Another excellent lunch meeting! We had a full crowd; 43 people came to hear Mr. Rex “Tony” Bell, Jr. Rex shared
memories of his mom and dad, Hollywood movie actors Rex Bell and Clara Bow, as well as his experiences as the Clark County District Attorney. Members of our group had lots of great questions to ask and some of the answers by Rex were really enlightening. Soon you will be able to hear parts of the presentation on the website.
Rex was able to reconnect with several grammar school chums: John Ullom, Gretchen Payne, and Rollie Gibbs. It was really great to see such long-standing friends get together and reminisce. Who says Las Vegas is a transitory town?
We paid special tribute to the memory of Dick Taylor, the most recent member of our group to leave us. Rich asked for a moment of silence to remember Dick.
A few members, Bo Boisvert and Frank Valeri, brought in photos from their working days. What an AMAZING collection they both have. Neither one would let me take the pictures home to scan, but they promised me they’d make some copies. Thalia Dondero also shared with me some photo copies of the Helldorado Rodeo from around the 1950s.
I’m hoping the rest of our group will bring in their old photos. I will scan and return them, I promise. I just think it’s important to save them.
Speaking of Hellorado Days, three of our members are very involved in the organization and the event, which will take place during the months of April and May. Rollie Gibbs is once again serving on the Board and Jim Marsh and Thalia Dondero are serving as judges.
Our next meeting is Monday, April 18th. Our speaker is Jane Ann Morrison, columnist
for the Review Journal. Hope to see all of you then. In the meantime, Happy Spring!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
A Serendipitous Meeting I Will Never Regret
I never regret anything I’ve done in life, although there are a few things I shake my head at and say, “What was I thinking?” The reason I have no regrets is that no matter what I’ve done, there seems to have been a purpose and a lesson behind it. I’m the ultimate optimist and have gone through life seeing things just that way. How I met the members of the Las Vegas “Old Timers” Media Group is just such an example of a silver lining from a dark cloud, or period, in my life.
In 2001 my husband and I had just returned to Las Vegas after trying to make a go of it in a small, rural western New York village. I had wanted badly to return to small town life, to live where neighbors actually made eye contact with you and fresh produce could be purchased from the local farm down the road. It was a great experience – for the first couple of years. By the third winter that lasted six months, I was ready, as was my husband, to head back to the desert.
Luckily, we had the wisdom to rent out our home so we had a place to move back to. My husband had maintained contact with his former employer so, another spot of luck, he was rehired. For me, however, I went months without employment. Through a friend-of-a-friend, the way Las Vegas used to hire good employees, I received an invitation to interview at Jackie Gaughan’s downtown casino, The Plaza. First I was offered a position as Food and Beverage manager. I turned it down as one, I had no experience in that field and, two, I didn’t want to work in a smoky, old casino. While I thought I’d have to keep looking I received another offer from the Plaza, “How would you like to be Convention Manager?”
That position didn’t sound so bad; after all I knew how to plan and throw a good party. As I had no other offers pending and the pay wasn’t too bad, I reluctantly took the job. I lasted all of nine months, but while there I met some amazing people, both employees and clients. Frank Mitrani and his group were one of my favorites.
The “Old Timers” as they like to call themselves have been meeting for over a decade. When they came to me at the Plaza, they were looking for a place to hold their monthly meeting where they could eat and socialize for a price they could afford. It took a little convincing to my bosses, but I was able to book the group for the price of meals alone. It was during their monthly meetings that I came to know Frank and become familiar with the group.
I was drawn to find out more because I was (and still am) a “wanna-be-writer” and the group name, Las Vegas Media Group, seemed like a good place to start my future career. I was a little mistaken, however, as the members were retired from the world of journalism and weren’t in much of a position to further my career aspirations. But, they were really nice people who liked to get together and reminisce about Las Vegas history so I always stuck around to listen.
