Oral history interview with Charlie Lombardo conducted by David G. Schwartz on June 28, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Lombardo discusses working with coin wrapping machines, the 1980 MGM Grand fire, and learning the operational and technical aspects of slot machines. Lombardo also speaks about what he believes makes both good and bad slot managers, slot floors, and new slot machines. He then describes some of the changes in slots and slot management over the years, including both the Megabucks and Pot of Gold slot jackpots.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fredric “Rick” Watson conducted by Mark Romonoski on April 19, 2001 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Watson reflects upon his more than 30-year career with Nevada’s Clark County School District as a teacher and administrator from 1964 to 2000. He describes the process by which he became an elementary school principal, and discusses his personal approach to education. He describes challenges that he faced at different elementary schools, discusses political challenges within the school district, and comments on having a school named after him.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joan Johnson conducted by Kim Geary on March 25, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses her personal history and her reasons for originally moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson recalls early Las Vegas entertainment, as well as the development of businesses and their unions.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Deanna Stefanelli conducted by Claytee D. White on May 03, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Stefanelli discusses working part-time at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries in 1981, eventually becoming full-time and working in the library administration office as well as in the Curriculum Materials Library. She also talks about her experiences in library administration until her retirement in 2010.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with DeeDee Jasmin conducted by Claytee White on March 19, 1998 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Jasmin opens the interview discussing her life growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles, California. Jasmin goes on to discuss her pursuit of a dance career as a youth. Jasmin got her first big break playing in the comedy musical Sugar Hill and after her high school years she starred in movies before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Jasmin describes her excitement meeting East Coast dancers during her stay in Las Vegas. Jasmin also discusses her interactions with the many famous actors, dancers, singers, and musicians she met during her career.
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 Corey Nyman conducted by Claytee D. White on May 04, 2018 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. In this interview, Nyman recalls his high school and college experiences, and working in Las Vegas, Nevada as a young adult. On October 1, 2017, Nyman attended the Route 91 Country Music Festival with his brother and a group of friends. They enjoyed the concert from the Red Bull VIP suite, which Nyman felt helped them escape bullets as he and his friends helped others escape. About three hours after escaping the venue, they arrived at Tropicana Avenue and Koval Lane where their ride picked them up. The driver was one of the last allowed into the area under the airport underpass. Nyman discusses his feelings since the shooting, and states that he loves the city and has made it his home despite the traumatic events of the night.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with William Morgan conducted by David G. Schwartz on October 21, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Morgan discusses his background in slot repair and management, including his experiences in opening several properties such as the Aladdin Hotel and Casino and the Stratosphere Casino. He also mentions how the use of Wi-Fi technology could change the way games are played.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Fred Gibson conducted by David Emerson on February 13, 2008 for the UNLV @ 50 Oral History Project. In this interview Fred Gibson discusses organizing Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada with his father in 1955, being a trustee director of the Nevada Development Authority, and helping with organizing an engineering school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Steven R. Melugin conducted by R. C. Taliaferro on April 08, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Melugin discusses his birth at Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada, his early education, imprisonment, the growth of Las Vegas, and racial segregation. Other topics discussed include Melugin's international travels.
Archival Collection