Oral history interview with Gabriel Garcia conducted by Monserrath Hernandez and Barbara Tabach on November 13, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Garcia discusses his early life in Arizona and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984. He remembers attending a sixth grade center, the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) explosion, and attending Las Vegas High School. Garcia talks about Mexican culture in Las Vegas, car clubs, and becoming a graphic designer. Lastly, Garcia discusses his involvement with the Association of Latino Professionals for America, and the idea of diversifying the professional workplace.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Andres Dominguez conducted by Marcela Rodriguez Campo, Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez, and Barbara Tabach on February 11, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Dominguez discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up on the Eastside. He talks about the history of barbering in his family, and his path to becoming a barber. Dominguez describes the process of acquiring the barbershop at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, and the significance of the location to his family. Lastly, Dominguez discusses his perspective on life, the importance of networking, and his decision in naming his shop Speakeasy Barbershop LV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bob Coffin conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 08, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Coffin discusses his early life in Anaheim, California, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951. He describes living near the Huntridge Theater, housing in that area, and working for his father’s business, Western Petroleum Distributors. Coffin talks about his initial interests in local politics, becoming a political campaign manager in the 1970s, and running for City Councilman. Lastly, Coffin discusses the construction of the Fremont Street Experience, and the issue of homelessness in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mike A. Foster conducted by Heather Christopherson on March 20, 2002 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Foster reflects upon his 25-year career as a teacher and administrator with Arizona’s Douglas Unified School District. He discusses the process by which he became an administrator, and describes training and experiences that he feels were most useful for his career. He describes his approach to education, his regular responsibilities, and challenges that he faced as a principal. He also provides his opinion on student ethics and discipline, school overcrowding, teacher evaluations, and dismissals.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alice Wisdom conducted by Elizabeth Goodman on October 13, 2003 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Wisdom reflects upon her career as a teacher and administrator in Texas and Nevada. She describes the process by which she first became a teacher in Texas, and then the Bahamas in the 1970s. She then discusses how she was hired to teach in Nevada’s Clark County School District in 1979 before eventually being appointed as principal of various elementary and middle schools. She describes her approach to school administration and working relationships, and discusses colleagues who impacted her throughout her career.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lee Washington conducted by Aleya Ford Wheaton on November 30, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Washington discusses his personal history, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963, and his initial reactions to the city. He talks about his employment at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino as well as joining the Culinary Workers Union in 1974. Washington then describes church activity that he and his family were involved in at Most High Church and his church's significance to the West Las Vegas community. Lastly, he talks about the development and growth of businesses on the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paul Sorensen conducted by Bill Friday on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sorensen discusses the history of Clark County and Las Vegas, Nevada. Sorensen discusses education in Las Vegas, reasons for the growth of Clark County, and the establishment of the Nevada Test Site. Sorensen later describes how Las Vegas and its school system has changed, and discusses who he believes are moving to live in Las Vegas the most. Sorensen goes on to discuss racial segregation in Las Vegas and racial integration in the schools via busing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alberta Shearin conducted by Deanne Lahr on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shearin discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after her husband was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in 1943. Shearin describes Las Vegas during World War II and how it has changed, chemical plants in Henderson, Nevada and their effects on the environment, and what her and her family did for recreation. Shearin also discusses the local school system and racial integration in schools and neighborhoods, as well as natural disasters that have occurred in the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Craig F. Swallow conducted by Christine E. Johnson on February 29, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Swallow discusses his personal history growing up in Boulder City, Nevada. Swallow describes life in Boulder City, his education, and important figures in the city. Swallow also discusses his time in the U.S. Army before eventually moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to start his career as a teacher. He goes on to talk about the school system in Las Vegas, how Boulder City has changed, the effects of the Mormon church on education, and race relations.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kenneth W. Swallow conducted by Cynthia Brannon on March 11, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Swallow discusses his personal history and the history of Southern Nevada. Swallow describes moving to Boulder City, Nevada during the 1940s and his career working for the postal service. Swallow goes on to describe prominent figures who visited the Hoover (Boulder) Dam, his involvement in organizations, recreational activities, and nuclear testing. He concludes by discussing the history of Basic Magnesium Inc. and the city of Henderson, Nevada, and how Boulder City has developed and changed.
Archival Collection