Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Ron Lurie oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ron Lurie conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on October 17, 2016 and November 10, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Lurie discusses his upbringing in Los Angeles, California and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. He recalls his father’s business, Market Town, graduating from Las Vegas High School, and becoming manager for three Wonder World convenient stores. Lurie talks about his campaign to become Mayor of Las Vegas, running for Las Vegas City Council, and the redevelopment of Downtown Las Vegas.

Michael Young and Jeffrey Young oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Michael Young and Jeffrey Young conducted by Stefani Evans on October 05, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Michael and Jeffrey discuss their upbringing in Salt Lake City, Utah. They talk about their family business, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), and the various jobs they held at the company. Michael and Jeffrey describe the first signs YESCO completed for early downtown Las Vegas, Nevada properties, and the company’s growth during that time.

Jennifer and Robert Lewis oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jennifer and Robert Lewis conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on January 09, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Robert discusses his early life in Claremont, California. He recalls the establishment of their family business, Lewis Homes, building homes near Nellis Air Force Base, and the formation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Sandra F. Mack oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sandra F. Mack conducted by Claytee D. White on March 29, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Mack discusses her early life in Seattle, Washington. She talks about her education in home economics, becoming a teacher, and her experience teaching during segregation.

Floyd Sweets Harrison oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Floyd Sweets Harrison conducted by Claytee D. White on September 16, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Harrison discusses his upbringing in New York City, New York and his involvement in the King Charles Unicycle Troupe. He remembers joining the Ringling Bros. circus in 1968, touring around the country, and his experience as an African American entertainer during that time.

Maggie Arias-Petrel oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Maggie Arias-Petrel conducted by Monserrath Hernández on May 03, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Petrel discusses her early life in Quito, Ecuador and her journey to the United States. She recalls arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada, starting a consulting business, and her involvement with the Latin Chamber of Commerce. She talks about the establishment of Señoras of Excellence (SoE), and the Hispanic Scholarship Program. Lastly, Petral discusses her thoughts on how to preserve culture and heritage.

Steven Clarke oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Steven Clarke conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on November 17, 2016 and December 08, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Clarke discusses his early life in Winnipeg, Canada. He talks about his early interest in architecture, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011. Clarke talks about becoming the director of the Downtown Design Center, future plans for the Historic Westside Community, and his role in the Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment plan.

José Armando Elique oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with José Armando Elique conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on January 14, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Elique discusses his family background and early life in New York City, New York. He talks about his educational experience, attending Catholic schools, and serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Elique recalls his employment with the Port Authority Police Department, Latino police officers, and the evolution of gang culture.

Bob Coffin oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bob Coffin conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 08, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Coffin discusses his early life in Anaheim, California, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951. He describes living near the Huntridge Theater, housing in that area, and working for his father’s business, Western Petroleum Distributors. Coffin talks about his initial interests in local politics, becoming a political campaign manager in the 1970s, and running for City Councilman.

Heather Victorson oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Heather Victorson conducted by Nancy Hardy on June 26, 2003 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Victorson discusses her early life in Nairobi, Kenya and London, England. She remembers being enrolled into the Royal Ballet School, and her experience dancing in show productions for the Royal Ballet Company. Victorson talks about winning a dancing audition that required her to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, dancing in the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust, and wearing showgirl costumes.

Subscribe to