Oral history interview with Melvin Carter conducted by Claytee D. White on October 12, 2000 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Carter begins by describing his family history, his father's experience in World War II, and his parents meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Carter describes his family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada in the late 1950s. He goes on to describe businesses on the Westside, including the Cove and the Brown Derby. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Darlene Kelly conducted by David P. Wiser on March 16, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kelly discusses how she first arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada and her occupational history. Kelly goes on to describe the Stewart Ranch, as well as the social environment of the 1940s and 1950s in Southern Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alfred Isola conducted by Stephen Kalish on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Isola discusses Las Vegas, Nevada’s lack of a unified garbage system and how dumping sites have had to adjust their practices in order to limit their impact on pollution. Isola also explains the different disposal protocols for wet and dry trash.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lucela M. Wattin conducted by Stefani Evans on December 6, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Lucela shares memories of her life growing up in Cebu Province, Philippines and being raised by her mother and grandparents after her father's death. She talks about immigrating to the United States under her fiancée's visa, moving to Chinatown in Las Vegas, and her work as a busser at the Excalibur Hotel. Lucela discusses how joining the Culinary Workers Union improved her work conditions and benefits, and how she is working with the union and a legal attorney to help her daughter immigrate to America. She also shares her favorite Filipino dishes (sinagang, chicken adobo, and bugas mais), holiday traditions, and what life was like when casinos shut down during COVID-19.
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Oral history interview with Bertha Gresh conducted by Gary Eagleson on November 30, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Gresh discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gresh then talks about mining and offers details surrounding specific mines, such as the Black Hawk Consolidated or Ran [Rand] Mine, the Techatticup Mine, the Wall Street Mine, and the Duncan Mine. Gresh then discusses the early days of Boulder City, Nevada and Henderson, Nevada. She also briefly mentions Block 16.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Ambrose conducted by David G. Schwartz on September 28, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Ambrose discusses the various positions he held at Tropicana Atlantic City and some of the mentors he has had throughout his career. He then provides his opinions on the technical changes of slot operations, the use of free play, and eSports.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jean Munson conducted by Vanessa Concepcion, Cecilia Winchell, and Stefani Evans on November 30, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Jean discusses her childhood growing up in Guam, the nursing career path of her parents, and her decision to pursue an "unconventional path" as a comic book artist. She talks about her education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, her passion for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community within Las Vegas, and her roles in community activism and leadership. Jean also shares her current pursuits as a podcaster of Bruha Baddies, co-owner and printer of Plot Twist Publishing, and co-founder of the Comic and Zines Festival.
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Oral history interview with Ray Johnson conducted by Rick Stern on October 03, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses moving to Nevada and his different residences. Johnson then goes on to talk about his occupational history.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Howard Warner conducted by Virginia Lacouture on July 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Warner discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada as a special agent with the intelligence division of the United States Department of the Treasury. Warner then describes the expansion of businesses as the population increased in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Midge Innis conducted by James Thomas Griffin on May 8, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. The two discuss her occupational history as well as how she met her husband. Innis discusses the changes inside casinos and gambling. The interview concludes with Innis’ thoughts on environmental and social changes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection