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.
Oral history interview with Ernie Hensley conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on January 25, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Hensley discusses playing in the United States Air Force Band and becoming a member of the "Airmen of Note," the premier jazz ensemble for the Air Force. He also discusses working long-term with Jimmy Mulidore at the Las Vegas, Nevada Hilton Hotel, and his experiences working with Andy Williams, Sammy Davis, Jr., Juliet Prowse, Steve and Eydie, and Sarah Vaughn.
Oral history interview with Phyllis M. Silvestri conducted by Claytee D. White on January 11, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview Phyllis Silvestri discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically to the historic John S. Park neighborhood. She talks about interesting features of her home like a bomb-shelter. She then discusses how her children were discriminated against in the neighborhood when going outside to play because they are Italian.
Oral history interview with Don Triolo conducted by Chuck Williams on May 14, 2013 for the Friends of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada Oral History Project. Triolo begins the interview talking about other families that had lived in Calico Basin, Nevada. He speaks about how he met Vera Krupp and Buster Wilson. Triolo describes his time in Calico Basin and briefly mentions living in Alaska in 1952. Lastly, he talks about horses and George Heyer.
Oral history interview with John R. Shown conducted by Robert E. Pilgreen on March 18, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shown discusses his personal history living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1953. Shown then describes casinos that were built during his lifetime, and recalls the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Shown then discusses gambling, and the effect that gambling has on the Las Vegas economy.
Oral history interview with John J. Page conducted by Lois Goodall on April 16, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, John Page discusses joining the United States Air Force and then moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in February 1959. He then discusses starting out as an elementary school teacher. He also talks about moving to the neighborhood of Westleigh, family life in that neighborhood, and teaching in the area.
Oral history interview with Steven R. Melugin conducted by R. C. Taliaferro on April 08, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Melugin discusses his birth at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, his early education, imprisonment, the growth of Las Vegas, and racial segregation. Other topics discussed include Melugin's international travels.
Oral history interview with Jimmy Mulidore conducted by Claytee D. White on March 23, 2009 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Mulidore discusses his career as a jazz musician in Las Vegas, Nevada and working with musicians such as Sammy Davis, Jr., the Rat Pack, and Nat King Cole. He also discusses working in the El Rancho Hotel and Casino before the fire, and going on tour with the Billy May Band.
Oral history interview with Sandy Daly conducted by Bud Stephen on June 20, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project. Daly moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and she describes her educational experiences and how the gaming industry related to her upbringing. Stephen also asks questions relating to politics, religion, social club membership, theater, recreational activities for children and adults, atomic testing, tourism, local sports, television, prostitution, social class, and the development of the Strip. Interview includes audio recording (analog, digital) and transcript (digital).
Oral history interview with John Cahlan conducted by Lester Wisbrod on February 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cahlan discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper and his work in establishing Nellis Air Force Base. Cahlan also describes some of the social changes over time, including the growth of air travel for tourism and gambling.