6 blaze, officials say; Wednesday, June 17, 2009; By Mary Manning; Las Vegas Fire Department investigators said today there is a human link to the May 6 four-alarm fire at the Moulin Rouge. Fire officials said the 54-year-old landmark near downtown Las Vegas was "incendiary," meaning people were involved in the fire, said Jace Radke, a spokesman for the city of Las Vegas. Neither arson nor vagrants cooking in the two-story apartment building at the historic building on Bonanza Road can be eliminated.

From left, Barb Morris, Katherine Kirk and Peggy Durfey prepare to play the role of Erma Godbey at ages 80, 20 and 50, respectively. The trio will perform in a production showcasing Godbey's life while she lived in Boulder City. The group is scheduled to perform in October for the annual 31ers Reunion and will continue with tours of local schools.

History to come alive at 31ers reunion: Boulder City:; Thursday, June 18, 2009; By Jinae West; The history of Boulder City will come alive at the 54th annual 31ers Reunion Luncheon later this year. The October luncheon will include historical monologues, skits, research presentations and videos highlighting the city’s history. Organizers describe the program as an educational showcase and hope to expand it beyond the luncheon into the curriculum of local schools, as well as bringing it to other community events. The annual event is scheduled for Oct. 10 at the College of Southern Nevada building, 700 Wyoming St., to honor the city and the people who helped to build Hoover Dam, starting in 1931.

The historic Boulder Dam Hotel, a part of Boulder City since 1933, is out of money and will close Saturday until further notice. The hotel needs to raise $250,000 to reopen.

Historic Boulder Dam Hotel out of money, shutting down: Thursday, July 9, 2009; By Jean Reid Norman; The historic Boulder Dam Hotel, which since 1933 has been home to celebrities, royalty and bums, will close Saturday until further notice. The board of the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association, which owns the hotel, restaurant and Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum at the site, voted Wednesday night to close the operation because it has run out of money.

Elvis Presley helped transform Las Vegas, beginning in July 1969, by showing that entertainment could turn a profit for hotels.

Summer of ’69 gave us more than just Woodstock: DAILY MEMO: HISTORY:; Tuesday, July 14, 2009; By Joe Brown; Any moment now, the news cycle and national conversation will shift from political scandals and celebrity deaths to hippie hype: Aug. 14 is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, the epic four-day rock festival which drew more than 30 bands and more than 300,000 fans to a farmer’s field in Bethel, N.Y.

The historic Boulder Dam Hotel in downtown Boulder City was built in 1933.

Could mystery donor save historic Boulder Dam Hotel?: Lawyer suggests anonymous donor may be willing to put up $260,000 to save historic hotel; Thursday, July 16, 2009; By Jean Reid Norman; An angel may be waiting in the wings to save the Boulder Dam Hotel. Board members of the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association are scheduled to meet Thursday with lawyer Ralph Denton about facilitating a contribution that could reopen the historic hotel and its museum. Denton told the board during a special meeting Wednesday night that he is willing to negotiate with the board and an anonymous donor to bring in $260,000 to keep the museum operating into the new year.

'Far-Away Frank' and his nemeses reminisce about mob days: Las Vegas history:; Saturday, August 8, 2009; By Kyle B. Hansen; The mafia was the center of attention Friday night in the Clark County Commission Chambers, as the room played host to a panel discussion on the mob in Las Vegas. The panel is part of a monthly series celebrating the county’s 100th anniversary. The event offered a unique platform for people once on opposing sides of organized crime to come together.

The Barrick: looking to attract more attention.

Full-court press: UNLV’s Barrick Museum tries to reinvent its game; Thursday, September 3, 2009; By T.R. Witcher; The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, tucked inside an average building on the UNLV campus, is the kind of place that can be hard to find even if you’re among the small percentage of Las Vegans who have been there before.

Consultant considered to help raise money for Boulder Dam Hotel: Thursday, September 17, 2009; By Jean Reid Norman; Members of the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association are weighing whether to pay a professional fundraiser $60,000 to help it raise $1 million to $2 million to retire its debt on the Boulder Dam Hotel and establish an endowment for its upkeep.

