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George Lee oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03437

Abstract

Oral history interview with George Lee conducted by Stefani Evans and Su Kim Chung on February 29, 2024 for the Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Lee describes his four decades of experience as a Las Vegas blackjack dealer (36 at the Four Queens Casino), after leaving behind a career in dance. Lee was selected to originate the role of "Tea" in a 1954 New York City Ballet stage production of The Nutcracker. He also danced in South Pacific at the Thunderbird, and with Carol Channing's revue at The Riviera, and a traveling production of Disney on Parade. After dancing in Alcazar de Paris at the Desert Inn Hotel in 1980, he quit dancing and went to dealer school. He worked swing shift at the Four Queens Hotel, and attended ballet classes at UNLV during the day. Lee, now 89, still works five days a week at the Four Queens. In this interview, Lee talks about ballet, typecasting, discipline, and being "ten times better." He discusses becoming a U.S. citizen in 1959 and changing his surname from Li to Lee.

Archival Collection

Nancy Craddock oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02483

Archival Collection

Arlene Bates oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00129

Archival Collection

Beryl Warren oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02720

Abstract

Oral history interview with Beryl Warren conducted by Claytee D. White on June 21, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Warren begins her interview by describing her early life in Mobile, Alabama in the 1940s and 1950s. She then discusses her young adult life in California as a telephone operator. Warren then talks about her marriages, her education at St. Dominguez College in California, and working for Motown Records as production assistant. Warren then discusses her husband, Mark Warren, a prominent African American television producer and director. She explains that she came to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993 when Mark wanted to buy a vacation home in the area. She then talks about how during the 1990s the couple had jobs in Las Vegas, but also commuted to work in Los Angeles on occasion, until her husband's death in 1999. She then describes how family tragedy led to her raising her grandchildren, and also take on some hobbies, such as gardening, in order to live an active lifestyle. Warren then discusses her life with her husband and her fondness for him, and having to teach her grandsons to be cautious around police while raising them in Las Vegas. Lastly, she recalls her community work and her service organization, Southern Nevada Collation of Concerned Women (SNCCW).

Archival Collection

Lawrence Murray oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03154

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lawrence Murray conducted by Claytee D. White on March 13, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Murray discusses his early life in Altheimer, Arkansas. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960, living in the Westside, and his time serving in the military. Murray recalls being a member of the Carpenters Local Union 1780, completing a four-year educational program offered by the Union, and his employment at J.A. Tiberti Construction Company. Later, Murray discusses his religious life, being involved in church activities, and remembers African American spiritual leaders in the Westside. He describes becoming the Pastor for Living World Ministry Church of God in Christ, and his efforts to change Las Vegas cultural stereotypes. Lastly, Murray talks about the significance of the church in the African American community, and the important role that women have in churches.

Archival Collection

Joseph J. Buckley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00283

Abstract

Oral history interview with Joseph J. Buckley conducted by Patrick Carlton on July 17, 2002 for the Las Vegas Rotary Club Oral History Project. Buckley opens his interview by detailing his participation in the Rotary Club of Las Vegas, Nevada, including offices he held. He then recalls his upbringing in New York through the mid-1950s, his employment at Rockwell International, and the work he did to test components of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas in 1969 to become the Personnel Director at the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino and recalls opening his own human resources consulting firm in 1985. He then describes the Rotary Club in more detail including the club philosophy, fundraising auctions, the scholarships they offered, and their short-lived television program. Buckley further talks about the Rotary Club's campaign to eradicate polio globally, events that occurred during his club presidency in the 1980s, and his time as Rotary Club District Governor in 1985. He then discusses overseeing a global Rotary Club convention in Las Vegas during the 1980s, and dealing with a lawsuit filed against the Rotary Club organization for discrimination against women. He recalls his time in Human Resources for the Howard Hughes Corporation, and a lawsuit filed against the Las Vegas hotel industry for employment discrimination against African Americans. Lastly, Buckley talks about the expansion of Las Vegas, the increase the city's population, and labor union relations.

Archival Collection

Kenny Bayless oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02195

Abstract

Oral history interview with Kenny Bayless conducted by Eric Billington on November 20, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Bayless begins the interview by talking about his childhood in California and his religious upbringing. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1972 in order to pursue a career in teaching and coaching track. Bayless discusses his views of Las Vegas upon his arrival, namely the perceptions towards black people in the area. He then details his life as a teacher for the Clark County School District (CCSD), and teaching at the juvenile detention center after his retirement from CCSD. Bayless also discusses the night life in Las Vegas from the 1970s to the present, he talks about the exclusion of black people from certain establishments and the Moulin Rouge Hotel as a respite for black night life in West Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Sasha Semenoff oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02609

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sasha Semenoff conducted by Claytee D. White on April 29, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Semenoff begins the interview by discussing his early life in Latvia and learning to play the violin as a child before the Nazi invasion. He describes being a Jewish Holocaust survivor, surviving the ghettos and concentration camp where he was held, and explaining how he immigrated to the United States after he was liberated. Semenoff then discusses moving to New York City, New York, where he joined the musician's union before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959. He details his career as a prominent lounge and big band violinist in Las Vegas, where he played at several different casinos, including the Desert Inn Lounge, the Dunes Hotel and Casino, and the MGM Grand Hotel. Semenoff also talks about the musicians he has played with, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, his work at the time of the interview, and the presence of organized crime in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Robert Paluzzi oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01427

Abstract

Oral history interview with Robert Paluzzi conducted by Claytee D. White on September 05, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Paluzzi discusses his personal history and his experiences serving in the United States military in the 1940s. He talks about the Great Depression of 1929 and how that impacted his decision to join the military. Paluzzi then describes the state of the economy before and after joining the military, arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1949, and the development of the Las Vegas Strip. Later, Paluzzi shares his thoughts on organized crime and its possible connections with casino executives. He talks about the success and growth that Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino had, and his role as convention coordinator for Caesars Palace. Lastly, Paluzzi describes the growth and changes in Las Vegas and the impact that Jay Sarno had on casino development.

Archival Collection

Wayne Earl oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00506

Abstract

Oral history interview with H. Wayne Earl conducted by Diane Donavan on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Earl discusses his early recollections of Nevada and his life after moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1940. Earl also talks about World War II, McCarran Airport, Nellis Air Force Base, North Las Vegas politics, Jaycees, and the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Earl recalls his involvement in civic affairs, social and religious activities, including his affiliation with the Mormon Church.

Archival Collection