Oral history interview with Beth Rosenberg conducted by Jerry Masini on November 18, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Rosenberg describes coming to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and the desert landscape she saw when she came here. She gives an in-depth recollection of the first atomic test, and talks about the weather and the seasons in Las Vegas. Rosenberg describes several clubs and hotels around downtown and the recreation at Lake Mead and Mount Charleston.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Cathy Scott conducted by Dennis McBride on December 12, 2006 for the Las Vegas Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Archives Oral History Project. In this interview, Scott discusses reporting about the murder of Roger Jameson, a gay man who was found dead outside of a gay bar in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 25, 1995. Scott describes the scene upon her arrival and her initial reactions to the homicide. She talks about the issue of homophobia in Las Vegas at the time and explains that other newspaper publications would not want to cover this story because this was not seen as a serious issue. Lastly, Scott talks about the double life that Jameson lived and how the public reacted to his story.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Mirna Preciado conducted by Claytee D. White on September 11, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Preciado discusses migrating from Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada, being recruited into the Culinary Union Local 226, the Frontier Hotel Strike, and working 15 years as an organizer in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lilly Fong conducted by Lisa Fremont on May 06, 1995 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. In this interview, Fong discusses her family background and their immigration story to the United States in the early 1910s. She talks about her husband’s interest in the restaurant business and the opening of their restaurant, Fong’s Garden, in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955. Fong remembers being elected as Regent for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the increase of students attending the College of Southern Nevada, and advocating to keep UNLV’s Tonopah Hall as a dormitory building for students. Fong talks about completing a master’s degree from UNLV in 1982, state university funding, and her involvement with the Chinese community in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joy Rineer conducted by Stefani Evans on December 01, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Rineer talks about growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She recalls her educational experience in Las Vegas, attending the University of Utah, and studying architecture. Rineer explains how architectural education, internships, testing, and licensing processes have evolved over time, and how these processes formerly limited opportunities for women in architecture. Rineer also reflects on projects she has worked on personally, her employment with architecture firm Simpson Coulter Studio, and the firm's emphasis on community-anchored architecture. Lastly, Rineer discusses planning for schools, and changing classroom layouts to accommodate different learning styles.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Justin Favela conducted by Monserrath Hernández on May 16, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Favela discusses issues of colorism in the Latinx community, social hierarchies, and the term “Latinx”. He talks about his Mexican and Guatemalan roots, and being involved in the arts. Favela recalls his father’s immigration story from Mexico to the United States, growing up with parents who worked in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, Nevada, and his early interests in podcasting. Later, Favela discusses identifying as queer, having his art displayed at exhibits, and creating new relationships through his podcasts. Lastly, Favela talks about what “Latinidad” means to him.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Cork Proctor conducted by Claytee D. White on February 3, 2006 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Proctor discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1940s and 1950s. He tells several anecdotes of his life, such as the time he stole a car in the Huntridge Theater parking lot or his time working as a gravedigger, and describes popular establishments and entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Proctor then talks about his career in show business as a comedian and radio host, race relations in Las Vegas, and meeting his wife. He also discusses how Las Vegas has developed socially and expanded, how he expects it to evolve in the future, and other experiences from entertainment gigs.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Cindy Baca conducted by Barbara Tabach on May 22, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project.
Cindy Baca, born and raised in Las Vegas, talks about her family and occupation as a librarian at Escobedo Middle School. Cindy's twin daughters were present and injured during the Route 91 Festival and October 1 shooting. She describes their experiences and the Random Acts of Kindness project she piloted at her school after the incident.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Goldie Spicer conducted by Elmer Herren on February 12, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Spicer discusses working as a cocktail waitress. She also talks about the boom that Las Vegas, Nevada went through when the first casinos were being built, and when the construction of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam occurred. She discusses El Rancho, Twin Lakes, and the Taylor Ranch.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Harold Smith conducted by Troy Durham on July 08, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Smith discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1943 and recalls his first impressions of the city. Smith also talks about his employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada. Finally, he discusses the development of Fremont Street, recreational activities, and the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection