On February 16, 1978, Steven Knowles interviewed Betty Joyce Clark (born 1940 in Cartersville, Georgia) about her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clark first talks about her early places of residence, the schools she attended, and some of the businesses she remembered from the time. She also discusses bus transportation, the first hospitals in town, and the early development of the Las Vegas Strip. Additional topics include the development of utility services for homes, early railroad activity, the development of North Las Vegas, and the first airport and airline services. The latter part of the interview includes discussion of the first department stores, the tourist population, the racial makeup of the city, the police department, and the extent of crime in Las Vegas. The interview finalizes with Clark’s thoughts on the growth of Las Vegas.
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On November 24, 1975, collector P. Kohlman interviewed housewife, Ethel S. Hatch (born April 11th, 1914 in Valentine, Texas) in her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview covers the history of Las Vegas from 1939 to 1975. Mrs. Hatch also talks about ranching in Nevada, Rex Bell, development on the Strip, the first hotels, and early local shopping culture. She refers to Block Sixteen as Block Thirteen when discussing the Red Light District. The interview concludes with discussion surrounding tree-lined streets, the Helldorado Club, and Fremont Street.
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On March 2, 1977, Neil C. Dalmas interviewed teacher Howard Heckethorn, (born on September 14th, 1922 in St. George, Utah) at Red Rock Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.
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On March 20, 1978, collector Samuel Barto interviewed paint and drywall contractor, Louis Fisher (born July 10, 1922, in Alva, Oklahoma) in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The interview took place at the collector’s home with the collector, Mr. Barto and Mr. and Mrs. Fisher present. Mr. Fisher relocated to Las Vegas in 1953 after having lived in Alva, Oklahoma, Portland, Oregon, and Walla Walla, Washington. During the interview, Mr. Fisher discusses the history of Las Vegas from 1953 and offers key insight into the rapid growth of Las Vegas with special focus on the Strip, banks, the steady influx of people moving to Las Vegas for the warm climate, and housing.
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Oral history interview with Royal Herald Byron III conducted by Claytee D. White on March 19, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Byron discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside community. He talks about his early interest in barbering, attending barber school in Los Angeles, California, and establishing a barber school in Las Vegas. Byron describes serving the homeless community and the importance of sanitation as a barber. Lastly, Byron discusses the expansion of his barber school to include locations in Henderson, the Westside, and Reno, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Interview with Shirley Edmond conducted by Claytee D. White on June 24, 2010. Born in Las Vegas, Edmond was the first African American woman in Southern Nevada promoted by the United States Post Office to be a supervisor. Edmond describes growing up in the Westside neighborhood of Las Vegas as the daughter of a local preacher. She shares memories of community stores, neighborhood landmarks, and her work at the Post Office and Matt Kelly Elementary School. Edmond's husband, Mackie, also contributes to the interview.
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Interview with Mozella Sheds Scott conducted by Claytee D. White on November 30, 2010. Scott discusses her varied work history and career as a directory assistance telephone operator for Centel (Sprint) in Las Vegas. Observing reading deficiencies in the community, she created the Parent-In-Charge and Word-on-a-Rock programs to improve reading skills.
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Interview with Hattie Canty conducted by Claytee D. White on February 27, 1998. Hattie Canty worked as a hotel maid and was elected president of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 during the 1990s.
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Interview with Katherine Duncan and Sarann Knight Preddy conducted by Claytee D. White on November 28, 2004. Duncan moved to Las Vegas in 1977, worked with Nevada Motion Picture Services, and owned a travel agency. She started a black heritage tour of Las Vegas.
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