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Charles J. Sorrells oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Charles J. Sorrells conducted by Karen Schank on November 30, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Sorrells primarily discusses his family's history in Nevada beginning in the early 1900s when his grandfather moved there from Georgia. Sorrells describes life in the rural desert town of Shoshone, Nevada and a town called Greenwater, his grandfather's main residency, located somewhere in Death Valley.

Calvin Shields oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Calvin Shields conducted by Claytee D. White on May 07, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Shields begins by discussing his upbringing in Florida and his early interest in playing the trumpet before being drafted into the United States Army during World War II, where he learned how to play the drums in a military orchestra. Shields describes his career as a musician following his military service, playing as a drummer for singers such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Billy Williams and in various club and casino orchestras in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Charles Silvestri oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Charles Silvestri conducted by Claytee D. White on December 31, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Silvestri begins by discussing his family history and his personal history in the United States Army during the 1950s. He describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957 after leaving the army, working as a casino dealer at The Mint Hotel and Casino and California Club while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, called Nevada Southern University at the time.

Sennes Family oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with the Sennes family conducted by Claytee D. White on November 18, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Frank Sennes Jr., Jerry Sennes, and Luanne Sennes Glenn discuss their father, Frank Sennes Sr., and his life and career as an entertainment director. They describe their early lives traveling with their father to various states before eventually moving to Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1950s, where Sennes Sr. became the entertainment director for the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino and the Moulin Rouge.

Sasha Semenoff oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sasha Semenoff conducted by Claytee D. White on April 29, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Semenoff begins the interview by discussing his early life in Latvia and learning to play the violin as a child before the Nazi invasion. He describes being a Jewish Holocaust survivor, surviving the ghettos and concentration camp where he was held, and explaining how he immigrated to the United States after he was liberated.

Diane Guinn oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Diane Guinn conducted by Claytee D. White on February 12, 2016 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the interview, Guinn explains growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s, and describes her education, friends, and local neighborhood near the intersection of Fremont Street and Stewart Avenue. Guinn describes working in the State of Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, and recalls events and campaigns for welfare rights that took place during the 1970s and 1980s.

Jerry Roth oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jerry Roth conducted by Claytee D. White on June 29, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Roth begins by describing his early life and education, then explains how he began his later career in commercial real estate. He details his work as a commercial realtor, preparing lots for shopping centers and grocery stores in California and later in Las Vegas, Nevada. Roth then discusses his work as a boxing judge, judging multiple title fights in Las Vegas and around the world.

Billy Root oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Billy Root conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on May 14, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Root begins by discussing his upbringing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he developed an early interest in being a musician due to encouragement from his father, who was also a musician. He describes playing baritone saxophone in the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing at the Apollo Theater in Ella Fitzgerald's orchestra, and going on tour with a predominantly African American jazz band in the Southern United States during segregation.

Kitty Wright oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kitty Wright conducted by Dennis McBride on January 25, 2004 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Wright discusses the life of her longtime friend Suzanne Daly and the court cases that Daly faced. Wright recalls her memories with Daly, the court case regarding the custody of Daly's child, and her life after transitioning.

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