Western writer Zane Grey, portrayed by David Fenimore, brings history to life performing a monologue of his adventures Saturday during the annual Boulder City Chautauqua at the Boulder Theatre.

Boulder City Chautauqua brings history back to life: Sunday, September 20, 2009; By Kyle B. Hansen; The approximately 300 people who attended the Saturday afternoon performance of the Boulder City Chautauqua got a glimpse of a colorful character — author Zane Grey. UNR Professor David Fenimore portrayed Grey at the annual event, dressed in high boots, a vest and a wide-brimmed hat. Grey is an author who lived from 1872 to 1939 and was known for his stories about the old West.

Holocaust survivor shares painful memories with students: Wednesday, September 23, 2009; By Tiffany Gibson; Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser doesn’t need a serial number tattoo to remind him of his childhood spent in a concentration camp. He said he will have the experience etched in his mind forever. During his time imprisoned by the Nazis, Lesser was pistol whipped, starved and stabbed. He lost family members. But he never lost his faith.“Why was I so fortunate to live?” Lesser said. “God needed a witness.”

During the 2007 Civil War Days in the Battle Born State, a Civil War reenactment, Don Ancell from California, portraying President Abraham Lincoln, surveys the Union troops at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

Reenactment captures Civil War down to smell of the gunpowder: Friday, October 30, 2009; By Erin Dostal; This weekend, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park will be a battlefield full of hundreds of warriors from Utah, Arizona, California and Nevada. And, no, they won’t be fighting about health care.

Clark County Manager Virginia Valentine speaks at the burying of a time capsule at the Clark County Government Building. The event marks the end of a year of festivities celebrating the county's centennial. The time capsule is set to be opened for the county's bicentennial celebration in 2109.

County leaders capture moment in time: Commissioners bury time capsule to be opened by their successors in 100 years; Wednesday, December 9, 2009; By Erin Dostal; In 2109, Clark County’s future commissioners will open a capsule containing a peek into history. Clark County’s commissioners buried a time capsule Tuesday morning at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Parkway. The burial of the capsule commemorates a year of events dedicated to the county’s centennial celebration. Each commissioner placed an item in the capsule.

A longtime jazz singer, television and radio personality, civil rights leader and advocate for minority-owned businesses, William H. "Bob" Bailey adds writer to his list of occupations. Bailey is author of a book "Looking Up! Finding My Voice in Las Vegas," which explores the racism that existed in Las Vegas in the 1950s and 1960s.

Breaking down the barriers in Las Vegas: Longtime jazz singer, civil rights activist tells his story in a new book; Monday, December 14, 2009; By Steve Kanigher; Bob Bailey says it is “humbling, almost embarrassing,” every time he drives by the Dr. William H. “Bob” Bailey Middle School, which has carried his name since 2006.

Sandy Murphy reacts along with her attorney, Michael Cristalli, in November 2004 in District Court when jurors found her not guilty of killing casino figure Ted Binion, but guilty of conspiring to commit burglary and/or larceny as well as guilty of burglary and grand larceny.

Murphy has tough road to prove case against state: COURTS:; Tuesday, December 22, 2009; By Steve Kanigher; Sandy Murphy is going to great lengths to clear her tarnished image as a defendant in the highly publicized death of Las Vegas casino executive Ted Binion, but she’s a long shot to succeed in the courts.

2010

Jim and Jan Hawkins look at a pictures of Boulder City in 1960 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Boulder City charter Saturday night at the Boulder Dam Hotel.

Residents celebrate 50th anniversary of Boulder City's charter: Sunday, January 10, 2010; By Tiffany Gibson; Boulder City residents partied like it was 1960 Saturday night during the 50th anniversary celebration of the city’s charter. Residents and city officials came dressed in ’60s attire and looked at past photographs of Boulder City’s buildings, while enjoying music and hors d’oeuvres at the Boulder Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona St.

The City of Las Vegas is expected to begin construction on the Neon Boneyard Park on Feb. 8, 2010. When completed, the park will function as an extension of the Neon Museum campus.

City to begin construction on Neon Boneyard Park: Saturday, February 6, 2010; By Amanda Finnegan; Spread over two lots in downtown Las Vegas, gated behind chain-link fences, sit more than 150 pieces of vintage Vegas. The relics belong to the Neon Museum, which has been collecting old signs since 1996 and showcasing them throughout the city and at its Neon Boneyard.

