Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Faye Rhea Porter oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Faye Rhea Porter conducted by Barbara Tabach on June 13, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Porter discusses her father's employment at the Nevada Test Site. Porter talks about her father being unable to describe the type of work he did with family or friends and tells anecdotes about the secrecy of the test site. She then recalls her sister and her employment at the Nevada Test Site until an accident on the way to the site resulted in her death.

Julia Payne oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Julia Payne conducted by Claytee D. White on February 11, 2004 and March 07, 2004 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Payne discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1961. She describes discrimination, redlining on the Westside, and recalls the lack of integration at the time. Payne then discusses Jackson Street and compares it to the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Payne talks about Cove Hotel, Hank’s Place, Colony Club, and the decline in African American businesses on Jackson Street.

Jocelyn Oats oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jocelyn Oats conducted by Claytee D. White and John Grygo on November 30, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Oats discusses her family background and living in Las Vegas, Nevada since the mid 1950s. She describes the city at the time, the Baptist church community, and the church's influence on African Americans in West Las Vegas. Later, Oats talks about the issue of drugs in the Westside community and how it has affected members in her family.

David Mills oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with David Mills conducted by Risa Rosenstein on March 07, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mills discusses the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls the growth of gambling throughout the city. Mills then explains the origins of slot machines and the increase in number of slot machines inside casinos in Las Vegas. Lastly, Mills describes the technological advancement of slot machines.

Sebastian Mikulich Sr. oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sebastian Mikulich Sr. conducted by Sherry Angell on July 17, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mikulich discusses his personal history and his employment with Southern Pacific Railroad. Mikulich describes the expansion of railroads throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona. Later, he recalls working during the Korean War, and the increase of transportation on trains in the 1960s. Lastly, he explains the work he performed on the trains and shares anecdotes from his career.

Ed May oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ed W. May conducted by Claytee D. White on July 22, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, May discusses golfing in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Valley View Club, an organization for predominately African American golfers, and its significance to the African American community. May describes how the club began and recalls anecdotes from his time as president of the club for nine years.

Michael Maxwell oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Michael Maxwell conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Maxwell discusses his personal history and his role as Director of Early Childhood Connection with the Las Vegas, Nevada Urban League. He describes the work he does with childcare, and how the Urban League receives funding. Maxwell also recalls his career as a teacher and administrator for the Clark County School District (CCSD).

Walter Mason oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Walter Mason conducted by Claytee D. White on February 17, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Mason discusses his early life and describes living through the Harlem Renaissance in New York during the 1930s. Mason talks about arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada while producing shows with Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1960s. He highlights his career in theatrical acting, stage production, and as an entertainment director at venues at the Sands, Caesars Palace, and Las Vegas Hilton.

James Jones Jr. oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James Jones Jr. conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 28, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Jones discusses growing up in Waverly and Tallulah, Louisiana in the 1940s. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, his initial impressions of the city, and his employment at the Nevada Test Site. Jones then describes race discrimination on the Strip, the type of jobs available to African Americans, and his experiences living on the Westside. Later, Jones recalls seeing Sammy Davis Jr.

Steven Horsford oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Steven Horsford conducted by Claytee D. White on August 19, 2011 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Horsford begins by discussing his family's Trinidadian ancestry and how his family came to move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969. He describes living in the Berkley Square neighborhood, his education, and how he developed his interest in pursuing a career in politics. Horsford continues, discussing his grandmother, his children, and his experiences growing up in the African American community of Las Vegas.

Subscribe to