Oral history interview with Barry Holt conducted by Lee LaVecchia on February 11, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Holt talks about the history of Southern Nevada. He specifically talks about the major changes in Southern Nevada since the 1930s, the Great Depression, and the changes in mode of transportation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Holt speaks about the differences between growing up in Las Vegas in the fifties and sixties compared to how his children are growing up at the time of the interview. He also discusses education and the religious community in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Esther Horner conducted by Maureen Brannon in approximately 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Horner discusses the inaugural Helldorado Parade, her family’s establishment of B & H Grocery in Las Vegas, Nevada, atomic tests, presidential visits, social clubs, and the tragic death of actress Carole Lombard in a plane crash in Nevada. Horner also offers insight into religious life, the red-light districts, including the infamous Block 16, racial segregation, and gambling in the early days in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Joe W. Brown conducted by Claytee D. White on November 19, 2018, January 11, 2019, February 06, 2019, and June 18, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In these interviews, Brown discusses his early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. He remembers becoming a District Court law clerk, and being appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the State Justice Institute and the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States. Brown talks about his involvement with charitable organizations, being a commissioner for the Nevada Gaming Commission, and founding the Nevada Military Support Alliance. Lastly, Brown discusses the development of his law firms in Las Vegas, being awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law degree by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and receiving the Outstanding Alumnus Award by the Washington and Lee University School of Law.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Mahamed Youssouf conducted by Barbara Tabach on August 06, 2013 and August 13, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Youssouf discusses his childhood in Harar, Ethiopia and living there during the Ethiopia and Somalia conflict in the late 1970s. He recalls the Russian invasion into Ethiopia and the communist agenda that was enforced as a result. Youssouf then describes his involvement in student and community led protests and how he ended up in a refugee camp in Djibouti. He talks about his life in Djibouti as a tailor and his struggles finding permanent refuge. Youssouf discusses his acceptance into the United States as a refugee, arriving in New York, New York in 1980, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985. Lastly, Youssouf talks about his store in North Las Vegas, Uniform Plus, and the African American experience in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gretchen Braner conducted by Stacey Skidmore on November 24, 2009 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Braner reflects back on her career as a teacher and administrator with the Clark County School District from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Braner discusses the process by which she trained to become a school administrator, which portions of the training were most beneficial, and the importance of life experiences in shaping her philosophy of education. She describes her regular job responsibilities, and explains the importance of balancing work priorities to avoid burnout. She also discusses the importance of fostering relationships with students and staff to make school administration meaningful.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Monica Gresser conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on September 20, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Gresser discusses her upbringing in El Campo, Texas and her initial interests in architecture. She recalls attending Texas Tech University and the University of Houston, designing sustainable buildings, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001. Gresser talks about gentrification in the Las Vegas downtown area, low-income communities, and the environmental conditions in disadvantaged areas. Later, Gresser describes her focus on developing transitional housing for military veterans and unhoused individuals, hostile architecture, and the issue of poverty across the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Roy Smith conducted by Gary Michael Buyacheic on March 13, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1931 for job opportunities. Smith recalls the introduction of gambling and the impact it had on the city and throughout Nevada. Later, Smith describes the Stewart Ranch, Mount Charleston, and the growth of casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Augusta Newton conducted by John Harmon on October 13, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newton discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1948 for her husband's job. She describes the Las Vegas Strip and its hotels and casinos, as well as the growth of Las Vegas. Newton briefly talks about gambling, organized crime, and Howard Hughes.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Perry conducted by Karen Croteau on March 05, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Perry discusses his experiences with Southern Paiute Native Americans on their reservation in southern Nevada. Perry describes the traditions and lifestyle of the Paiutes, and the living conditions on their reservation. Perry shares several short anecdotes of his interactions with the Paiutes, as well as stories he heard on the reservation.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vaughan O. Holt conducted by Lee LaVecchia on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Holt offers an overview on marriage and family life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also discusses local transportation, education, and occupations. He also talks about pollution, tourism, railroads, and the development of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection