Oral history interview with Brian Block conducted by Diane Spero on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Block discusses the construction business, community planning, architectural design, and his personal feelings in regard to the development of the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Block also discusses legalized gambling, politics, mass transit problems, and other social and environmental changes in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Kesterson conducted by James M. Greene on October 24, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kesterson offers an overview on life in Boulder City, Las Vegas, and Henderson, Nevada. He also discusses land development.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with John Edmond conducted by Claytee D. White on February 19 and 25, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Edmond discusses his family history in Tallulah, Louisiana and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada before Basic Magnesium, Inc. drew many African Americans to the region. He recalls working as a young boy at the local bowling alley and later attending college in Seattle, Washington. After college, Edmond returned to Las Vegas and became the first Black baccarat dealer at the Stardust Hotel working for Frank Rosenthal. He discusses later owning the largest shopping center in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Suzy Maufus conducted by Bernard Timberg on January 27, 1974. Maufus discusses the changes Las Vegas, Nevada went through, from a small town to a big sprawling city. The interview concludes with Maufus discussing the rise of crime as Las Vegas grew.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with April Edner conducted by Christina Miller on June 21, 1996 for the Friends of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada Oral History Project. Edner begins the interview by talking about the history of Oliver Ranch and who had owned it throughout time. She mentions Native Americans living on the property in the past and describes what current caretakers do for the ranch. Edner points out the original structures of the property that were changed and those that were kept. Lastly, she tells stories surrounding the property itself.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lonnie Wright conducted by Claytee White on October 23, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Wright describes the casino mentality of racism and sexism that he encountered. Wright also discusses dealing with the odds and his business endeavors. Wright then describes the value of being a team player and using athletics as a marketing strategy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Miguel Villarba conducted by David Islas on December 6, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
In this interview, Miguel Villarba shares his family's history growing up in Manila, Philippines and immigrating to the United States in 2016. He talks about first living in Chattanooga, Tennessee before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to be near family when Miguel was in high school. Miguel Villarba shares stories of his grandfather's farm in Pangasinan, Philippines, the differences in city and town life across Manila, Chattanooga, and Las Vegas, and his educational plans. He also talks about Filipino culture and traditions, and racial discrimination.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harold Schnitzlein conducted by Anne Cvetkovic on March 13, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schnitzlein discusses his life experiences in Southern Nevada. He talks about changes in the Las Vegas Strip since the 1950s, and life in Boulder City, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Iva MacDonald conducted by Vaune Kadlubek on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, MacDonald discusses living in Henderson, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada. MacDonald also discusses McCarran Airport, family, and her various occupations including secretary, bookkeeper, and real estate saleswoman.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dr. Jack Cherry conducted by Lowell Christie on June 17, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cherry discusses environmental change in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cherry also recalls experiencing an atomic bomb test.
Archival Collection