Oral history interview with Lois Sagel by Jeff Van Ee on April 4, 2009 for the Voices for Nevada's Environment Oral History Project. In this interview, Sagel describes how her upbringing in Montana and Big Bear, California gave her a deep appreciation for nature and wilderness. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada as a young wife and mother in 1958, how families would take their children to watch the above-ground nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site, and how the rapid growth and enroaching development in the city was not matched by planned infrastructure improvements. She explains how her desire to protect Nevada's environment increased as she saw developers moving toward the mountains surrounding Las Vegas, how this pushed her into the environmental justice movement, and her long association with the Soroptimists organization.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Richard E. Schroeder conducted by Richard Harrah on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Schroeder discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951 to work as a carpenter for the Desert Inn. Schroeder then describes changes in Las Vegas, gambling, and the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Lastly, he discusses the history of some of the hotels and casinos on Fremont Street.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Banks conducted by Barbara Hoyt on September 23, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Banks discusses her experiences managing a jukebox company, owning and operating two restaurants, and working for a music company. She also discusses her Mormon religion and the relationship she had with her late husband. Banks also discusses the change in climate over time, specifically the increasing humidity.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Daniel Tafoya conducted by Laurents Banuelos and Barbara Tabach on December 12, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Tafoya discusses his early life in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He talks about his father’s life story, his educational experience with learning disabilities, and joining the United States Air Force. Tafoya describes his career in the military, and being stationed at Nellis Airforce Base. Lastly, Tafoya discusses with involvement with the Clark County School District (CCSD) and with the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Beth Duncombe conducted by Jennifer Kalas on December 12, 2004 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Duncombe reflects upon her 30-year career as a teacher and administrator in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes the process by which she became a special education teacher, and life experiences that she feels best prepared her for the principalship, such as teaching in England and working in both public and private education. She also discusses her approach to school administration, and her efforts in creating certain learning environments.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harvey Diederich conducted by K.J. Evans on January 4, 1999 for the Las Vegas Review-Journal First 100 Oral History Project. Diederich first discusses his background and education in journalism and later discusses the relationship between the Las Vegas News Bureau and hotel/casino publicists. Diederich then discusses some of his specific projects, such as those dealing with celebrities. Diederich also mentions some of the individuals he has worked for and the various cities he has travelled to for work.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Helen Cecil conducted by Susan Vogel on March 16, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Helen speaks about family life, education, employment and the growth and development of Las Vegas, Nevada. Helen talks about attending and working at Las Vegas High School. During the interview she also mentions the Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the Stewart Ranch, and the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Eloiza B. Martinez conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderón on October 10, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Martinez discusses the career preparedness she took while working for Commercial Credit Corporation and studying with Mayor Oscar Goodman. She then describes her first impressions of Las Vegas, Nevada and about her community involvement. Martinez then discusses her work at Wells Fargo as loan officer and assistant vice president, and talks about discrimination in the workplace and in the neighborhood where she grew up.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Danel Boone conducted by Daniel Pope on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During this interview Boone discusses why he came to Las Vegas, Nevada, the Helldorado parade, church activity, and the weather. Boone also discusses city parks, Boy Scouts, schools, above ground atomic tests, local history of Southern Nevada, and the ways in which Las Vegas has changed over the years.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christy McGirl conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 21, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Christy McGirl discusses attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival on October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada with a few friends and leaving shortly before the mass shooting had occurred. She talks about how she found out about the tragedy and how her friends who were there during the shooting have been affected. McGirl also discusses the reaction of people to the traumatic event on social media and how it was used to offer support.
Archival Collection