Interview with James A. Gay III conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 12, 1972. Arriving in 1946 from Fordyce, Arkansas, Gay became the first African-American mortician in Las Vegas. He later worked as Assistant Manager of the Sands Hotel and Casino and Union Plaza while serving as an executive board member of the Culinary Union. Instrumental in the Las Vegas community, Gay worked to improved race relations, addressing social, economic, and civic issues. Gay was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1988.
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Oral history interview with Ruth Poirier conducted by Joanne Goodwin on February 05, 2003 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Poirier opens her interview by discussing her partner Doris Pressler, who had passed away before the interview. She describes Doris' upbringing, her role in the first band at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, and explains how an all-women band in the 1930s and 1940s was a phenomenon. Poirier then discusses her own history, including how she became involved in music and all-women bands, and how she met Doris. Poirier describes in detail the importance of music to her family, the types of music she played, and what it was like to be a musician during the Depression. She talks about her relationship with Doris and recalls early interactions with other gay youths. Poirer ends her interview explaining why she and Doris decided to settle in Las Vegas, Nevada, and describes their impressions and involvement with the local LGBTQ+ community.
Archival Collection
Ground squirrel at Gay Pride at Sunset Park, 1999. Photographer: Dennis McBride. (5-8-99).
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The Ron Lawrence Collection of 1980 Reno Gay Rodeo Photographs consists of 87 35mm color slides of the 1980 Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, presumably taken by Lawrence. Images show different events such as saddle bronc and barrel racing. Also included are views of spectators sitting in the stands, dancing, and preparing for events.
Archival Collection
Gay Pride at Sunset Park (5-8-99) Photographer: Dennis McBride
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Gay Pride 1999 at Sunset Park; Photographer: Dennis McBride. Keys Lounge.
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