Neon lights, high-rollers, and celebrities behaving badly are some of the images people envision when they think of Las Vegas. But before Vegas became known as "Sin City," it was a small town in the desert where everyone knew each other. It was a place not unlike many communities across the country with its homes, churches, schools, and community events. In the Midst of Cowboys, Crooners, and Gangsters is the first person account of a woman who did not realize she was a part of the history of this once charming town. When Elaine Cali McNamara came to Las Vegas as a teenager, she had no idea what a blessing Las Vegas would be for her. Her life in the "Golden Age" began when she was chosen as queen of a float in the Helldorado parade, which at the time was the most highly attended annual community event in Las Vegas. After this honor, she quickly established herself as one of the city's leading models. Elaine's career spanned over twenty years and included modeling in designer shows and conventions, appearances in print advertising and teaching in a modeling school. Elaine McNamara's story is not a tell-all about the gangsters and Hollywood Stars who have dominated the legends of Las Vegas, nor is it a commentary about the "good old days." Instead, Elaine shares memories and stories of a side of Las Vegas that most visitors never see and what a fabulous city Las Vegas was to grow-up in. InTheMidstOfCowboysCroonersAndGangsters.com
Neon lights, high-rollers, and celebrities behaving badly are some of the images people envision when they think of Las Vegas. But before Vegas became known as "Sin City," it was a small town in the desert where everyone knew each other. It was a place not unlike many communities across the country with its homes, churches, schools, and community events. In the Midst of Cowboys, Crooners, and Gangsters is the first person account of a woman who did not realize she was a part of the history of this once charming town. When Elaine Cali McNamara came to Las Vegas as a teenager, she had no idea what a blessing Las Vegas would be for her. Her life in the "Golden Age" began when she was chosen as queen of a float in the Helldorado parade, which at the time was the most highly attended annual community event in Las Vegas. After this honor, she quickly established herself as one of the city's leading models. Elaine's career spanned over twenty years and included modeling in designer shows and conventions, appearances in print advertising and teaching in a modeling school. Elaine McNamara's story is not a tell-all about the gangsters and Hollywood Stars who have dominated the legends of Las Vegas, nor is it a commentary about the "good old days." Instead, Elaine shares memories and stories of a side of Las Vegas that most visitors never see and what a fabulous city Las Vegas was to grow-up in. InTheMidstOfCowboysCroonersAndGangsters.com
