Grace Hayes
Dublin Core
Title
Grace Hayes
Subject
Source
Women in Nevada History: A Legacy Digital Project
Publisher
Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN)
Rights
This resource is available for education and research purposes. This collection is a collaboration and combination of various projects including, but not limited to; the Women in Nevada History: A Legacy Digital Project, the Nevada Women’s Archives, the Las Vegas Women Oral History Project and the Makers: Women in Nevada History Project, a co-production of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada and VegasPBS. The text, images, audio and video in this collection are under copyright by different repositories and may not be reproduced without express written consent of the appropriate entities.
Person Item Type Metadata
Work/Contribution
Lounge owner and entertainer
Birth Date
August 23, 1896
Birthplace
Arrival in Las Vegas
ca. 1940s
Death Date
February 1, 1989
Interviewer
Date of Interview
May 28, 1986
Biographical Text
Grace Hayes was one of the earliest Hollywood stars to play in Las Vegas’ early entertainment scene. After arriving in Las Vegas in the 1940s, she began performing at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel. Following her stint at the El Rancho, she opened her own club on what is now known as the Strip. Hayes connections in Hollywood helped Las Vegas build its reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Born in Springfield, Missouri, Grace Hayes moved to San Francisco by the time of her tenth birthday. At the young age of fourteen, she began singing in nightclubs. She was married at age sixteen to Joseph Lind and three years later they had their only child, Joseph Conrad Lind (better known as Peter Lind Hayes). Hayes celebrity grew through her roles in theatre and cinema during the 1920s through 1950s working with stars including W.C. Fields and Bing Crosby.
Grace Hayes visited Las Vegas in 1939 and returned in 1941 to perform at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel. She performed at several local resorts including the Monte Carlo Club and the El Cortez, earning the nickname “The Sweetheart of Las Vegas.” After her performances at Las Vegas resorts, Hayes decided to open her own club on the growing Las Vegas strip. She bought the Red Rooster nightclub, renamed it the Grace Hayes Lodge and operated it until 1960.
Hayes also made history in Las Vegas politics by running for Constable of the Las Vegas Township against another nightclub owner, Woody Cole, in 1950. She lost the election by eight votes, but made history by becoming the first woman in Clark County to run for law enforcement officer. Hayes lived in Las Vegas and supported local charities until her death in 1989 at the age of 93.
Born in Springfield, Missouri, Grace Hayes moved to San Francisco by the time of her tenth birthday. At the young age of fourteen, she began singing in nightclubs. She was married at age sixteen to Joseph Lind and three years later they had their only child, Joseph Conrad Lind (better known as Peter Lind Hayes). Hayes celebrity grew through her roles in theatre and cinema during the 1920s through 1950s working with stars including W.C. Fields and Bing Crosby.
Grace Hayes visited Las Vegas in 1939 and returned in 1941 to perform at the El Rancho Vegas Hotel. She performed at several local resorts including the Monte Carlo Club and the El Cortez, earning the nickname “The Sweetheart of Las Vegas.” After her performances at Las Vegas resorts, Hayes decided to open her own club on the growing Las Vegas strip. She bought the Red Rooster nightclub, renamed it the Grace Hayes Lodge and operated it until 1960.
Hayes also made history in Las Vegas politics by running for Constable of the Las Vegas Township against another nightclub owner, Woody Cole, in 1950. She lost the election by eight votes, but made history by becoming the first woman in Clark County to run for law enforcement officer. Hayes lived in Las Vegas and supported local charities until her death in 1989 at the age of 93.
Bibliography
“Looking Back at Nevada Women” presented by Clark County Parks and Recreation, 2001.
Guide to the Grace Hayes oral history interview. Special Collections and Archives. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Collection # OH-00816.
Grace Hayes, “Grace Hayes oral history interview conducted by Arnold Shaw on May 28, 1986.” [Audio Recording], Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas (1986), Special Collections and Archives, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Oral History Record.
Guide to the Grace Hayes Papers. Special Collections and Archives. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Collection # MS-00271.
Guide to the Grace Hayes oral history interview. Special Collections and Archives. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Collection # OH-00816.
Grace Hayes, “Grace Hayes oral history interview conducted by Arnold Shaw on May 28, 1986.” [Audio Recording], Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas (1986), Special Collections and Archives, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Oral History Record.
Guide to the Grace Hayes Papers. Special Collections and Archives. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Collection # MS-00271.
Collection
Citation
“Grace Hayes,” Makers Teaching Modules, accessed October 5, 2026, https://mail.makersteachingmodules.sites.unlv.edu/items/show/51.