Oral history interview with Charis Robbins conducted by Steven J. Syzdek on March 17, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Robbins describes her early life living in various towns in California during the early 1900s, namely Silver Peak, California, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Brian Greenspun conducted by Barbara Tabach on January 10, 2018, January 24, 2018, February 21, 2018, and March 20, 2018 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In the first interview, Greenspun discusses his parents, Hank and Barbara Greenspun, his family's ancestry, and how his family came to Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls his childhood in Las Vegas, graduating from Las Vegas High School in 1964, and his decision to attend Georgetown University. In the second interview, Greenspun discusses the Watergate scandal, what he believes will fuel the next decade of Las Vegas growth, and development in the technology industry. He talks about the Greenspun Media Group, challenges in journalism, use of the term “fake news”, and the importance of giving young people a forum to talk about what they value. In the third interview, Greenspun recalls union demonstrations the Sands Hotel and Casino, the impact of American businessman Sheldon Adelson, and the need for balance in journalism. In the final interview, Greenspun talks about his father’s reporting on the Nevada Test Site, underground testing in the 1960s, and the early development of the Strip. Lastly, Greenspun talks about the importance of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to the city’s future.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jake Siazon conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on September 10, 2024 for the UNLV Remembers: an Oral History of the 6 December 2023 Shootings project. In this interview, Jake Siazon describes walking in his December 2023 UNLV graduation ceremony, sitting with his friends and celebrating, just two weeks after the campus shooting. Siazon recalls the morning of December 6, when his photography class was meeting for the last time in the Alta Ham Fine Arts (HFA) building near Maryland Parkway. As the first student's presentation concluded, students began receiving texts telling them of a shooting near the Student Union. They locked the doors to shelter in place. As students received texts of others being evacuated to the Thomas & Mack Center, they knew they would evacuate soon. Police came to escort them out after about three hours, telling them to leave with what they had in their hands and on their person. As they walked across the grassy mall toward Lied Library, Siazon remembered he had his camera and began taking pictures to document the moment, understanding that it was UNLV history. He captured images of students walking, SWAT, students gathering at Thomas & Mack, and the cityscape. After leaving, he realized the lot with his car was closed off, and he retraced his steps back to Tropicana and headed west down to the Excalibur Hotel, where he caught the tram to the Mandalay Bay and met his ride. He captured the city skyline and a deserted Tropicana Avenue while he walked, returning the next day to retrieve his car and his belongings from the classroom. The events of the day taught him to be patient, and that he can support those who need it. He waited to develop his film from December 6, but displayed three images from that day in a student art exhibition in March 2024. Digital audio and transcript available.
Archival Component
Oral history interviews with Paul M. Lytle conducted by Dennis McBride on March 08, 1996 for the Boulder City Library Oral History Project. In the interview, Lytle discusses his birth in Salt Lake City, Utah, his early life in Overton, Nevada, moving around the Southwest United States, and returning to Overton in the early 1930s to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Subjects Lytle also talks about in the interview include road and campsite construction at the Valley of Fire State Park, stories about associates and relatives, and being enlisted as a male nurse with the United States Army during World War II. Lastly, Lytle talks about the construction of an exhibit building at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) originally used as a headquarters for soldiers during World War II to protect the dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Janice Allen conducted by Claytee White in 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Allen discusses her early experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada and her involvement with the Junior League of Las Vegas. She describes the League’s membership growth, charity events, and women who mentored her in the League. She also discusses her experiences with Fremont Street and the Huntridge Theater, and her involvement with organizations such as Jayceettes, Beta Sigma Phi, and Young Audiences.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clay Lynch conducted by Linda M. Trust on June 28, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Lynch discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada from Illinois in July 1955, his education at the University of Pittsburgh, Nevada social welfare programs, and Las Vegas, Nevada casino showrooms. Lynch also briefly discusses his work as a United States Army engineer training officer, as well as a transportation engineering consultant and contractor for his company, Lynch Brothers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Herb McDonald conducted by Perry Kaufman on an unknown date in 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Herbert Cobb McDonald discusses his work as a managing director and chamber director at Las Vegas, Nevada hotels and casinos including the El Rancho Vegas and the Last Frontier Hotel. McDonald also discusses his experiences promoting tourism through conventions, the Las Vegas News Bureau, celebrity advertisements, and the first sporting events held in casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Walker Young conducted by Elton Garrett on June 23, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Virginia "Teddy" Fenton, Hal Erickson, Martha Garrett, and Jane Young also briefly participate in the interview. They answer a few questions about their experience working on the project and working with Young. Young primarily discusses the design and construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam. He details surveying possible dam sites and describes his interactions with members of the project team.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Grant Sawyer conducted by Perry Kaufman on May 12, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Sawyer discusses his campaign for Governor of Nevada and the differences between northern Nevada and southern Nevada social life. He then describes winning the election for Governor, the gaming industry, and explains why gaming was significant to his political career. Lastly, Sawyer discusses the Nevada Gaming Commission before and after he was Governor, and actions that he took against organized crime.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joe Pavlikowski conducted by Jay Brewer in 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pavlikowski discusses his career in politics and as a district judge after his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s. Pavikowski describes his time at Nellis Air Force Base while he served in the U.S. Air Force. Finally, he talks about changes throughout Las Vegas, specifically economic, environmental, and legal changes regarding gambling.
Archival Collection