Oral history interview with Tancy and Richard Leonard conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 18, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Leonards discuss their respective parents' employment at the Nevada Test Site. Frances’ father, John Elmgren, was the liaison between Reynolds Electric and the Atomic Energy Commission. Tancy describes the difficulties that came with having a parent working at the test site, the Huntridge Movie Theater, Vegas Village, and living in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and 1960s. Later in the interview, Richard discusses his father’s employment at the test site, observing the detonation of bombs, and the secrecy surrounding his father’s work. Lastly, the two describe the Westside and the historical significance of that area.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Leone conducted by Lisa Giola-Acres on November 13, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Leone recalls his childhood, education, piano playing, and early career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967 and engagements at various casinos, including playing with singers such as Frank Sinatra, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, and Elvis Presley. He also talks about his work as a board member and president of the Musicians Union.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Linda Lintner conducted by Claytee D. White on February 12, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lintner discusses graduating from Rancho High School in 1962 and sailing around the world for almost a decade with her husband. She also discusses how she became an expert sailor and a qualified diver.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with D. Taylor conducted by Claytee White on July 25, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Taylor recalls the 1984 Culinary Workers Union Local 226 citywide strike for improved health coverage for employees. He also talks about the history of the labor union, its leadership, and the union representative structure giving a larger voice to the racially diverse workforce in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Arno Marsh conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on September 08, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Marsh moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. After transferring into the Las Vegas union in 1959, he signed on to perform with Charlie Ventura at the old Thunderbird Hotel. Marsh recalls playing at several different hotels on the Las Vegas strip as well as sharing the stage with a number of famous entertainers in the business. His recollections span several decades and cover a variety of topics related to the Las Vegas jazz scene.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donna and Tom Martin conducted by Claytee D. White on January 31, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. The Martins discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1950s as each of their parents sought new opportunities and graduating from Rancho High School in 1962. Donna Martin then discusses her career as a secretary and her volunteer work as part of a woman's group she belongs to. Tom Martin discusses working in the office of a steel company, and later running a tire store.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anna Sipl Meyers conducted by Leita Kaldi Davis on twelve separate occasions from February 12, 2012 to December 07, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Meyers discusses her life in great detail, from living in concentration camps to owning Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, including the Casbah Hotel and the Queen of Hearts Hotel (now the Four Queens Hotel and Casino).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Beth Molasky conducted by David Schwartz on June 06, 2014 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Molasky discusses her childhood experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada, especially as a member of the Jewish community. She also reflects on changes that influenced her children’s upbringing in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gwen Weekes Rahner conducted by Gail M. Lehtinen on September 28, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Rahner discusses her role in getting people from the African American community to go out and vote. She also talks about her experience with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also discusses atomic testing, infrastructure, and the local legislature.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John J. Page conducted by Lois Goodall on April 16, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, John Page discusses joining the United States Air Force and then moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in February 1959. He then discusses starting out as an elementary school teacher. He also talks about moving to the neighborhood of Westleigh, family life in that neighborhood, and teaching in the area.
Archival Collection