Oral history interview with Lavern Cummings and Tony Midnite conducted by Dennis McBride on August 29, 2000 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. In the interview, Cummings and Midnite discuss their work as female impersonators in Las Vegas, Nevada during the late 1960s and 1970s. They also talk about other impersonators and performance venues in Las Vegas and around the United States. They explain the distinctions between transgender and straight performers, and the perceptions of transgender and straight audience members. Other subjects Cummings and Midnite cover include their early lives and arrivals to Las Vegas, and the history of sex reassignment surgeries beginning in the 1930s.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Louis Baluyut conducted by Kyle Baluyut in November 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Baluyut discusses his early life in the Philippines, immigrating to the United States by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He recalls his experiences travelling around the country and internationally, and how life in other places compares to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ashley Hall conducted by Claytee D. White on September 2, 2015 and September 22, 2015 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Hall discusses being the city manager of Las Vegas, Nevada during the early portion of the development of Summerlin, Nevada by the Hughes Corporation. He also discusses his earlier life before politics, pertaining to Nevada Trench Safety.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph Kine conducted by James Greene on December 19, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the early days of Boulder City, Nevada from the perspective of an old-timer. Mrs. Kine is also present during the interview. They discuss education, home, and family life, in Boulder City.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mabel Rhea conducted by Patricia van Betten on April 09, 2011 for the History of the Blue Diamond Village in Nevada Oral History Project. Rhea discusses her birth in Fairmont, West Virginia, as well as her nursing education. She describes serving in France during World War II as a nurse. She details moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1949, and then to the Blue Diamond, Nevada in approximately 1952. She describes the post office, shopping locations, and her neighbors in the Village.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elbert B. Edwards conducted by William White and Martha Roberson on January 25, 1988 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Edwards discusses the settlement of West Point, Nevada. He talks about the West Point cemetery, the Mormon pioneers that settled in the area, and West Point’s boundary line proving it to be a part of Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clinton Wright conducted by Claytee D. White on October 13, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Clinton reflects on the societal changes he observed over the years, particularly in the black community of the Westside and North Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls how he changed his personal thoughts about raising his children in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harry Block conducted by Mark McLane on February 24, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Block discusses recreational activities, his experience during World War II, early businesses and casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Helldorado Parade, Block 16, atomic testing, changes in technology, and visiting Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with John E. Jeffrey conducted by Frank Vivirito on April 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jeffrey discusses his occupational history, the disparity of work conditions and opportunities for Black and Mexican workers in the Henderson, Nevada magnesium plant, and his family’s medical history.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lavell Jarrett conducted by Robert B. Grzywacz on February 22, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview Jarrett discusses his early life in Utah and his career with the Union Pacific Railroad.
Archival Collection