LAS VEGAS (AP) — The woman known as ‘Miss Atomic Bomb’ was once a symbol of an era when Las Vegas capitalized on the allure of nuclear power, captivating the public with its blend of danger and spectacle.
Robert Friedrichs, an 81-year-old historian and retired scientist, spent over two decades unraveling the mystery of her identity, which began with just a stage name he found under a historic newspaper photo.
His journey commenced in the early 2000s as he prepared for the opening of the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas. As a founding member, he hoped ‘Miss Atomic Bomb’ would be alive to attend the unveiling.
What started as a simple inquiry snowballed into an unending obsession for Friedrichs that transcended his professional life and outlasted many relationships.
The initial intrigue surrounding the identity of the women in the photograph led him to compile extensive notes and binders filled with information, leads, and potential contacts.
Friedrichs spent countless hours combing through online newspaper archives and visiting local libraries, hoping to gather remnants of the past that could lead him to the elusive figure.
He eventually tracked down the photographer of the iconic image and interviewed several former showgirls, confirming the stage name, but still, the real name remained hidden.
Time continued to pass, and despite the often fruitless stages of his search, the mystery rarely left his mind. It wasn’t a source of sleepless nights, but it was a persistent thought during his waking hours.
Then, a breakthrough came unexpectedly last winter. After he shared his experiences at a talk for the Atomic Museum, an audience member sent him details of an obituary.
One key detail stood out: the woman had once led as the dancer at the Sands Hotel, a major draw for many celebrities of the era.
Friedrichs eventually learned the woman’s actual name was Anna Lee Mahoney.
Born in the Bronx on August 14, 1927, Mahoney trained as a ballet dancer in New York City before adopting her stage name, Lee A. Merlin, to perform in various shows and musicals.
By 1957, Mahoney became the lead dancer at the Sands Hotel, where she wowed audiences that included stars like Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
After her illustrious career in dance concluded, Anna Lee Mahoney dedicated 30 years to her work as a mental health counselor, eventually relocating to Hawaii, where she later married.
She passed away in Santa Cruz, California, in 2001 after a battle with cancer.
The photograph that sparked this lengthy search became one of the most frequently requested images among the 7.5 million maintained in the Las Vegas Convention Center and Visitors Authority archives.
Throughout the years, it inspired Halloween costumes, and even caught the attention of former Playboy Bunny Holly Madison, who recreated the image in 2012.
An outtake from the iconic photoshoot also appeared in the background of an episode of the police drama ‘Crime Story,’ which was set in the 1960s.
Friedrichs noted how the photograph encapsulates a unique moment in history, stating, ‘It’s just really amazing that one click of the shutter could have such an impact.’
To celebrate the years of research and discovery, a temporary exhibit highlighting Friedrichs’ quest is set to open on June 13 at the Atomic Museum.
Joseph Kent, the museum’s deputy director and curator, emphasized that the exhibit will focus not only on Anna Lee Mahoney but also on Friedrichs’ determined search to discover her true identity.
Over the years, the project took on a deeply personal tone for Friedrichs. In his pursuit, he built a friendship with the original photographer, Don English, who contributed to making the photo famous.
Before the museum opened, Friedrichs had given English a personal tour of the new space. During this visit, English even brought the original camera that he used to take the iconic photograph.
Friedrichs shared a favorite moment, recalling how English posed in the lobby with a life-sized cutout of ‘Miss Atomic Bomb.’
Sadly, English passed away in 2006 before the mystery of Miss Atomic Bomb could be resolved. However, Friedrichs was able to share the good news with English’s daughter, who expressed immense excitement over the revelation.
Friedrichs also engaged with many former showgirls who, through shared memories, provided him with stories of their time on stage, as well as insights into the glamorous yet often challenging life in vintage Vegas.
These conversations revealed how they became icons in Las Vegas, frequently misidentified in photos or, at times, completely omitted from credit.
Ultimately, with the assistance of private investigators donating their time, Friedrichs unearthed irrefutable evidence connecting all of Miss Atomic Bomb’s names to a single Social Security number.
Reflecting on his long journey toward resolution, Friedrichs expressed, ‘It’s something I always hoped would be completed in my lifetime,’ with tears in his eyes.
His quest was fueled by far more than mere curiosity; he recognized that the name was a critical gap in the historical record, and he was passionate about rectifying this.
He likened it to knowing someone was the first president of the United States but having no recollection of their name.
In the end, the long search solidified a bygone era as Friedrichs’ dedication connects the dots of history, offering a pathway to honor those who paved the way in the world of entertainment while reflecting a time when nuclear power was both feared and fetishized.
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