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Oral history interview with Juliana Chen conducted by Cecilia Winchell and Stefani Evans on March 21, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
In this interview, Juliana Chen shares her upbringing in Hunan, China and her experiences as a teenager training to become a professional ballet dancer. She discusses her rigorous training and troupe career that ended when Chen sustained a knee injury. With a desire to try something new while still being able to perform, Chen immigrated to Vancouver, Canada and began practicing magic. Chen shares that although she didn't know anyone or speak English, she practiced her craft and broadened her knowledge by joining professional organizations including the International Brotherhood of Magicians. After winning several magic competitions, Chen performed on the Las Vegas Strip at Caesar's Palace and the Riviera Hotel and Casino. She shares her current professional pursuits, her connection to the Las Vegas magician community, and her thoughts on Chinese culture and cuisine.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Frances Moore conducted by Len Trout on March 01, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Moore begins by discussing her family's history in Nevada and the people she met in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about visits by prominent politicians to Las Vegas, the crash of Carole Lombard's plane, and life in Las Vegas during the 1930s and 1940s. Moore also describes how Las Vegas has changed, nuclear weapons tests, and the Stewart Ranch.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Stanley Goldstein conducted by Carol A. Semendoff on October 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers Goldstein’s personal historical profile as a Las Vegas, Nevada resident. Also during this interview, Goldstein discusses the Strip, gambling, prostitution, and the history of the major casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Dorothy Kelsey conducted by James M. Greene on January 20, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers the early days of Nelson, Searchlight, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as Kelsey offers an in-depth personal narrative on the life of a local. The interview concludes with a discussion on hotels and casinos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leora M. Wilcox conducted by Alex D’Andrea on January 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Wilcox discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1945, and shares her disappointment upon arrival. Wilcox also describes what it was like to live in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada while efforts for World War II were taking place. Wilcox later describes some of the most noticeable changes throughout Las Vegas, as well as the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam.
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Oral history interview with LeMoyne Legere conducted by Cecilia Branch on March 17, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Mrs. Legere discusses various differences in Las Vegas from the time she was growing up to the date of the interview. She also discusses her involvement in high school and what people do for recreation.
Archival Collection
On March 2, 1977, Neil C. Dalmas interviewed teacher Howard Heckethorn, (born on September 14th, 1922 in St. George, Utah) at Red Rock Elementary School in Las Vegas, Nevada. This interview offers an overview of early education in Nevada. Mr. Heckethorn also discusses Stewart Ranch, Howard Hughes and the Hughes Site, and the migration of the Mormons to the Las Vegas area.
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Oral history interview with Bren Armstrong conducted by an unknown collector on May 28, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers local politics and local newspapers, such as
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