Search Results
Transcript of interview with Michael J. Signorelli by Claytee D. White, Stefani Evans, August 4, 2016
Date
2016-08-04
Archival Collection
Description
Michael Signorelli, long-time Las Vegas resident and builder of many local homes, apartments and hotels, describes his upbringing, career, and stellar reputation as part of the “Building Las Vegas” oral history project. Raised in Rhode Island, the only child of an Italian-American father and a Southern Baptist mother, Michael’s early life was influenced by his father’s disability as a World War Two veteran and his non-English speaking paternal grandparents, who owned and ran a grocery store. Talking of his experiences in helping them run the grocery store he says, "I became a businessman at the age of twelve." His military service during the Vietnam War landed him at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Once here, Michael furthered his education at UNLV, obtaining both his MEd and PhD degrees. In Las Vegas Michael began his work in the housing arena working for Sun Home Builders and his non-profit work, helping to raise funds for the newly formed Rape Crisis Center. Signorelli went on to work for Howard Hughes's Summa Corporation, where he successfully fought against a discrimination lawsuit brought by twenty-one female dealers. In 1978 Michael started his own company, Nicro Corporation, and began building homes in the Las Vegas valley with land he acquired on a hand-shake and a verbal contract. He continued his non-profit work, which included coordinating Lady Bird Johnson’s Green Thumb project for Nevada and the Pacific Northwest. In the 1980s Signorelli was recruited by the Fitzgerald Group, where he was involved in non-gaming operations for their many hotels, cattle ranch, and an in vitro clinic. In this interview, Signorelli describes his non-Las Vegas building projects in Mesquite and Laughlin. He built the Mesquite Star hotel and casino by overcoming multiple hurdles around water access and money. Despite twice obtaining a loan for one hundred million dollars, he was never able to successfully complete the Laughlin hotel and casino, due to legal issues from his partner’s family trust. Signorelli also shares his idea for a unique hotel and casino called the Nev Star that involved his successful negotiation of a waiver to Senate Bill 208. Signorelli concludes his interview by talking about his ownership of the world-famous Golden Steer Steak House restaurant, which opened in 1958. Under Signorelli’s ownership the Golden Steer has been featured in national publications and claims many legendary fans such as NACAR driver Mario Andretti, who in 2016 celebrated his seventy-six birthday at the Golden Steer. Signorelli’s love of Las Vegas and its many positive traits come forth as he talks about his daughter and her achievements and suggests Vegas promoters should do a better job about what great schools, medical care, and government we have in Las Vegas.
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Transcript of interview with Walter Dane by Ann Clark, March 11, 1978
Date
1978-03-11
Archival Collection
Description
On March 11, 1978, Ann K. Clark interviewed her step grandfather, tire repairman Walter Dane, (born August 10th, 1914 in West Barnett, Vermont) in her, the interviewer’s, home in North Las Vegas. Also present during the interview is the interviewer’s mother, Marie Dane. Walter relocated to Indian Springs in 1930 before settling in Las Vegas in 1943. In 1968 he moved to Utah, where he resided at the time of this interview. Well-traveled, Walter discusses his many moves over the years. Ultimately, this interview covers the growth and development of the Las Vegas and Indian Springs areas.
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Interview with Stuart C. Black, January 18, 2005
Date
2005-01-18
Archival Collection
Description
Narrator affiliation: Scientist, U.S. Public Health Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency REECo/Bechtel
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Interview with William Byron Beam, January 20, 2005
Date
2005-01-20
Archival Collection
Description
Narrator affiliation: Mining Safety Manager, Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Company (REECo)
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Interview with Nick C. Aquilina, April 6, 2004
Date
2004-04-06
Archival Collection
Description
Narrator affiliation: Manager, Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office (NVOO)
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Interview with Ian Dominic Zabarte, April 4, 2007
Date
2007-04-04
Archival Collection
Description
Narrator affiliation: Western Shoshone Property Owner under Treaty
Access note: Audio temporarily sealed. May not quote in any form without written permission from interviewee
Access note: Audio temporarily sealed. May not quote in any form without written permission from interviewee
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Interview with Charles Costa, February 13, 2009
Date
2009-02-13
Archival Collection
Description
Narrator affiliation: Public Health Service (USPHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Test Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Nick Robone oral history interview: transcript
Date
2017-12-21
Archival Collection
Description
Oral history interview with Nick Robone conducted by Claytee D. White and Barbara Tabach on December 21, 2017 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Nick Robone, born and raised in Nevada, details his process of healing after being shot during the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. He discusses the events of that Sunday night and how he has learned to view life in a more positive light. Robone mentions various coping mechanisms that have helped him, including being open about his experience and talking about it with other survivors as well as pursuing his passions.
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