Oral history interview with Bonnie and Billy Wilkinson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 10, 2008 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. The Wilkinsons open the interview by discussing their personal histories. Billy recalls moving to Jean, Nevada in 1940 where his father worked on the railroad, and eventually settling to Blue Diamond, Nevada in the 1950s. The two describe the Four Mile brothel, Bonnie Springs Ranch, and their experience as a married couple in Blue Diamond. Bonnie talks about her employment at the Blue Diamond Gypsum Corporation plant and describes going to school in Blue Diamond. Lastly, the two discuss West Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s and share anecdotes of their lives in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with John West conducted by Claytee D. White on August 10, 2000 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, West discusses his family background and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954. West describes his educational experiences in Las Vegas and his career as a clinical psychologist. He recalls his father’s career in medicine and becoming the first African American licensed medical doctor in Las Vegas. West then talks about attending entertainment events before race integration was introduced, and the voting patterns in West Las Vegas. Lastly, West discusses his father’s decision to remain living in West Las Vegas and operating his medical office there after integration.
Oral history interview with Vera Vann Wilson conducted by Patricia Van Batten on September 24, 2006 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. Wilson begins the interview by describing how she came to move to Blue Diamond, Nevada in 1976 and being in a country music band in Reno, Nevada with her husband. She discusses life in Blue Diamond during that time and how Nevada has changed. Wilson expands upon how she built a straw-bale house and the difficulties she faced from the local county during its construction. She concludes by discussing the Blue Diamond community as it is at the time of the interview and her contributions to the community.
Oral history interview with Esther Wolverton conducted by Karl Kuopus on February 25, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Wolverton discusses her move to southern Nevada in 1928 and her life in Las Vegas, Nevada with her family. She also talks about life with her husband after he returned from serving in World War I. Wolverton describes the entertainment in Las Vegas and recreational activities she participated in. Later, she discusses the first Helldorado Parade, development of the Las Vegas Strip, and changes in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Terry Wood conducted by Gretchen Schraeder on November 14, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the interview, Wood describes her childhood in Dearborn, Michigan and the racial discrimination there. She describes meeting her husband and moving to Dallas, Texas for his job with General Dynamics. Wood describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada and her life working and living in the downtown area. She details the restaurants, shopping, and gaming in the area. She also provides accounts of attending shows and meeting famous entertainers primarily at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino.
Oral history interview with Bruce Woodbury conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2009 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview, Woodbury discusses his personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada and his experiences living in the John S. Park neighborhood since the 1940s. He describes the homes in that area and the relationship that the neighborhood has to the Las Vegas Strip. Later, Woodbury discusses participating in the Helldorado Parade and talks of its significance to the city. He then recalls Fremont Street and the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, Woodbury discusses his career as a lawyer and politician, as well as his appointment to the Clark County Commission in 1980.
Oral history interview with Derrick Fronckowiak conducted by Patricia van Betten October 26, 2010 for the History of Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Fronckowiak discusses living in Blue Diamond, Nevada and describes the house he grew up in at the village. He talks about the fire department in the community and other public buildings around the area. Lastly, Fronckowiak discusses the development of Blue Diamond and the preservation of the rural areas in Blue Diamond.
Oral history interviews with Charles Guy conducted by Dennis McBride on various dates in April and May of 1995 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. Guy begins by talking about his birth in Brazil, Indiana, his early work selling Civilian Conservation Corps magazine subscriptions, and his travels across the United States before arriving in Boulder City, Nevada in 1938. Next, Guy recalls his early memories of Boulder City, the Las Vegas Wash, and his work at the Boulder Beach campgrounds at Lake Mead Recreation Area and in Overton, Nevada. Guy also discusses the campgrounds' working conditions, entertainment, access to amenities, and work associates. Afterwards, Guy talks about his time as a railroad worker in Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, Block 16 in Las Vegas, Las Vegas entertainers, working as a volunteer fire fighter, and anecdotes about people in his personal life.