Oral history interview with Luther Pennington conducted by Greg Decker on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pennington discusses working on the trains for the Union Pacific Railroad Company starting in 1927 and explains the various jobs he held on the train. Pennington then describes his position as locomotive engineer and recalls his experiences. Later, he discusses train routes, stations, and the dangers of working aboard a train.
Oral history interview with Grace Hayes conducted by Arnold Shaw on May 28, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Hayes discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada performing at the El Rancho Vegas and operating the Red Rooster, one of the first clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. Hayes also discusses her interactions with other Las Vegas, Nevada celebrities and public figures.
Oral history interview with Lawrence Nelson conducted by John Turner on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Nelson discusses the history of early Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the Old Mormon Fort, the importance of railroads in Las Vegas, and the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Oral history interview with Carolyn Hutcheson conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 2, 2022 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hutcheson, a native of Houston, Texas, discusses relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband Floyd in 1989. At the time, she worked for Quality Mechanical and later for the Perini Building Company when the Cosmopolitan was under construction. Throughout the interview, Hutcheson recalls what it was like making Las Vegas her home in the late 1980s. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Oral history interview with William Viera conducted by Ann Louise Pugh on an unknown day in October of 1971 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Viera discusses his work in real estate throughout Las Vegas, Nevada and describes the increase in value of homes, especially newer buildings. Viera later describes his thoughts on why the desert and other surrounding landscape areas would soon be developed.
Oral history interview with Karen Carmichael conducted by Stefani Evans on December 9, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project.
In this oral history Carmichael discusses the world of professional dancing in the 1970s through the 1990s. She discusses her start in the industry and a variety of Las Vegas shows she participated in including: the Union Plaza Can Can, the American Dream Festival, Dasin’ Dirdy, and Babes Ahoy. She also goes into great detail behind her vision for Skyline, her adagio act, and the many celebrities she encountered throughout her career.
Carmichael also discusses her second career in jewelry design, and her experiences working with art galleries on the Las Vegas strip. She details the experiences of starting off at traveling art festivals, working her way up to award winning designs, and the art of jewelry photography. She also discusses the process of researching and publishing history for her book. She ends the interview with a discussion of what it means to be an artist and role of creativity in her life and those around her. She also discusses the ways in which others such as Betty Francisco, Hedy Jo Star, Debbie Reynolds and Sammy Davis Jr. had shaped her life.
Oral history interview with Aaron Rosenthal conducted by David Schwartz on December 21, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Rosenthal discusses the various slot operations and marketing roles he held with MGM Mirage/MGM Resorts. He also talks about his experiences in dealing with slot vendors and responsibilities as a general manager at various properties.
Oral history interview with Joseph Delaney conducted by Carol Hunter on October 24, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Joseph Delaney first discusses how Las Vegas, Nevada looked when he first moved to the city in 1961 and the evolution of performance places and the admission processes within the hotels. Delaney also discusses the agreements between the properties and various entertainers for their residencies, while mentioning the entertainers involved with said agreements. Delaney then discusses his career in the entertainment industry.
Oral history interview with Kim Vilt conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Vilt discusses living in the John S. Park Neighborhood for ten years and her plans to stay there as long as she and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oral history interview with Lawrence Weekly conducted by Claytee D. White on April 22, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Lawrence Weekly discusses growing up on the Westside during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a City Councilman starting in 1999, and becoming a Clark County Commission.