Oral history interview with Earl G. Heron conducted by Claytee D. White on November 22, 2024 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Heron recalls his childhood in Queens, New York, where he learned automobile mechanics from his father. He used that knowledge to become a mechanic on fighter planes for the United States Air Force. Heron was stationed for some time at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also was stationed in San Antonio, San Bernadino, Wichita Falls, and Fort Bragg. He became a flight engineer and took part in Red Flagg War Games Training while stationed at Nellis AFB. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kenneth W. Fong conducted by Lois Goodall on February 22, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Fong discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and being the son of two successful and philanthropic community members, Wing and Lilly Fong. Fong also discusses his father starting a grocery store and later in 1955, Fong’s Garden. He then discusses real estate development, Nevada State Bank development, as well as contributing to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Chinatown evolution.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Emma Stampley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 22, 2007 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Stampley discusses her early life in Fayette, Mississippi and growing up in a family of farmers. She remembers segregated schools, the living conditions during that time, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. Stampley talks about participating in the civil and welfare rights movements, and the foundation of Operation Life. Lastly, Stampley recalls traveling to civil and welfare rights movement marches, police harassment, and the African American experience in Las Vegas during that time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Andy Hafen conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on August 22, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hafen discusses his upbringing in Henderson, Nevada. He recalls being elected to the City Council in 1987, the expansion of Henderson, and the development of the Water Street District. Hafen then talks about redevelopment of historic areas and the increase in businesses in Henderson. Later, Hafen discusses Lake Las Vegas, the drought and its effect on Lake Mead, and the challenges in developing Lake Las Vegas. Lastly, Hafen explains the how Nevada State College (NSC) has become the necessary link between the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carolyn Whaley conducted by Diana Rhodes on March 22, 2005 for the UNLV Women's Studies Veteran Oral History Project. Whaley discusses her early interest in music and her successful audition for the United States Air Force Women's Air Force (WAF) Band in 1959. She explains that the band was the only all-female band in the military between 1951 and 1961, and shared a number of stories about the function and activities of the band. Later, she discusses her civilian career as a music teacher in Barstow, California and decision to move to Las Vegas, Nevada after her retirement in 2000. She also remarks on the lack of interest that officials at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas showed in veterans.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael Montandon conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 22, 2016 and October 3, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Montandon talks of forming relationships with developers, legislators, and other municipalities. He speaks about land use, open space, parks, trails, conservation, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA). He shares histories and stories of the Becker family's role in developing Clark County, of the Combs family's North Las Vegas, Nevada pig farm and the drama that routinely characterized BLM land auctions, and of why North Las Vegas spent millions of dollars to build its own sewage treatment plant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bill Lamb conducted by Roger Barnhart on June 29, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lamb was born in August 22, 1943 in Henderson, Nevada. In the interview, he talks about his experiences moving around Northern Nevada due to his father's mining job. Lamb also discusses his education, family, military service, work in Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maxine Butler conducted by Frank Johnson on April 22, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Butler discusses her early life in Jonesboro, Louisiana. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965, the Westside, and businesses on Jackson Street. Butler recalls working at The Cove as a cocktail waitress, the reopening of Moulin Rouge Hotel, and the African American community on the Westside. Later, Butler discusses her involvement at Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, the importance of church to the African American community, and compares church life in Jonesboro and Las Vegas. Lastly, Butler talks about changes in the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Louis Conner conducted by John Grygo on March 22, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Conner discusses his personal history and growing up in Tallulah, Louisiana. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family for job opportunities in the late 1950s. Conner describes his employment at the Stardust Hotel, segregation, and living in West Las Vegas. He then talks about integration in the mid-1960s, Jackson Street entertainment, and the changing demographic of the Westside. Lastly, Conner discusses the development of Las Vegas, families moving out of the Westside, and new businesses in the area.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joel Coombs conducted by Claytee White on February 22, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Joel Coombs spoke about how his peers reacted to his interracial family. He recalls attending Valley High School amidst racial tensions, racism, and prejudice. He also spoke about the drug abuse happening at Valley High School and Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada. He recalled participating in protests as a child and landing on the front page of The Post.
Archival Collection