Oral history interview with Don Payne conducted by Mara E. Vernon on March 19, 1997 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Payne discusses his career with the Las Vegas News Bureau. He talks about his role as Head of the Bureau and his work in promoting Las Vegas through media outlets. Payne remembers the Bureau’s partnership with the Union Pacific Railroad and the beginning of corporate ownership in Las Vegas hotels and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paul Sogan conducted by Dennis McBride on May 16, 1995 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. Sogan opens the interview briefly discussing his childhood and then describes his involvement in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Nevada during the 1940s. Sogan provides details about the daily activities of CCC members, their living quarters, and his specific projects. He also tells anecdotes about interesting or dangerous projects the CCC members were assigned to work on. Sogan then talks about Boulder City, Nevada. He describes the features of the city including the mines and churches and the CCC members' opinions of the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Virginia Valentine conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 25, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Valentine discusses her early life in Florida. She recalls her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981, working in a wastewater treatment plant, and becoming Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. Valentine then talks about attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), obtaining a master's degree in public administration, and her involvement with flash flood management in southern Nevada. Lastly, Valentine describes becoming a registered professional engineer (PE) and her work with the Nevada Resort Association (NRA).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John Cannito conducted by Stefani Evans on April 03, 2018 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Cannito discusses his early life and constantly moving to different states during his youth. He talks about his father’s employment with Amtrak, train transportation, and joining Perini Construction in Phoenix, Arizona. Cannito describes the role of an engineer in a construction company, and co-founding a software development company. Later, Cannito recalls joining The PENTA Building Group, the projects he was involved with, and becoming Chief Operating Officer. Lastly, Cannito discusses the company’s relationship with Native American-owned casinos, and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with clients.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Rogers conducted by Claytee D. White on June 30, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project - NAACP. Rogers discusses many issues that affected the black community in Las Vegas, Nevada, gives background on community marches against police brutality, details three controversial cases and legislation that would create a citizen's review board for police and sheriff departments.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ruth Sweet conducted by Bennie Baucham on February 07, 1977 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Sweet discusses her first experience with racism in Las Vegas, Nevada, and describes racism practiced by sanitarians. Sweet also discusses discrimination in housing and describes how job opportunities for African Americans have improved.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Georgie Clark conducted by Steven E. Pilgram on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Georgie Clark discusses the Colorado River area, its changes, and its new rules and regulations as of March 02, 1980. She also discusses working as a real estate agent and as ferry command civil servant in World War II.
Archival Collection
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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary R. Stout conducted by Greg Rowland on February 20, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Stout discusses her personal history and living in Boulder City, Nevada. Stout describes living in "Ragtown," a makeshift settlement for workers constructing Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) before Boulder City was established. She also describes her father's duties as a pipe fitter while working on the construction of Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) and how Boulder City has changed and evolved. Stout concludes by talking about nuclear weapons tests, her careers, and gambling in Boulder City.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard Wyman conducted by Kenneth B. Manoff on March 12, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wyman discusses working at the Nevada Test Site and his involvement with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Engineering Department.
Archival Collection