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Oral history interview with Dr. John S. Wright conducted by Katie Lockhart on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wright discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. He describes the origins of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas including its relationship with the University of Nevada, Reno regarding funding. Wright also describes the culture and development of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas such as its organizations and programs.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with José Armando Elique conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on January 14, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Elique discusses his family background and early life in New York City, New York. He talks about his educational experience, attending Catholic schools, and serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Elique recalls his employment with the Port Authority Police Department, Latino police officers, and the evolution of gang culture. Later, Elique talks about moving the Las Vegas, Nevada in 2000, the 1 October shooting, and his role as the chief of police of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Police Services. Lastly, Elique discusses his involvement with the National Latino Police Officers Association.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Earl McDonald conducted by Claytee D. White on October 4, 2000 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, McDonald, a sixty-year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, relates his background in Mississippi and Louisiana, leaving home at fourteen and traveling to California, and being drafted into the Army during World War II. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas and working as a musician and valet while training to be an electrician. He talks at length about the Westside, detailing the clubs and restaurants that opened along Jackson Street, including the El Rio, the Cotton Club, the El Morocco, and the Ebony Club. He also explains the discrimination that prevented Black individuals from joining unions even when they worked union jobs, and the response by the United States Justice department. He also discusses gambling and the potential for revitalizing the Westside community.
Archival Collection
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Oral history interview with Joseph De Meis conducted by Claytee D. White on January 3, 2020 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Mr. De Meis discusses his numerous years of professional experience in design work, prior to his retirement. Joseph discusses the engineering work he did on Caesars Palace as well his work with other world famous designers and engineers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joseph Tooley Phillips conducted by Joanne P. Marshall on March 15, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Phillips discusses his personal history in Nevada and his job as a printer at the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clark (Danny) Lee conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on May 23, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. Lee discusses the process that allows the Nevada Library Association to grow with the Las Vegas, Nevada community. Lee also talks about homeless accommodations and the power struggle between North and South Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Melvin Eugene Serviss conducted by Juan Ortiz on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Serviss discusses his personal history in Missouri and Las Vegas, Nevada. Serviss describes going to clubs and meeting celebrities who were in Missouri for the filming of the movie
Archival Collection