Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal
Search Results
George Monahan oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with George Monahan conducted by Colleen F. Karnes on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Monahan, a county engineer, discusses the history of flood control management in Las Vegas, Nevada and throughout Clark County. Monahan explains the seriousness of flooding in the city, how flooding is managed, and the solutions for flood prevention. Monahan also discusses the evolution of the Clark County Department of Public Works.
Archival Collection
Lester Lee oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Lester Lee conducted by A. D. Hopkins on September 04, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Lee discusses his life working a variety of occupations including farmer, rancher, and hoist engineer for mines in Caselton, Nevada. Lee also discusses mining, the Mormon Church, education, employment, and land ownership in Southern Nevada. Patricia S. Hopkins accompanies Lee in the interview and makes some comments on Lee's statements.
Archival Collection
Peter Fabbi oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Peter Fabbi conducted by unnamed interviewer in approximately 1974 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Fabbi shares that he was born and raised in Carrara, Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1896. After working as a stone cutter in New York and Connecticut, he moved to Tonopah, Nevada. He eventually became the manager of the Merchant's Hotel in Tonopah before opening a bakery in that city. Fabbi speaks at length on a variety of subjects, including stories about his businesses, the Great Depression, politics, fraternal organizations, and his family and friends.
Archival Collection
Adelaide Robbins oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Adelaide Robbins conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on April 18, 2008 and April 29, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Robbins discusses her experience in piano lessons at age six and having a professional career by the age of 12. Robbins also discusses playing many Las Vegas, Nevada venues and "always [being] the only woman in the band."
Archival Collection
Nathan Harper oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
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
Eva Futch oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
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
Edgar Fountain oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Edgar Fountain conducted by Julia Bragg on February 26, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fountain discusses his career, the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Democratic Party.
Archival Collection
Dorothy Thompson oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Dorothy Thompson conducted by Patricia Moore on February 18, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Thompson discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada. Thompson also describes her life as the wife of a railroad worker. She briefly discusses religion, specifically Mormonism.
Archival Collection
Keena Smith oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for
Archival Collection
Tom Kerestesi oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Thomas Kerestesi conducted by Wendy Starkweather on October 03, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: An Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Thomas Kerestesi discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956, growing up in the Mcneil Estates neighborhood of Las Vegas, graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, and moving back to Las Vegas with his wife Buffie. He also talks about working at Cragin and Pike Insurance Agency alongside his father and the various organizations he associated with.
Archival Collection