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Displaying results 1611 - 1620 of 2520

Calvin Shields oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02613

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. Shields provides his experiences of segregation in Las Vegas as an African American man, and discusses how African American culture has changed and progressed.

Archival Collection

Joseph C. Mattingly oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01224

Abstract

Oral history interview with Joseph C. Mattingly conducted by Sean Powers on February 23, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Mattingly discusses moving back and forth between Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada during the 1930s and 1940s before finally settling in Las Vegas in 1954. Mattingly also discusses his life as a sheet metal worker for commercial buildings, Las Vegas Strip hotels, and buildings on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

Archival Collection

John H. Pappas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01428

Abstract

Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.

Archival Collection

David Pearl oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01451

Abstract

Oral history interview with David Pearl conducted by Joseph A. Hawk on March 14, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pearl begins by describing life in Las Vegas, Nevada and how it has changed since the 1940s. Pearl discusses his history organizing community sports events, as well as organizing a game with the national Russian basketball team and other exhibition events for American sports teams. He then talks about his career as the executive director of the Runnin' Rebels Club at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and how he raised money for the athletics department. Pearl also talks about his other jobs, his interest in athletics, being a referee for boxing matches, and the Helldorado Parades.

Archival Collection

Billie Mae Polson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01488

Abstract

Oral history interview with Billie Mae Polson conducted by Claytee D. White on November 01, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Polson begins the interview by discussing her upbringing during the Great Depression in Kansas City, Missouri before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her family in 1948. She describes what Las Vegas was like at that time and attending the University of Nevada, Reno during the 1950s. Polson then describes her career working for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas libraries, first in the early libraries located in the Frazier and Grant Halls, and later in the James R. Dickinson Library. She concludes by describing some of the history of the university, and how working in the library changed as technology advanced.

Archival Collection

Iona Thompson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01822

Abstract

Oral history interview with Iona Thompson conducted by Lisa C. Krueger on March 08, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses different aspects of life in Las Vegas, Nevada during World War II. Thompson describes the rationing of food and fuel, as well as the increased military presence in Las Vegas and how that affected the city. Thompson also describes how Las Vegas has changed since the 1940s, prominent locations in the city such as Lorenzi Park and McCarran Field, and pollution caused by the chemical and metal plants in Henderson, Nevada. Lastly, she talks about flight and bombing trainings in Las Vegas and working at the Las Vegas Army Gunnery School.

Archival Collection

Nadine Tobin oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01829

Abstract

Oral history interview with Nadine Tobin conducted by Pamella Perry on February 10, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tobin discusses her personal history and the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Tobin describes moving to Las Vegas as a child in 1941, life in the city, and how the city has changed and grown. Tobin then talks about the arrival of Bugsy Siegel; new casinos in Las Vegas; and the El Dorado Ranch, a divorce ranch. She goes on to discuss her career as a photograph lab technician, how photographs were developed, new printing technology, and printing photographs for the Atomic Energy Commission and Nevada Highway Patrol. Lastly, she discusses her recreation activities and the Helldorado Parade.

Archival Collection

Mike Velardo oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01874

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mike Velardo conducted by his son, William Velardo, on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Velardo discusses his career in the gaming industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. Velardo describes the history of casinos and gambling in Las Vegas, including how those industries have changed since he first moved to the city in 1957. He goes on to discuss the cost of entertainment, cheating in casino games, and the benefits of the design of the Caesars Palace pit, where Velardo is a casino manager.

Archival Collection

Burton Cohen oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00230

Abstract

Oral history interview with Burton Cohen conducted by Claytee White on January 09, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Burt reflects on the positions he held in numerous famous Las Vegas, Nevada Strip casinos, the celebrities he hired and befriended, and offers a unique look at the behind the scenes marketing and entertainment strategies that he helmed. He shares stories of becoming entrenched in casino operations and his reflections of union experiences.

Archival Collection

Mary and Bruce Eaton oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00514

Abstract

Oral history interview with Mary and Bruce Eaton conducted by Beatrice Scheid on March 8, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mary discusses growing up in the early days of Boulder City, Nevada, specifically the influences of the churches and schools. She also talks about housing, transportation, and her career as an educator. Bruce, her husband, talks about his employment with Six Companies, Inc., the issues of worker’s compensation, and the cooling system used to cool the concrete of the dam as it was being built.

Archival Collection