Oral history interview with Frederic Apcar conducted by Nancy Hardy on July 19, 2003 for the Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Apcar describes his birth and early life in Paris, France, his parents' divorce, working from a young age, and, at the age of sixteen learning to dance ballet and tap. He talks about his first dancing job at the Folies Bergere in Paris, going on tour for several years with Josephine Baker, and on his return to Paris, dancing with the Lido before signing a contract for a three-month job at the Copacabana in New York City, New York. He then discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, where he produced the Las Vegas Les Folies Bergere, Vive les Girls with Ron Lewis, and Casino de Paris. He also talks about Donn Arden as the other major show producer on the Strip during this period.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Moniru Ravanipur conducted by Claytee D. White on February 13, 2013, March 06, 2013, and April 24, 2013 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In these interviews, Ravanipur discusses her upbringing in Iran, her experience of the Iranian Revolution, and her writing, which ranges from fiction to autobiographical. Ravanipur describes living by the sea in the Persian Gulf, and how the religious beliefs of the people in that area differed from those of the Islamic Republic and the rest of Iran. She describes attending Tehran University during the revolution and being persecuted for her political beliefs, forcing her to flee to Kurdistan to escape possible execution. Ravanipur explains the history behind the Iranian Revolution and how she observed the country changing religiously and in its customs and norms, as well as the violence she witnessed. She concludes by describing how she became a prominent writer in Iran and internationally, and briefly describes applying for fellowship at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Roxalana "Mrs. Morgan" Morgan conducted by Faye and Dan Dannatt circa 1964 to 1965. In this interview, Morgan reads her original manuscript that would be used for a book regarding her experience living on Sunrise Mountain near Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses her religious reasons for going to the mountain, people that she met while on the mountain, and some of her biggest challenges with wildlife and no shelter. Digital transcript available; no audio recording.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Monsignor Peter Moran conducted by Audrey Cortney on February 28, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Moran discusses his life as a priest and moving from Ireland to Nevada in 1937. Moran describes being assigned to many different towns and cities in Nevada before settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Moran describes changes that have occurred in southern Nevada since he moved there, and tells a short anecdote about an uncle that lived in Virginia City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rhonda Mushkin conducted by Barbara Tabach on October 23, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Mushkin discusses her upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about her parents’ move to Las Vegas in the early 1950s, being original members of Temple Beth Sholom Las Vegas, and their retail clothing store businesses. Mushkin remembers attending Hebrew school, graduating from Clark High School, and going to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. Later, Mushkin discusses her work as a divorce lawyer in Las Vegas, and being a founder for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) women's golf team. Lastly, Mushkin talks about the impact that Steve Wynn had on the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Meli Calvo Pulido conducted by Laurents Banuelos on November 13, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Pulido discusses her early life in Tijuana, Mexico and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the mid-1970s. She talks about the challenges she faced as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, and assisting her parents who did not speak English fluently. Lastly, Pulido describes volunteering for the non-profit organization Project 150, the work the organization does for homeless youth in Las Vegas, and assisting underprivileged students.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clara Ann Nickell conducted by Connie Lyons on March 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nickell discusses moving from California to Boulder City, Nevada to work at the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. Nickell also discusses life at the time such as commuting to Las Vegas, Nevada and methods for heating and air conditioning.
Archival Collection
Archival Component
Oral history interview with Renee Diamond conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 20, 2014 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In this interview, Renee Diamond discusses coming to Las Vegas, Nevada via Los Angeles, California with her husband and children in the 1970s and getting involved in politics. She talks about her husband, Leo, and his business selling vinyl records in L.A., and her work in a doctor's office. Once in Las Vegas, the Diamonds joined Temple Beth Sholom and later Congregation Ner Tamid. Diamond also talks about her involvement in the political arena in southern Nevada, including the League of Women Voters.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael and Alison Chambers conducted by Claytee White on October 03, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods-- An Oral History Project of Ward 1. Alison talks about her childhood in California, the neighborhood association in Las Vegas, Nevada, and eloping with her husband. Michael talks about switching careers and going to work in finance in Las Vegas. The Chambers also discuss the local school system, membership in community clubs, and crime.
Archival Collection