Oral history interview with Tina Kwan conducted by Cecilia Winchell, Stefani Evans, and Jerwin Tiu on March 19, 2022 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
In this interview, Tina Kwan memorializes her late sister, Wendy Kwan, sharing stories of Wendy's life and experiences as the oldest child of first generation immigrant parents. Wendy helped complete her family's paperwork to open a restaurant at the age of 13, worked at the restaurant on weekends, and babysat Tina throughout the week. Tina shares Wendy's aspirations to become a fashion designer and the circumstances that led to Wendy's death. Tina also discusses how her sister's death impacted their family and her own life journey, her grieving process, and some of her favorite memories with Wendy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jelaine Velasco conducted by Angela Tampol in November 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Velasco describes her early life in California, and the different processes that her parents went through to become citizens after immigrating from the Philippines to the United States at different times. She explains her thoughts about what being "Asian American" means and how growing up in California gives her a unique perspective although she still experiences racism and microaggressions.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mary B. Kieser conducted by Ronald Gray on February 27, 1979 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Kieser discusses her early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. She remembers teaching at the Nellis Air Force Base Elementary School and being a substitute teacher in the 1960s. Kieser talks about insufficient funding for education, the implementation of a double session school model, and the increase of students in Southern Nevada. Lastly, Kieser discusses teacher wages, staggered session school models, the development of sixth grade centers, and the teacher credit union.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christine Barrett conducted by Claytee D. White on March 19, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Christine Barrett talks of her educational background and previous employment history that led her from California to Massachusetts, Virginia, and California again before her final move to Las Vegas. She has worked in management positions related to Las Vegas Valley water use for 38 years, and in the past decade has begun working for the Clark County School District in various professional capacities.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Denise Lutey conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 27, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV) campus officer Denise Lutey gives an account on the night of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. She discusses the campus security measures taken at UNLV in order to keep the campus secure and create a safe space for any survivors. She mentions the people who were involved in providing safety and resources for the survivors, including the officers and student workers. Officer Lutey also discusses the general campus response as well as the various resources offered to citizens to help them be prepared for an emergency situation, such as the Active Shooter Training provided on campus.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Juanita Gusewelle conducted by Nita Kreuzer on March 06, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gusewelle discusses life during World War I and II, the effects of the Great Depression, Nellis Air Force Base, Helldorado Days, and political changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William French conducted by Connie Degernes on November 18, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. French discusses life living near Boulder (Hoover) Dam in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John H. Pappas conducted by James Greene on October 04, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas describes coming to the United States during the early twentieth century, eventually making his way to Nevada in 1904. Pappas discusses working for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad Company helping to build the railroad from Caliente, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas later discusses leaving Nevada, then returning to help build the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, before leaving due to the extreme heat. Pappas describes his personal history in Las Vegas, the city's changes, and opening his own restaurant.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nanyu Tomiyasu conducted by Sosuke Miyazawa on March 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Tomiyasu discusses his family's history in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tomiyasu also discusses the growth of Las Vegas, improvements in transportation, and farm life. Tomiyasu then describes the significance of the Old Mormon Fort and the Union Pacific Depot.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Forrest Duke conducted by Richard Lloyd Pipkins on March 02, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Duke discusses popular hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada. Duke also talks about entertainment acts and prominent Las Vegas figures such as Howard Hughes. He then discusses labor unions’ problems with hotels and atomic testing.
Archival Collection