Oral history interview with Robert Shipley conducted by Claytee D. White on October 15, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shipley discusses his early life in Chicago, Illinois and upbringing as a musician. Shipley recalls being the drummer for The Emotions, Natalie Cole, and performing at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the special treatment musicians had, and the respect that Steve Wynn had for performers. Lastly, Shipley remembers performing for Diana Ross, the challenges he faced as an African American musician, and his decision to retire.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Georgie Clark conducted by Steven E. Pilgram on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview Georgie Clark discusses the Colorado River area, its changes, and its new rules and regulations as of March 02, 1980. She also discusses working as a real estate agent and as ferry command civil servant in World War II.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jackie Abell conducted by Robert Stuart on April 03, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jackie Abell (b. 1924) discusses her experiences growing up in Virginia City, Reno, and Overton, Nevada. She specifically discusses her experiences growing up on a ranch, railroading, above ground atomic testing, flooding, and wild animals.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lee Martin conducted by Dennis McBride on May 01, 2013 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Martin discusses his involvement with the Nevada Gay Action League and the Pacifica Hotel, an effort to open a gay resort in Las Vegas, Nevada during the mid 1980s. He describes managing Paradise Bookstore, a bookstore for gay literature, in downtown Las Vegas. Lastly, Martin discusses other gay businesses that he was involved with in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ivan Jackson conducted by Sandy Steel on February 20, 1972 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers Jackson’s life in Southern Nevada. Jackson talks about his work on the Union Pacific Railroad as well as working with the Hampton Construction Company. Jackson also discusses environmental changes due to a growing population in Southern Nevada and its impact on hunting. The interview concludes with a discussion on the development of North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Keith West conducted by David L. Snyder on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, West discusses the lumber industry in Southern Nevada. West also discusses Las Vegas, Nevada business, and residents, including Ed Von Tobel.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Thelma Aiken (formerly Thelma C. Liggitt b. 1899) conducted by Patrica Gaydosh on April 05, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Born in Osceola, Iowa, Aiken discusses moving to Henderson in 1942. Aiken also offers in-depth descriptions of housing, schools, early above ground atomic tests, gambling, and the closing down of the Basic Magnesium (BMI) Plant in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Verilee Shelbourne conducted by Mark Simons on March 07, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Shelbourne discusses her personal history in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shelbourne discusses prominent figures who have visited Las Vegas, her personal and political involvements, and nuclear weapons tests. Shelbourne also discusses how Las Vegas has changed.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Florence Smith conducted by her grandson, Sam Smith, on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses the police department for Las Vegas, Nevada and crime in the city. She describes employment levels, the ease and difficulty of finding work, and where someone can find jobs. Smith talks about raising her children and federal government ownership of land in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Tom Ehlen conducted by Lisa Gioia-Acres on January 10, 2008 for the All That Jazz Oral History Project. Ehlen recalls his career as a professional trumpet player including playing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, and others. He also discusses playing in the bands of various casinos on the Las Vegas, Nevada Strip.
Archival Collection