Oral history interview with Douglas Peterson conducted by Claytee D. White on March 16, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Peterson discusses his early life. He recalls getting hired to the Music Department at Nevada Southern University (now University of Nevada, Las Vegas) in 1967. Peterson talks about his career at UNLV, his involvement with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, and performances that he directed. Lastly, Peterson discusses the decrease of live music in Las Vegas shows.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dwight Chambers conducted by Janet Ann Jack on February 26, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Chambers discusses working in numerous Las Vegas, Nevada’s hotel-casinos including Caesar’s Palace, hotel administrations’ connections with the mafia, and plans for expanding the Landmark Hotel.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Jim Maxon on May 28, 1985 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dunbar discusses his life as a Boulder City, Nevada native.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Shipley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 15, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shipley discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois and upbringing as a musician. Shipley recalls being the drummer for The Emotions, Natalie Cole, and performing at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the special treatment musicians had, and the respect that Steve Wynn had for performers. Lastly, Shipley remembers performing for Diana Ross, the challenges he faced as an African American musician, and his decision to retire.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Helen Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on February 20, 2007 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. She then talks about her employment at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital and the change to University Medical Center (UMC). Smith recalls an air conditioning business she co-owned with her husband at the time, and the activities she did as a member of Daughters of the Nile, a women's community service organization. Lastly, she discusses education and the general changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Donna L. Miller conducted by Claytee D. White on July 15, 2015 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Miller begins by describing her early upbringing on her family's potato farm in Oregon before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses attending Las Vegas High School, joining the Rhythmettes, the school's female dance group, and her experiences in the Rhythmettes, including where she performed and the team's coach, Evelyn Stuckey. Miller also briefly discusses working as a secretary at the Sahara Hotel and Casino and real estate in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Betty Kramer conducted by Kathy Wheat on March 02, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kramer talks about the development of Henderson, Nevada and shares the significance of the Basic Magnesium Inc. (BMI) to the Las Vegas, Nevada community. Kramer also talks about the societal change in Las Vegas, Nevada when gambling became legal, and the growth of the city at large.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marjorie McManus conducted by an unknown interviewer on October 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McManus discusses the history and differences betweeen Boulder City, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about the differences in culture, education, and stances on political issues.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bill Hornbuckle conducted by Claytee D. White on December 03, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hornbuckle discusses his early life Connecticut and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977. He talks about his initial interest in the hospitality industry, organizing venues, and becoming Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International. Lastly, Hornbuckle describes the growth and future of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Archival Collection