unlv.T.128 Guide to the Florence and John Cahlan Collection Finding aid written by Carol A. Corbett Special Collections, UNLV Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.Feburary 1997 Finding aid encoded by Dana Miller,March 2007. Descriptive Summary Florence and John Cahlan Collection, 1929-1981 (inclusive) T-128 Cahlan, John F., 1902-1988. 27 boxes (17 linear feet) University of Nevada, Las Vegas. UNLV Libraries. Special Collections. Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-7010.The papers of Florence Lee Jones and John Cahlan, two journalists and newspaper editors, include personal correspondence, speeches, clippings and programs; community-related materials pertaining to the Nellis Air Force Base, American Centennial Commission, ground transportation projects, Las Vegas Jubilee celebration, Nevada State Museum and various service organizations and events; editorials, columns, stories and articles written by the Cahlans; and reference materials, drafts and proofs of their book, Water: a History of Las Vegas, published in 1975. English Preferred Citation:

The Florence and John Cahlan Collection, T-128. Special Collections, UNLV Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Acquisition Information:

Unknown

Processed by:

Carol A. Corbett, February 1997.

Access:

This collection is open for research.

Publication Rights:

For permission to reproduce or publish from this collection, please contact the Director of Special Collections.

Biographical Sketch

Florence Lee Jones was born in Long Lane, Missouri, in 1910. She attended schools in Missouri, Long Beach, California, and in the Dutch East Indies (Sumatra) where her father worked for Dutch Shell Oil Co. In 1933, Florence graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. She joined her family in Las Vegas and became a reporter for the Review Journal.

John Cahlan was born in 1902 in Reno, a third generation Nevadan. In 1926 he graduated from University of Nevada with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He was hired by the Nevada State Journal as news editor and rose to editor. In 1929 he arrived in Las Vegas to join his brother Al Cahlan to work as editor for the Las Vegas Review (owned by Frank Garside).

The Cahlans married in 1940 and spent the next 45 years sharing their interests in writing, local history and civic activities. Florence retired as a reporter in 1953, but continued as a free lance writer, and also served on the boards of many organizations; meanwhile John held the post of editor until 1961. Florence passed away in 1985. John continued to be active in local organizations, chairing several community-wide events. He died in 1988.

(Several more extensive biographical sketches are available in the Biographical Files at Special Collections at the Lied Library, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.)

Scope and Content

The John and Florence Lee Jones Collection was acquired in several accessions. At some point the accessions were combined as collection number T-128. In many cases original order was lost and only partial processing was possible.

Each of the series and subseries is described separately in the inventory section.

Arrangement of the Records

The collection is divided into 4 series and 7 subseries:

Series 1. Personal Series 2. Community Interests Subseries 2.1 Air and Flight Subseries 2.2 American Revolution BicentennialSubseries 2.3 High Speed Ground TransportationSubseries 2.4 Las Vegas JubileeSubseries 2.5 Miscellaneous Organizations & EventsSubseries 2.6 Nevada State MuseumSubseries 2.7 Service League/ Junior League Series 3. Articles and ManuscriptsSeries 4. Water Resources

Photographs were removed from the collection and retained in a separate photograph collection in UNLV Special Collections, as Photo Collection 0045.

Related Collections:

For related topics and further information see the following collections:

Al Cahlan Collection, T-39

John Cahlan Oral History (tape and transcript), UNLV Special Collections

Florence Cahlan Oral History (tape and transcript), UNLV Special Collections

Water : a history of Las Vegas, v. 1-2by Florence Lee Jones and John F. Cahlan, TD225.L3 J6

Subject Headings Individuals:Cahlan, John F., 1902-1988 – Political activity. Jones, Florence Lee, 1910—Political activity.Organizations:Las Vegas review-journal. Subjects:Journalists – Nevada – Las Vegas – Biography. Water resources development -- Nevada. Las Vegas (Nev.) – Community affairs Water : a history of Las Vegas, by Florence Lee Jones and John F. Cahlan. Inventory: Series I. Personal, 1950-1983 (5 boxes)

The Personal Series contains materials such as clippings, programs, booklets, and notes on a variety of subjects, none large enough in quantity to warrant a separate series. Also, this material was found separate from other material on the same subjects. Therefore, no attempt was made to integrate it into the more specific sub series. General speeches and correspondence of John Cahlan and correspondence of Florence Cahlan are included in the Personal Series. Much of this series consists of cards and invitations which the Cahlans received from associates and friends.

