Oral history interview with George Monahan conducted by Colleen F. Karnes on February 28, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Monahan, a county engineer, discusses the history of flood control management in Las Vegas, Nevada and throughout Clark County. Monahan explains the seriousness of flooding in the city, how flooding is managed, and the solutions for flood prevention. Monahan also discusses the evolution of the Clark County Department of Public Works.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ernest Fountain conducted by Claytee D. White on March 27, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Fountain discusses African American owned businesses and explains why these businesses are disproportionately disappearing and going out of business. Fountain then talks about the importance of understanding finance and economics, small businesses, and starting his lending firm, New Ventures Capital Development Company. Lastly, Fountain explains the process of owning a bank, and the importance of having more African American owned financial institutions.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clifford R. Clayton conducted by Mechia Sydnor on November 11, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Clayton begins the interview talking about his childhood in Virginia, and his subsequent move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 in order to pursue a career in the military at Nellis Air Force Base. He then discusses working on the Strip in Las Vegas, as well as the influence of organized crime on casino operations. He then details the desegregation movement in Las Vegas throughout the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the notable leaders in the community. He also describes the night life in West Las Vegas, on the Strip, and on Fremont Street.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gerald Price conducted by Mike Labrum on October 23, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Price discusses his personal history and experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes his career as a dealer in casinos, prominent celebrities visiting Las Vegas, and his recreational activities. Price also talks about nuclear weapons tests, how Las Vegas has changed, and gambling.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Nancy Williams conducted by Joyce Marshall on June 13, 1996 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Williams talks about her early life and career as a dancer. She describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948, organized crime in Las Vegas casinos, and segregation of African American entertainers at the time. Williams remembers riding horses to and from casinos, the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) union, and early showgirl costumes. Lastly, Williams talks about retiring from dancing and establishing a school of dance in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rick May conducted by Dennis McBride on December 29, 2001 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. May begins by discussing his upbringing in Texas, what it was like growing up knowing he was gay while living in a conservative area, and the moment he accepted his sexuality. May describes some of his early sexual experiences with other men and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, so that he could contribute to the gay community. May details attending and organizing gay pride events in Las Vegas, participating in the gay community, and starting his own gay-friendly business, named "R & R Sorted Sundries." May also discusses his work as a nurse.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Carolyn Goodman conducted by David Schwartz on January 21, 2009 for the Remembering Jay Sarno Oral History Project. In this interview, Goodman talks about her friendships with Nate Jacobson, Jerry Zarowitz, and Elliot Price. She describes the business relationship that they had with Jay Sarno, the increase of casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s, and their contributions to the development of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jean Childs conducted by Claytee White on December 02, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Jean recalls the culture shock of segregation and racism her family encountered upon arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada from California in 1963. Jean spoke about how her mother was a role model for her, who carved a path of fighting for the underprivileged, growing the Head Start program in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert M. Smith conducted by Mary Ellen Crane on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses his career in cosmetology and being a hair dresser for shows in Las Vegas, Nevada casinos, such as the Copa Line in the Sands Hotel & Casino. He also describes owning his own salon, how entertainment and casinos have changed in Las Vegas, and aspects of the beauty industry in Nevada. Smith concludes by talking about Las Vegas' growth and his experiences in real estate.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Suzette Cox conducted by Andrew Lazarus on March 15, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Suzette Cox discusses her experiences living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She then discusses her careers in the police departments and a local newspaper company. Topics also included racial discrimination, sports, and how the development of the Strip influenced her life while attending school in Las Vegas, as well as its relation to tourism and aboveground atomic testing.
Archival Collection