Frank never intended his quasi-club to be exclusive and anyone expressing an interest in history was welcome to join them at their meetings. He promptly placed me on his email list. From then on I received a monthly reminder about the day, time and place of the meetings.
Sometime in 2002 I left the Plaza, found a few other great opportunities that led me in the direction of the career I enjoy today – that of historian, college professor, and writer. While on that path I had little time to visit my old friends at the Las Vegas Media Group luncheons, but would make an appearance every now and then.
When, in 2008 I was hired to conduct a research history of the Spring Mountains, I knew just the place I needed to go. I went to a lunch meeting, was welcomed like an old lost friend, and received great leads on little-known stories about the history of Mt. Charleston to make my final report a rich one. After that re-acquaintance, I have been to almost every meeting since.
I see in this group of men and women, professional and hobby historians and long-time Las Vegans, a rich, diverse treasure trove of knowledge. I realize that so many of their members have passed on. Many of them are in the winter of their lives and when it is their time to say “So long,” with them goes their stories, recollections, and memories. It is my goal to gather and preserve those that remain. Each and every meeting is full of friends sharing their stories over a good meal and among good company. What more could a girl ask for?
No, I have no regrets because I am wise enough to know that every life experience is an opportunity. I know that taking that job that I didn’t really fit into was just my luck. I was in the right place at the right time and came away with a lifetime of great friends.
Now that I’m a member, I never really agreed with the group referring to themselves as “Old Timers” because I didn’t see myself as one. I suspect that down the road I will feel like I fit right in with that description – with no regrets whatsoever.
In 2001 my husband and I had just returned to Las Vegas after trying to make a go of it in a small, rural western New York village. I had wanted badly to return to small town life, to live where neighbors actually made eye contact with you and fresh produce could be purchased from the local farm down the road. It was a great experience – for the first couple of years. By the third winter that lasted six months, I was ready, as was my husband, to head back to the desert.
Luckily, we had the wisdom to rent out our home so we had a place to move back to. My husband had maintained contact with his former employer so, another spot of luck, he was rehired. For me, however, I went months without employment. Through a friend-of-a-friend, the way Las Vegas used to hire good employees, I received an invitation to interview at Jackie Gaughan’s downtown casino, The Plaza. First I was offered a position as Food and Beverage manager. I turned it down as one, I had no experience in that field and, two, I didn’t want to work in a smoky, old casino. While I thought I’d have to keep looking I received another offer from the Plaza, “How would you like to be Convention Manager?”
That position didn’t sound so bad; after all I knew how to plan and throw a good party. As I had no other offers pending and the pay wasn’t too bad, I reluctantly took the job. I lasted all of nine months, but while there I met some amazing people, both employees and clients. Frank Mitrani and his group were one of my favorites.
The “Old Timers” as they like to call themselves have been meeting for over a decade. When they came to me at the Plaza, they were looking for a place to hold their monthly meeting where they could eat and socialize for a price they could afford. It took a little convincing to my bosses, but I was able to book the group for the price of meals alone. It was during their monthly meetings that I came to know Frank and become familiar with the group.
I was drawn to find out more because I was (and still am) a “wanna-be-writer” and the group name, Las Vegas Media Group, seemed like a good place to start my future career. I was a little mistaken, however, as the members were retired from the world of journalism and weren’t in much of a position to further my career aspirations. But, they were really nice people who liked to get together and reminisce about Las Vegas history so I always stuck around to listen.
Frank never intended his quasi-club to be exclusive and anyone expressing an interest in history was welcome to join them at their meetings. He promptly placed me on his email list. From then on I received a monthly reminder about the day, time and place of the meetings.
Sometime in 2002 I left the Plaza, found a few other great opportunities that led me in the direction of the career I enjoy today – that of historian, college professor, and writer. While on that path I had little time to visit my old friends at the Las Vegas Media Group luncheons, but would make an appearance every now and then.