Priscilla and Elvis Presley at their wedding at the Aladdin in Las Vegas.

Elvis Presley: A love affair: History: For better or worse, Elvis Presley and Las Vegas formed a bond — in business and in pleasure — that endures; Sunday, February 14, 2010; By Steve Kanigher; Las Vegas love affairs are notoriously short-lived, making the one that is in its 47th year all the more special. For all the Elvis slot machines and all the Flying Elvi and all those Elvis impersonators, we still can’t seem to get enough.

Former students and teachers gather for a group photo in front of Las Vegas Grammer School No. 1, the oldest school building still standing in Las Vegas, on Saturday.

Former students, teachers join open house at Historic Westside School: Saturday, March 20, 2010; By Kyle B. Hansen; For Carmen Quinones, a brief news report Friday set off a mad dash to look through old boxes. Her goal: find photos of her class at the Las Vegas Grammar School Branch No. 1. “I have boxes and boxes of old photos,” said Quinones, 64.

Mayor: Time short for 141 Las Vegas city jobs to be saved: May 5 council meeting to show how private sector dealt with budget cuts, layoffs; Thursday, April 15, 2010; By Dave Toplikar; Time is ticking away for Las Vegas city employees unions to reach agreement with the city or face 141 layoffs, says Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Members of the Basic High School Marching Band play Saturday during the Henderson Heritage Parade.

Henderson celebrates its heritage with parade and festival: Saturday, April 17, 2010; By Kyle B. Hansen; Hundreds of people lined Water Street in downtown Henderson on Saturday for the city’s annual Heritage Parade and Festival. Sandra and Gordon Kunaschk sat in folding lawn chairs in front of the Eldorado Casino to watch as more than 70 groups walked the parade route.

Ghosts of fun times past: The abandoned Rock-A-Hoola water park, June 14, 2010.

Slip slidin’ away: A visit to the haunting emptiness of a once-iconic water park; Thursday, July 8, 2010; By Deanna Rilling; A writer finally overcomes her fear of zombies and explores a long-abandoned water park in the middle of nowhere.

Michael Hiltzik, second from left, talks about Hoover Dam's construction at Friday evening's history panel at the Boulder City Chautauqua. Hiltzik, two Nevada historians and Laura Kelly Smith, a lifelong resident, discussed the city's early years and its relationship to the dam.

Panel explores relationship between Boulder City, Hoover Dam: Saturday, September 18, 2010; By Dylan Scott; Out of the depths of the Great Depression, supported by the construction of Hoover Dam in the Black Canyon, Boulder City was born.

Museum lets visitors take part in reenactment of train robbery: Thursday, September 23, 2010; By Dylan Scott; Witness a train robbery on the Nevada Southern Railway this weekend — and you can be one of the passengers.

Steven C. Barber, photographed in Henderson on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, is a Summerlin resident who has made a documentary, "Return to Tarawa," about all the dead Marines left on that island during World War II. His movie prompted Congress to give another $400,000 to seek more of the bodies.

Documentary ‘Return to Tarawa’ brings back WWII memories: Military:; Monday, October 18, 2010; By Joe Schoenmann; Caught up in work and family, traffic and economic strife, it’s easy to forget what came before. Even a year ago is hard to remember. So when you meet someone with a memory as sharp as Leon Cooper’s, it can be jarring.

Historian: Modern presidents losing bully pulpit: SIX QUESTIONS:; Thursday, October 21, 2010; By Tom Gorman; Doris Kearns Goodwin, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and presidential author, wonders whether modern presidents have lost their bully pulpit to the noise of the fractious media and Internet bloggers.

The new sign for the Neon Boneyard Park in Las Vegas Monday, November 15, 2010.

Shining new light on Las Vegas’ past: City park next to the Boneyard, a museum of classic neon, is latest effort in preservation; Wednesday, November 17, 2010; By Kristen Peterson; Crews switched on the sign for the Neon Boneyard Park in a trial run Monday night, lighting the small park and its midmod décor, which will probably become a destination in itself, a welcome time warp in a city that nearly forgot its past. Located next to the Boneyard — an outdoor museum of old Las Vegas signs near Cashman Field — the enclosed park features boomerang-shaped benches, decorative cinder block walls and a folded-plate roof that serves as a canopy over futuristic-style tables and chairs.

