Oral history interview with Sanje Sedera conducted by Kristel Peralta, Cecilia Winchell, Ayrton Yamaguchi, and Stefani Evans on April 16, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Sanje Sedera discusses growing up in Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, with his family. He shares his educational history, moving from Sri Lanka to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia as a high schooler to learn English before immigrating to the United States to attend Idaho State University. Sedera discusses the political unrest and civil war that took place in Sri Lanka between the Tamil and Sinhalese people, and how he grew to appreciate political activism instilled in him by his paternal grandparents. Sedera shares his employment history working as a manager for K-Mart, an opportunity that brought him to Las Vegas, as well as his entrepreneurial pursuits of owning a mortgage business and becoming a realtor. He talks about the financial crisis of 2008 that led to losing his business, his attempts to run for public office, and how he helped to form Nevada's Asian American Democratic Caucus. Sedera concludes with a discussion of his Buddhist practice and how these philosophies have shaped his life.
A black and white image of a man with a drink sitting on a horse at a Union Pacific Old Timer's Club No. 23 gathering at the Fremont Hotel during Helldorado Days. This photo was taken from a time capsule left in the cornerstone of the Union Pacific Railroad Station in Las Vegas. The capsule was placed there in 1940 and retrieved when the building was demolished around 1970.
From the Hazel Baker Denton Photograph Collection (PH-00312). Inscription on the back reads, "Easter- Panaca Summit- Frank, Millie, Grandma Defriez, Dad, sometime in the 30s."
From Union Pacific Railroad Collection (MS-00397). The scales are noted in the drawing. The bottom corner says, "Union Pacific Railroad Company South Central District. Remodeling South Wing Of Basement of Clubhouse, Caliente Nevada. Office Of Manager Of Industrial Development, Los Angeles. Drawn by [Rdw?]. Scale - [not legible]. Date - 6-8-38. Revised. No. 15899. Sh. 1".
From Union Pacific Railroad Collection (MS-00397). The scales are noted in the drawing. At the bottom of the drawing it says, "Gilbert Stanley Underwood And Co. Architects & Engineers. 408 So Spring St. Los Angeles Calif. Exterior Details. 15684-V. Sheet #20-A. Job No. 399. Dec 21-27. A Club House For Union Pacific System Caliente Nevada."