Oral history interview with Peter Bernhard conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Bernhard discusses his personal history growing up in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes recreational activities in downtown Las Vegas, attending Western High School and raising money to construct their football stadium in th 1960s. Bernhard then talks about the gaming industry in Las Vegas and explains how one is put in the “Black Book” of persons banned from casinos. Lastly, he recalls his experiences in casino business in the 1980s, and his role as a board member for the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Oral history interview with James Whitney conducted by Anna Huddleston on January 24, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Whitney discusses his involvement with the beverage and restaurant industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and life in the city during the 1960s. Whitney describes working as an alcohol distributor and salesman and driving around rural Nevada and the surrounding states selling liquor. Whitney talks about prominent locations and eateries in the Las Vegas area, and what he likes about living in the desert compared to his former residence in Chicago, Illinois. Whitney also discusses the presence of organized crime in Las Vegas and his associations with the mob through his family and his business.
Oral history interview with Linda Faiss conducted by Claytee D. White on July 13, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Faiss begins by describing her upbringing in Carson City, Nevada before attending the University of Nevada, Reno to study journalism, later working at the Reno Evening Gazette. Faiss then discusses her career in advertising and public relations, explaining what the agency does for their clients and how her journalism experience translated to public relations. She also discusses living in Boulder City, Nevada, being on the Boulder City Hospital board, and prominent families in Boulder City.
Oral history interview with Wendy Starkweather conducted by Claytee D. White on April 9, 2021 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wendy Starkweather (born 1949) served as the public face of Lied Library 20 years ago when the building was first constructed. She discusses her time at Lied Library with specific references to her most memorable moments and her favorite aspects of the library's architecture. Wendy also talks about her retirement from UNLV in 2010 and how she has kept busy in recent years by traveling, reading, and participating in the political arena. Subjects discussed include: Lied Library, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and Book Clubs.
Oral history interview with Gene Segerblom conducted by Sheila K. Lefforge on March 24, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Segerblom discusses her personal history living in Boulder City, Nevada after moving there in 1940. Segerblom discusses teaching in Boulder City, the school system, what life was like in Boulder City, and the story behind alcohol legalization in Boulder City, after it was prohibited. Segerblom also discusses Boulder City's growth, how some locals would prefer the town to remain small, the political system in Boulder City, and the relationship between Boulder City and Las Vegas, Nevada.
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. Chase also discusses the future of Las Vegas being dependent on its water management and her nonfiction writing on Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Gloria Freeman Dell conducted by Claytee D. White on April 05, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Dell discusses her life as a Las Vegas, Nevada showgirl and her experiences in the entertainment industry. She describes working at the Flamingo Hotel and tells several anecdotes about prominent entertainers she met or performed with, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. Dell also discusses living in a barracks specifically for showgirls, being pursued romantically by Howard Hughes, and concludes the interview by singing a song from one of her former acts.
Oral history interview with Hank Greenspun conducted by Tony Bleeker in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Hank Greenspun discusses politics in Las Vegas, Nevada, the numerous changes and growth that the city has experiences, and his newspaper, the Las Vegas Sun.
Oral history interview with Bill Armstrong conducted by Anthony Robone on February 20, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Armstrong discusses his time bootlegging in Kentucky before arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada, his involvement with the Las Vegas dealers, and the weather as it relates to other parts of the country. He also discusses the impacts of the work of Howard Hughes on the town, the construction of Hoover Dam, the above-ground atomic testing, the growth of Las Vegas and tourism, changes in gambling habits for the next generation, and the social and recreational activities of residents.
Oral history interview with Charlotte Brascia conducted by Joe Mascellino on February 24, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mascellino asks Brascia about social and cultural changes, the growth of different religions, Brascia’s brief presence in the airline industry, political presence in Las Vegas, Nevada, and rising crime rates. Brascia also specifically discusses her experience in the gaming and hospitality industry and how gaming operations have changed over time, particularly comparing gaming and hiring practices in the 1950s with those in the 1970s.