A look at a partially unearthed Columbian Mammoth tusk Thursday in the proposed Tule Springs National Monument area located in the northern part of the Las Vegas Valley.

Mammoth tusk discovered near North Las Vegas: Friday, December 3, 2010; By Erin Dostal; A paleontologist revealed Thursday the discovery of a seven-foot-long Columbian Mammoth tusk in an area near North Las Vegas rich with fossils.

Damage is shown after vandals used spray paint on historic rock art panels at Red Rock Canyon.

Police make arrest in Red Rock vandalism case: Wednesday, December 8, 2010; By Rich Coleman; Metro Police arrested a juvenile Wednesday in connection with graffiti recently found on ancient rock art panels at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Cyclists travel down a newly renovated path at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road. Clark County officials unveiled improvements to 140 acres of the park Tuesday afternoon.

Sunset Park renovation helps put focus on frontier history: Wednesday, December 15, 2010; By Erin Dostal; The focus of a newly renovated portion of Sunset Park is partly on preserving what’s old: Southern Nevada’s desert frontier history.

2011

Paradise Palms is history: Residents looking for official designation; Wednesday, February 2, 2011; By Kristen Peterson; Does Paradise Palms, a 1960s-era swank residential enclave of mid-mod homes, have a place in history?

What's a sign worth? In Las Vegas, it's invaluable: Wednesday, March 9, 2011; By Kristen Peterson; Davy's Locker's sign is being restored, thanks to some local love

An archival image of an aerial view of Paradise Palms

Slice of '60s suburbia ... Las Vegas style: Exhibit showcases swank Paradise Palms and Boulevard Mall in photos; Thursday, August 11, 2011; By Kristen Peterson; When developer Irwin Molasky planned the area in the 1960s, the question was “Who’s going to go way out there?” says Paradise Palms resident Clay Heximer.

A side view of the El Rancho's Oct. 3, 2000 implosion. The building was demolished to make room for Turnberry Place, a set of high-rise luxury condominiums.

Out with a bang: 10 Strip implosions: Thursday, August 25, 2011; By Las Vegas Sun Staff; It's almost as much a part of Las Vegas culture as slot machines and showgirls: When it's time to take down a massive building, resorts on the Strip do it with a bang.

Josh Elliott is photographed near the intersection of Frank Sinatra and Industrial Road in Las Vegas Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

Push to change street's name to Sammy Davis Jr. Parkway grows: Saturday, August 27, 2011; By Steve Kanigher; Drive as far north as you can on Frank Sinatra Drive and you face two choices, a left turn onto Dean Martin Drive or a right onto Industrial Road. For a Rat Pack fan like Josh Elliott there’s something wrong with that intersection.

Alana Milawski, 3, waves an American flag as she sits on her father Craig Milawski's shoulders during a candlelight vigil at the Thomas & Mack Center Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001, held to honor those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

10 years later, Las Vegas Sun photo of girl with flag still resonates: Remembering Sept. 11:; Saturday, September 10, 2011; By Conor Shine; Alana Milawski doesn’t remember the day that made her famous. Just 3 years old at the time, Alana was with her family at the Thomas & Mack Center for a candlelight vigil the night after the 9/11 attacks.

Historic magazine kept in UNLV Special Collections in Las Vegas Friday November 11, 2011.

UNLV's 2D time capsule: Clues to Las Vegas’ past are hidden in plain sight at the Special Collections; Thursday, December 8, 2011; Lynn Comella; Clues to Las Vegas’ past are hidden in plain sight at the Special Collections.

2012

Former Las Vegas headliner Danny Thomas to appear on postage stamp: Sunday, January 8, 2012; By Jackie Valley; Former Las Vegas headliner and founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Danny Thomas will grace the cover of a new postage stamp.

Liberace and Elvis Presley trade jackets and instruments in an impromptu jam session at the Riviera on Nov. 14, 1956.