When, in 2008 I was hired to conduct a research history of the Spring Mountains, I knew just the place I needed to go. I went to a lunch meeting, was welcomed like an old lost friend, and received great leads on little-known stories about the history of Mt. Charleston to make my final report a rich one. After that re-acquaintance, I have been to almost every meeting since.
I see in this group of men and women, professional and hobby historians and long-time Las Vegans, a rich, diverse treasure trove of knowledge. I realize that so many of their members have passed on. Many of them are in the winter of their lives and when it is their time to say “So long,” with them goes their stories, recollections, and memories. It is my goal to gather and preserve those that remain. Each and every meeting is full of friends sharing their stories over a good meal and among good company. What more could a girl ask for?
No, I have no regrets because I am wise enough to know that every life experience is an opportunity. I know that taking that job that I didn’t really fit into was just my luck. I was in the right place at the right time and came away with a lifetime of great friends.
Now that I’m a member, I never really agreed with the group referring to themselves as “Old Timers” because I didn’t see myself as one. I suspect that down the road I will feel like I fit right in with that description – with no regrets whatsoever.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Meeting Recap
We had a great turnout today for our lunch meeting. In Rich Friedland’s place, Cork Proctor took the helm and read our announcements and introduced our speaker, Michael Green, history professor and author. His topic, Las Vegas Myths Revealed (I took artistic license on that title!) was a hit; he had some great stories to share. I will get the audio up on the website soon so those of you that missed it can listen. Thanks, Mike for sharing your knowledge and stories.
Mike’s talk prompted many of our members to share some of their own stories and myths, as well as ask for answers to some they may have heard.
We had a few new faces today: Ms. Peggy King, wife of Las Vegas entertainer, Sonny King. I have her email address so Peggy will be sure to attend future meetings. Also in attendance was James and Gina Marie Slemons (hope I have the spelling correct); guests of Jim Marsh. We also had the pleasure of seeing an old friend, Ralph Denton and his lovely wife, Sarah. Hope to see you at more meetings.
Hope all of you saw the Las Vegas Sun article today: Born and raised: Natives offer perspectives on why Las Vegas will always be home. Our very own Gretchen and Don Payne and Mark Hall-Patton are highlighted. The Las Vegas Media Group (That’s US!) is even mentioned. Click the link to see the article.
Next month Cork will bring a special guest to share their own bit of history with our group.
Remember, tomorrow at the Clark County Board of Commissioners, Dick Taylor is receiving a proclamation giving him the title, Historian Laureate of Mt. Charleston. Hope to see some of you there. The meeting begins at 9:00 AM and is located at 500 S grand Central Pkwy. (across from the outlet mall between Charleston and Bonneville).
Mike’s talk prompted many of our members to share some of their own stories and myths, as well as ask for answers to some they may have heard.
We had a few new faces today: Ms. Peggy King, wife of Las Vegas entertainer, Sonny King. I have her email address so Peggy will be sure to attend future meetings. Also in attendance was James and Gina Marie Slemons (hope I have the spelling correct); guests of Jim Marsh. We also had the pleasure of seeing an old friend, Ralph Denton and his lovely wife, Sarah. Hope to see you at more meetings.
Hope all of you saw the Las Vegas Sun article today: Born and raised: Natives offer perspectives on why Las Vegas will always be home. Our very own Gretchen and Don Payne and Mark Hall-Patton are highlighted. The Las Vegas Media Group (That’s US!) is even mentioned. Click the link to see the article.
Next month Cork will bring a special guest to share their own bit of history with our group.
Remember, tomorrow at the Clark County Board of Commissioners, Dick Taylor is receiving a proclamation giving him the title, Historian Laureate of Mt. Charleston. Hope to see some of you there. The meeting begins at 9:00 AM and is located at 500 S grand Central Pkwy. (across from the outlet mall between Charleston and Bonneville).
