Oral history interview with Greta Peay conducted by Kali Woods on November 11, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Peay, a school administrator with the Clark County School District (CCSD) discusses Las Vegas education experiences in Nevada that are relevant to racial inequities across the country. Peay also comments on studies that show Nevada schools at the bottom of national rankings when comparing Black graduation rates, the school-to-prison pipeline, and low enrollment in college-prep courses for Black high-school students.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christopher Maestas conducted by Claytee White on September 14, 2008 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Maestas discusses the forms of entertainment in Henderson, Nevada; Catholicism at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Henderson in the 1960s and 1970s, and the Latinos United for Perfect Equality (LUPE) social club. He also considers the tension between “Chicanos” and Mexican-Americans.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Shaddy conducted by Jennifer Riewe on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shaddy discusses gambling and the expansion of education in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shaddy also discusses Mormonism, its prevalence, and its impact on the state. Lastly, Shaddy discusses organized crime and prostitution.
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 H. Joy Razy conducted by Andrew Gordon on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Razy discusses the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam as well as the changes in city infrastructure such as water supply and roads. Lastly, Razy discusses the divorce and gambling industries of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Luckman conducted by Harvey H. Harris on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Luckman discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 and working as a casino dealer. Luckman also describes his book publishing business.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ron M. Portaro conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 27, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Portaro speaks about Built-Rite Construction, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993, and meeting notable Las Vegas men such as Pastor Paul Goulet Arnie Adamsen, and Charlie Kajkowski. Potaro also discusses how these experiences enabled him to benefit his church, his family, and his adopted community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lee H. Lisby conducted by Glen E. Davis on July 10, 1975; Rita O'Brien on April 10, 1978; and Elizabeth Patrick on May 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In 1942, Lisby moved from Tallulah, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. Lisby talks about living conditions and work opportunities for African-Americans in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Billy Christ conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on October 09, 2007 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Christ, who plays bass, discusses his career in New York City, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada as a jazz musician. Christ also talks about his childhood and growing up in Detroit, Michigan and New York City, New York.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Klanderund conducted by Barbara Clark on June 17, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Klanderund discusses being an educator in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as her experiences living in Henderson and Caliente, Nevada.
Archival Collection