Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Diane and Pat Clary oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Diane and Pat Clary conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Clarys discuss the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, their personal histories, and provide an overview of Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s. Diane Clary describes working for various casinos as a teenager and her father's work as a casino chef. Pat Clary describes his history and involvement with the musical arts in Las Vegas.

Lindell Blake oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lindell Blake conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2006 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Blake discusses his personal history and moving to New York, New York at the age of three. Blake talks about his life in New York, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990, and his starting his career as a tap dancer. He talks about performing in various productions across the United States, and teaching tap dancing.

Linda Chase oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Linda Chase conducted by Claytee D. White on April 01, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Chase discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 and what life was like in the city at the time. She describes living in the Bonanza Village neighborhood, racial integration in Las Vegas, and popular recreational activities of the time. Chase talks about the Nevada Test Site, nuclear weapons tests, and an underground testing accident that lead to leukemia in those exposed to the radiation.

Beverlee and Ivan Cannon oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Beverlee and Ivan Cannon conducted by Claytee D. White on April 12, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Cannons discuss their personal histories and living in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1950s. Beverlee Cannon describes her father's ice company, and later describes the work she and Ivan did for the Nevada Test Site and Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico while contracted through Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Company.

Don Burse oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Don Burse conducted by John Grygo on March 01, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Burse discusses his personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family in 1971. He talks about his mother's employment as a maid at the Thunderbird Hotel, describes recreational activities he participated in, and the close-knit community in West Las Vegas. Burse discusses the increase of gangs and drugs in West Las Vegas and how it negatively affected the community.

Roy Brown oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Roy Brown conducted by John Grygo on March 05, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brown discusses his personal history and living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1954. He recalls moving to West Las Vegas and attending segregated schools at the time. Brown then talks about the positive influence that church and spirituality have on the Westside community.

Essie Boyd oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Essie Boyd conducted by Claytee D. White on September 16, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Boyd describes life in Las Vegas, Nevada as an African American during the 1940s. She begins by discussing what the Las Vegas Strip was like at the time and her experiences working at the Flamingo Hotel, the Desert Inn, and the Desert Inn Country Club.

Las Vegas Archive Memorabilia and Promotional Materials

Abstract

The Las Vegas Archive Memorabilia and Promotional Materials (approximately 1960-2019) contains reproductions of photographs taken of historic landmarks around Las Vegas, Nevada and entertainers like Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Liberace performing in Las Vegas. The collection also contains digital photographs from 2008 of an airship displaying an advertisement for the M Resort Spa and Casino. There is also memorabilia from the MGM Grand Hotel including a gaming guide, decks of playing cards, and a commemorative drinking glass.

Eddie Hawk Jim Family Papers

Abstract

The Eddie Hawk Jim Family Papers (1891-2011) contain newspaper clippings, photographs, school, cemetary, and census records pertaining to the Jim family, a Paiute family from the Pahrump, Nevada region. The newspaper articles document the general public's perspective of events involving the Paiute people living in the Pahrump Valley region. The photographs depict Mary Scott, Alice Jim, Long Jim, and other relatives of the Jim family during the 1940s and 1950s. Additional photographs include a larger group of tribal members gathered in 2011 at Mt. Charleston, Nevada.

Subscribe to