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Recent Passing: Dick Taylor
Although we all knew it was inevitable, it is with a very heavy heart that I pass along the news that Dick Taylor has passed on. According to his daughter, Tina, he went in his sleep peacefully last evening (Thursday) at around 6:00 pm. I had the chance to talk with him briefly on Tuesday and he sounded tired, but it was always good to hear his voice. I know we will all miss him and we send our best to his family. Here is the email passed on from the family with information on services:
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, Dick Taylor. He died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10th (the same day that his father passed in 1974), surrounded by family. See the following links for his obituaries in the Las Vegas Review Journal and the LA Times. Feel free to add a comment in the Legacy Memory Book we are compiling in his honor (linked through each obituary).
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/lvrj/obituary.aspx?n=richard-taylor&pid=149212825
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?n=richard-blackburn-taylor&pid=149212067
We will be having a small graveside service in Palm Springs on Saturday, March 19th, and a celebration of his life on Sunday, March 27th in Mt. Charleston.
Thank you for being a part of our father's life. He enjoyed the associations he had with his many friends and family throughout the world. He truly tried to make the world a better place by helping people understand that we are all connected and that we should all just get along!
Member Talent: Ed Dodrill
At the November meeting, Ed Dodrill shared a cowboy poem he wrote:
The cowboy’s last goodbye
By Ed Dodrill
Based on an old Jewish Joke
The Johnson’s came by early,
To say their last goodbye
As old Hagen lie awaiting
His journey toward the sky
The neighbors had been dropping by
Not knowing what to say
Since Parson Bell announced he might
Not live another day
No one knew when he settled here,
But his deed reads number one
And Hagen always came around
When work had to be done
The old settler often showed his grit
When life put him through hell
He never once would turn his back
Nor on misfortunes dwell
The sun was still a shining
When he opened up his eyes
And Mae was sitting at his side,
Though that was no surprise
He managed to produce a smile
And gently turned his head
“You’ve always been here at my side,”
The dying cowboy said
“You were there when the storm of ‘28
Wiped out half our herd
When the prairie fire burned our
house,You never said a word
And you were riding at my side,
Checking out the herd
The day before the sheriff said
They all must be destroyed
Fire, disease and awful weather,
Blown in straight from hell
Came to settle at our ranch
More times than I can tell
And every time the wrath of God
Came nipping at my heels
You were right there with me Mae,
Do you know just how that feels?
And so Mae, I must tell you,
As my final hour sinks
Today I finally realize,
Mae, you’ve been a jinx
The cowboy’s last goodbye
By Ed Dodrill
Based on an old Jewish Joke
The Johnson’s came by early,
To say their last goodbye
As old Hagen lie awaiting
His journey toward the sky
The neighbors had been dropping by
Not knowing what to say
Since Parson Bell announced he might
Not live another day
No one knew when he settled here,
But his deed reads number one
And Hagen always came around
When work had to be done
The old settler often showed his grit
When life put him through hell
He never once would turn his back
Nor on misfortunes dwell
The sun was still a shining
When he opened up his eyes
And Mae was sitting at his side,
Though that was no surprise
He managed to produce a smile
And gently turned his head
“You’ve always been here at my side,”
The dying cowboy said
“You were there when the storm of ‘28
Wiped out half our herd
When the prairie fire burned our
house,You never said a word
And you were riding at my side,
Checking out the herd
The day before the sheriff said
They all must be destroyed
Fire, disease and awful weather,
Blown in straight from hell
Came to settle at our ranch
More times than I can tell
And every time the wrath of God
Came nipping at my heels
You were right there with me Mae,
Do you know just how that feels?
And so Mae, I must tell you,
As my final hour sinks
Today I finally realize,
Mae, you’ve been a jinx
Betty Bunch Named One of Las Vegas’s Best 10 Living Showgirls
BETTY BUNCH
1956 Moro-Landis Line, Sahara
1962 "Gotta Get to Vegas," Dunes
1963 Dick Humphries Dancers, Riviera
1964 Jimmy Durante Girl, Desert Inn
1965-1967 "Bottom's Up," Castaways
This Texas native calls being a showgirl "the answer to a lifetime dream."
