Oral history interview with Joseph De Meis conducted by Claytee D. White on January 3, 2020 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Mr. De Meis discusses his numerous years of professional experience in design work, prior to his retirement. Joseph discusses the engineering work he did on Caesars Palace as well his work with other world famous designers and engineers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Chester A. Hodson Jr. conducted by Marlene L. Larson on March 04, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Hodson discusses his family history and development of the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip. He specifically discusses his school years, the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, and problems in terms of city businesses. Mr. Hodson also speaks about working in the restaurant industry in Las Vegas, as well as his father’s experience working in the industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Earl McDonald conducted by Claytee D. White on October 4, 2000 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, McDonald, a sixty-year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, relates his background in Mississippi and Louisiana, leaving home at fourteen and traveling to California, and being drafted into the Army during World War II. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas and working as a musician and valet while training to be an electrician. He talks at length about the Westside, detailing the clubs and restaurants that opened along Jackson Street, including the El Rio, the Cotton Club, the El Morocco, and the Ebony Club. He also explains the discrimination that prevented Black individuals from joining unions even when they worked union jobs, and the response by the United States Justice department. He also discusses gambling and the potential for revitalizing the Westside community.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary Jo Sheehan conducted by Claytee White on July 14, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Sheehan shares detailed memories of her family's early history. She recalls the family's move to Henderson, Nevada in 1945, her first job at Nellis Air Force Base, and their home in Victory Village. Sheehan discusses events such as the PEPCON (Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada) explosion in 1988, and the renovation of downtown Henderson that began in the 1990s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Ballance, Jr. conducted by Waymon Alridge on March 10, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ballance, Jr. discusses topics such as the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip; casinos, military life, and collegiate sports.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Henry Clay Davis conducted by Wendy Christian on March 05, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Davis discusses his personal life history as a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. He discusses hunting and fishing, employment, railroads, hotels, the Davis Dam, and Lake Mead. Additionally, he offers a detailed description of the Helldorado parade.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clark (Danny) Lee conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on May 23, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lee discusses the process that allows the Nevada Library Association to grow with the Las Vegas, Nevada community. Lee also talks about homeless accommodations and the power struggle between North and South Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Agnes Lockette conducted by Shannon Smith on February 26, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Lockette discusses her time as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the early childhood education program she was responsible for developing, and the evolution of education in Nevada from the 1950s to 1980.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dr. John McDaniel conducted by Daniel Malloy on October 24, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McDaniel discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Mississippi in 1931. McDaniel discusses the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. He also discusses his work as a medical doctor and his family life.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sebastian Mikulich Sr. conducted by Sherry Angell on July 17, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mikulich discusses his personal history and his employment with Southern Pacific Railroad. Mikulich describes the expansion of railroads throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona. Later, he recalls working during the Korean War, and the increase of transportation on trains in the 1960s. Lastly, he explains the work he performed on the trains and shares anecdotes from his career.
Archival Collection