Oral history interview with Lucy Alires conducted by Candice Bush on March 06, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Alires is interviewed about her experiences as a Spanish-American living in Henderson, Nevada. Alires describes the growth of the city, including Carver Park, and discusses some of the discrimination faced by Latin and African American citizens. She also mentions some of the changes in the Las Vegas Strip over time, including the presence of Latin Americans in the hospitality workforce.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Adams conducted by Mike Lommori on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Adams discusses the changes in Southern Nevada over the previous twenty years. The two discuss, more specifically, changes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas over several years and the way student life has evolved. Adams also discusses some of the differences between Las Vegas and Joliet, Illinois, and changes in the gaming industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joe Pursell conducted by Michael Sarabyn on June 24, 2006 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Pursell reflects upon his career as a teacher, counselor, and school administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). He discusses his experiences as a teacher in the 1960s, challenges that he faced, and his approach to education. He also discusses his experiences with school integration, describes his regular responsibilities and challenges, and discusses his working relationship with other teachers and administrators throughout the school district.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Michael Maxwell conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Maxwell discusses his personal history and his role as Director of Early Childhood Connection with the Las Vegas, Nevada Urban League. He describes the work he does with childcare, and how the Urban League receives funding. Maxwell also recalls his career as a teacher and administrator for the Clark County School District (CCSD). Later, Maxwell talks about the issue of school zoning in West Las Vegas, how people qualify for childcare subsidies, and the school-to-prison pipeline that many African American youth face. Lastly, Maxwell discusses the importance of having educated children in the African American community and the development of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frank Cope conducted by Marianne Johnson on March 15, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cope describes his occupation as distribution superintendent at the Las Vegas Valley Water District and meeting his wife who also worked for the water district as a secretary in the engineering department. Cope also mentions multiple organizations and committees that he was a part of.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carol Forsythe conducted by Sam Copeland on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Forsythe discusses her husband’s career as a firefighter, specifically facts about the growth of the Clark County Fire Department. Forsythe later talks about the different residences at which she and her family lived and the developmental changes to Las Vegas, Nevada since she first arrived. Forsythe then discusses the Helldorado tradition and its changes as well as her family’s Episcopalian faith and the churches they attended.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charlotte Brascia conducted by Joe Mascellino on February 24, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Mascellino asks Brascia about social and cultural changes, the growth of different religions, Brascia’s brief presence in the airline industry, political presence in Las Vegas, Nevada, and rising crime rates. Brascia also specifically discusses her experience in the gaming and hospitality industry and how gaming operations have changed over time, particularly comparing gaming and hiring practices in the 1950s with those in the 1970s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Greenblatt conducted by Dario Gratini on March 01, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Gertrude Greenblatt discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, family life in Las Vegas, working in the Las Vegas food industry and resort industry, landmarks of the city, and the growth of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bill Zender conducted by David G. Schwartz on May 27, 2015 for the Table Games Management Oral History Project. Zender recalls his career dealing cards and working as a pit boss in Las Vegas, Nevada including time at casinos such as the El Cortez, Bally's, Desert Inn, and Aladdin. He also discusses working for the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the books he has written on how to deter cheating at card games.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with David Broxterman conducted by Dr. David Emerson on February 24, 2007 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. David Broxterman discusses having a long career with the Air Force including being a member of an Air Force association that helped push for an engineering school at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also discusses being the administrative manager for the Clark County School District.
Archival Collection