BoxFolderContents 11American History – correspondence, booklets2Appointment Books, 1979-1980 3Biographical Information and Family History4Booklets – General and Southern Nevada5Clippings – local history and miscellaneous local subjects6Clippings – miscellaneous7Correspondence – Florence Lee Jones Cahlan 8Correspondence – John Cahlan9Fashion Show, 195010Juvenile Issues – notes, 196021Kennecott Copper Corp.2Memorial Cards 3Miscellaneous – booklets, programs4Miscellaneous – governmental receipts and forms5Political Brochures6Ration Books7Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory 8Speeches – John Cahlan9Travel – brochures, notes10“Zelzah News,” 198231Cards and Invitations, 1955-19692Cards and Invitations, 1971-1973 3Cards (Christmas), 1972-197341Cards (Christmas), 1972-19732Cards and Invitations, 1974-1979 3Cards and Invitations, 198151Cards and Invitations, 1982-19832Cards and Invitations, n.d. Series 2. Community Interests 1945-1981(11 boxes)

The Community Interests Series consists of seven sub-series, reflecting the Cahlan’s many activities in the community.

Subseries 2.1 Air and Flight1955-1981(1 box)

The Air and Flight Subseries contains brochures, programs, guides, including the Flight Exposition & Convention and Nellis Air Force Base. The Cahlans were frequently invited to attend dinners at Nellis AFB.

BoxFolderContents61Flight Exposition and Conventions – Programs, News Kits, Articles 1959 – 19682Nellis Air Force Base – Events, 1955 – 1981 & n.d.3Nellis Air Force Base – Guides, 1968 & 19734Space Exploration Booklets, 1962 – 1970 & n.d.5U.S. Air Force – Articles & Booklets, 1964, 1976 & n.d.682nd Airborne Division – Press Kit,n.d.Subseries 2.2 American Revolution Bicentennial1970-1978(1 box)

The American Revolution Bicentennial Subseries contains correspondence, minutes, court documents, newsclippings and press releases. As Chairman of the Nevada American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, John Cahlan oversaw the administration of the celebration in Nevada. Included are materials covering several Commission controversies.

BoxFolderContents71Bicentennial Book, n.d.2Bicentennial Project Proposal – Allen & Sweikert, n.d.3Bylaws, 19724Commercial Appeal Style Book, 19525Correspondence, 1977 – 19786Correspondence,1977 – 19787Kyle Ranch Dedication, 19768Minute Book, 1970 – 19759Minutes, 1972 – 1977 & n.d.10Miscellaneous, 1970 – 1977 & n.d.11Nevada American Revolution Bicentennial Commission v. Elgas & Paher, 1975 – 197712Newsclippings, 1977 – 197813Press Releases, 1974 – 1977Subseries 2.3 High Speed Ground Transportation1966-1980(1 box)

The High Speed Ground Transportation Subseries contains correspondence, press releases, speeches, and presentations. Cahlan was involved in this proposed project in his role as Managing Director or Southern Nevada Industrial Foundation and maintained an ongoing interest in the topic.

BoxFolderContents81Correspondence, 19692Correspondence, 19703Miscellaneous, 1966 – 1970 & n.d.4Newsclippings, 1969 – 1980 & n.d.5Press Releases, 1969-19706Speeches & Presentations, 1970 & n.d.Subseries 2.4 Las Vegas Jubilee1978-1980(2 boxes)

The Las Vegas Jubilee Subseries contains minutes, correspondence, events, newsclippings, press releases, publications. Cahlan was director of the committee that organized celebrations in honor of the 75th anniversary of the auction of lots by the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad that led to the founding of the City of Las Vegas.

