Oral history interview with Dr. Robert Aalberts conducted by Claytee D. White on November 16, 2006 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. In this interview Aalberts speaks about how he was encouraged to come to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1991 by a friend who worked there. He described how when he first arrived there was no law school, and that he taught legal business and real estate courses. He became editor in chief of the Real Estate Law Journal in 1992. He also speaks about how he continues to teach, write, edit, do research in the new law library, and serve on various committees.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Geneva Stark Merwin conducted by Elizabeth Nelson Patrick on August 24, 1983 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Merwin discusses her career and experiences as a teacher in Pahrump, Nevada after moving there in 1941. Merwin also discusses some of the people in the town and its layout. Merwin goes on to describe her teaching career in Las Vegas, Nevada after being recommended to the school board by Maude Frazier.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marjory Gusewelle Phillips conducted by Jodie C. Tenuta on May 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Phillips discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and describes various recreational activities throughout the city. Phillips then discusses the significance of the Helldorado Parade to locals and how the parade brought the community together. Phillips later recalls watching the Boulder (Hoover) Dam being constructed and the events around the opening of the dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nellie and Roy Summers conducted by Jean Kahr on March 06, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Roy Summers begins by describing Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and life in the Southern Nevada area. He gives a history of the Sears department stores in Las Vegas, and his career as an appliance repairman for Sears. The interview continues with Nellie Summers, describing her career in the food service industry within the local school system. She discusses how the schools would calculate a budget for the students' meals, her religious affiliations, and her family's recreational activities.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fern and Witt C. Olive conducted by Terry Rogers in 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Fern and Witt Olive discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1922 and 1926 respectively. Witt talks about the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, his experience in the Boy Scouts of America, and the growth of Las Vegas. Fern primarily provides confirmation for Witt's reminisces.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eva and Roberta Martin conducted by Claytee D. White on August 30, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Eva and Roberta discuss their family’s background and upbringing in Chicago, Illinois. Eva talks about her employment for Eastman Kodak, opening up a dry cleaning business, and buying a McDonald's franchise with her husband. Roberta recalls attending Tuskegee University, going to law school, and becoming a public defender. Eva talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, opening three McDonald's franchises, and becoming a franchise operator with help of the National Black McDonald's Operators Association (NBMOA). Lastly, they discuss their involvement with the Jim Martin Family Trust, Ronald McDonald House, Shade Tree, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Foundation Advisory Board.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with James Earl Fisher conducted by Dawn Smith on April 23, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fisher discusses the history of Indian Springs, Nevada, the atomic testing site, Nellis Air Force Base, and his family background.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Reverend Prentiss Walker conducted by Bernard Timberg on January 27, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Walker discusses Las Vegas, Nevada from 1933 to the early 1970s, including the equality of opportunity and social acceptance that black citizens enjoyed in Las Vegas in the thirties. He also recalls how black people did not look upon southern Nevada as a place of permanent residence, but rather as a temporary place to earn money quickly.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eve O'Brien conducted by Bob Boughner on March 06, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, O'Brien talks about her life in early Las Vegas. She talks about her occupations, including her experiences working with casino owner Sam Boyd during the early 1950s and 1960s at the Mint Las Vegas hotel and casino.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Celia Rivero Grenfell conducted by Patricia Holland on March 31, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Grenfell first talks about her family background in Mexico and later describes her family’s restaurant business. She also describes her education, recreational activities, Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada; and Helldorado. Grenfell discusses racial segregation and prejudice, El Rancho Vegas, Lorenzi Park, early churches, environmental changes, early air conditioning, and Grenfell’s early work in a laundry business.
Archival Collection