Interview with Vicki Richardson conducted by Claytee D. White on August 19, 2003. As a high school junior in Wilmington, Delaware, Richardson was one of twelve African American students chosen to integrate the school system. A civil rights activist in high school and college, Richardson wrote letters to local newspapers and engaged in protests to desegregate public spaces. Inspired by Harlem Renaissance painters, Richardson paid her way through college by teaching art at a recreation center. She went on to Vanderbilt University and later the University of Chicago where she had a Ford Foundation Fellowship to study inner-city education. She taught at Forestville High School in Chicago where she was Chairwoman of the Art Department and later at Rancho High School in Las Vegas. Richardson owns Left of Center Art Gallery in North Las Vegas and several other local businesses.
Louis Prima (1910-1978) was an American singer, songwriter, trumpeter, bandleader, and actor during the mid-20th century. He was known for performing jazz, swing, and jump blues music. Using his background from New Orleans and his Italian heritage to shape his distinctive sound, he encouraged other performers at the time to embrace their ethnic heritage. He frequently performed with his wife, Keely Smith, at the height of his popularity.
The Maude Frazier Professional Papers (1955-1962) contain programs honoring Frazier, a University of Nevada, Reno commencement program, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the Nevada Southern Second Building. Also included are awards of appreciation and certificates for her dedicated service to the Las Vegas, Nevada community. The materials focus on her later career with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The RKO Radio Pictures, Incorporated series (1930-1974) contains material primarily pertaining to development of RKO films during Hughes' ownership of the company. This series primarily features The Conqueror (1956) and Jet Pilot (1957), but also includes material for other films such as His Kind of Woman (1951), and Son of Sinbad (1955). Records include film set and publicity photographs, film advertising and news articles, screenplays, ledgers, and music scores. Corporate materials contain newspaper clippings, copyright documents, administrative correspondence, actor contracts and agreements, and stock information. Also included are scripts, screenplays, and manuscripts collected to draft potential film adaptations. Ledgers contain theatrical screening reports and corporate budgets. Other materials include reports pertaining to the Cold War and film industry blacklisting.
Archival Collection
Howard Hughes Film Production Records
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-01036 Collection Name: Howard Hughes Film Production Records Box/Folder: N/A