BoxFolderContents91Committee Minutes & Assignments, 19802Correspondence 1978-19793Correspondence, 1980 & n.d.4Diplomas, 19805Educators – long term service,19806Events, 1980-19817Historic Markers8Logo9Minutes – Other Organizations, 1979 – 1980101Miscellaneous2Newsclippings, 1979 – 1980 & n.d.3Newspaper Supplements, 19804Photograph – UPRR Exhibit5Press Releases & Articles6Progress Reports, Chronologies, & Calenders,1979-1980, n.d.7Publications, 19808StickersSubseries 2.5 Miscellaneous Organizations & Events1951-1981(2 boxes)

The Miscellaneous Organizations & Events Subseries contains materials of other organizations and events in which the Cahlans were involved. Included are Boy Scouts, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Nevada State Archives, Rotary Club, and political organizations.

BoxFolderContents111Boulder Dam Area Council – Boy Scouts of America, 1955-19812Bureau of Indian Affairs – Correspondence, Fact Sheets, Newsclippings, & Miscellaneous, 1961-1965, n.d.3Clark County School District, 1965-19814Democratic National Committee, 1960, 1964, 19681960, 1964, 19685Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 1959-1972, n.d.6Las Vegas Convention Center, 1959-19687Miscellaneous Church, Social, and Entertainment Events, 1951-1981, n.d.8Miscellaneous Newsclippings, 1966 & 19799National Press Club – Constitution & By-laws,195510Nevada Centennial, 196411Nevada Inaugural Balls, 1959 & 196712Nevada State Archives, 1965-198013Nevada State Children’s Home – Report of a Population Study, 195914Nevada State Political Conventions (Democratic & Republican) (notes and program)1960121Rotary Club, Las Vegas – Programs, Newsletter, History, 1965 - 19802Rotary Club, Las Vegas – Roster 1964-19653Rotary Club, Las Vegas – Rosters, 1965-1966, 1966-1967, 1967-19684Rotary Club, Las Vegas – Paradise – Charter Presentation Program, 19755Social Service Directories, 1951, 1955-1956, 1963-19656Southern Nevada Industrial Foundation, 19717University of Nevada, 1964-1969, n.d.8Western Air Lines, Fiftieth Anniversary Articles, 19769World Export Trade Center, 1980, n.d.Subseries 2.6 Nevada State Museum1969-1979(2 boxes)

The Nevada State Museum Subseries contains agendas, minutes, correspondence, financial records, newsletters, press releases.

BoxFolderContents131Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes, 1972-19742Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes, 1975 – 19773Board of Trustees Packet, May 31, 19764Board of Trustees Packet, October 15, 19765Correspondence, 1972-1977, n.d.6Docent Program 1971-1978, n.d.7Equipment Catalogs8Financial Records, FY 1970/1971- FY 1974/1975141Financial Records, FY 1975/1976- FY 1978/1979, n.d.2Membership Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 1973-19763Miscellaneous, 1969-1978, n.d.4Newsclippings, 1971-19775Newsletters – Nevada Museum Associations, 19766Newsletters – Nevada State Museum, 1972-19777Newsletters – Southern Nevada Historical Society, 1972-19748Newsletters – Southern Nevada Museum, 1972-19749Press Releases, 1973-1978, n.d.10Tule Springs Park Map, 197611Western Regional Conference of American Association of Museums, 1975-1976Subseries 2.7 Service League/ Junior League, 1945-1980(2 boxes)

The Service League/ Junior League Subseries contains reports, projects, financial statements, press releases, speeches, programs, correspondence, member rosters. Florence Cahlan was founding president of this organization.

151Advocacy Training, 1978, n.d.2Annual Reports, 1946-19493Annual Reports, 1950-19594Annual Reports, 1960-19695Benefit Party, 1958, 1959, 1963, 19646Community Need and Project Surveys, 1957-19597Constitution & By-laws, 1946-1965, n.d.8Fantasy Park, 1960-19669Financial Statements, 1966-196710Gala Preview of the Broadway Las Vegas, 1966161History & structure2Junior League Admission, 1958-19683Las Vegas Review Journal – Service League Special Edition Manuscript, 19674Newsclippings, 1953-1980, n.d.5Procedures, Policies, and Traditions, 19646Reports, Press Releases, Speeches, Programs, Correspondence, 1946-19487Reports, Press Releases, Speeches, Programs, Correspondence, 1950-19598Reports, Press Releases, Speeches, Programs, Correspondence, 1960-19699Reports, Press Releases, Speeches, Programs, Correspondence, 1970-198010Reports, Press Releases, Speeches, Programs, Correspondence,n.d.11“Sage” Newsletter, 1970-1972 and 197812“Service League Memories ” Booklet1945-196713Trips, 1975, 197914Yearbooks and Member Rosters, 1956-1972Series 3. Articles and Manuscripts, 1929-1980(7 boxes)

