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
Oral history interview with Janet Savalli conducted by Irene Rostine on September 21, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Savalli begins her interview by discussing her move to Las Vegas, Nevada as a child in 1945. Savalli then goes on to discuss her 46 year long career at the Southern Nevada Telephone Company. She describes rising through the company starting as an operator and ending as a community relations coordinator. Savalli discusses the company's merger with Sprint and the changes this brought about including the creation of a union and wage and benefits changes. Savalli ends her interview by talking about atomic testing, and how the testing grew to be a part of Las Vegas culture at the time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lois M. Goodall conducted by Judy Harrell on November 12, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Goodall discusses the history of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), including the development of the Thomas & Mack Center, the Barrick Scholar Award for students and the Distinguished Scholar Award for faculty. Goodall also discusses her husband, the fourth UNLV president.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Arthur Townsend conducted by Michael W. Brehm on March 07, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Townsend discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947. He goes into detail about his personal life. Townsend describes the Las Vegas Strip and also discusses gambling.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jewel Nolen conducted by Philip Partridge on March 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Nolen discusses her family moving from Winslow, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1900s. She also discusses the growth of Fremont Street as well as the drinking culture at the time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William McGarry conducted by Shannon Beesley on February 12, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McGarry discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 from Reno, Nevada. McGarry also discusses politics in Nevada including the state senators and the process of becoming a senator.
Archival Collection
Oral history with Nathan Harper conducted by Claytee D. White on July 29, 2022 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Harper describes his childhood and growing up in Wichita, Kansas and how those early days shaped his belief system today. After discussing his experience as a Fulbright Scholar in Cyprus, Harper discusses his role, beginning in 2007, as Archaeologist for the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about unearthing the history of John Howell, the first Black man in Las Vegas who claimed land near what is now Springs Preserve. He also talks about relocating railroad cottages to the Preserve, restoring, and even decorating the buildings. He talks about the history of early Las Vegas and the area's water supply throughout the interview.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Eva Futch conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2010 and November 10, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Futch begins by discussing her personal history in Sweden, describing her early life, education, and what life was like in Sweden. She continues by describing her involvement in the boxing industry through her husband, Eddie Futch, who was a prominent boxing trainer. Futch provides insight into various aspects of boxing, how her husband trained fighters, and provides details on how the industry operates and the athletes she met. Futch describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1995 and the boxing events she was involved with in the city. She also goes through a series of photographs and memorabilia of her husband and explains their history and significance.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Buddy Frank conducted by David Schwartz on January 03, 2017 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Frank discusses his career in slot operations, including the positions he held in both Nevada and California casino properties. Frank also discusses the utilization of free play as a marketing strategy and the use of Ethernet technology in slot machines. He then talks about how much slots have changed since his start in the business, millennials, skill-based gaming, and the future of slot machines.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with April Edner conducted by Christina Miller on June 21, 1996 for the Friends of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada Oral History Project. Edner begins the interview by talking about the history of Oliver Ranch and who had owned it throughout time. She mentions Native Americans living on the property in the past and describes what current caretakers do for the ranch. Edner points out the original structures of the property that were changed and those that were kept. Lastly, she tells stories surrounding the property itself.
Archival Collection