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Elbert Edwards oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00522

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elbert Edwards conducted by Layne Covington on October 16, 1986 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Edwards first talks about his family background before talking about what it was like to live in Panaca, Nevada. Edwards later talks about his wife’s and his political involvement, and his involvement in education. He then discusses Hoover (Boulder) Dam, his job as a registrar in the Selective Service, and the effects that the World War II years had on Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

John Pappas oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01429

Abstract

Oral history interview with John Pappas conducted by Adrienne O'Neal on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Pappas candidly discusses his career as a dealer working in various casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pappas describes the differences between dealing in illegal gambling operations in New York City, New York and dealing for casinos in Las Vegas. Pappas discusses the differences between law enforcement in Las Vegas and on the east coast, and how he feels law enforcement is prejudiced against Italians. Pappas also discusses how he feels politics and minority groups have changed New York City for the worse.

Archival Collection

George Wallace oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02642

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Wallace conducted by Claytee D. White on April 10, 2009 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Wallace begins the interview by discussing his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia, his extensive family, and attending college at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio to study transportation. He describes having a career in advertising in New York City, New York before moving to Los Angeles, California, where he made the career transition into stand-up comedy. Wallace details his career as a successful comedian, writing for The Redd Foxx Show, going on tour with musicians such as Diana Ross and Tom Jones, and having his own running show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other topics of discussion also include Wallace's friendship with fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld, being awarded "Best Male Comedian" by the American Comedy Awards in 1995, and the changes Wallace has noticed in comedy and African American culture.

Archival Collection

Wendell Leavitt oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01088

Abstract

Oral history interview with Wendell Leavitt conducted by Quincy Vineyard on July 15, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Leavitt discusses growing up in Bunkerville, Nevada and the significance of politics in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leavitt later discusses his role as Justice of the Peace in Bunkerville, the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and mining.

Archival Collection

Richard Bryan oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-03171

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Richard Bryan conducted by Kristin Guthre on November 10, 2011 and an unknown date for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Bryan begins by discussing his father’s time as a law student in Washington, D.C. and the influence his father had on his decision to pursue law. Bryan then chronicles moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and growing up in the Huntridge Community near Charleston Boulevard. Bryan recounts attending both the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California. Bryan describes his experiences in the Las Vegas District Attorney’s office and the Army Reserve. He then recalls his political career as a member of the Nevada Senate, his role as the Attorney General of Nevada, the Governor of Nevada, and as a United States Senator. Lastly, Bryan discusses political issues in Nevada and the United States during his time in office such as debates about renewable energy, environmentalism, and preservation.

Archival Collection

Howard Wasden oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01920

Abstract

Oral history interview with Howard Wasden conducted by Gillian Collins on an unknown date in the 1970s for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Wasden discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1925 and working for the railroad. Wasden explains how the railroad was a predominant economic asset for Las Vegas at the time. He then describes living on the Westside "Old Town", education in Las Vegas, attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and eventually becoming a teacher. Lastly, Wasden discusses the population growth, development of the Las Vegas Strip, and his role as principal of West Charleston School.

Archival Collection

Barry Holt oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00882

Abstract

Oral history interview with Barry Holt conducted by Lee LaVecchia on February 11, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Holt talks about the history of Southern Nevada. He specifically talks about the major changes in Southern Nevada since the 1930s, the Great Depression, and the changes in mode of transportation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Holt speaks about the differences between growing up in Las Vegas in the fifties and sixties compared to how his children are growing up at the time of the interview. He also discusses education and the religious community in the city.

Archival Collection

Byron Underhill oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01858

Abstract

Oral history interview with Byron Underhill conducted by Joyce Moore on March 20, 2002 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Underhill discusses his father who owned multiple businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Underhill also discusses taking over one of those businesses, the bottling plant, serving in the United States Army, being a private pilot who worked with Search and Rescue, and playing in various bands.

Archival Collection

Ray Christian oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00376

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ray Christian conducted by Russell Ellis on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Christian discusses race relations within schools, baseball teams, theatres, and Boy Scouts in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also talks about his custodial at the El Portal Theatre, the Las Vegas Westside neighborhood, and living through the Great Depression. Christian ends the interview discussing how white and black veterans helped improved race relations in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Isaac Barrón oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03584

Abstract

Oral history interview with Isaac Barrón conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderón and Claytee D. White on March 27, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Isaac Barrón was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. His father entered the United States as a Bracero. Barrón attended Rancho High School and earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education from UNLV. He currently teaches history at Rancho High School and serves as North Las Vegas' Councilman. In this oral history, Barrón recalls his youth in North Las Vegas, navigating the presence of gangs, and his path to being a community activist and advocate for North Las Vegas youth. He has led volunteer efforts for community improvement projects, including the plans for a new public library. He holds the distinction of being the first Latinx member of the North Las Vegas City Council and Southern Nevada's first Hispanic Mayor Pro Tempore. In 2013, he was elected to represent Ward 1 and was reelected for a second term in April 2017. He discusses being Mexican American, the Coalition of Pan American Organizations, the Hispanic Student Union, the Bracero Program, and Rancho High School.

Archival Collection