The Articles and Manuscripts Series contains editorials, columns, stories and articles, most of which were written by the Cahlans. The Ghost Town column is included here, although it was not written by either Cahlan. Also, this column was left as originally foldered; there may be gaps.

BoxFolderContents171“The Boiling Pot”, 1957-19592“The Boiling Pot”, 1960-19613Editorials, 1940-1961 & n.d4Editorials and Obituaries, 1958-19775Feature Stories and Miscellaneous Stories, 1930-1980 & n.d.181Ghost Town 20-302Ghost Town 30-403Ghost Town 40-504Ghost Town 50-605Ghost Town 60-706Ghost Town 70-807Ghost Town 80-908Ghost Town 90-1009Ghost Town 100-11010Ghost Town 110-12011Ghost Town 120-13012Ghost Town 130-14013Ghost Town 140-15014Ghost Town 150-16015Ghost Town 160-17016Ghost Town 170-18017Ghost Town 180-190191Ghost Town 190-2002Ghost Town 200-2103Ghost Town 230-2404Ghost Town 260-2705Ghost Town 272-2956Ghost Town 296-3227Ghost Town 323-3328Ghost Town Series #29Ghost Town Series #2201“It Seems to Us”,1954-19562“It Seems to Us”, 19573“It Seems to Us”, 19584“It Seems to Us”, 1959, n.d.5“It Seems to Us”, 19606“Punts, Pokes, and Putouts”, Sports Columns, 1930-1959, n.d.21n/aScrapbooks – newspaper columns, 1929 – 1947221“Socially Speaking”, 19672“Socially Speaking”, 19683“Socially Speaking”, 19694“Socially Speaking”, 19705“Socially Speaking”, 19716“Socially Speaking”, 1972 (incomplete) & n.d.7“Socially Speaking”, 19738“Socially Speaking”, 19749“Socially Speaking”, 1975231“Socially Speaking”, 19762“Socially Speaking”,19773“Socially Speaking”,19784“Socially Speaking”,19795“Socially Speaking”,19806“Sunday Society”, 19647“Sunday Society”, 19658“Sunday Society”, 19669“Sunday Society”, 196710“Sunday Society”, 196811“Sunday Society”, 196912“Sunday Society”, 197013“Sunday Society”, 197114“Sunday Society”, 197215“Sunday Society”, 197316“Sunday Society”, 197417“Sunday Society”, 197518“Sunday Society”, 1976Series 4. Water Resources1975(4 boxes)

The final series, Water Resources, contains reference materials, drafts and proofs of the book, Water - A History of Las Vegas, published in 1975. Volume 1 was written by both Florence and John; volume 2 by Florence alone. The material in this series appeared to have been foldered with only the first few words from the first page of material written on the folder. In some cases, this was even incorrectly transcribed. However, little further work was done to this series. The material was not reprocessed; it was essentially left as found, with only corrections made to the most obvious foldering errors.

BoxFolderContents241Activity Report & Minute Book LVVWD2Bibliography References LVL&W3Clippings4LVL&W Research5Minutes & Scrapbook, Reference Notes19726Minutes LVVWD7Minutes, Statements, Correspondence LVVWD8Nevada Dept, of Water & Natural Resources9Newspaper Clippings, Memos, Minutes LVVWD10Notes11Notes and Clippings12Reports, Correspondence13Reports, Correspondence LVVWD14Water Supply Report LVVWD25Manuscript Drafts26Drafts and proofs27Drafts and proofsEND OF INVENTORY