Happy Birthday, Elvis: A look at his deep ties to Las Vegas: Monday, January 9, 2012; By Las Vegas Sun Staff; With this week's anniversary of Elvis’ 77th birthday, the King of Rock 'n' Roll's impact on Las Vegas is still celebrated more than three decades after his death.

Local artist Terry Ritter works on a mural for the new airport terminal at McCarran, Friday Jan. 13, 2012. The 8-foot-by-50-foot mural captures the essence of Vegas by depicting a line of dancing showgirls.

From showgirl to showcase: Terry Ritter's art sets the scene at McCarran's new terminal: The Arts:; Sunday, January 22, 2012; By Kristen Peterson; Artist Terry Ritter gradually removed the furniture from her spacious living room and replaced it with three panels of a 50-foot canvas. Her mission was to create a painting that says Las Vegas like nothing else can: a stage scene of leggy ladies decked with ostrich feathers, jeweled neckwear and fan-shaped headpieces.

The front page of the Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1981, edition of the Las Vegas Sun on the Hilton fire.

Deadly Hilton fire was 31 years ago today: History:; Friday, February 10, 2012; By Las Vegas Sun Staff; It was 31 years ago today, at about 8 p.m., that a fire ripped through the Las Vegas Hilton — once known as the International Hotel and now as LVH - Las Vegas Hotel — trapping some guests in hotel rooms while others used sheets to climb to safety.

'Maintain the truth,' Holocaust survivors ask Clark County middle-schoolers: Friday, February 17, 2012; By Gregan Wingert; Las Vegas resident Lydia Lebovic, 84, never got to say goodbye to her mother and younger sister, who were pulled away from her at Auschwitz and taken to a gas chamber to be executed.

Former police chief Ray Sheffer stands in front of the Las Vegas Police Station in 1959.

As police chief, Ray Sheffer improved training, later worked on the Strip and prompted the use of AC in cabs: obituary:; Thursday, February 23, 2012; By Ed Koch; Ray Sheffer, who started the first police academy in the valley when he served as the Las Vegas police chief, was one of several local government officials who helped end segregation of Strip hotels, ran security for the Desert Inn and prompted the use of air conditioners in cabs, has died at age 87.

Proposition bets for this years Superbowl at the Las Vegas Hotel's SuperbookTues. Jan. 31, 2012.

A look at 6 legendary Las Vegas sports book figures: Gaming:; Monday, March 12, 2012; By Ron Sylvester; Race and sports books weren’t always staples on the Strip. What used to be stand-alone shops in the shadows grew up in the 1960s, came into the casinos in the ’70s and went high-tech in the 1980s and ’90s. Now, you can make bets on your smartphones. Here are some of the figures that helped build the modern sports books in Las Vegas:

Calcium carbonate deposits are seen in the Elington Preserve area of the the upper Las Vegas wash in North Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday Aug. 12, 2009.

Legislation preserving fossil-rich area north of Las Vegas as national monument expected this year: Tuesday, March 20, 2012; By Joe Schoenmann; Long-awaited legislation to turn a large patch of desert filled with thousands of ice-age fossils north of Las Vegas into a national monument operated by the National Park Service will be filed later this year.

Old-school restaurants, Las Vegas style: History:; Saturday, March 24, 2012; By Gregan Wingert; With millions of visitors arriving each year, Las Vegas is home to thousands of restaurants. But few of them can lay claim to dating back to "Old Vegas." Here's a look at several stand-alone restaurants that have stood the test of time.

A view inside Golden Steer, 308 W. Sahara Ave., just west of the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, March 23, 2012.

Celebrity diners, traditional atmosphere, classic food are common ingredients at Las Vegas' oldest restaurants: History:; Saturday, March 24, 2012; By Gregan Wingert; If given voices, the wood-paneled walls at The Golden Steer probably would reminisce like tuxedoed waiter Fernando Camacho does, sharing stories about steakhouse’s famous patrons, including Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali and Tony Spilotro. The restaurant is one of Las Vegas’ longest-running restaurants and remains a pocket of preserved Las Vegas history. Red velvet chairs wait tucked under tables displaying elegantly set dining wear.

