Oral history interviews with Bob Stoldal conducted by Claytee D. White on May 22, 2014, May 23, 2014, and March 3, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Stoldal discusses his upbringing in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. He talks about pursuing a career in journalism including working at Channel 3 and Channel 8, his interest in history, and involvement with cultural organizations including the Nevada State Museum, the MOB Museum, and Las Vegas Centennial Commission. Stoldal comments on the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas including the 1969 Westside protests, sixth grade centers, and the treatment of entertainers.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Foster conducted by Kelley Tuchman on March 02, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Foster first talks about his background in the military and his eventual teaching experience in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Foster then discusses helping the development of the special education field in Clark County and throughout the country, including the legislation and training toward the education program itself. Foster ends the interview by recalling his personal experiences and importance of helping the mentally and physically disabled.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Karen Carmichael conducted by Stefani Evans on December 9, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project.
In this oral history Carmichael discusses the world of professional dancing in the 1970s through the 1990s. She discusses her start in the industry and a variety of Las Vegas shows she participated in including: the Union Plaza Can Can, the American Dream Festival, Dasin’ Dirdy, and Babes Ahoy. She also goes into great detail behind her vision for Skyline, her adagio act, and the many celebrities she encountered throughout her career.
Carmichael also discusses her second career in jewelry design, and her experiences working with art galleries on the Las Vegas strip. She details the experiences of starting off at traveling art festivals, working her way up to award winning designs, and the art of jewelry photography. She also discusses the process of researching and publishing history for her book. She ends the interview with a discussion of what it means to be an artist and role of creativity in her life and those around her. She also discusses the ways in which others such as Betty Francisco, Hedy Jo Star, Debbie Reynolds and Sammy Davis Jr. had shaped her life.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lynn Smith conducted by Aylwin Tai on March 04, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Smith begins by discussing why he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968, his religious affiliations, and musical entertainment in Las Vegas. He talks about his family, his affiliations with different social organizations, and the expansion of Las Vegas. Smith describes the insurance industry in Las Vegas from his perspective as an insurance adjuster. He concludes by discussing how Las Vegas has changed economically and elaborates on his job responsibilities.
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Oral history interview with Warren V. Turner conducted by Arnol D. Wilks on March 10, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Turner discusses arriving to Boulder City, Nevada in 1948 while working for the Bureau of Reclamation. Turner recalls aboveground testing of atomic weapons at the Nevada Test Site and describes the magnitude of the blasts. Turner also describes the development of Las Vegas, Nevada, specifically the growth in population, casinos, and hotels. Turner later discusses the natural environment surrounding the Las Vegas valley.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Tamara Pickett conducted by Dennis McBride on November 01, 2002 and November 08, 2002 for the Las Vegas Gay Archives Oral History Project. In these interviews, Pickett discusses her early life and the traumatizing experiences that occurred during her childhood. Pickett remembers serving in the United States Army, beginning her transition to Tamara, and completing a sexual reassignment surgery in 1999. Later, Pickett talks about her activism work in Las Vegas, Nevada, campaigning for improved health care for transgender veterans, and her involvement with the transgender community in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Doris Evans conducted by Lance Kenny on March 12, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Doris Evans discusses real estate, local hotels, early transportation, and social recreation. She also talks about nuclear testing, crime, environmental changes, and marriage and family life in Boulder City, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Oran Gragson conducted by Perry Kaufman on December 25, 1972 for the UNLV Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Gragson discusses his employment at Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) and Basic Magnesium Plant, and eventually opening his own business in 1967. He then describes changes in Las Vegas, Nevada and recalls his involvement with politics. Gragson then discusses his time as the mayor of Las Vegas and explains the challenges he faced as mayor. Lastly, Gragson describes the difference between county government and city government.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clare Woodbury conducted by James Greene on January 28, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Woodbury discusses his personal history and medical background. He then describes social life in Las Vegas, Nevada, education, and his involvement with the Clark County School District. Later, Woodbury discusses some of the issues surrounding education at the time and suggest solutions.
Archival Collection