Oral history interview with Thomas McDonald conducted by Ted Papatheodorou on July 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, McDonald describes his experiences running a newspaper and a restaurant in Chicago, Illinois before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to work as a manager at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. McDonald shares several short anecdotes, such as being thrown off of a freight train in 1915 in early Las Vegas, or serving then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson at his restaurant in Chicago.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William Snyder conducted by Claytee D. White on November 21, 2008 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Snyder discusses being an architect who worked for Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects. He also talks about the school named after him, working with the children who attended that school, and designing the McCaw School of Mines for McCaw Elementary School in Henderson, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for
Archival Collection
Eunice Claxton oral history interview conducted by Claytee White on June 4, 5, and 10, 2015 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Claxton discusses living in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, attending the Westside School, working as shield in El Morocco nightclub, and memories of Jackson Street life.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janet Adams conducted by Glodene Sawyer on October 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Adams (born in Scotland) discusses her move to Las Vegas, Nevada from California with her husband. Adams also briefly discusses early churches, the above-ground atomic testing, President Kennedy’s visit, and her enjoyment in recreational fishing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Virginia Valentine conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on July 25, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Valentine discusses her early life in Florida. She recalls her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1981, working in a wastewater treatment plant, and becoming Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. Valentine then talks about attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), obtaining a master's degree in public administration, and her involvement with flash flood management in southern Nevada. Lastly, Valentine describes becoming a registered professional engineer (PE) and her work with the Nevada Resort Association (NRA).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Edgar Fountain conducted by Julia Bragg on February 26, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Fountain discusses his career, the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and the Democratic Party.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gertrude Naegle conducted by Jeff Bradshaw on March 31, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Naegle recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after buying a gas-filling station. She also discusses the above ground atomic testing, The Old Fort, and visits by President John F. Kennedy and Howard Hughes.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Frias conducted by Paula Soto on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Frias discusses working in the cab business, Nellis Air Force Base, and tourism in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tad Porter conducted by Joseph H. Cutchin III on October 17, 1972 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Porter discusses his early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1939. He remembers the Carole Lombard plane crash accident, the construction of Hoover Dam, and social changes in Las Vegas since the 1940s.
Archival Collection