Las Vegas nightspots through the years: Those that left an impression and why: Wednesday, March 28, 2012; By Tovin Lapan; Las Vegas was not dubbed “The Entertainment Capital of the World” for nothing. Ever since the 1930s people have come to what is now known as The Strip to drink, dance, smoke and revel into the early morning hours.

Former fire marshall who ushered in safety laws after MGM Grand Hotel fire dies: Tuesday, April 3, 2012; By Cy Ryan; CARSON CITY - Thomas J. Huddleston, Nevada's state fire marshal who pushed through tough safety laws after the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel blaze in Las Vegas that claimed 87 lives, has died in Poulsbo, Wash. after a lengthy illness.

Michael and Jennifer Watkins, of Seattle, ride Insanity at the top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas on Tuesday, June 7, 2011

King Kong, fire and other Stratosphere facts: BACKGROUNDER:; Friday, April 6, 2012; By Las Vegas Sun Staff; Casino developer Bob Stupak had envisioned an 1,800-foot tower when he set off to build his Stratosphere, but the Federal Aviation Administration wouldn’t have it. Still, the tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, according to its owner.

Owner and executive chef of Bernard's Bistro, E. Bernard Tordjman, is seen in his restaurant Friday, April 6, 2012.

Lake Las Vegas chef revels in all things Titanic, will re-create ship’s last meal: Food:; Friday, April 13, 2012; By Conor Shine; When the Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, its cargo contained, among other things, 75,000 pounds of fresh meat, 40,000 eggs and 40 tons of potatoes. Unfortunately, most of that food never made it to the table, as the famously “unsinkable” ship perished in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after striking an iceberg four days into its journey.

Nevada may push more children's services onto community groups: State Government:; Tuesday, April 24, 2012; By David McGrath Schwartz; Unable to provide services to the state’s youngest children with physical and developmental disabilities, the state is considering shifting more of the responsibility to nonprofit community providers.

A Macaw spreads his wings at the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

Two years after fire, nature sanctuary humming along, hosting festival: Attractions:; Thursday, April 26, 2012; By Gregan Wingert; Three emus taking a mud bath are use to seeing a speeding motorized scooter charioting William Gilcrease, a 93-year-old dressed in blue jean overalls and a safari hat who is fluent in bird calls.

The new Miss Atomic Bomb, Holly Madison.

Learning from and repeating history with the Miss Atomic Bomb photo recreation: Wednesday, May 16, 2012; By Sarah Feldberg; Was it really necessary to put Holly Madison in a mushroom cloud swimsuit?

Curator Alvarez passionate about Las Vegas history and culture

Curator Alvarez passionate about Las Vegas history and culture: Q&A:; Saturday, May 19, 2012; By Kristen Peterson; It’s not unusual to hear Brian “Paco” Alvarez on KNPR one day, run into him at the Beat the next and then find him at a Fremont East watering hole later that week or at a Fifth Street School forum or lecture.

Firefighters respond to reports of explosion; find vacant building in flames: Sunday, June 3, 2012; By Jackie Valley; A fire at a vacant office structure possibly inhabited by homeless people caused $45,000 damage early Sunday morning, fire officials said.

Geoffrey Ellis of the Vegas Vernacular Project photographs an area near Main Street and Bonanza Road in downtown Las Vegas on Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Photo project chronicles Las Vegas history via unheralded downtown signs: Saturday, June 16, 2012; By Brian Nordli; Geoffrey Ellis and a crew of three volunteers are on a treasure hunt at Main Street and Bonanza Road. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much to discover, just a few buildings with names like “Don’t Do It Bail Bonds” and “Arrowhead Radiator Service.” Their signs aren’t printed, but hand-painted and filled with slight imperfections. They seem like relics of a forgotten era in the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas.

Blaze destroys home in North Las Vegas; multiple dogs killed: Saturday, June 23, 2012; By Brian Nordli; A fire at a home in North Las Vegas displaced a family and killed multiple dogs on Saturday, North Las Vegas Fire Department officials said.

Overheating refrigerator causes $80K in damage to town home: Sunday, June 24, 2012; By Jackie Valley; A town home fire that began in a refrigerator Saturday night displaced a family of four and caused $80,000 damage, officials said.

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