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Acknowledgments I received encouragement and assistance from many, none more than Donna Shandler Balboni, my wife. She proofed every sentence, usually several times, made numerous valuable suggestions about the integration of material, and urged me to press forward when repeated rebuffs from potential interviewees weakened my resolve. My goal of writing a book about the Italian-American role in the growth and development of Las Vegas would have remained no more than that without her substantial commitment of time and expertise. I am indebted to University of Nevada, Las Vegas History Professor Eugene Moehring. His many criticisms of my initial writing efforts and his insightful recommendations regarding the organization of material greatly improved the quality of the finished product. In addition, I am one of many students of Las Vegas history who has benefited from Dr. Moehring's well-documented Resort City in the Sunbelt: Las Vegas, 1930-1970. Many colleagues cheerfully offered assistance. Joseph Albini,Thymios Carabas, Ron Farrell, Andrea (Andy) Fontana, Candace Kant, and Jerry Simich were most helpful among the several University of Nevada, LasVegas and Community College of Southern Nevada faculty members who made useful suggestions about either research techniques or more effective communication. The librarians at these two institutions and the LasVegas-Clark County Library District were always helpful. Special thanks go to Susan Jarvis and her associates in Special Collections at UNLY. Dave Millman and Letty Meinhold of the Twin Lakes Museum and Historical Society patiently assisted me in my efforts to learn about LasVegas Italian-American pioneers. Jerome Edwards, Editor of the Wilbur S. Shepperson Series in History and Humanities, and Thomas R. Radko, Director of the University of Nevada Press, often gave me much-needed encouragement during the past three years. I appreciate the support of the Nevada Humanities Committee for both a 1991 research grant and the opportunity to be part of the 1992-94 Humanities on the Road program. Finally, I was fortunate to have the services of Shirley Sova, an excellent typist and, more importantly, a keen student of Nevada history. xv ...

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