Oral history interviews with Bob Stoldal conducted by Claytee D. White on May 22, 2014, May 23, 2014, and March 3, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Stoldal discusses his upbringing in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. He talks about pursuing a career in journalism including working at Channel 3 and Channel 8, his interest in history, and involvement with cultural organizations including the Nevada State Museum, the MOB Museum, and Las Vegas Centennial Commission. Stoldal comments on the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas including the 1969 Westside protests, sixth grade centers, and the treatment of entertainers.
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
Oral history interview with George Pollak conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on May, 25, 2010 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Pollak discusses breaking into the music industry and attending accounting school and working as an accountant while still performing in clubs. He also discusses playing with his band at Caesars Palace Hotel and the Tropicana Hotel, African-Americans in the music industry, and drug use among musicians. Pollak then discusses how Las Vegas, Nevada has changed, in terms of the entertainment industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jack Melvin conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 24, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Melvin discusses his work as publicity and advertising director for the El Rancho Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada starting in 1948. He goes on to explain his methods of selling advertisements and publicity.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Pamela Salazar conducted by Mark Cheney on November 13, 2002 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Salazar reflects upon her nearly 30-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District from the 1970s to the 2000s. She describes her approach to school administration, regular job responsibilities and challenges as principal, and ways that she managed job stressors. She also offers suggestions for individuals interested in pursuing school administration, and describes elements of her training that she believes were most useful.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joan M. Gray conducted by Kevin Gilmore on April 04, 2003 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Gray reflects upon her nearly 30-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). She discusses the process by which she became a teacher, and eventually an administrator. She discusses and compares the various schools where she worked, such as the Vegas Verdes Elementary School and Matt Kelly Elementary School. She describes her leadership style, regular responsibilities, and challenges as principal.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert W. Adams conducted by Marta Plansville on March 11, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Adams discusses early housing in Las Vegas, Nevada, his father working at the Last Frontier Hotel, and becoming Mormon after his marriage in 1964.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Agnes C. Marshall conducted by Rebecca Snetselaar on April 02, 2016 for the Folklife Program of the Nevada Arts Council and the Oral History Research Center at UNLV Libraries. Marshall begins the interview speaking about where she came from and African American culture. She explains the traditions and celebrations she participates in. Marshall also talks about food and explains how she makes some of those dishes. Lastly, she talks about gardening and her involvement within the community and neighborhood.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ernie Lomprey conducted by Chris Tonemah on July 11, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Lomprey moved from Wisconsin to Henderson, Nevada in 1949 because his father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base towards the end of World War II. He discusses his childhood, education, and eventual work as a cement mason and firefighter.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Myrtle Cheel conducted by an unknown interviewer on February 02, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview, Mrs. Cheel discusses education in the Las Vegas, Nevada Valley. She also discusses social, economic and environmental changes, particularly the rapid transformation and growth of Las Vegas from a small town to a major metropolis.
Archival Collection