Oral history interview with Stanley Paher conducted by Claytee D. White on March 20, 2023 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Paher recalls his childhood, being born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. His family built and owned the Gateway Auto Court, now the Gateway Motel, at the corner of Las Vegas and Charleston Boulevards. After a brief period serving in the United States Navy and obtaining a bachelor's degree, Paher entered the master's program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Paher discusses his love of researching and writing about Nevada ghost towns, including writing his first book on the subject in 1970. He recalls seeing the physical book on the printing press, and talks about the profound impact that moment had on his life. It led to the founding of Nevada Publications, and his involvement with 59 Las Vegas and northern Nevada authors from 1970 through 2023. Paher has written fifteen books on Nevada, Arizona, and California.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with R. Byron Stringer conducted by Claytee D. White on May 11, 2023 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. String begins the interview discussing his childhood, and growing up as the child of a preacher. After moving to Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 16, Stringer recalls spending time in the library and wearing zoot suits while attending high school. Stringer then discusses his journey to becoming a Las Vegas Metro police officer, and recalls what the police academy experience was like. Over the years, while fulfilling many positions in the police department, he also learned to write plays, and he began to talk and write about his experiences in the police department. This led to his current venture, the "Toe Tag Monologues." The Monologues are designed to help people survive their pain, trauma, the world. Stringer writes and produces plays around various Toe Tags helping young people on drugs, those being bullied, and those contemplating suicide.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jane Overy conducted by Claytee D. White on August 17 and December 20, 2023 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Overy discusses her museum work, early life, and many civic projects she has participated in over the years. Overy grew up in Kansas, where she spent time playing pool (billards) and spending time outdoors. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and served in Alaska where there were two women, each with a private guard. Additionally, she worked as a newspaper reporter and as an entertainer who sang around the world. Overy served in the military for four years. In 1981, she moved to Nevada and desert climate for the improvement of her overall health. Over the years, her work and civic projects connected her with Senator Harry Reid, the Walking Box Ranch, the Searchlight Nugget Casino, and many other experiences.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Laurence Ullom conducted by Cathy Pickins on March 04, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ullom discusses Las Vegas, Nevada history involving World War II, atomic bomb testing, and Helldorado Parade. Ullom also gives insight on the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marvin Vallone conducted by Eileen Jonas on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Vallone discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada and his first occupations in gaming as a card dealer. Vallone also discusses the growth of gaming in Las Vegas, Nevada and the development of casinos throughout the city.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Houghton Peterson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Peterson discusses playing the trombone in the United States Air Force jazz band, “Airmen of Note.” He also discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1962 and playing the trombone in various shows.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Byrde Rafael conducted by Cheryl Stewart on February 14, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Rafael describes the Stewart Ranch and "Grandma Stewart's" collection of Native American baskets. Rafael also discusses the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, nuclear testing, and the development of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jewel Nolen conducted by Philip Partridge on March 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Nolen discusses her family moving from Winslow, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1900s. She also discusses the growth of Fremont Street as well as the drinking culture at the time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patricia Ludwick conducted by Jeanette Napoliello on March 30, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ludwick discusses her personal history since arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1958. Ludwick then discusses the different shows that she attended and the type of atmosphere inside casinos at the time.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Russell Dazzio conducted by Claytee D. White on November 4, 2013 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods--an Oral History Project of Ward 1. Russell Dazzio discusses attending school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, working at the Stardust Resort and Casino, and having a position at the Sheraton Hotel and Resort. He also discusses his life and involvement in Ward 1.
Archival Collection