"I knew when I was 9 that I was going to be a professional dancer," says Bunch, 76, who today writes for Prime View (a publication of Stephens Media, parent company of the Las Vegas Review-Journal).
Bunch -- who dated comedian Shecky Greene for three years -- says showgirls were treated "like royalty" back then.
"We could go into any showroom and the maitre d' would just say, 'Oh hi, come in and have a drink.' They might not have known us by name. But they recognized the showgirl makeup and the height."
Full List can be found at: http://www.lvrj.com/living/104657334.html?imw=Y
1956 Moro-Landis Line, Sahara
1962 "Gotta Get to Vegas," Dunes
1963 Dick Humphries Dancers, Riviera
1964 Jimmy Durante Girl, Desert Inn
1965-1967 "Bottom's Up," Castaways
This Texas native calls being a showgirl "the answer to a lifetime dream."
"I knew when I was 9 that I was going to be a professional dancer," says Bunch, 76, who today writes for Prime View (a publication of Stephens Media, parent company of the Las Vegas Review-Journal).
Bunch -- who dated comedian Shecky Greene for three years -- says showgirls were treated "like royalty" back then.
"We could go into any showroom and the maitre d' would just say, 'Oh hi, come in and have a drink.' They might not have known us by name. But they recognized the showgirl makeup and the height."
Full List can be found at: http://www.lvrj.com/living/104657334.html?imw=Y
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
member updates (jan)
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! Hope your holidays were safe and enjoyable. Glad they are over, right? The New Year is off to a great start. I wanted to provide updates on some member news and to tell you about our next few meetings.
First, we have finally secured the esteemed historian, Mr. Michael Green, to be our January speaker. He is a professor of history at the College of Southern Nevada, the author of several books and writes for local publications. In addition, he is an all-around-stand-up-guy and we are so honored to have him come and share his knowledge of Las Vegas history with us. Frank has been trying to get him to speak before our group for some time, so we are lucky he has the time to come.
In February, Cork Proctor has someone lined up. More information on that when I talk with Cork.
Dick Taylor continues to fight his battle with ill health; our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dick. Stay Strong!!!!
Speaking of Dick Taylor, he is being honored with a wonderful recognition for all of his years promoting and preserving the history of Mt. Charleston. On Tuesday, January 18th, Dick is receiving a Proclamation for Historian Laureate of Mt. Charleston from the Board of County Commissioners. The meeting to present this proclamation will be held at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway and begins a 9:00 AM. Anyone can attend and it would be a wonderful show for Dick for his posse to be there.
Another member, Jim Marsh, is being recognized by the F.I.O.R.E. Non-Club Club for his generosity in helping a local resident receive necessary surgery. This event takes place at Italian America Social Club January 13th, 2333 E. Sahara at 11:30 AM. Reservations are required if you wish to attend. Cost for the lunch and event is $20.00. Send your R.S.V.P.’s to Nelson Sardelli at nsardelli@aol.com.
Rich Friedland has a new CD out. For those of you lucky enough to attend the December meeting, you got a free CD. He has copies available for purchase and since Rich is so funny, it’s worth every penny! We’ll ask him to bring some to the January meeting.
Read Kid Cary’s latest story about his mom and the Nevada Club at Kid Cary’s Las Vegas
Thanks to Carl Floyd for his great updates and forwards.
Welcome to new member, Ms. Adele Z.Z. Zorn. Find out more about her at Vegas Community Online
Mark your calendars for our next meeting date: Monday January 17 at the Wedding Room. Dr. Michael Green is our presenter.
Remember to send me your member updates so I can be sure to share them with the group.
See you then.
702 245-9206
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